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Cycle Morocco's Great South
Tour Overview
Embark on an exhilarating adventure with the "Cycle Morocco's Great South" tour, a thrilling journey from the majestic Atlas Mountains to the serene beaches of Essaouira. This adventure takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Morocco, offering a unique opportunity to ride along the foothills of Toubkal, North Africa's highest peak, and conquer the dramatic Tizi n’Test Pass, where you'll be rewarded with stunning views over the Sousse Valley. Experience the charm of traditional Moroccan life as you explore the seaside city of Essaouira, staying overnight in a historic riad. The tour concludes in the vibrant city of Marrakech, where you can immerse yourself in the bustling souks and savor the local cuisine. With all breakfasts, six lunches, and six dinners included, along with local bike hire and transfers, this cycling adventure promises an unforgettable journey through Morocco's Great South. ...more ...less
Highlights
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Cycle from the Atlas Mountains to Essaouira beach, experiencing the best of Morocco en route
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Ride along the foothill of Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa
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Conquer the dramatic Tizi n’Test Pass for dramatic views over the Sousse Valley
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Explore the seaside city of Essaouira, staying overnight in a traditional riad
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End the adventure in pulsating Marrakech
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Cycle towards Tafraoute in the Anti Atlas Mountains
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Experience a spectacular ride through the Paradise Valley
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Visit the seaside city of Essaouira and enjoy its relaxed atmosphere and narrow traffic-free streets
Places You'll See
Marrakech
Marrakesh
Marrakesh
Marrakech
Marrakech
Marrakech
Itinerary
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Cycling tours in Morocco Cycling tours Tours in Morocco Adventure tours Walking tours Gardens & Nature tours Cultural tours Sightseeing toursDay 1 : Start Marrakech
Location: Marrakech, Medina of Marrakech
Accommodation Name: Hotel Meriem (or similar)
Once you arrive in Marrakech, we recommend walking or taking a taxi into the old city. Here there is plenty to explore, including the old walled medina where winding alleyways are filled with souks selling everything from street food to pottery and jewellery.
Accommodation: Kennedy Resort or Hotel Tempoo (or similar) ...more ...less
Day 2 : Transfer to Sid Fares; cycle in the foothills of Mount Toubkal to Ijoukak
Location: Marrakech, Mount Toubkal, Asni Valley
Accommodation Name: Auberge Tigmmi n’Tamazirte (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Location: Tizi n'Test Pass, Oulad Berhil
Accommodation Name: Hotel l’Arganier (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Location: Anti Atlas Mountains, Tafraoute, Blue Rocks
Accommodation Name: Hotel les Amandiers (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Location: Tizi M’Lil, Ait Baha Lake, Agadir
Accommodation Name: Oasis Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Location: Paradise Valley, Imouzzer
Accommodation Name: Hotel des Cascades Ecolodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Location: Essaouira
Accommodation Name: Riad al Madina (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Location: Essaouira, Marrakech, Djemma El Fna, Majorelle Gardens
Accommodation Name: Hotel Meriem (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 : End Marrakech
Location: Marrakech, Djemaa el Fna, Marrakech, Majorelle Gardens, Marrakech, Le Jardin Secret, Marrakech
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast, but you can explore Marrakech if you have time before your flight.
For excellent views of Djemaa el Fna, head to La Grand Balcon du Cafe Glacier or Cafe de France. You must buy a drink, but at 20 Moroccan dirham (US$1.85), it's worth it.
Alternatively, Majorelle Gardens, or Le Jardin Secret, makes a great escape from the bustling city, and a chance to discover outstanding examples of Islamic art and architecture.
A top tip for great food would be the Moroccan roast lamb at Chez Lamine just off Djemaa el Fna. Go between midday 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. You can enjoy the beautiful interior and lively atmosphere.
You’ll easily find a taxi around Djemaa el Fna when it’s time to make your return journey home.
What's Included
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All breakfasts, six lunches, six dinners
All breakfasts, six lunches, and six dinners are included in the tour package.
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Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone
Free arrival and departure transfers are provided for all participants.
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Local bike hire
Local bike hire is included in the tour package.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Single accommodation (available on request)
Single accommodation is not included but can be requested at an additional cost.
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E-bike hire
E-bike hire is not included in the tour package.
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Visas or vaccinations
Visas and vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately.
Food
All breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners are included.
Moroccan food is excellent, though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of bread, and jam with tea or coffee. Lunches are a mixture of packed lunches or eating in a local restaurant. They are generally a mixture of bread, pasta, rice, vegetables, cheese, fish, ham and fruit.
Where meals are not included budget for the following approximate prices.
Lunches: 60 to 100 Dirham (US$6-10) Dinners: In cities 80 to 200 Dirham (US$8-19) and in small towns villages 60 – 100 Dirham (US$6-10)
Soft drinks in restaurants : 10 to 20 Dirham (US$1-1.90) Alcohol: Beer 30 to 50 Dirham (US$2.85-5)– Wine 150 Dirham (US$14) and more
Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian couscous, tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more rural sections of the trip. Please note that if you have any special dietary requirements you should inform the Exodus Office prior to the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (e.g. coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some food with you from home.
...more ...less
Accommodation
We stay in hotels, an auberge and two riads during this trip. Apart from the auberge, these are three- and four-star properties (local ratings). Notable stays include Hotel les Amandiers in Tafraoute, Hotel des Cascades Ecolodge in Imouzzer, and Riad Al Madina in Essaouira, offering authentic Moroccan experiences. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
The tour includes free arrival and departure transfers for everyone. Local bike hire is provided, and there are transfers between cycling locations, such as from Marrakech to Sid Fares and from Essaouira to Marrakech, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
During the tour, you will stay in hotels, an auberge, and two riads. The hotels are generally three- and four-star properties based on local ratings. Riads are traditional Moroccan homes, typically located in the old part of the city, offering an authentic Moroccan experience. They are built around a central corridor with windows facing an internal courtyard and often have a rooftop terrace where breakfast is served. ...more ...less
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes all breakfasts, six lunches, and six dinners. Meals are a mix of packed lunches or dining in local restaurants, offering a variety of bread, pasta, rice, vegetables, cheese, fish, ham, and fruit.
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Is local bike hire included in the tour?
Yes, local bike hire is included in the tour package.
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What is the policy on single accommodation during the tour?
Single accommodation is available on request, but it does not apply to the night spent at Auberge Tigmmi on Day 2.
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What kind of views can I expect during the cycling tour?
You can expect dramatic views over the Sousse Valley from the Tizi n’Test Pass, views of the Anti Atlas Mountains, and scenic descents through valleys dotted with palm trees and traditional villages. The tour also includes rides through the Paradise Valley, a narrow gorge lined with palm trees, and views of the surrounding Atlas peaks from the Hotel des Cascades. ...more ...less
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What activities are available in Essaouira during the tour?
In Essaouira, you can explore the old Portuguese fishing port, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, and visit the narrow traffic-free streets of the old town. The beach is also nearby, and you can stay overnight in a traditional riad.
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What is the final destination of the tour?
The tour ends in Marrakech, where you can explore the city, enjoy a freshly squeezed orange juice in rooftop cafes, take a horse-drawn carriage ride to the Majorelle Gardens, or experience a traditional Moroccan steam bath.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Reviews from travellers on this tour
Hard cycling - stunning landscapes!!
Leaving the frozen cars at Stansted on Nov 5th it was a delight to arrive in Marrakech where the sun shone and the temperature was a delicious 28 degrees!!!! Apart from one day in Marrakech (which is probably enough!) this really was a full on cycling trip. We were either going up (for many miles) or down (often cold). The snack stops and picnic lunches were warmly welcomed and usually somewhere lovely. Every day the landscape was different - I expected lots of scrubby desert so was pleasantly surprised. Essaouira was particularly lovely - walk through the streets after dinner and enjoy the local hustle and bustle. ...more ...less
Cycling
Good trip
Challenging but great
Abdo and his team were wonderful guides to the Atlas and Anti Atlas Mountains as well as the coastal areas that we visited. They provided tasty and healthful snacks and lunches, were encouraging and supportive during some pretty challenging cycling and generally took good care of us. ...more ...less
Trip of a lifetime.
An excellent trip, demanding climbs followed by exhilerating descents coupled with stunning scenery all around.
Great way to see Morocco
We started out with a great leader in the person of Reese who though only 25 we soon learned had literally biked around the world once. Service was great, two terrific van drivers, great snacks laid out at breaks and lunch everyone with a folding stool before a table spread with good food. Throughly enjoyed the group as the only American in a group of 14 from the UK, Denmark and Canada. Though we were delayed and rerouted on day one by flash floods and landslides our leader Reese adapted and soon had us back on course. Fantastic scenery, rural villages, friendly people even when we didn't speak the same language. I've tried several bike tour companies over the past few years but find Exodus beats them all. ...more ...less
A tough but exciting adventure
I have hesitated about writing a review this time as I was one of the slower riders but as someone who reads them I think it can help sometimes. So here goes. This was a very tough cycling trip for me. Having said that.....I'm glad I did it. It was certainly a case of either cycling up a mountain or down one. Only a few miles was flat. The climbs went up and up and up and up and up. Hours at a time. In most cases the gradient wasn't too bad most of the time but it was a long slog to get to the top......with many false summits on the way which really take some doing to overcome and carry on. The descents of the other side were fantastic. I loved them. Down and down and down and down forever. Great speed. Great thrill. I am relatively fit and active for my age and do many sports but this cycling was hard. I am not a club cyclist. Obviously those who do ride more seriously climbed the hills better and got to the top a good 20/30 minutes before me.........but I did manage to cycle the whole trip and am very proud of my achievement. The mini bus was always available for those who did not always want to cycle. We were well looked after and I never felt at risk at all. I wasn't too keen on my bike !! Not as good as my last Exodus Cycling Holiday. Trouble was none of them had any front suspension and we did go over some very rough terrain and some very long descents. Very surprising not to have this feature in this day and age. Personally I felt it appropriate to dress modestly but not necessary to the extreme. Shorts seemed fine with many of the ladies wearing their lycra shorts. T.shirts with sleeves (long or short) were the most common tops. In the evening I found a long dress very comfy but a very casual one, nothing fancy. Or leggings or loose trousers. I wore a jacket one morning when we started off with a long downhill otherwise I was never cold. The hotels varied quite a bit from concrete beds in one mountain auberge to a suite with huge comfy beds and loads of hot water in others.............with everything in between including some very nice traditional old rhiads. I loved it all being different and enjoyed all the experiences. Some of the hotels had swimming pools and we did manage some swims but often the long cycling days meant we didn't always have much time in the evenings........plus in my case I was very tired (ha ha). Alcohol was not always available. We were delighted on the few occasions it was and the guides did their best to find us some at other times. It's just nice at the end of a long hard day !! Food was good. There wasn't anything I didn't like. However, I have "suggested" to Exodus that at least eggs are needed for breakfast with such huge rides to cope with. We did have eggs every morning except for two when it was just bread and jams. Very nice but just not substantial enough. Being on the move means that washing clothes through is pretty much impossible although some people did manage. Getting them dry is the difficulty. Take toiletries as they are not always provided. Make sure you fill your water bottle again at the end of the day so you have drinking water for the night and for cleaning teeth etc. Most hotels do not provide water in your rooms and it cannot always be bought. Nobody got ill that I know of but it's only sensible to be careful. No ice, ice cream, salad washed in suspect water etc. Usual stuff. The mountains catch the sunlight beautifully. They ouse power. The landscape is rock and sand but it still has great appeal. We had a super group of people from various countries. It worked well. I recommend the trip if you want a challenge because it is certainly that. If you are prepared you will be fine. Enjoy !! ...more ...less
Morocco's Great South
This was the most exciting adventure which everyone enjoyed whether seriously fit cyclists or more leisurely cruisers like myself. We experienced the beauty & drama of the countryside with the everyday life of Morocco in towns & villages. It was truly an exceptional experience, educational & fun. ...more ...less
CYCLE MOROCCO'S GREAT SOUTH
A great group of cyclists...very close knit and very focussed on having good cycling fun as well as safety with an excellent, enthusiastic and passionate tour leader assisted by a lead rider and a cooperative team of drivers
Cycle Morocco's Great South
Beautiful Atlas mountain scenary. Hard cycling ascents rewarded with exhilarating descents. Comfortable Riads. Tajine. Tajine. Tajine. Beer.
CYCLE MOROCCO'S GREAT SOUTH
First time to Morocco and what a fabulous way to expeirence this beautiful country. The Mountains (Atlas and anit-Atlas) are breathtaking in more ways that one and it was a real treat to be able to ride up them and down them for a week! A really tough ride for me personally - so many relentless climbs but great to get really fit to prepare for it ...more ...less
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Saturday - Sunday
Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025Operator discount: -$103 (USD)
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Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025Operator discount: -$148 (USD)
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Cycle Morocco's Great South
9 Days Starting and ending in Marrakech, Morocco
Visiting: Marrakech, Medina of Marrakech, Mount Toubkal, Asni Valley, Tizi n'Test Pass, Oulad Berhil, Anti Atlas Mountains, Tafraoute, Blue Rocks, Tizi M’Lil, Ait Baha Lake, Agadir, Paradise Valley, Imouzzer, Essaouira, Djemma El Fna, Majorelle Gardens, Djemaa el Fna, Marrakech, Majorelle Gardens, Marrakech, Le Jardin Secret Marrakech ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MMI
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
5 - 16
Physical rating:
Challenging
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
NB: Prices correct on 20-Mar-2025 but subject to change.
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