Climb Mount Toubkal (4167m) in a Week

Fly into the colourful city of Marrakech and head to your traditional riad in the historic medina. Spend the rest of the day exploring the souks and the iconic main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa – a place that’s been beguiling travellers for centuries. By day, throw yourself into the hustle of market traders and the typical orange juice vendors who inhabit the famous plaza, or retreat to one of the many rooftop bars overlooking the square to people watch over a glass tea or a tasty tagine. Nighttime is the busiest time in the square, with exotic smells flowing from the tempting food stalls and the ambient sounds of street performers, magicians and traditional dancers entertaining the gathered crowds. After sampling the atmosphere, return to the calm of your riad to prepare for the mountain adventure ahead.

Drive through the lovely Moroccan countryside and into the foothills of the Atlas mountains. Meet your guides at the Imlil trailhead and follow quiet trails through the Azzaden Valley to the Ighouliden waterfalls. Away from the main walking routes of Mount Toubkal, the first two days of this trek are perfect for seeing a hidden and often missed side of the Atlas mountains. After lunch in the middle of a juniper forest, continue to the Tamsoult Refuge (2250m) where you’ll spend the night beneath a vast, starry mountain sky.

Today is a challenging day, starting with a steep uphill section out of the Azzaden Valley and over the Aguelzim mountain pass at 3560m. After lunch at a scenic lookout, with a spectacular view across the Atlas mountain range, continue hiking to Les Mouflon mountain refuge. Bed down and get a good night's rest ahead of an early start to the tackle summit tomorrow.

Leave in the darkness of the early hours of the morning and clamber to the summit of Mount Toubkal (4167m), arriving in time for a beautiful sunrise over the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. You'll have time to bask in your accomplishment and bag some epic pics before beginning the long walk down. With over 2000m to descend, your legs will be thankful for the stop in the village of Armed (2000m), where you can enjoy a final evening in the mountains over a glass of mint tea and views of the mountains you have just traversed.

After a relaxing breakfast, enjoy a short morning walk down to the trailhead at Imlil where you'll meet your driver. Wave one last goodbye to the Atlas Mountains and begin your journey back to Marrakech – you'll be back in your riad by lunchtime. You're free to spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Marrakech, picking up any last-minute souvenirs or just relaxing in the serenity of your riad. In the evening, you can head out with your fellow adventurers to explore the local food scene, perhaps indulging in celebratory farewell meal.

Relax over one last Moroccan breakfast and – if you have time – explore the city some more, before heading back to the airport in time for your flight home.