Encompassing the best of Morocco, this trip will take us past the foothills of Mount Toubkal, golden kasbahs, impressive gorges and the long sandy beach of Essaouira. This spectacular route follows smooth paved roads and climbs over high mountain passes that reward you with spectacular vistas of the High Atlas Mountains. A real highlight is riding through Paradise Valley, close to Imouzzer, where a palm-filled valley leads to a high pass with views down to the ocean below.
Activity Areas
Cycling
E-Bike
Region & Country & City
Africa: Marrakech, Morocco
Included in the Price
— All breakfasts, six lunches, six dinners
— All accommodation
— All transport and listed activities
— Tour leader throughout
— Arrival and departure transfers
— Local bike hire
Not Included In The Price
— Travel insurance
— Single accommodation (available on request)
— Visas or vaccinations
— E-bike hire (available for an additional cost)
Accommodation Information
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (5 hotel, 2 riad), 1 Simple night (auberge)
— Six days cycling with full vehicle support
— Group normally 5 to 16, plus leader. Second leader added for groups above 7. Minimum age: 16
Map
Itinerary
Day 1 Adventure starts in Marrakech
Buzzy Marrakech is a whirlwind of tradition and culture, an invigorating introduction to Morocco. If you arrive with time to explore we recommend walking around the old walled medina where winding alleyways are filled with souks selling everything from street food to herbs, spices and pottery.
Usually around 6pm, you’ll say hello to your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big Moroccan welcome over an optional dinner together (which is included for all in 2026).
Want to explore further? Secure pre-tour nights through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Kennedy Resort or Hotel Tempoo (or similar)
Day 2 Transfer to Sid Fares; cycle in the foothills of Mount Toubkal to Ijoukak
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 Challenging climb followed by exhilarating descent from Tizi n'Test Pass to Oulad Berhil; overnight in traditional riad
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 Cycle towards Tafraoute in Anti Atlas Mountains; optional transfer/ride to see the Blue Rocks
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 Pass pink houses and kasbahs en route to Ait Baha Lake; transfer to Agadir
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: 1hr 30min
Day 6 Spectacular ride through the Paradise Valley; climb to Imouzzer
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 Cycle through traditional villages and palmaris to Essaouira
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 Benatar or Riad Al Medina (or similar)
Drive time: Two hours
Day 8 Free morning in Essaouira; transfer to Marrakech; free time
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 story tellers, smoky food stalls and souks, there is no other way to experience the exciting atmosphere of Marrakech.
Kennedy Resort or Hotel Tempoo (or similar)
Drive time: 3hr 30min
Day 9 Adventure ends in Marrakech
Enjoy your final breakfast this morning and take the chance to reflect on your unforgettable Morocco adventure before you start your return journey. Alternatively, if you would like to extend your time in Morocco please speak to your sales representative who will be happy to advise.
