Tour Overview
Using our knowledge of this magical country we have crafted the perfect drop bar cycling trip which winds its way from the bustle of Marrakech, through lush green valleys, over isolated high mountain passes and down long flowing descents all the way to the ocean. If you are after an alternative cycling challenge, then forget about the Alps and Pyrenees and join us in the Atlas Mountains.
- Duration: 8 days
- Destination: Atlas mountains
- Accommodation: Local gites and Berber houses
Tour Details
Transfer to Outghal; bike a long switchback climb before descending to Ijoukak Valley.
After breakfast in Marrakech we have a short transfer away from the busy roads and start cycling in the small town of Outghal. From here we gradually climb through the foot hills of Mount Toubkal before a long descent into the Asni Valley. We follow the river through the valley before arriving at our hotel in Ijoukak.
Day 2
Ride from the hotel over the fantastic Tizi n Test climb (2092m); long descent through the Souss Valley to Oulad Berhil.
Today we continue to follow the river down the Asni Valley before turning on to the challenging climb over the Tizi n Test Col. This is a great climb gaining 1000m of altitude all the way up to the col at 2092m above sea level. The views from the top are amazing, and the descent is even better! Our ride ends in Oulad Berhil where we stay in a traditional riad.
Day 3
Short transfer to Irherm; undulating days ride before a long climb and 20km descent into Tafroute.
In the morning we leave the High Atlas Mountains and transfer over the Souss Plain into the Anti Atlas Mountains. We will start riding from the small town of Igherm, from here it is an undulating days ride which is spent mostly up at around 1600m altitude until we start a fantastic 20km descent down into Tafraoute. Our accommodation tonight is in a fantastic old building with a well-
Day 4
Ride from the hotel; 20km climb over Tizi n Mill before an undulating ride to Ait Baha; transfer to Agadir.
Today’s ride is probably the toughest of the week. We leave our hotel and head straight into the mountains for a fantastic climb over Tizi n Mill. From here we have 50km of undulating and mostly downhill switchback roads all the way to Ait Baha. From Ait Baha we transfer to the seaside town of Agadir where we spend the night. Our hotel is just a short walk from the beach allowing you to go for a swim in the afternoon.
Day 5
A hilly day; ride out of Agadir and through the Paradise Valley before the final climb up to Imouzzer (1000m).
After breakfast we ride directly from our hotel in Agadir, the first 10km of the days ride is on slightly busier roads as we make our way out of the town. Today’s ride is probably the most picturesque of the week, the Paradise Valley is an extremely fertile area and our climb winds its way through dense palm trees all the way up to Imouzzer and an open plateau at 1000m.
Day 6
Ride from the hotel towards the coastal town of Essaouira; lots of ups and downs with spectacular views of the ocean.
For our final day of riding we start with a fantastic long descent from our hotel in Imouzzer. Most of the day will be spent riding through Palm trees and past traditional villages. There are several challenging climbs and plenty of fast descent as we make our way towards the coast. After lunch we will aim for the small village of Assaka, here we load the bikes onto the vehicles and transfer into Essaouira. In Essaouira we stay in a lovely traditional riad just out of the town, in the evening we will walk into town for a large celebratory meal!
Day 7
Transfer to Marrakech; trip ends here.
After breakfast we have some free time to pack up bikes or explore the charming old port town of Essaouira. At around lunchtime we will transfer to Marrakech airport to fly to London. This transfer usually takes 2.5hours. If you are extending your stay to join us on the Atlas Etape, we will be dropped off at our hotel in Marrakech as the rest of the group make their way to the airport. Here you can relax by the pool or take a stroll into Marrakech to explore the old town and markets.
Day 8
Important Information
Included:
- English speaking guide and cook
- Muleteers and mules for luggage
- All the meals during the trek + mineral water, coffee and tea
- Comfortable accommodation
- Excursion with local guide
- Transportation from and to Marrakech
Not included:
- Travel insurance
- Lunches
- Soft drinks
- Tips and personal expanses
