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Cycle Morocco

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Cycle Morocco

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Description

Desert sands, snow-capped mountains, green valleys, red cliff gorges and seaside paths – you’ll explore them all on this 14-day cycling tour through Morocco. Discover a land overflowing with mystery, history and culture, a place where the people welcome you with endless stories and the landscape offers endless diversity. Ride to beaches, deserts, forests, mountains and orchards, from Marrakesh through to Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes and the High Atlas Mountains. Ride a camel at sunset (the best seat in the house) as the heat of the Sahara cools and discover the ancient city of Ait Benhaddou (the filming location of many movies and TV shows). What’s the best way to see a land of ever-changing landscapes? On two wheels, of course!

Trip Name
Cycle Morocco
Last Updated
2024-08-07
Days
14
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Cycling allows you to get closer to authentic Morocco, whether you're riding around the backstreets of Marrakech or stopping for tea with nomads in the Mgoun Valley.
  • Ride a camel through the dramatic red dunes of the Sahara Desert at sunset, then settle into your camp and enjoy a Moroccan feast under the stars.
  • Pedal through Morocco’s diverse terrain, from the lively medinas and the Mediterranean Coast to the iconic hairpins of the Dades Gorge.
  • Step back in time to the Middle Ages on a guided walk through the secret shortcuts and twisting alleyways of Fes’ Medina with a local leader who knows all the best spots.
  • End rewarding days in the saddle with hearty local meals, like the traditional goat dinner in Mgoun Valley and street food delicacies in Djemaa el-Fna.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Education for All. Donations help them support girls in the High Atlas Mountains through secondary school, bringing a generation of women out of the cycle of illiteracy, poverty and early marriage.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Marrakech
Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Morocco. Your adventure begins in Marrakech with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not visit the Dar Si Said Museum or nearby Saadian Tombs. Maybe chill out in the Marjorelle Gardens, luxuriate in a hammam or see Marrakech from above on a hot air balloon ride. After the meeting, head out to explore the city’s lively Djemaa el-Fna – one of the largest public spaces in the world, unique to Marrakech. When night falls it transforms into a hive of activity. Henna painters, performers and storytellers share the square with a street food bazaar packed with stalls. You’ll have an included welcome dinner here while the performers vie for your attention.
Day 2 - Marrakech
Fuel up with breakfast this morning, then get fitted for your bike – your transport and best friend for the next 13 days. Take a short test ride to make sure everything’s working properly, then begin a cycling tour in and around the city. Start near the royal olive groves of Menara Gardens and ride to well-known sites like Koutoubia Mosque and the Marrakech Medina. Finish your cycle in the Palmeraie – a palm tree oasis. Return to Djemaa el-Fna for an afternoon snack (a street stall pastry) with a glass of fresh orange juice. There will be ample time in the afternoon to freshen up before you board your sleeper train this evening for the journey to Tangier.
Day 3 - Tangier
Arrive in Tangier this morning and check into your hotel, then meet up with your support crew and vehicle. Saddle up for today’s ride, which starts with an easy ride to the Grottes d'Hercules (Caves of Hercules). Legend says Hercules stayed in this cave before doing his 11th labour – collecting the golden apples from the Hesperides Garden. Its modern uses have been quite varied, from a brothel to a concert venue. From here, the road undulates and climbs as you jump back on the bike to explore Cap Spartel, known to the Romans and Greeks as the 'Cape of the Vines'. Stop by the 19th-century lighthouse and maybe climb up to the top for an amazing view across the Atlantic Ocean. Have lunch here, then a ride downhill back towards Tangiers' Mediterranean port. After, maybe relax with a mint tea at the rooftop cafe Salon Bleu, which overlooks the medina and the ocean.
Day 4 - Chefchaouen
Leave Tangier behind and travel through the arid inland towards the beachside village of Azla. When you arrive you’ll hop on your bike and begin today's ride – follow the winding coastal road south to the small fishing town of Oued Laou. The shimmering waters of the Mediterranean will be on your left, steep mountains on your right and small coves dotted with beaches in-between. The climb will all be worth it when you stop for lunch at one of the beaches and take the opportunity to go for a swim. Later today, maybe leave the saddle behind and let the support vehicle do the hard work of climbing the steep hills to the ‘Blue City’ of Chefchaouen (you can cycle if you prefer). Your afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. Maybe shop for handicrafts in the ancient medina or find a spot at a local cafe and people-watch.
Day 5 - Chefchaouen
Today is a free day to explore Chefchaouen. Maybe take it easy at a cafe in the Plaza Uta el-Hammam, chill out in a Hamman or stroll around town admiring the architecture of the 15th-century Grand Mosque (the interior closed to non-Muslims). If you’re still feeling energetic, you might prefer to take an optional guided tour of the Blue City or head out of town for a hike in the Rif mountains (which lasts approximately 4 hours).
Day 6 - Fes
This morning, drive from Chefchaouen to the outskirts of Bab Taza village. When you arrive, you’ll stretch your legs on a ride along a quiet undulating road and through sparce landscapes to Tabouda. As the roads get busier and the day heats up, retreat to the comfort of the support vehicle and leave the quiet of the Rif Mountains behind you. You’ll then drive to Fes – the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. When you arrive, you have the rest of the day free to rest and recharge.
Day 7 - Fes
Leave your bike behind today and embark on a guided walk through the secret shortcuts and twisting alleyways of Fes. Pass donkeys piled high with goods and feel like you’re stepping back in time to the Middle Ages in the labyrinth of the medina. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Consider watching the sunset over the medina tonight and ask your local leader where the best local delicacies can be found.
Day 8 - Midelt
Avoid the traffic and the heat with an early start today. Leave Fes behind and drive into the Middle Atlas Mountains, arriving at Dayet Aoua for your ride through the high-altitude mountains. After a quick coffee stop, climb through the wooded hills of Ifrane National Park for a unique view of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Coast gently downhill to the tiny town of Timahdte, where you’ll finish riding for the day. Drive up to Aguelmame Sidi Ali Lake – a placid clear blue lake and wetland sanctuary where you’ll have lunch. If the mood calls, you can cycle a further 15 km to the Timahdte section of the lake. After lunch, drive to the Kasbah town of Midelt. Nestled in a valley, Midelt is surrounded by farmland and orchards. The rest of your day is free – maybe explore the town or visit a local embroidery co-operative run to benefit the local Amazigh women.
Day 9 - Merzouga – Desert Camp
Midelt to Merzouga is a long journey, so you’ll embark early and tackle the distance on two separate rides, with a vehicle transfer filling the gaps. Drive to the Tizi n Talrhemt Pass, then get your wheels moving on a gentle downhill cycle to Er-rich for a coffee stop. From Er-rich you’ll continue downhill by bike to the banks of the Ziz River and the cavernous Tunnel Zaabal. Re-board the vehicle and drive through frontier towns like Erfoud that have been the setting for films like ‘The Mummy’ and James Bond’s ‘Spectre’. Arrive in Merzouga, leave your gear at your overnight camp and jump on a camel for a sunset ride to the edge of the Sahara Desert. Later tonight, return to camp for a dinner of delicious local cuisine and fall asleep under a sky dotted with North African stars.
Day 10 - Todra Gorge
Drive to Tinghir – your entry point to the remarkable Todra Gorge. This massive trench with sheer rock walls rises over 300 m to form one of the most dramatic and spectacular natural sights in Morocco. In Tinghir you’ll hop in the saddle and work out your legs after the long drive along the route of the Todgha River as it snakes into the canyon. The limestone stacks make this area best discovered on foot, so join in for a walk through the surrounding farmland and a ruined village. Afterwards, the rest of the day is free to take it easy at your Kasbah accommodation, which sits in the middle of the gorge surrounded by palm trees.
Day 11 - Dades Gorge – Mountain Gite Stay
This morning you’ll drive to the green-fringed Dades Valley. This is one of the most scenic stretches of road in Morocco and you’ll begin your ride downhill on the hairpins of the Dades Gorge. Leaving the greenery behind, take a small gravel road deep into the desolate Mgoun Valley near Bou Tharar, as you wind through the red rock scenery with the Dades River below. On the way, stop in at a local family's home and share a traditional cup of tea with your hosts. This is a genuine opportunity for local interaction with a nomadic family who spend their lives travelling this remote land. Your leader will be there at all times to help you communicate and understand each other. Later in the afternoon, bid farewell to your new friends and head to your accommodation in a mountain gite, where you’ll sit down for a traditional Moroccan dinner.
Day 12 - Ait Benhaddou
A drive through arid surroundings brings you to the dramatic Lake El Mansour, which sits among the sandy rocks surrounding Ouarzazate. Get the bikes out and begin your ride to mythical Ait Benhaddou, passing ancient Kasbah ruins, former military outposts and austere mountains. Pause for lunch in Ouarzazate, where ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ and ‘Black Hawk Down’ were filmed. If time permits, maybe tour the Atlas Movie Studios. Visit the Horizon Association for People with Disabilities – an organisation dedicated to the rehabilitation, health and empowerment of people living with disabilities. They provide essential services like prosthetic limbs, physio and social therapy, as well as training in skills like pottery or metal work. After, take a walk to Ait Benhaddou – centuries ago, this was an important stop for caravans carrying salt across the Sahara. Today, its grand Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the star of movies and TV shows like ‘Gladiator’, ‘Games of Thrones’ and ‘The Living Daylights’.
Day 13 - Marrakech via Tiz n Tichka
Commence the long, winding ride up into the Atlas Mountains and the small town of Anmiter on your last cycle of the trip. You’ll then drive to the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka Pass. At 2260 m above sea level, this is the highest major mountain pass in North Africa. After a brief break for refreshments and photos, descend the High Atlas Mountains back to Marrakech. When you arrive, say goodbye to your support crew and settle in for some free time to relax. Tonight, you’ll likely be drawn back to the Djemaa el-Fna for a celebratory dinner.
Day 14 - Marrakech
There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
02-03-202515-03-2025AUD $ 2,344-
23-03-202505-04-2025AUD $ 2,344-
06-04-202519-04-2025AUD $ 2,396-
13-04-202526-04-2025AUD $ 2,396-
20-04-202503-05-2025AUD $ 2,396-
04-05-202517-05-2025AUD $ 2,280-
18-05-202531-05-2025AUD $ 2,280-
25-05-202507-06-2025AUD $ 2,228-
24-08-202506-09-2025AUD $ 2,228-
31-08-202513-09-2025AUD $ 2,316-
07-09-202520-09-2025AUD $ 2,316-
14-09-202527-09-2025AUD $ 2,404-
21-09-202504-10-2025AUD $ 2,456-
24-09-202507-10-2025AUD $ 2,404-
28-09-202511-10-2025AUD $ 2,404-
05-10-202518-10-2025AUD $ 2,404-
08-10-202521-10-2025AUD $ 2,404-
12-10-202525-10-2025AUD $ 2,404-
19-10-202501-11-2025AUD $ 2,404-
26-10-202508-11-2025AUD $ 2,456-
29-10-202511-11-2025AUD $ 2,316-
09-11-202522-11-2025AUD $ 2,316-
16-11-202529-11-2025AUD $ 2,228-
23-11-202506-12-2025AUD $ 2,316-
07-12-202520-12-2025AUD $ 2,228-
21-12-202503-01-2026AUD $ 2,785-
28-12-202510-01-2026AUD $ 2,785-
08-03-202621-03-2026AUD $ 3,065-
22-03-202604-04-2026AUD $ 3,065-
29-03-202611-04-2026AUD $ 3,065-
05-04-202618-04-2026AUD $ 3,185-
12-04-202625-04-2026AUD $ 3,185-
19-04-202602-05-2026AUD $ 3,185-
26-04-202609-05-2026AUD $ 3,185-
03-05-202616-05-2026AUD $ 3,065-
17-05-202630-05-2026AUD $ 3,065-
31-05-202613-06-2026AUD $ 3,065-
23-08-202605-09-2026AUD $ 3,185-
30-08-202612-09-2026AUD $ 3,185-
06-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 3,305-
13-09-202626-09-2026AUD $ 3,305-
20-09-202603-10-2026AUD $ 3,305-
23-09-202606-10-2026AUD $ 3,305-
27-09-202610-10-2026AUD $ 3,305-
04-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 3,305-
11-10-202624-10-2026AUD $ 3,305-
18-10-202631-10-2026AUD $ 3,305-
25-10-202607-11-2026AUD $ 3,305-
01-11-202614-11-2026AUD $ 3,185-
08-11-202621-11-2026AUD $ 3,185-
22-11-202605-12-2026AUD $ 3,185-
06-12-202619-12-2026AUD $ 3,065-
20-12-202602-01-2027AUD $ 3,065-

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nights),overnight train (1 night),desert camp (1 night),gite (1 night)

Transport

Bicycle (e-bike option available,subject to availability),Support vehicle,Train,Camel

Map

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