Authentic Morocco by Bicycle

Authentic Morocco by Bicycle

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8 Days From

$1750

$1663

Authentic Morocco by Bicycle

8 Days Starting and ending in Marrakesh, Morocco

Visiting: Marrakesh, Telouet Kasbah, Aït Benhaddou, Dadès Gorges, Jbel Saghro, Nkob, Oued Draa, Ait Saoun, Tizi n'Tichka

Tour operator:

SpiceRoads Cycling

Tour code:

MAR-MAM

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 10

Physical rating:

ACTIVE

Age range:

Min age:18

Special diets catered:

Please advise requests

Tour operated in:
English
Trip Styles:

Active

Interests:

Cultural, History

From:
$1750
$1663 (USD) The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$88

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Located on the north-westernmost stretch of Africa and a gateway to Europe, Morocco is one of the most vibrant cultural and commercial crossroads of the continent. In the saddle explore Morocco's rugged hills and valleys of the Atlas Mountains. Venture into these highlands inhabited by the Berbers and be delighted by their proud traditions that have been passed down for millennia.



Visitors who choose to explore the country will be impressed by its architectural and natural splendours, making Morocco a prime desert destination and also hotspot for Hollywood's film industry as several all-time classic movies like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia were shot here. Explore this dynamic country and get the ultimate biking experience Morocco has to offer.



Roll and pedal up and down the sea of red massifs and take in the captivating views of snow-capped peaks just a few miles further from the unforgiving desert, a contrasting picture of unparalleled beauty.



Five days of biking take you through the realm of the legendary Atlas Mountains, the bone-dry Jbel Saghro and the life-sustaining oases and lush palm plantations of southern Morocco, making it a challenging yet rewarding biking experience.



On this mountain biking adventure, we will cycle 264 km in 5 days of riding. This is a moderate trip, and riders with reasonable levels of physical fitness should enjoy the entire trip. Our journey starts in Marrakech, the ancient walled city bustling with activities as well as a commercial crossroads for centuries. In addition, this UNESCO World Heritage Site also abounds with shops and stalls featuring exotic food and refined handicrafts awaiting shoppers to savour and test their purchasing techniques.



Suitability: With a few exceptions on tarmac, the cycling takes place on unpaved roads, so we recommend that cyclists be reasonably fit and confident riding on rough terrain. However, as this trip is fully supported, weary cyclists can take breaks in the support vehicle if required.



Biking Conditions: The off-road portions of this trip are complimented by swift and long downhills, and while the ride is generally not too demanding, some parts of the route consist of loose gravel and sandy patches that could prove hazardous to riders. Additionally, some of the descents can be rocky, which requires extra caution and some off-road biking skills.

Highlights

  • Visit the Medina of Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a maze of shops and stalls selling succulent traditional food and exquisite handicrafts.

  • Enjoy mountain biking adventure on Tizi n’Tichka Pass to Telouet.

  • Visit the Saadian Tombs, the exquisitely decorated and sculptured mausoleum of the Saadi Dynasty members.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Marrakech

Location: Marrakesh

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Riad Africa

Meals Included: Dinner

Upon arrival in Marrakech, we transfer to the riad and meet up for a trip briefing. We then take a city tour to visit the Medina of Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a maze of shops and stalls selling succulent traditional food and exquisite handicrafts. After our explorations, we have dinner in a restaurant near the Jemaa El Fena Square.

Day 2 : Marrakech - Kasbah Telouet - Kasbah Ait Benhaddou

Location: Marrakesh, Telouet Kasbah, Aït Benhaddou

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Riad Maktoub

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we leave Marrakech early and head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou, an ancient fortified community and trading post that features pre-Saharan earthen architecture dating back to the 17th century. Driving via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m) to Telouet, where we start our mountain biking adventure, stopping to visit Glaoui Kasbah of Telouet, the home and stronghold of the Lord of the Atlas during the French occupation, Thami El Glaoui. From Telouet, the ride takes us through scenic tiny Berber villages and up and down the Ounila Valley. We wind our way to visit the stunning Kasbah village of Ait Benhaddou, where we stay the night in one of the many riads.



Ride: 47km

Elevation: +413m

Descent: -924m

Day 3 : Kasbah Ait Benhaddou - Dades Gorges

Location: Aït Benhaddou, Dadès Gorges

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Panorama Dades

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We rise early today to ride the most exhilarating leg of our biking expedition. Leaving Ait Benhaddou behind, we transfer for 90 minutes, stopping to visit an ancient troglodyte settlement. We start riding from Kalaat M'gouna on dirt roads and will likely see nomads tending their flocks as we make our way to Dades Gorges, which lies between the High Atlas Mountains and Jbel Saghro Mountains. Our cycling route will take us by dozens of kasbahs, or fortresses, built by the Berbers as defenses, perched precariously on the cliffs. We will also come across Berbers who are living in caves that have been handed down for generations. If invited, we'll stop for a refreshing cup of mint tea and learn more about their culture. Our day ends in the stunning valley at a riad.



Ride: 43km

Elevation: +839m

Descent: -720m

Day 4 : Dades Gorges - Jbel Saghro - N'kob

Location: Dadès Gorges, Jbel Saghro, Nkob

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Nakhil

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We cycle to the Berber oasis town of N’kob. This scenic route snakes through the Dades Valley as we wind our way to the middle of the Jbel Saghro. We climb to cross Tizi n’Tzazert Pass (2,200 m) or get a lift up to the top, all the while enjoying stunning panoramic views in every direction. Rest your legs a little here before cruising downhill to spend the night at the lush Berber oasis town of N’kob, which sits at the foot of the Jbel Saghro Mountains and abounds with palm plantations.



Ride: 70km

Elevation: +1282m

Descent: -1798m

Day 5 : N'kob - Draa Valley

Location: Nkob, Oued Draa

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Kasbah Itrane

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continuing our bike exploration of the Moroccan desert, we ride to the lush and seemingly endless date palm groves of the lovely Draa Valley – the largest date palm groves in Morocco. Following local dirt tracks, we make our way into the heart of the oasis to explore the palm groves and the small Berber villages lining the banks of the Draa River, the lifeblood of this fertile area. We will spend the night with a local Berber family.



Ride: 74km

Elevation: +523m

Descent: -637m

Day 6 : Draa Valley - Tizi-N-Tichka Pass - Marrakech

Location: Oued Draa, Ait Saoun, Tizi n'Tichka, Marrakesh

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Riad Africa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we drive to explore and witness the beauty of the Draa Valley. We transfer for 25 minutes to Ait Saoun, where we get in the saddle and ride for 30 km through one of the most scenic valleys of Morocco. The ride takes us past a succession of traditional villages lying in green oases. After lunch, we transfer back to Marrakech via the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass. At 2,260 m above sea level, it is a spectacular piece of engineering by the French that is often listed as one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Dinner is on your own in vibrant Marrakech.



Ride: 30km

Elevation: +392m

Descent: -330m

Day 7 : Marrakech

Location: Marrakesh

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Riad Africa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

It's a bike-free day, and we relax our muscles by taking a guided tour of Marrakech, the Southern Pearl of Morocco, to learn more about the city's rich history and culture. Discover the Palace of Bahia, built the late 19th century. It consists of 160 rooms and meant to be the grandest palace of the time. Next, we visit the Saadian Tombs, the exquisitely decorated and sculptured mausoleum of the Saadi Dynasty members, who ruled Morocco from 1554 to 1659. And we continue the tour to the 69-m Koutoubia Mosque, the city's most famous and largest mosque, and to the nearby square Djeema el-Fna, a bustling square full of shops and stalls where you can practice your bargaining skills. The tour concludes with an exploration of the souk (market), filled with mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets, ceramics, hand-made leather goods, and tantalising food stalls. Lunch is on your own, but we will meet up for a farewell dinner to reminisce on our magical time in Morocco.

Day 8 : Departure

Location: Marrakesh

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer for your onward travels.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    Airport pick up and drop off service are included.

  • Fully Guided

    Experienced local English-speaking guide on this tour.

  • Meals

    As detailed in itinerary.

  • Water bottle,Snacks and drinks

  • Support vehicle

  • Entrance fees

What's Not Included

  • Additional Services

    Tips service are not included.

  • International Travel

    International flights are not included.

  • Visa fees

  • Alcohol

Bike Hire

Mountain Bike: US$ 225, E-Bike: US$ 295

Single Supplement

US$ 350

Mode of Transport

Bikes

Because some people can't imagine going on a trip without their own beloved bicycle, we do not provide them as part of this tour. However, you can hire bikes locally for the price listed in the tour pricing section. The bikes are well-known makes mountain bikes with lightweight alloy frames, 24- to 27-speed gearing, v-brakes, and Shimano components and front suspension. If you bring your own bike, please make sure it is a mountain bike, preferably with front suspension, in good mechanical order.



Bike Repairs

Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    Domestic and International flights are not included.

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in itinerary.

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    There are no compulsory vaccinations although it is strongly recommended that you are vaccinated against: Typhoid; Hepatitis A and B. Tetanus and polio vaccinations should also be up to date at the time of travel. Please speak to your doctor/physician for the most recent information.

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    Please make sure you have a passport valid for at least six months before your departure. While a visa must be obtained for foreigners wishing to enter Morocco, it is not required for all North American, most European, Australian and New Zealand nationals and they are able stay in the country up to 90 days. For more information, visit here for the full list of eligible countries.

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Airport pick up and drop off service is included.

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    This tour is classed as ACTIVE. Cyclists looking for more of a physical experience will find it on our Active trips. Longer distances of over 75 kilometers on undulating terrain, or up to 1,000 meters climbing over shorter distances provide more of a challenge for fit cyclists. Active trips require cycling experience, but not technical expertise, as most road conditions are tarmac. Riders should be comfortable making sustained climbs, being in the saddle for longer, consecutive cycling days and for tackling one or two especially difficult riding days.



    Get out and ride three times a week, with a longer ride, up to 70km, on the weekends. Aim to feel comfortable spending several hours at a time in the saddle, and with cycling on back-to-back days. Try to ride in hillier areas to get used to climbing.

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    Yes, Entrance fees are included.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is US$ 350.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, Local English speaking guide on this tour.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    The max group size is 16 peoples.

  • Do I need to have travel insurance?

    Yes! SpiceRoads insists that all clients must take out good travel insurance before joining one of our tours. There are inherent risks involved in cycling and mountain biking and we will not be liable for your medical expenses or evacuation in case of an accident. This insurance must include adequate coverage for any personal accident, medical expenses, injury, death and repatriation. Insurance should also provide coverage for cancellations or curtailment of the holiday. Clients should also ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for any dangerous or unusual activities that might be included in their tour. If you join the tour without adequate insurance you may be disallowed from continuing on the tour without the right of refund. Clients are solely responsible for arranging their insurance and they should ensure that they are covered for the full duration of their tour. Your tour leader will ask for copies of your insurance before allowing you to join the tour. This protects both you and us.

  • Is the trip guaranteed to depart and does it require a minimum number of people?

    There is a minimum number of participants (usually 2) required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to Depart'. Once a trip is guaranteed to depart you are free to book your flights and make other travel arrangements. If the trip status is ‘Limited’ will mean we have only a small number of spaces available for booking. If you are unsure about the trip status, please contact us.

  • Why hire a bike from SpiceRoads?

    SpiceRoads bikes are never just "fit for duty" but a key component of our riders’ tour experience and satisfaction. For tours with bike hire option, renting one of our bikes saves hassle, not to mention precious luggage allowance. All SpiceRoads tours use well-known makes of mountain, hybrid or road bikes (depending on the tour) with lightweight alloy frames, 24- to 27-speed gearing, v-brakes or disc brakes and Shimano components. Mountain bikes all have front suspension. We renew bikes in our fleet every two seasons. When in use, our bikes are well-cared for, including full service before each trip and daily cleaning while on tour. SpiceRoads tour support vehicles carry plenty of spares and extra tubes for every emergency.

  • Do you have E-Bikes?

    Electric "pedal assist" e-bikes are available on select tours. E-bikes can help manage long distances and climbing terrain through the use of a pedal-activated electric motor. Unlike other e-bikes, "pedal assistedr" e-bikes feel more natural to the rider. We recommend e-bikes for riders interested in tours that might normally be too challenging for them, or for groups of riders with mixed ability. E-bikes provide assistance for long distance or more challenging terrain, but they can’t do all the work for you! Always chose a tour within the range of your own abilities to ensure your own enjoyment when exploring a new destination. Contact us for a complete list of e-bike available tours.

  • What do I need to bring if I rent a SpiceRoads bike?

    Bikes rented for tours always come with a helmet, a single water bottle cage, and a standard saddle. If you prefer to bring your own saddle (just the saddle, not the seat post), additional water bottle cage, or SPD pedals, we will fit them to your bike for the tour. Don’t forgot to bring your shoes and cleats if you bring SPD pedals! Women specific seats are recommended for longer tours. We have a limited supply of gel seat covers to soften the ride, and of strap-on toe cages. Please enquire about adding these during your booking.

  • Do you have details of the SpiceRoads fleet?

    In Thailand we have a fleet of Verve city bikes, TREK 4300 and X-Caliber 7 mountain bikes, TREK 7.2 X, FX 3 and 7200 hybrid bikes and Trek 2.1 C, Domane 2.0, Lexa SL and carbon Émonda S5 road bikes. We also carry Giant 2019 Explore E+ 3 e-bikes. Our bicycles are available in sizes ranging from 13 inches to 22 1/2 inches or 47 cm to 62 cm. Please note that a certain frame model is not guaranteed. In Bangkok and Chiang Mai, baby seats, tag-alongs, and child bikes for children are available. In Bangkok the single-wheeled tag-along bike attach to the seat-post of an adult bike, allowing a child to pedal along behind the adult. There's no age limit to the tag-along bike, but there is a 36 kg weight limit. Bike hire is include in the tour price for short tours, while longer tours offer bike hire as a supplement, as many riders opt to bring their own bike for our cycling tours. Depending on the destination, length of tour, and type of bike, hire costs vary.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

HELEN STUCKEY  

Superb Trip

Really well designed route showing mountain scener

Really well designed route showing mountain scenery, villages, local people and with some great cycling. Support team led by Berber guide were superb. Thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to Morocco!

LINDSAY ALTIZER  

Amazing Experience

An amazing way to experience the colors, sights, p

An amazing way to experience the colors, sights, people and landscape of Morocco!

EMILY SCOTLAND  

The Tour Was Set Up Perfectly

Serendipitous grouping of people. It was a pure tr

Serendipitous grouping of people. It was a pure treasure getting to meet our new friends from Milwaukee, USA, Saipan, USA territory, and merry old England. The tour was set up perfectly with local tours, food, and sleeping accommodations. Everyone with SpiceRoads was delightful especially our bike guide, driver and support vehicle staff. We miss them all!!!

WHITNEY ALTIZER  

Morocco Exceeded Our Expectations

Morocco exceeded our expectations in how friendly

Morocco exceeded our expectations in how friendly it was to tourist and cyclists in particular. I wouldn't hesitate to return and do more cycling and soak in more of its lovely culture, people, and landscape.

Dates & Availability

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May 05, 2024 - May 12, 2024
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The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$88 (USD)

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    SpiceRoads Cycling allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform spiceroads cycling, 40 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    SpiceRoads Cycling requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of spiceroads cycling charges.

    At 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 0% of booking price.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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