This spectacular Moroccan tour from Marrakesh high up into the Atlas Mountains offers the experience of a lifetime. Ride this incredible landscape whilst tasting authentic food, discovering a melting pot of cultures and people and drinking in breath-taking views that will stay with you forever.
EXPERIENCE MOROCCO LIKE NEVER BEFORE
This colourful tour from Marrakesh into the High Atlas Mountains will be an experience you’ll never forget. You’ll have the chance to climb the impressive Tizi n’Tichka pass that snakes up the side of the mountains, enjoy lunch with a view of UNESCO world heritage site Ait Benhaddou, ride across the lunar-like Agafay desert and camp in the heart of the Atlas Mountains.
If what you’re looking for is an authentic experience and the chance to discover the unique blend of Arab, Berber & European cultures that have shaped the heart of Morocco, this tour is for you. Enjoy humbling hospitality from your guides, sample delicious Moroccan cuisine in the form of slow-cooked tagines, fresh juices and bottomless pots of tea to help fuel you for your rides.
The routes take you through dream-like landscapes you never thought possible to reach on two wheels. Discover rural Morocco away from the hustle and bustle of the medinas, sleep under African stars and meet like-minded, adventure-seeking cyclists with whom you will share this wonderful tour.
Flights not included. Direct flights available at lastminute.com
Our on-the-ground team will guide and support you throughout the tour. Your ride leaders are experienced riders from all walks of life united by a love of cycling who’ll help to keep the group safe, motivated and savouring the trip of a lifetime. You will also be joined by a support vehicle stocked with snacks, extra electrolytes and water, whilst lunch will be served by our team en route.
You’ll be heading to one of the world's most unique cycling destinations. Empty winding gravel roads, magical landscapes and a vibrant Moroccan culture combine to make for an unforgettable riding holiday. Prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Prepare your taste buds for a truly Moroccan experience. Moroccan food is known for its slow cooked tagines, couscous, grilled meats and fresh vegetables. Your group will travel with its own chef and enjoy a varied menu of Moroccan delights designed with cycling in mind.
Located on the northern shores of Africa, Morocco is typically known for its bustling medinas, camel rides and sweet tea. But experienced on two wheels, Morocco is home to so much more. Exploring this magical country by bike is one of the most authentic ways to get to know its landscapes, people and culture. Its climate is akin to that of the Mediterranean, with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers, making the shoulder seasons the best time to visit for cycling. Some of the country’s highlights include the High Atlas Mountains, the Oualidia Lagoon, and the Iriqui National Park. One thing you can be sure of is that once you’ve cycled through Morocco, few other locations will compare.
Morocco is a sunny destination all year round. The coastal and northern regions experience temperatures similar to those in the Mediterranean, with summers of around 30 degrees celsius. Spring and autumn are warm, which makes them the perfect time to visit if you want to enjoy all-day cycling. The winter months, from November to March, are the rainiest, but temperatures generally stay mild at around 20 degrees celsius.
Moroccan terrain is extremely varied, ranging from glistening blue coastline in the north to scorching desert in the south. Once inland, the terrain becomes quite hilly and even mountainous, famously home to the spectacular High Atlas Mountains. In the dryer seasons, roads can get quite dusty, especially if riding gravel, so be sure to pack a face covering in case you find yourself in the middle or back of the peloton!
Moroccan culture is a real melting pot of peoples, languages and traditions. It is home to a blend of ethnic tradition and religion, reflecting the Berber, African, Arabs, and Jewish influence. As with many areas of the world that have been invaded over the centuries, this amalgamation of influences has made for a rich and diverse variety of food, language, customs and religions. Although cuisine differs from region to region, the food in Morocco is generally composed of hot, complex dishes filled with spices including cumin, oregano, caraway, and mint. Dishes also generally feature some kind of meat, such as lamb and beef, as well as cous-cous made from semolina.
Our route today will take us south from Ait Ourir to Telouet. We’ll have the chance to meet local farmers and shepherds in Tassourte, enjoy traditional mint tea in the Zat Valley, and climb the impressive Tizi n’Tichka pass, which translates from Berber into something like “difficult mountain pasture”. Once in Telouet, we will also have the opportunity to visit the Kasbah du Pacha, a magical hilltop palace (now abandoned).
Any questions about flights and transfers? The Epico team is here for you. Ping us via the chatbot in the corner of your page or send an email to [email protected]
Fly in airport options: Marrakesh Menara Airport
When best to arrive: The morning of day 1 of the tour.
Where the tour starts: Marrakesh
Transfers: Transfers from the airport on the day 1 are not included in the price of the tour. You will need to arrive in time to meet at 12 noon on day 1.
Fly out airport options: Marrakesh Menara Airport
When best to depart: In the afternoon on the last day of the tour
Where the tour ends: Marrakesh
Transfers: On the last day a group transfer will depart from Marrakesh city centre to arrive at the airport at 10 am. This will be suitable for departing flights after 12 noon.
6 nights in traditional guesthouses with air conditioning. One night will be spent sleeping out under the stars.
All meals are included on this tour so you can be assured that you will be adequately fuelled for everyday of riding.
Your luggage will be transferred to our next location as you ride, so you only need to pack a day bag for your essentials.
A return trip transfer to the airport on day 7 is included in the price of the tour. It will arrive at the airport around 10 am, which is ideal for flights departing after 12 noon.
You'll be fuelled from start to finish with the on ride nutrition and snacks provided during the day.
Throughout the tour you will have experienced guides riding with you as well as have a mechanic on standby for any necessary work needed.
Flights are not included in the tour package. We have suggested which flights and airports are best suited for this tour but should you have any doubts or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
We strongly recommend that you obtain a dedicated health insurance that covers your sports activities. Reach out to us if you have questions about the insurance.
Transfers on day 1 from Marrakesh airport to the city centre are not included in the price of this tour.
This tour is suitable for gravel bikes. The is a good mix of road & gravel roads and will best suit bikes with a good range of gears and at least 40mm wide gravel tyres. The tour features some technical sections as well as fast road sections so you do need to be adequately prepared.
We recommend travelling with your own bike – remember to treat your bike to a full service ahead of the tour. You don’t want to have any issues on arrival. For tips on the best ways to do this, read our guide, “How to Travel with your Bike”.
Bike rental is not currently available for this tour. However, if you are interested in renting a bike from us, please ask for more information when you book as circumstances may have changed.
Ask us about adding additional nights in Marrakesh if you’d like to spend some more time in the city.
We can arrange alternative transfers to best suit your flight times & travel plans on request.
Don't see the travel dates you want or have a special request, such as adding a non-rider, please contact us.