City Tours Sahara: Cycle Morocco

Tour Description:

Explore Medieval Medinas and Cross Mountain Passes on this Cycling Adventure

Experience the diverse landscapes of Morocco in the most immersive way possible on this 14-day cycling tour with City Tours Sahara. From desert sands to snow-topped mountains, red cliff gorges to seaside paths, immerse yourself in a land overflowing with mystery, history, and culture. Pedal through backstreets, stop for tea with nomads, and marvel at the endless diversity of beaches, deserts, forests, mountains, and orchards. Circle the country from Marrakesh to Tangier, Chefchaouen, medieval Fes, the High Atlas Mountains, the Sahara, and the ancient city of Ait Benhaddou.

Tour Highlights:

– Cycling brings you closer to authentic Morocco, whether navigating Marrakech’s backstreets or sharing stories with nomads in the Mgoun Valley.
– Experience the magic of the Sahara Desert as you ride a camel through its dramatic red dunes at sunset, then enjoy a Moroccan feast under the starlit sky at your desert camp.
– Pedal through diverse and captivating terrain, from lively medinas to the Mediterranean Coast and the thrilling hairpins of the Dades Gorge.
– Step into the Middle Ages on a guided walk through the secret shortcuts and twisting alleyways of Fes’ Medina.
– Conclude rewarding days in the saddle with hearty local meals, from the bustling Djemma el-Fna to a traditional goat dinner in the Mgoun Valley.

Itinerary :

Day 1: Marrakech

Welcome to Marrakech! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm – ensure to confirm the time and place at the reception. Following the meeting, enjoy an included welcome dinner at Djemaa el-Fna, surrounded by vibrant local activities. Arriving early? Explore attractions like Dar Si Said Museum or Saadian Tombs, stroll through the Marjorelle Gardens, indulge in a hammam, or take a hot air balloon ride for a unique view of Marrakech.

Accommodation: Not specified (1 night)
Meals: Dinner
Add-on activities:
– Dar Si Said Museum
– Saadian Tombs
– Marjorelle Gardens
– Luxury Spa Hammam & Massage
– Hot Air Balloon Ride

Special information:
– It’s crucial to attend the welcome meeting for insurance details and emergency contact information collection. Notify your travel agent or hotel if you’ll be late.
– No riding distance today.

Day 2: Marrakech

After breakfast, gear up for a cycling tour around Marrakech, starting with a short test ride to ensure everything’s in order. Explore landmarks like Koutoubia Mosque and Marrakech Medina during the approximately 3-hour, 22-kilometer ride. Conclude at Palmeraie for a refreshing afternoon snack of street stall pastry and fresh orange juice. Prepare for an overnight sleeper train journey to Tangier at approximately 9:35 pm.

Accommodation: Overnight Train (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included activities: Cycling Tour of Marrakech

Special information:
– Riding distance: Approximately 22 kilometers/14 miles, mostly flat terrain with minimal elevation gain.
– Basic meals available on the train; recommend dinner in Marrakech before boarding.

Day 3: Tangier

Arrive in Tangier around 6:30 am and check into your hotel. Meet your support crew and vehicle for a scenic 30-kilometer ride to Grottes d’Hercules and Cap Spartel, enjoying picturesque views and a delicious lunch at a local spot. Return to Tangier for a relaxing afternoon, perhaps with mint tea at Salon Bleu overlooking the medina and ocean.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included activities: Cap Spartel Lighthouse

Special information:
– Riding distance: Approximately 31 kilometers/19 miles, undulating with moderate elevation gain.

Day 4: Chefchaouen

Depart Tangier for Azla and start your ride along the coast to Oued Laou, approximately 45 kilometers, enjoying coastal vistas and lunch by the beach. Continue to Chefchaouen, known as the ‘Blue City,’ where you’re free to explore the ancient Medina or relax at a café.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included activities: Chefchaouen Kasbah

Special information:
– Riding distance: Approximately 45 kilometers/28 miles, undulating with moderate elevation gain.

Day 5: Chefchaouen

Enjoy a free day in Chefchaouen, exploring the Grand Mosque, joining a guided tour, hiking in the Rif mountains, or indulging in a relaxing hammam experience.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Add-on activities:
– Hammam (public baths)
– Walking Tour with Local Guide
– Rif Mountains Guided Hike (Half Day)

Special information:
– No riding distance today.

Day 6: Fes

Embark on a scenic drive to Beni Hmed village and then ride through Tabouda to Fes, immersing yourself in the city’s rich history and culture.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Special information:
– Riding distance: Approximately 37 kilometers/23 miles, mostly flat terrain with minimal elevation gain.

Day 7: Fes

Explore the labyrinthine Medina of Fes on foot, discovering its hidden gems and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy free time to further explore or shop at selected locations.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included activities: Guided Walking Tour

Special information:
– No riding distance today.

Day 8: Midelt

Drive into the Middle Atlas Mountains and begin your ride from Dayet Aoua to Timahdte, enjoying scenic views and a lunch stop by Aguelmame Sidi Ali lake. Arrive in Midelt for a relaxing evening.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Special information:
– Riding distance: Approximately 65 kilometers/40 miles, undulating with moderate elevation gain.

Day 9: Merzouga – Desert Camp

Embark on a long drive to Merzouga, then hop on a bike for a downhill ride to Er-rich and a scenic camel safari to the Sahara Desert camp. Enjoy a traditional dinner and stargazing experience.

Accommodation: Desert Camp (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included activities: Camel Safari

Special information:
– Riding distance: Approximately 70 kilometers/44 miles, mostly flat with moderate elevation gain.

Day 10: Todra Gorge

Drive to Tinghir and cycle along the Todgha River to Todra Gorge, exploring the stunning natural landscape and optional walks.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Add-on activities: Todra Gorge Hike

Special information:
– Riding distance: Approximately 15 kilometers/9 miles, gently rising with moderate elevation gain.

Day 11: Dades Gorge – Mountain Gite Stay

Ride through Dades Valley to Bou Tharar, stopping for tea with a local family. Spend the night at a mountain gite and enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner.

Accommodation: Gite (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Special information:
– Riding distance: Approximately 50 kilometers/31 miles, with significant climbing.

Day 12: Ait Benhaddou

Cycle through Mgoun Valley to Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its clay architecture and film history. Enjoy local tea and visit Horizon Association for People with Disabilities.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Add-on activities: Cooking Demonstration & Dinner

Special information:
– Riding distance: Approximately 50 kilometers/31 miles, undulating with moderate elevation gain.

Day 13: Marrakech via Tiz n Tichka

Drive to Tizi n’Tichka Pass and descend into Marrakech, concluding the cycling journey with a celebratory dinner at Djemaa el-Fna.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Special information:
– Riding distance: Approximately 37 kilometers/23 miles, mostly uphill with significant elevation gain.

Day 14: Marrakech

Your cycling adventure ends after