Morocco Road Cycle - A country for the Adventure Cyclist. An unspoilt land of amazing contrasts, magnificent mountains, forests, oasis, and desert landscapes.
Join us for an unforgettable journey and ride the high passes, valleys, and gorges of the Anti Atlas Mountains.
TOUR SUMMARY
We visit the Imperial city of Marrakech and ride through the country side and the villages of the Anti Atlas Mountains to witness the Berber way of life unchanged for centuries. The people are friendly and courteous and have a tradition of welcoming travelers.
A unique journey designed to incorporate the best cycling roads and scenery in Morocco.
A route designed by John Fulton (Director, Wildcat Adventures) from experience gained over 35 years leading Adventure Tours throughout Morocco.
Our land rover & minibus support and relaxed holiday schedule allows ample time to explore the area and the fascinating Berber way of life.
Our tour has been fully researched and personally ridden by John & Brigitte - as with all our tours, it is run & supported by Wildcat Adventures and led by John & Brigitte.
Highlights
Highlights
Our tour Starts in the Imperial City of Marrakech and Ends on the Atlantic Coast in Agadir.
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Imperial City of Marrakech
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the famous Djemma El Fna square
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High Mountain Passes of the Anti Atlas Mountains
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Ancient Kasbahs and Agadirs (fortified grain storage)
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Berber Markets
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Incredible remote scenery of the Anti Atlas mountains
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Hidden Berber villages high in the remote valleys of the Anti Atlas Mountains
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Vibrant fortified town of Essaouira on the Atlantic Coast
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Ride through Paradise Valley - a palm lined gorge
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Fortified old French Garrison town of Tiznit
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Ancient Jewish village set high in the Anti Atlas Mountains
- Excellent freshly prepared food in the traditional Moroccan way
Itinerary
Itinerary
DAY 1 - Fly to Marrakech
Tour meeting point Marrakech airport.
Arrive in Marrakech. John & Brigitte (your Wildcat Adventures Guides) will meet you at the airport and transfer you and your bikes to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, you have the opportunity to explore or just relax after your international flight.
There will be plenty of time tomorrow to build your bike.
We spend the next two nights in a centrally-located hotel.
Overnight in 4 star hotel with pool.
Dinner included.
DAY 2 - Sightseeing in Marrakech
A half day of discovery awaits as we immerse ourselves in the sights, sounds and smells of this exotic ochre-coloured city.
Highlights include a visit to the opulent Saadian Tombs. These tombs were started in the late 1500s by the sultan Ahmed al-Mansour and offering some of the finest examples of Moroccan decorative art.
We visit the Jardin Majorelle - exquisite gardens originally laid out by the French painter Jacques Majorelle and now owned by Yves Saint- Laurent.
We spend time in the famous Marrakech medina (old quarter) where shopping opportunities abound at the various souks (markets). Crafts are available at reasonable prices for those willing to bargain. We marvel at the exterior of the famous Koutoubia Mosque - a beautiful example of Moroccan-Andalusian architecture, its imposing minaret is visible for miles in all directions.
We take the afternoon to build our bikes and relax by the pool.
Finally, no visit to Marrakech would be complete without an evening stroll through the Djemaa el-Fna, a huge square in the old part of town that comes to life every night with acrobats, jugglers, snake charmers and story tellers.
Overnight in 4 star hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
DAY 3 - Marrakech – Essaouira
A short transfer out of Marrakech in our private minibus.
In the quiet country side we unload our bikes and enjoy a fantastic undulating ride into the foothills of the Anti Atlas Mountains.
We finish our day in Essaouira, an old Portuguese fortified town on the Atlantic coast.
Overnight in 3 star hotel with pool.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
Distance: 40 miles (64 kms)
DAY 4 - Sightseeing Essaouira (Optional Coastal Ride)
Enjoy the beach, markets, white painted houses and alleyways of this relaxing, colourful little town.
Essaouira is famous for its wooden crafts, paintings, musical festivals and wind surfing off the beautiful beach.
Although a small town, Essaouira has a thriving fishing port and boat building area. An opportunity to select your fish from the morning’s catch and have it cooked for you at the stalls near the harbour wall.
Optional coastal ride 20-40 miles (32-64 kms) - guided with vehicle support, snacks and water supplied for those choosing the ride option today.
Overnight in 3 star hotel with swimming pool.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.
DAY 5 - Essaouira - Western Atlas
Today we cover a spectacular section of the Western Atlas.
We cycle south down the spectacular Atlantic coast to our lunch stop (25 miles).
We then transfer in our minibus inland through the foothills of the western Atlas. We unload and continue our cycle through the hilly mountains with a final descent to our mountain retreat near the Cascades d’Immouzzer.
This is an area famous for its vines, apple and olive trees.
Overnight in 4 star hotel with open views to the valleys leading down to the Atlantic Ocean.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
Distance: 40 miles (64 kms)
DAY 6 - Western Atlas - Agadir
Breathtaking ride down Paradise Valley to the coast through a beautiful palm lined gorge.
There is an opportunity to purchase fossils from the various stalls enroute.
To avoid the traffic in the City we transfer the final few miles in our minibus to our hotel in Agadir.
Overnight in 4 star hotel with swimming pool.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
Distance: 40 miles (64 kms)
DAY 7 - Agadir - Tiznit
We take a short transfer out of Agadir in our minibus and ride to Tiznit.
We cycle through the countryside on quiet roads to our lunch spot high above Lake Massa.
Afternoon cycle through the foothills of the Anti-Atlas mountains to Tiznit, an old fortified French garrison town.
Overnight 4 star hotel with swimming pool.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
Distance: 40 miles (64 kms)
DAY 8 - Tiznit Sightseeing (Optional Ride)
Rest day by the pool
Optional Ride between 20-40 miles (32-64 kms). Option to take a lovely ride down to the Atlantic coast - guided with vehicle support, ride snacks and water supplied for those choosing the ride option today.
Overnight 4 star hotel with swimming pool.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
DAY 9 - Tiznit - Anti Atlas Mountains
Ride across the plains and through the valleys to the Anti-Atlas mountains.
Our first big climb - a well graded Climb to Col De Kerdous 3,600 ft.
Overnight in 3 star hotel (converted Kasbah) with pool.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
Distance: 35 miles (56 kms)
DAY 10 - Anti Atlas Mountains - Tafraoute
An undulating ride across high plateau and through picturesque valleys and canyons to Tafraoute.
Enroute we pass through an ancient Jewish village.
Our ride finishes at our hotel set high above the village with spectacular views to the Anti Atlas Mountains
Overnight in 3 star hotel with pool.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
Distance: 30 miles (48 kms)
DAY 11 - Tafraoute Day Ride
Ride along the Ameln Valley amidst spectacular mountain scenery. We take the time to visit a traditional Berber house.
Optional rest day by the pool.
Overnight in 3 star hotel with pool.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
Distance: 30 miles (48 kms)
DAY 12 - Tafraoute Rest & Sightseeing
Visit to weekly market (souk) in Tafraoute.
Walk through small Berber village onto the plateau to the painted rocks. (1 hour walk).
Optional local ride (unguided).
Overnight in 3 star hotel with pool.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
DAY 13 - The Ridges & Gorges of the Anti Atlas Mountains
Climb out of the Ameln Valley to Tizi ‘n Tarakatine (4950 ft.) with extensive views to the High Atlas.
We continue north through a series of valleys and over small ridges to our final 20 mile descent to Ait Baha.
The road runs high above a canyon and our gradual descent offers incredible views to the numerous villages, Kasbahs and terraced fields below.
We take a short transfer into Agadir to avoid the traffic.
Late this afternoon you will have time to pack your bikes for your journey home.
Overnight 4 star hotel with pool.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
Distance: 35 miles (56 kms)
DAY 14 - Transfer to Agadir airport
We bid our farewells until next time - Fly Home.
Breakfast included.
Wildcat Adventures reserves the right to alter the route based on weather & road conditions, and fitness & skills of the group
Accommodation
Accommodation
Accommodation on our tour is a combination of 3 & 4 star Hotels and Traditional Kasbahs. All serve excellent food.
Most accommodation have a pool.
All rooms are spacious and are ensuite (with shower & toilet).
Included
OUR TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:
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Transfer from Marrakech airport at the start of the tour
- Transfer to Agadir airport at the end of the tour
- Vehicle supported to carry luggage, tools, spares, water, snacks, medical kit
- 13 nights in excellent hotels and traditional kasbahs
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All Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners
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Ride Snacks & bottled water during your rides
- All tips to waiters, sightseeing guides, support drivers
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Detailed Itinerary
- Scheduled sightseeing entrance fees and guides
- Tour package
- Tour group supported by vehicle(s) to carry luggage, tools, spares, water, & snacks
- Fully guided by John & Brigitte - qualified Cycle & Mountain Bike Leaders (SMBLA) with a combined experience of over 50 years!
Support Crew
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John & Brigitte (qualified Cycle & Mountain Bike Leaders) on their bikes to accompany & support the group
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Minibus(es) for transfers
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Support vehicle(s) to carry luggage, tools, spares, water, snacks, medical kit
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Support vehicle(s) are fitted with special racks for transporting bikes
- Support driver(s) - Local & experienced driver
Exclusions: flights, optional excursions & sightseeing trips outwith itinerary, items of personal nature, all beverages except bottled water during your ride, travel insurance, costs associated with recovery or injury to yourself, visas if required, taxis, costs associated with late arrivals/catching up with the tour group
FAQ
FAQs
What is a typical day like (BIKING PROFILE)?
This Road Cycle Route is 100% on surfaced (tarmac) roads - we average 40 miles (56 kms) per day.
Scheduled during the early spring & autumn periods to enjoy the warm, sunny days and the cool mountain air.
Our 4X4 support vehicle enables clients to ride and rest as they wish.
What is the TERRAIN like?
Good surfaced roads. We enjoy a wide variety of terrain from flat plains and undulating roads to well graded climbs.
This Route is ideal for Road & Hybrid bikes with 700c wheels or Mountain bikes with skinny tyres.
We recommend a tyre size ranging from 700 x 25c - 700 x 28c.
I am not a fast rider - will I be left behind?
Certainly not! We leave nobody behind and do not put anyone under pressure.
Brigitte and John both ride with the group enabling them to manage the various skill and fitness levels and provide everyone in the group with a challenge suited to their needs.
Wildcat guides have ridden every route in the Anti Atlas mountains and their alternatives - we can provide you with a wide range of routes to suit all abilities.
What are the HIRE BIKES?
Sorry we do not hire bikes in Morocco for our tours. Participants bring their own bikes.
All bikes are transported fully assembled on our purpose built racks.
Is the tour VEHICLE SUPPORTED?
Yes. Our support vehicle carries a range of spares along with a full compliment of tools, including snacks, water, and of course your luggage.
Our 4X4 support vehicle(s) travel at the back of the group and are always on hand if assistance is required.
Note: Our support vehicles are always on hand for participants at any one time wishing to sit out part(s) of the day
Who will I be riding with - PARTICIPANTS?
Our clients normally range from mid twenties to mid fifties. The younger participants are normally full of energy however our older participants tend to have the most stamina!
All of our clients are cyclists who enjoy the wilderness and like to have a good day's ride, followed by some good banter in the evenings over a drink.
We are renowned for having a great time on the ride during the day followed by great after ride socials.
We have riders from all over the world join us on tour. On most of our tours we have riders who have been with us many times before.
John & Brigitte ride with the group.
What is the FOOD like?
Moroccan food is always cooked fresh and offers an excellent variety of meat and vegetarian dishes.
Photos
Morocco - Road Cycle "Marrakech & the Anti Atlas Mountains"
View the embedded image gallery online at:
http://wildcat-adventures.co.uk/cycle-tours/morocco-cycle-tours/morocco-road-cycle-marrakech-the-anti-atlas-mountains#sigProId3b71e6dd01
http://wildcat-adventures.co.uk/cycle-tours/morocco-cycle-tours/morocco-road-cycle-marrakech-the-anti-atlas-mountains#sigProId3b71e6dd01
Reviews
Client Comments
"To you John and Brigitte, thanks for a great tour. Hard to imagine how it could have been any better. You were so caring and so much fun. Looking forward to Scotland with you and those and their friends who indicated they would like to join us. "
Bud & Gail (USA)
"John and Brigitte,
Thank you for a wonderful tour! We probably would not had visited Morocco had you not developed this trip, and what a shame it would have been to have missed such a spectacular country!
We truly enjoyed the sights, sounds, and culture of this fascinating place and we especially appreciate how you ran the tour. We always felt looked after.
Looking forward to touring with you again."
Fran (USA)
"Brigitte and John,
Thank you for the CD..... the photos are great.
I had an unbelievable time, and wouldn't have missed it for the world. Thanks again for the experience. You two performed an amazing job for all of us. I hope our paths cross again"
Bob (USA)
"Dear John & Brigitte,
Jean and I want to thank both of you for making our trip to Morocco so enjoyable. You were attentive to making us comfortable at all stages.
We didn't need to ask for help - you were there to provide it - even when we didn't know we needed it - and especially for our needy bikes.
You also were friendly throughout, with us and the group (and full of good stories). This takes patience and talent.
Thank you. Keep in touch for future trips.'
Richard & Jean (USA)
"I just wanted to extend an extra 'thanks' for such a fantastic vacation. We really couldn't think of a better way to spend our 5th Anniversary. We're already anticipating a trip to Scotland and will be sure to keep in touch...Once again, thanks for your professionalism and great attitude - it was truly a vacation to remember.!
Bob & Gretchen (USA)
