Into the Sahara
Morocco is one of our oldest friends—the land, in fact, where the idea of a B&R expedition was born. We saw a foreign, exotic, stunning country beautifully suited to our penchant for pedaling and knew we absolutely had to introduce B&R travellers to it. And despite its convenient proximity to Europe, we knew our travellers may very well only come once. With that in mind, we give you the best of Morocco: magical Marrakech, Berber villages, stunning oases, fabulous food, a Kasbah hotel, the High Atlas Mountains and an absolutely unforgettable stay in the magical city of Essaouira in a riad.
Bistro trips offer more independence (more meals on your own), and the hotels are likely to be stylish 4-stars instead of off-the-chart. But the heart of every one is exactly the same as our marquee trips— incredible scenery, events, insider access and B&R guides. Find out more about our Bistro trips »
Trip Details
Easygoing to Moderate
Marrakech to Marrakech
6 Days / 5 Nights
Price per person from: $3,995
Single supplement: $700
See departure dates for exact pricing
Choose a Date
Day by Day
Depart on a modern-day caravan towards the High Atlas Mountains and the hidden Ourika Valley. Relax at the exquisite Kasbah Bab Ourika hotel for the afternoon.
Walk to the tiny and remote Berber villages of Timalizen, Tamsoult and Tagadirt and get a real glimpse of daily mountain life in the Ourika Valley.
Head for the coast and the whitewashed port town of Essaouira to explore its 18thC seafront ramparts with a local guide. Enjoy a picnic on the sand dunes with incredible views of the Atlantic.
Follow the terrain towards the Atlantic Coast and the surfer’s village of Moulay-Bouzerktoum to explore and enjoy a delicious lunch in a local café.
Explore the magical "Red City" of Marrakech and ancient Medina after a camel ride to the hidden oasis of “La Pause” and dinner at the prestigious Moroccan restaurant of La Maison Arabe.
Visit the Médersa Ben Youssef, an ancient 16th century Coranic University and a jewel of the Arabo-Andalous architecture with a local guide before sharing one last lunch together in the privately owned Ryad Kniza.
Hotels
Kasbah Bab Ourika, Ourika Valley
With 360-degree panoramic views of the Ourika Valley and the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, the Bab Ourika receives warm sunlight all day, ending in spectacular sunsets. From its unique eyrie-like position, it offers a bird’s-eye view of the Atlas range, traditional Berber villages and the lush river valley below. Constructed principally from rammed earth, the traditional Berber building technique, it seems almost to have grown out of the rocks beneath. View hotel website »
Riad Dar L’Oussia, Essaouira
Perfectly located just inside the city gates, Riad Dar Loussia in Essaouira is a former palace that has been tastefully restored with nods to Portuguese, African and Asian influences. The calm and peaceful interior is matched by a rooftop terrace, complete with pool and views across the port. View hotel website »
Les Jardins de La Koutoubia, Marrakech
This property is ideally situated directly across from the 12thC mosque of La Koutoubia and is literally one minute away from the UNESCO protected Jemma El Fna Square. It was built by craftsmen and local artists who worked years to infuse this property with all the authenticity and luxury Morocco could offer. Your biggest dilemma will be whether to wander into the souks or lounge poolside with a long, cool drink. View hotel website »
Activity Level
Easygoing to Moderate
This trip is rated Easygoing to Moderate. Daily biking distances usually vary from 20 to 50 km (12 to 30 mi.), with options on some days as far as 62 km (40 mi.). The terrain is generally flat, with a few hills along the way when we’re closer to the High Atlas Mountains. The difficulty of the ride often depends on which way the wind is blowing. The walking routes are mostly flat, except for our day in the Atlas Mountains.
Gear
The Bikes
You can't enjoy a great biking trip without a really great bike. On this trip, you'll be riding customized Rocky Mountain Hybrid Bikes. Click here for a detailed description. We also equip you with handlebar bag, helmet and water bottle.
What's Included
- All hotel accommodation
- All breakfasts, all lunches and four dinners, including wine
- Services of B&R guide(s) and drivers
- All special events, private tours, Berber guides, guest experts and entrance fees to historic sights and museums
- Use of a hybrid bicycle, handlebar bag and helmet
- Detailed maps, route suggestions and water bottle
- All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off, including Land Cruisers, coaches and camels
- All baggage transportation
- All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service
At Your Service
We take pride in choosing guides who are not only exceptional travelling companions, but who’ll go far beyond the call of duty to ensure an unforgettable experience.
Accolades
“This was a wonderful trip in terms of learning the culture, customs, and cuisine of Morocco--a fascinating country with a remarkable history. The biking was fun and the hike to the Berber village a special treat.”
— Arthur Selkowitz,
Morocco Biking 2011
Notes from the Road
- In Morocco, Mint Tea Means TimeIn some of the literature we send our travellers, we describe Moroccan mint tea like this: “Mint tea is Morocco’s national beverage and favourite pastime. Steeped in ritual and ceremony, it is always served to a guest when in a …
- Moroccan NightsOf the many enchantments that we unveil over the course of our Morocco Biking trip, none lingers longer in the memory than our night in the Sahara, residing in a private Berber encampment. It is an evening devoted to experiencing this …
- Bicycling Magazine: Insider MoroccoPublished at Bicycling.com | November 22 2012 | By Kim Cross Planning your vacation over a family meal? BICYCLING magazine has some ideas in their “Spin the Globe” story, including B&R’s Morocco Bistro Trip! “Rides are peppered with cultural interlud … …
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