Overview

The medieval hustle and bustle of Morocco is for most travelers a world away from their own cities and towns. Morroco is quite simply a feast for all senses: watch in awe as the snow-capped Atlas mountains rise majestically out of the Sahara; listen to the lively cries of street merchants in Marrakech’s ancient square; savor traditional Berber cuisine while surrounded by the smells of a thousand exotic spices; and drift off to sleep in your luxury Kasbah (castle) under crisp cool cotton sheets. A former French colony, cycling Morocco is a perfect mix of European luxury and the exotic...best explored on two wheels of course. Join Spyns for a lively 10-day discovery of ancient towns, desert oasis and lively markets. 


   

Trip Highlights
 

• Fully guided (1 local guide + 1 cycling guide)
• Luxury hotels
• 11 days / 10 nights
• Start: Ouarzazate / Finish: Marrakech
• Destinations: Ouarzazate, Marrakech, Essaouira, Skoura, Agdz and Zagora
• Activities: Cycling 6 days; Walking/Hiking 2 days; Camel riding 1 day; (luxury) Desert camping 1 day

Need more info? Click this button for real-time answers to your questions from a Spyns team member.

Detailed Itinerary 

Days 1 & 2: Departing from Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara, have a glass of champagne followed by introductions to your guides and fellow travellers before setting off from the ancient city center, dominated by the Kasbah (castle). Make those last final bike adjustments in the shadow of the magnificent royal Palace of Glaoui before a 30 km (18 mile) ride southeast to the village of Skoura, a desert oasis drowning in palm trees. 

Day 3: Enjoy a gourmet breakfast among the palms on the hotel terrace before trekking south, in the comfort of a 4-wheel jeep, through the majestic Jbel Sahro mountain pass. We arrive in the small village of Agdz just in time for a local Tajine. This typical Moroccoan dish is prepared in a 2-piece pot made of heavy clay with a large dome. Meat or fish is cooked at low temperatures resulting in tender, falling-off-the-bone meat and succulent aromas. The pot is placed in the center of the table for all to enjoy. After lunch, cycle the lush Drâa Valley and choose to do a shorter ride of 29 km (17.5 miles) or up to 95 km (59 miles) if you want a little more exercise. All rides have full van support. The river Drâa runs 125 km (75 miles) to the Atlantic ocean. Our destination is the city of Zagora and the hotel Palais Asmaa where dinner is served in an oasis of palm trees beneath traditional Berber tents. 

Day 4: Setting out from Zagora, discover the deep desert sands of the Sahara and the Lihgoudi dunes. After a traditional Moroccan greeting complete with mint tea, travel by camel into the dunes of the Sahara desert to our private tent city. A band of local musicians greets the group with traditional music before a sumptuous desert feast. Sleep under the stars or settle in for the night in the comfort of your own Berber tent. 

Day 5: Rise early to watch the sun’s first rays dance over the Atlas mountains or sleep in before enjoying a full breakfast. We transfer by jeep back to Zagora before a northerly sweep up the Drâa Valley and the Jbel Sahro. In the afternoon, cross the high Tizi’n’ Tichka Pass (altitude 2270 meters) before arriving in Ouirgane (pronounced “Weer-Gane”). This Berber village is located in the heart of the Atlas Mountains just 90 minutes from Marrakech. After your desert stay and a rugged transfer, pamper yourself in the Hotel La Roseraie’s pool and luxury spa. 

Day 6: Today choose from two options both with van support: a walk or a challenging ride. Walk to the village of Tikfist located at an elevation of 1600 meters. Stroll through Berber villages untouched by time while enjoying typical arab hospitality of tea, honey cakes and warm smiles. For the tough ride climb through the Tizi’n’Test pass up to an elevation of 2092 meters. The terrain and difficulty are similar to the steep climbs of the Tour de France in the Pyrenneen mountains. The 80 km (59 miles) of this climb are some of the most spectacular – not for the faint of heart! There is also the option of relaxing poolside at the hotel before another gourmet dinner in the hotel's restaurant. 

Day 7: Today begins our journey to the wind-swept Atlantic Coast . Essaouira (the other Windy City) commonly referred as “Mogador” boasts a beautiful 6 km (4 mile) long sandy beach. Behind the thick white walls of the Medina or old city lies the untarnished charm of centuries’ past. Pedal through forests of thuya trees and olive groves before landing on the pristine beaches of Smimou. After the ride, transfer by van to Essaouira. Sleep like a grand Vizier in the comfort of Les Terrasses d'Essaouira, a traditional Moroccan hotel and your home for two nights. Total distance: short ride 29 km (17.5 miles) or long ride 82 km (48 miles). 

Day 8: An early start today cycling along the ancient road to Casablanca. One beautiful beach melts into another. Two options: continue riding along this ocean side road for some  more exercise or loop back to Essaouira to test your bartering skills in the streets of the Medina ’s market. After a traditional Moroccan lunch, continue riding or enjoy a relaxing afternoon off in magnificent Essaouira. For the adventurous, tempt fate with some wind or kite-surfing. Free night for dinner in Essaouira. 

Day 9:  After breakfast in a traditional open-sky courtyard, a flat cycling traverse towards Marrakech. Pass through the majestic city gates and burst upon the legendary Jma El Fna square packed with snake charmers, rug merchants, spice shops and where everything is for sale and heated bartering is the norm. Marrakech is Morocco’s ancient capital city. Located at the foot of the Atlas mountains, it is a thriving city of endless sights and sounds where everything is possible. Experience a deluxe version of a hammam (sauna) or brave a communal traditional public steam bath before checking in to your hotel: the Meridien N'Fis a palace hotel by the old city. 

Day 10: Enjoy breakfast in our private courtyard before a walking tour with one of the most reputable guides in all of Marrakech. Lunch with our guide in the shade of another private courtyard before a quiet afternoon and farewell dinner in a superb local restaurant. 

Day 11: Enjoy one last walk through delightful Marrakech before shuttling to your final destination. The perfect holiday. 

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR TO BOOK THIS TOUR CALL 888.825.4720 OR EMAIL info@spyns.com