9 days tour

Cycle Morocco’S Great South

$ 1,740 .00 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $1,740.00

Cycle Morocco’S Great South

This tour includes:

Accommodation

We stay in hotels, an auberge and two riads during this trip. Apart from the auberge, these are three- and four-star properties (local ratings). Below are some of the places we typically stay. Tafraoute: Hotel les Amandiers Perched on a rocky hillock, Les Amandiers overlooks the valley and is surrounded by pink granite mountains. The property has a pool with mountain views and a lounge where you can relax. Imouzzer: Hotel des Cascades Ecolodge After one of our most spectacular rides of the trip, Hotel des Cascades is the perfect place to unwind and reminisce. There’s an outdoor pool for a post-cycle dip and sun loungers if you just want to kickback. Best of all, however, might be the views, which stretch over the surrounding Atlas peaks. Essaouira: Riad Al Madina Built in 1817, this traditional riad in Essaouira medina provides an authentic look into a bygone age. The hub of social interaction is the patio, but you can also enjoy Moroccan tea in one of the lounges. When you’re ready to explore, the beach is just 655ft (200m) away and you’re near all the attractions and souks. Worth knowing A single supplement is available; however, this does not apply to the night spent at Auberge Tigmmi (Day 2). About riads Riads are traditional Moroccan homes, generally in the old part of the city or medina, where the wealthiest people would historically live. They’re typically built around a central corridor with windows facing an internal courtyard (external windows are rare). Most have a rooftop terrace where breakfast is served. A night in a riad is an authentic Moroccan experience; however, riads do not have hotel-style facilities. Additionally, the rooms are not standardised and come in different sizes and shapes.

Transport

All luggage will be carried by the support vehicles (long-wheelbase four-wheel drives), which will be following the group all the time. You may ride as much or as little as you like. The only things you need carry with you on the bike are your valuables, sunscreen, camera and water bottle.

Others

All transport and listed activities Arrival & departure transfers Local bike hire

Guide

Normally 4 to 16, plus leader and drivers.

Meals

All breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners are included. Moroccan food is excellent, though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of bread, and jam with tea or coffee. Lunches are a mixture of packed lunches or eating in a local restaurant. They are generally a mixture of bread, pasta, rice, vegetables, cheese, fish, ham and fruit. Where meals are not included budget for the following approximate prices. Lunches: 60 to 100 Dirham (US$6-10) Dinners: In cities 80 to 200 Dirham (US$8-19) and in small towns villages 60 – 100 Dirham (US$6-10) Soft drinks in restaurants : 10 to 20 Dirham (US$1-1.90) Alcohol: Beer 30 to 50 Dirham (US$2.85-5)– Wine 150 Dirham (US$14) and more Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian couscous, tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more rural sections of the trip. Please note that if you have any special dietary requirements you should inform the Exodus Office prior to the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (e.g. coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some food with you from home.

Not included:

Flights

International flights are not included

Others

— Travel insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — E-bike hire — Visas or vaccinations

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Cycle Morocco’S Great South

  • Day 1 Day 1: Start Marrakech
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Start Marrakech

      Once you arrive in Marrakech, we recommend walking or taking a taxi into the old city. Here there is plenty to explore, including the old walled medina where winding alleyways are filled with souks selling everything from street food to pottery and jewellery. Accommodation: Hotel Meriem (or similar)

  • Day 2 Day 2: Transfer To Sid Fares; Cycle In The Foothills Of Mount Toubkal To Ijoukak (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Transfer To Sid Fares; Cycle In The Foothills Of Mount Toubkal To Ijoukak (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      We transfer out of Marrakech this morning to Sid Fares and begin our cycling journey into the foothills of Mount Toubkal. After a nice warm up on a wonderful, undulating road, we enjoy a long descent into the Asni Valley with beautiful views. We then follow the river and cross several bridges before arriving at our hotel. Accommodation: Auberge Tigmmi n’Tamazirte (or similar) Drive time: Two hours

  • Day 3 Day 3: Challenging Climb Followed By Exhilarating Descent From Tizi N’Test Pass To Oulad Berhil; Overnight In Traditional Riad (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Challenging Climb Followed By Exhilarating Descent From Tizi N’Test Pass To Oulad Berhil; Overnight In Traditional Riad (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      The day begins with a challenging climb to the dramatic Tizi n’Test Pass (6,890ft/2,100m). We are rewarded with dramatic views to the south over the Sousse Valley towards the Anti Atlas Mountains. After lunch, we have a truly dramatic and, in places, quite steep descent as the road winds down to the valley. Once in the valley, our ride takes us past orange, lemon and grapefruit groves as we approach Oulad Berhil. Here we receive a warm welcome, delicious food and a relaxing evening at our beautiful riad. This converted palace is a wonderful addition to the end of our day with roaming peacocks and the chance to pick our own fruit straight off the trees. Accommodation: Riad Hotel l’Arganier (or similar)

  • Day 4 Day 4: Cycle Towards Tafraoute In Anti Atlas Mountains; Optional Transfer/Ride To See The Blue Rocks (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Cycle Towards Tafraoute In Anti Atlas Mountains; Optional Transfer/Ride To See The Blue Rocks (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      We have a morning transfer into the Anti Atlas Mountains and the real southern Morocco, much of which is semi-desert and a contrast to the fertile Sousse Valley. We travel through argan country trying to spot the much-loved tree-climbing goats. From Irherm, we are surrounded by almond trees and our road has some wonderful ups and downs as we pass through many farms and mud-walled Amazigh villages. The last section of the ride is another wonderful descent of about 7.5mi (12km) through dramatic scenery to Tafraoute. Time permitting, we visit peculiar painted-blue giant rocks, otherwise we visit tomorrow. Accommodation: Hotel les Amandiers (or similar)

  • Day 5 Day 5: Pass Pink Houses And Kasbahs En Route To Ait Baha Lake; Transfer To Agadir (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Pass Pink Houses And Kasbahs En Route To Ait Baha Lake; Transfer To Agadir (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      We transfer to Tizi M’Lil and begin another varied ride, undulating through spectacular hills, past traditional villages and hill-top kasbahs, with some superb balcony sections with excellent views. There are a few climbs, but the ride ends with an exhilarating descent to Ait Baha Lake and then we transfer to the coastal resort of Agadir. Accommodation: Oasis Hotel & Spa (or similar) Drive time: Six and a half hours

  • Day 6 Day 6: Spectacular Ride Through The Paradise Valley; Climb To Imouzzer (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Spectacular Ride Through The Paradise Valley; Climb To Imouzzer (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Today we enjoy a truly spectacular ride through the Paradise Valley, a narrow gorge lined with palm trees. Towards the head of the valley, we have another challenging climb with excellent views, eventually reaching a high plateau and the little town of Imouzzer, the end point of one of the most dramatic rides on our route. Originally the home of the Ida Outanane Amazigh tribe, Imouzzer retains a strong cultural identity. Accommodation: Hotel des Cascades Ecolodge (or similar)

  • Day 7 Day 7: Cycle Through Traditional Villages And Palmaris To Essaouira (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Cycle Through Traditional Villages And Palmaris To Essaouira (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      We start cycling from the front door and begin with another excellent winding descent on a good road to a valley dotted with palm trees and traditional villages. There are a couple of moderate climbs over rocky hills and descents back into the fertile valleys before we reach the main coast road and the end of the ride. After a picnic lunch, we transfer (90 minutes) to our destination for the evening, Essaouira. This old Portuguese fishing port dates to the 15th century, but the present town was constructed around 1760 by Sidi Mohammed ben Abdullah, who needed a base from which to suppress a revolt from Agadir. Today, Essaouira is extremely relaxed and the whitewashed houses with painted shutters, artisan workshops, boatyards and fishermen provide a marked contrast to Marrakech. There’s plenty of interest in the narrow traffic-free streets of the old town and we stay overnight in a traditional riad. Accommodation: Riad al Madina (or similar) Drive time: Two hours

  • Day 8 Day 8: Free Morning In Essaouira; Transfer To Marrakech; Free Time (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Free Morning In Essaouira; Transfer To Marrakech; Free Time (Breakfast)

      After a free morning to explore lovely Essaouira, we transfer to the vibrant city of Marrakech. Simply enjoy a freshly squeezed orange juice in one of the many rooftop cafes overlooking the Djemma El Fna square, or perhaps take a calèche (a horse-drawn carriage) ride to the peaceful Majorelle Gardens. These small but tranquil gardens are decorated throughout in indigo blue and house the small Museum of Islamic Art. A final treat would be to go for a hammam, a traditional Moroccan steam bath. A visit to Djemma el Fna this evening is the ultimate reward for our week’s cycling – with snake charmers, story tellers, smoky food stalls and souks, there is no other way to experience the exciting atmosphere of Marrakech. Accommodation: Hotel Meriem (or similar) Drive time: Three and a half hours

  • Day 9 Day 9: End Marrakech (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: End Marrakech (Breakfast)

      The trip ends after breakfast, but you can explore Marrakech if you have time before your flight. For excellent views of Djemaa el Fna, head to La Grand Balcon du Cafe Glacier or Cafe de France. You must buy a drink, but at 20 Moroccan dirham (US$1.85), it’s worth it. Alternatively, Majorelle Gardens, or Le Jardin Secret, makes a great escape from the bustling city, and a chance to discover outstanding examples of Islamic art and architecture. A top tip for great food would be the Moroccan roast lamb at Chez Lamine just off Djemaa el Fna. Go between midday and 3pm or you’ll miss it. If you’re craving a cold beer or a glass of wine, make your way to La Salama, again just off the Djemaa el Fna. You can enjoy the beautiful interior and lively atmosphere. You’ll easily find a taxi around Djemaa el Fna when it’s time to make your return journey home.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but you’re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

You’ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if you’re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 16 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

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