The Horseback Week

About This Tour

The Horseback Week is six nights in the rural north of Morocco, structured around saddle days that are optional, not mandatory. Most of the route can be walked instead. Mount Zerhoun above Volubilis on foot; a Berber farmer's compound on Mount Zalagh on horseback (or by mule, or on foot); the cedar forests above Chefchaouen by either; and a final ranch day at Menzah where the horses live the rest of the year. The hot springs at Moulay Yacoub run between Volubilis and Fès — a working thermal spring, not a five-star resort spa.

• Day 1

  Arrive Casablanca, transfer to Volubilis

  Met at Mohammed V airport (CMN). Drive north through the farms of the Gharb plain (about 2 hours 30 minutes via Rabat). Brief stop at Rabat — the Kasbah of the Udayas if time, otherwise straight on to Volubilis. Welcome dinner at a boutique guesthouse overlooking the valley of ancient ruins.

• Day 2

  Mount Zerhoun walk, then Moulay Yacoub hot springs

  Morning walking Mount Zerhoun above Moulay Idriss — the Roman ruins of Volubilis at the start, then a quiet path along the Fertassa river through olive groves. Lunch in the village of Ain Karma. Afternoon drive to Moulay Yacoub (about 1 hour). Thermal soak before dinner. Overnight at the village's spa hotel.

• Day 3

  Horseback to Mount Zalagh and Sidi Ahmed Bernoussi

  After breakfast, ride (or walk — riders can switch with walkers at any point) down the Tghate valley through wheat fields and terraced plots to Mount Zalagh. Climb to the shrine at Sidi Ahmed Bernoussi where a Berber farmer cooks couscous in his compound. Afternoon on the slopes of Mount Zalagh — riding, walking, or sitting in the shade. Drive to Fès in the late afternoon (about 30 minutes). Riad in the medina.

• Day 4

  Fès medina walking tour with the lead guide

  No riding today — a full day in the Fès medina. Talâa Kbira from top to bottom, the Nejjarine fondouk, the Attarine madrasa, the Chouara tannery from the leather terraces. Late afternoon cooking lesson with Chef Rabiaa at the riad — a refined Moroccan tagine. Dinner accompanied by local musicians.

• Day 5

  North to Chefchaouen via the back roads

  Mid-morning drive (about 4 hours) on the back roads through the Rif. Check in at a guesthouse in the heart of Talassemtane National Park. The blue medina is best walked in the late afternoon. Dinner at a small terrace restaurant above the kasbah.

• Day 6

  Chefchaouen morning, ranch afternoon at Menzah

  Local guide for a morning walk of historic Chefchaouen. Afternoon transfer to the Jabri Horse Ranch near Menzah (about 1 hour 30 minutes). Optional ride into the Cork Pine Valley for those who want to. Evening at the ranch — a country bread baked in the traditional earth oven, hammam treatment for those who want one, dinner at the ranch.

• Day 7

  Until you leave Menzah

  After an early breakfast at the ranch, the driver makes the transfer to Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN, about 3 hours 30 minutes) for the international flight. Flights timed for late afternoon or evening departures.