Activity : Road Bike tour cycling across the High Atlas, Anti Atlas, Atlas Maritime and Atlantic Coast
Assistance : Guided & full support
Level : Sportive
Period : January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
A superb cyclotour to discover the great highlights of south Morocco and the central coast line between Agadir & Essaouira on an E-bike.
Highlights of this Tour
• Ancient city of Marrakech with its intriguing souks and palaces
• The superb landscapes of the northern side of the Atlas Mountains
• Authentic scenes of Berber village life
• Great riding on quite secondary roads
• The spectacular views of the Anti Atlas
• The Paradise Valley in the Atlas Maritime
• The wild shores of the Atlantic Coast
• The charming city of Essaouira
Marrakech
Welcome by your guide at Marrakesh Menara Airport and short transfer to your hotel in town. Overnight on bed and breakfast basis at 3* hotel. (Meals: B)
Ait Benhaddou
In our support vehicles we head south to the Atlas Mountains. After 2 hour drive, we reach the Tichka Pass one Morocco's highest roads (2268m). After bikes preparation our ride can start down the winding road towards Telouet. Telouet is a famous kasbah with a rich history, after the visit we will have a rewarding lunch. In the afternoon we will ride the superb Ounila Valley, intensely cultivated green terraces and towering kasbahs , overnight at Kasbah Riad Maktoub or similar (Meals: B, L, D)
Transfer by road: 98km / biking distance: 65km
Agdz
This morning, we will visit the amazing Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, classified as a World Heritage by the Unesco. We will then drive for 40 km on the road to Tabounte, after seating up our bikes we travers the anti atlas via the Tizi n'Tinifit on the top of the pass across the dramatic landscapes of the Djebel Saghro. We will cycle down to join Agdz first oasis of the legendary Draa Valley. Overnight in a nice hotel overlooking the Oases. (Meals: B, L, D)
Total distance: 106 km / biking distance: 60km
Zagora
After a heartily breakfast, following the route of caravans, we will ride the left bank of this amazing palm grove with luxurious terraces and superb Kasbahs. Our biking stage ends at the famous panel Tombouctou 52days, and our hotel in Zagora. (Meals: B, L, D)
Total distance: 96 km / biking distance: 70km
Foum Zguid
A short transfer to Elfayja, where our biking starts through the desert landscapes of the pre sahara. From time to time we will meet herds of camels belonging to nomad families grazing herds in the area. Arriving to Mhamid village marks the end of our cycling day. Overnight in a nice hotel with swimming pool. (Meals: B, L, D)
Total distance: 120 km / biking distance: 60km
Tata
Today we cycle from the hotel across the small but interesting city of Foum Zguid, a real cross road between nomads and villagers of the oases. There is no major difficulty very long and straight stretches that will takes us to Tissent, where we will pack our bikes and drive to our hotel in Tata. (Meals: B, L, D)
Total distance: 140 km / biking distance: 65km
To Tafraoute
We will leave this peaceful place and drive by minibus for 50km to reach our biking start. Today we are going to cycle across the superb landscapes of the Anti Atlas Mountains. This area quite dry and people grow lots of almonds. The architecture of the Berber villages is really amazing with lots of "Agadir" typical Berber Granaries. (Meals: B, L, D)
Total distance: 160 km / biking distance: 62km
Tafraoute
A resting day to explore Tafraoute and the Souks or relax by the pool. (Meals: B, L, D)
Ait Mansour
A spectacular day biking through amazing canyons with lush and intensely cultivated terraces. An amazing contrast between the overwhelming rocky cliffs and the bottom valleys where every inch is farmed. Overnight in town in a small hotel in Tafraout. (Meals: B, L, D)
Total distance: 100 km / Biking distance: 50 km
Agadir
Today we will cross the Anti-Atlas Mountains from their western side. A great ride through the “Almond Land”. We will cycle deep valleys climb some challenging uphills to reach Tanalt, an important village with a nationally known Koranic school. After then, the roads winds down towards the Souss plain where our biking stage ends. As this part knows a lots of traffic, we will link Agadir by minibus. Overnight in a small hotel in Agadir 3*. (Meals: B, L, D)
Total distance: 170 km / biking distance: 65km
Imouzzer
We start a gentle climb towards the “Atlas Maritime, with quite luxurious Argan forest! The road then follows the curves of the crest and we can enjoy the superb views extending to the Atlantic Ocean. After the village Tikkit, we will ride the amazing “Paradise Valley” with natural pools and lush oases. A challenging climb will lead us to the heights of Imouzzer id ou Tanane where we will spend the night in a small lodge with a nice view, Hotel les Cascades. (Meals: B, L, D)
Biking distance: 55km
Essaouira
Another spectacular day to cycle through contrasting landscapes. We pedal by some unexpected waterfalls and wind down the road along the superb Targant Valley. A first good climb will take us to some high plateaus where local Berbers graze peacefully their herds of goats and camels. As we ride west, the smell of the sea announce our imminent approach of the Atlantic shores! We reach Imesouane where memorable Berber bike Adventure ends! A good occasion for a “swim” and a rewarding picnic, we will then take our minibus for a short drive to Essaouira, an authentic coast city where you will have time to explore the souks and the traditional port. Overnight in a Riad. (Meals: B, L, D)
Transfer by road: 170km / Biking distance: 70km
Marrakech
The morning will be spent exploring the souks and Medina of Essaouira. After lunch, we will be driven back to Marrakech. Overnight in a nice Riad in the old Medina (BB basis).
Marrakech
A whole day to explore the souks and the narrow streets of the Medina. There are so many sites to see and explore from the amazing Djemaa Lafna Square with snake charmers and story tellers to ancient palaces and Medersas. (BB basis).
Return Flight
Transfer to Marrakech Airport for your flight back home.
Trip dates & Prices
Good to know
This tour is available for shared groups as for private travellers. The tour can start with 4 participants. We can offer a personalized program for bigger groups or cyclists who wish a more challanging ride or any specific requests.
The Area
This tour takes place in the Central High Atlas, cross the Anti-Atlas, Draa Valley and the Sahara Desert. The altitude is between 680 m and 2268m high.
Your Guide
A Moroccan english speaking cycling guide who will meet you at your arrival at the airport, he will be with you the whole cycling trip. Before the bike stages, he will give you a briefing about safety and the use of your bike. All along the day, he will give you explanations about the traversed area and the way of life of the local population. He can also assit you in case of injury or mechanic issues on your bike.
Your Bike
For this tour, we recommand a full carbon road bike, or an aluminium road bike with carbon fork in perfect working condition - Cassette: 11-32 - Tires 700/25c or even 700/28c ! Wearing a helmet while riding is obligatory. You can hire a rode bike or an e-bike on spot.
The food
You won't have to worry on food or drink, we take care of everything. Mineral water will be supplied all day with a mix of dry fruits to refuel. All meals are included Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Lodging
On this tour, you will be staying in a mix off accommodation: 3* Hotel / Riad in Marrakech, Kasbahs and guest houses in the High and Anti Atlas.
What's Included
o Arrival and departure transfer Marrakech airport by Minibus
o 2 nights on bed and breakfast basis at 3* hotel / Riad in Marrakech
o 9 nights in small hotels on tour
o Full board on bike tour with mineral water
o Minibus / 4x4 assistance on the whole road bike trip
o Moroccan road bike guide
What's not Included
o International flight to and from Marrakech
o Morocco Visa fees
o Travel insurance [Compulsory!]
o Lunch and dinner in Marrakesh city
o Soft/alcoholic drinks / Bar bills and laundry
o Optional trips and sightseeing tours
o Additional nights at the beginning or end of trip
o Tips and personal expanses
o Bike hire
o Single Supplement 350 EUR