Atlas to Atlantic bike tour 10 Days

Overview

During these amazing seven days road biking tour you will discover the « three worlds »: the high Atlas with its deep valleys, the oases of the Anti-Atlas and the wild shores of the Atlantic!

This spectacular route follows smooth tarmac 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.

After all the riding we will receive a warm welcome from a range of great hotels including a traditional riad.

A biking tour in Morocco is a human experience where you will immerse in an amazing culture and witness the legendary Moroccan hospitality.
  • 10 Days
  • Age 15+
  • Group size: 6 Min – 16 Max

Technical sheet

Departure: Marrakech, Morocco
Arrival: Marrakech, Morocco
Meals : Meals are prepared and served by a Moroccan cook who does wonders.
Included:
  • All breakfasts, 6 dinners
  • Full board on bike tour with mineral water
  • All transport and listed activities
  • Tour leader throughout
  • All accommodation
  • Arrival & departure transfers
  • Local bike hire
  • Minibus assistance on the whole road bike trip
Excluded:
  • Minibus assistance on the whole road bike trip
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas or vaccinations
  • Lunch and diners in Marrakech /Essaouira city
  • Soft /alcoholic drinks
  • Additional night at the beginning or end of trip
  • Tips
  • Personal purchases

Tour Plan

Highlights

« Ancient city of Marrakech with its intriguing souks and palaces
« The stunning scenery of the Atlas Mountains
« Ride from the Atlas Mountains to the coast
« Tafraout and the amazing Anti-atlas roads
« Conquer challenging climbs and exciting descents
« The wild coast of the Atlantic
« The amazing city of Essaouira

01

Day 1: Transfer from the airport to your hotel.

Transfer from the airport to your Riad in Medina, Spend the night in the cool calm in one of our beautiful Partner Riads. We will enjoy a lovely prepared dinner and will take the time to get to know each other, share our expectations and wishes for the upcoming days.

02

Day 2: Marrakech – Oued N’fiss

In our support vehicles we head south to the Atlas Mountains. After 1 hour drive, we prepare our bikes and start pedaling on a flat section before attacking a good climb leading us to high pass with a superb view on the western High Atlas Summits. We continue our ride along the beautiful N’fiss valley.

    • Transfer by road: 35km / Biking distance: 86km / altitude gain, loss: +1660 m, -1225m /Max Altitude: 1330, Min Altitude: 640m
03

Day 3: Oued N’fiss – Ouled Berhil

Following the N’fiss valley our road snakes up to one of the highest roads in morocco . The Tizi n’Test from the dramatic Tizi n'Test Pass (2100m). 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, wonderful food and a relaxing evening at our beautiful Riad.

    • Biking distance: 85km / Altitude gain, loss: +1070 m, -1700m / Max Altitude: 2100m, Min altitude: 540m
04

Day 4: Cycle towards Tafraoute in Anti Atlas Mountains.

We have a morning transfer into the Anti Atlas Mountains and the real southern Morocco, much of it semi-desert and a complete contrast to the fertile Sousse Valley. We travel through argan country trying to spot the incredible tree climbing goats which are famously found here. The last section of the ride is another wonderful descent of about 12km through the most dramatic scenery to Tafraoute. Overnight in town in a small hotel in Tafraout.

    • Biking distance: 100km / Altitude gain, loss: +1980m, -1860m / Max altitude: 1600m, Min Altitude :890m
05

Day 5 : Explore Tafraout

Aspectacular day biking through amazing canyons with lush and intensely cultivated terraces .An amazing contrast between the overwhelming rocky cliffs and the bottomvalleys where every inch is farmed . Overnight in town in a small hotel in Tafraout.

    • Biking distance :100km / Altitude gain, loss: +1980m, -1890 /Max Altitude: 1600m, Min Altitude :890m
06

Day 6: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. Overnight in hotel in Agadir city.

    • Biking distance :98km / Altitude gain, loss: +1950m, -2325m / Transfer by road: 70 km
07

Day 7: 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 Berber tribe, Imouzzer retains a strong cultural identity. Overnight at imouzzer in a small lodge with a nice view.

    • Biking distance: 54km: Altitude gain, loss: +1680m, -640m / Max Altitude: 1600m, Min Altitude :110 m
08

Day 8 : Cycle through traditional villages and palmaris to Essaouira.

We start cycling 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 take our minibus for a short drive to Essaouira, an authentic city where you will have time to explore the souks and, traditional port and A final treat would be to go for a hammam, a traditional Moroccan steam bath… perhaps you will have a fresh fish for dinner with Gnaoua music. overnight in a traditional Riad hotel.

    • Biking distance: 70 km / Altitude gain, loss: +900m, -2030m /Max Altitude :1110 m, Min Altitude :10m Transfer by road: 96km
09

Day 9: 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 cafés overlooking the Djemma El Fna Square, or perhaps take a calèche (a bright green 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 in the grounds. A visit to Djemma el Fna Square this evening is the ultimate reward for our week's cycling - with snake charmers, story tellers, smoky food stalls and souks, there is no other way to experience the exciting atmosphere of Marrakech. And make the most of your final night with your tour leader,in the highlight of Red city , the main squre Jamaa El Fna for dinner and entertaining . Overnight in a beautiful Riad in medina.

010

DAY 10 : Marrakech Airport

The trip ends after breakfast. Those on the group flights will be taken to the airport in time for their flight home.

Explore Marrakech if you have time before your flight. The best places to get a view over the square are the La Grand Balcon du Cafe Glacier or Cafe de France. You have to buy a drink, but at MAD 20 it's worth it for a great view.

Majorelle Gardens, or Le Jardin Secret make a great escape from the bustling city, and offer a chance to discover its gardens and buildings, which are outstanding examples of Islamic art and architecture.

A top tip for great food would be the Moroccan roast lamb, found at Chez Lamine just off the Djemaa el Fna square. Made famous by Jamie Oliver's visit, it remains the best place to try this speciality. Go between 12noon and 3pm or you'll miss it.

If you're craving a cold beer or a glass of wine, make your way to La Salama, again just off the Djemaa el Fna square. You can enjoy the beautiful interior and lively atmosphere.

Taxis can be found easily around the Djemaa el Fna square, to take you back to your hotel in the new city.

Photos Gallery