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Cycling Morocco from Atlas to Atlantic

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Day 1: Meet in Marrakesh

Welcome to Marrakesh, the 'Pearl of Southern Morocco'! The best way to experience this spirited city is to get lost in the labyrinthine alleys of the medina — the UNESCO World Heritage-listed heart of the city, brimming with life. Wander through spice markets, leather workshops, and endless rows of red-clay shophouses where you'll find just about everything under the Moroccan sun. Don't miss Jemaa el-Fnaa, the city's bustling main square, or explore the elegant Moroccan architecture of the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the Saadian Tombs. We meet at our tour hotel in the late afternoon for a trip briefing and welcome dinner. Please let us know if you require assistance with airport transfers and pre-tour hotel bookings.

Riad
Dinner

Day 2: Marrakesh → Telouet → Ouarzazate

We depart from Marrakesh and drive about 3.5 hours over the High Atlas Mountains, a rugged range of craggy, weathered peaks that cuts across central Morocco. By noon, we reach the village of Telouet, where we have lunch and saddle up for our inaugural ride. Today’s route trends downhill overall, though with enough upward bursts to give our legs a good warm-up! The first 45 km are paved, taking us through the Ounila Valley, where lush olive and date groves are dotted along the river, framed by red-hued bluffs and mudbrick Berber villages. A major highlight is gliding past the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Benhaddou, a centuries-old Silk Route citadel known for its mudbrick kasbahs (fortresses) and narrow alleyways clinging to a steep hillside. This dramatic backdrop has featured in major productions like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. From here, we say goodbye to tarmac and spend around 25 km on gravel tracks radiating across the rocky, pre-Saharan steppe before a final dash on city streets into Ouarzazate — the "Hollywood of Morocco".

Hotel Karam Palace
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 76km
+639m
-1317m

Day 3: Ouarzazate → Tazenakht

Get ready for a tough yet rewarding day in the saddle as we head south on a long stretch of Moroccan backcountry tarmac, rising and falling with the contours of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. This ancient, long-extinct volcanic range has been crumbling for hundreds of millions of years, creating the desolate, rock-strewn hillscape we ride through today. Yet the region is also dissected by life-sustaining ribbons of green, such as the beautiful Fint Oasis at the 20 km mark — a hidden canyon where dates, pomegranates, almonds, and figs are grown. The climbs today are consistent but they aren’t overly long, usually ranging between 2–5 km and rarely exceeding a 5% gradient, making for a manageable effort on fresh legs! We call it a day when we reach Tazenakht, a small Berber town known for its high-quality carpets where the tallest building is, of course, the mosque. Some mint tea will be waiting at our simple, yet cosy upcountry hotel for the night.

Hotel Bab Sahara
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 79km
+1206m
-933m

Day 4: Tazenakht → Taliouine

Continuing our traverse through the Anti-Atlas, today’s route is entirely paved along a national road. We begin with a relatively flat 20 km zip across the arid, high plateau before settling in for an uphill-trending 30 km, tackling a series of low-gradient climbs that lead to the top of the Tizi n'Taghatine Pass at nearly 1,900 metres ASL. From here, it is a long, sweeping descent that transitions from windswept, craggy massifs and stone-littered slopes to the fertile valleys surrounding Taliouine. This region is the heartland of North African saffron cultivation, one of the world’s most highly priced spices due to the fact that it is hand-picked and only harvested once a year. In late October or early November, the purple blooms of the saffron-bearing crocus flowers carpeting the fields make for a beautiful backdrop. Regardless of the season, saffron is vital to the economy of Taliouine year-round and, after reaching our hotel in the afternoon, you can head to a nearby local cooperative to learn all about and sample products made from Morocco’s “red gold”.

Auberge Restaurant le Safran
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 82km
+823m
-1199m

Day 5: Taliouine → Oulad Berhil

Today we put our legs to the test on a 110 km feat of endurance, riding out of the Anti-Atlas and into the Souss Plain on minor provincial roads in various states of repair. From Taliouine, we head west along a seasonal river lined by almond trees before dipping south and rising back into the rugged hills. It is a gradual ascent, culminating in a more challenging finish as we reach our high point at the 45 km mark. From here, it is a glorious downhill taking us into the vast plain that spreads below the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas to the north. By around the 70 km mark, the terrain flattens as we reach the Souss Plain – one of Morocco’s most productive agricultural regions, filled with citrus estates and olive groves. We will also begin to see the twisting canopies of argan trees, a species endemic to southwestern Morocco which produces a valuable oil used in both cuisine and cosmetics. And finally, we reach the town of Oulad Berhil, where we unwind with elevated comforts at a well-regarded riad.

Riad Hida
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 110km
+837m
-1352m

Day 6: Oulad Berhil → Taroudant

In the morning we depart Oulad Berhil and climb into the lower reaches of the High Atlas foothills. The rocky slopes are dotted with argan trees where we may spot tree-climbing goats cheekily munching on fruit in the canopies. After around 20 km, we turn downhill through a river valley leading us back into the Souss Plain. Here we switch to gravel tracks and dive deep into the agrarian soul of the region, weaving past orange plantations, grids of wheat, barley, and alfalfa, and the small Berber villages that tend to them. At 50 km we’re back on tarmac for the final run to Taroudant, a historic city enclosed by massive ramparts built by the Saadian sultans in the 16th century. We enter the city through a monumental gate in the north and cruise through the medina’s dense cluster of neighbourhoods and vibrant souks. We exit again through a southern gate to complete the final distance to our riad on the outskirts of town.

Dar Zitoune
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 69km
+462m
-747m

Day 7: Taroudant → Bigoudine → Imouzer

We begin with a 1.5-hour vehicle transfer to clear the highway and reach the western edge of the High Atlas. Today’s distance is a compact 39 km, but it packs in some of the most challenging climbing of the tour. From the commune of Bigoudine, we settle into a steady 14 km ascent at a 7% average gradient, winding through a prehistoric landscape of gnarled argan forest and jagged limestone peaks. After a well-earned break at the summit, we enjoy a short dip into the village of Tikki before a final 6 km stretch at a gentler 3–4%. The day’s highlight is a sweeping 13 km descent into the highland oasis of Imouzzer where we saddle-off and relax at a delightful hotel overlooking a lush valley filled with towering date palms. If you’ve got some energy left in your legs, you can do a short hike over to the Imouzzer waterfall which, though it only cascades in the winter and early spring, remains a spectacular site of naturally carved limestone pools.

Hotel des Cascades
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 39km
+1182m
-691m

Day 8: Imouzer → Imsouane

Our ride begins with a twisty 18 km descent through the foothills of the western High Atlas Mountains. Beginning from just above 1,000 metres ASL we witness the lush valleys of Imouzzer transition into shrublands dotted with argan trees. Once we’ve dropped to around 500 metres ASL, we take on two back-to-back climbs that lead us to the sturdy dam walls of the Moulay Abdellah Reservoir at the 45 km point. The rest of the ride undulates gently towards the coast, culminating in a spectacular cliffside descent that reveals the wave-battered coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. Arriving into the small beach town of Imsouane brings us to sea level, completing our grand transition from Morocco’s mountains to the coast. Imsouane is most popular for surfers but it’s also a very welcoming home for cyclists, with laid-back vibes, and a peaceful shoreline framed by sand dunes and bluffs. Oh, and the fresh local seafood isn’t too bad either.

Auberge Imsouane Parc
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 76km
+1023m
-2157m

Day 9: Imsouane → Sidi Kaouki

It’s time for the home stretch! Our final ride traverses the ruggedly beautiful scenery of Morocco’s Atlantic coast far away from the busy highway. Leaving Imsouane, we climb out of the bay and hug the coast for much of the first 35 km, cycling on coarse tarmac and gravel roads etched into the jagged escarpments. After descending to the sandy beach of Tafedna we head back inland, rising 10 km into a rolling terrain of red-hued soil and shrublands before a final, downhill-trending push back to the sea. By 65 km we’re back in view of the Atlantic and follow the dunes to Sidi Kaouki, a small village along a large natural beach where we end our ride. Dip your feet in the sand, watch the sunset, and listen to the crashing waves.

La Maison des Vagues
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 77km
+1122m
-1141m

Day 10: Sidi Kaouki → Essaouira → Marrakesh

Before the final farewells, we spend the morning in Essaouira, the “Windy City of Africa”. A 30-minute drive up the coast from Sidi Kaouki brings us to the historic port, where we’ll wander past iconic blue fishing boats and scale the sea-battered ramparts. We’ll weave through the white and blue medina before gathering for a celebratory farewell lunch. Afterward, it’s a three-hour drive back to Marrakesh for drop-offs at the airport or your post-tour hotel. If you are flying out today, please ensure your departure is after 20:00 (8:00 PM). Of course, if you aren't ready to leave the Atlantic breeze behind, you can always extend your stay in Essaouira.

Breakfast, Lunch

Disclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.

Cycling Morocco from Atlas to Atlantic
Tour CodeMAR-MRB
10Days
9Nights
DestinationsMorocco
Tour MeetsMarrakesh, Morocco
Tour EndsMarrakesh, Morocco
Fly in toMarrakesh Menara Airport (RAK)
Fly out ofMarrakesh Menara Airport (RAK)
Group Sizen/a
Minimum Age18 (on scheduled departures)

Activity Profile

8Cycling days
608kmTotal cycling distance
76kmAvg distance / day
912mAvg climbing / day

Pricing

PriceOn request
Bike HireN/A
Single SupplementN/A

What's Included

  • SpiceRoads jersey
  • Water bottle
  • Support vehicle
  • Guide(s)
  • Meals (as indicated)
  • Airport drop off
  • Hotel drop off
  • Accommodation
  • Snacks and drinks

What's Excluded

  • International flights
  • Domestic flights
  • Airport pick up
  • Visa fees
  • Alcohol
  • Tips

Departures

There are no scheduled departures for this trip at the moment. Please contact us to arrange a private departure.

Trip Profile

We ride a total of 605 km over eight back-to-back cycling days. The cycling arena for this tour is located in southcentral and southwestern Morocco, combining the areas of the High Atlas, Anti-Atlas, Souss Plain, and Atlantic Coast. The route is almost entirely point-to-point, with just a 3.5-hour vehicle transfer on day 2 out of Marrakesh to get us to the cycling start point and a 1.5-hour drive out of Taroudant on day 7 to avoid a highway. This is no ordinary road biking tour - it's a long distance, hilly cycling challenge on coarse roads through raw landscapes that rewards grit as much as fitness.

The trip is fully supported, and your guide’s expert knowledge of the area and terrain means that you always know what is coming up in terms of distance and difficulty. This makes a tremendous difference, as does the constant supply of water and refreshments along the way.

Suitability: The tour is suitable for cyclists possessing a good level of physical fitness, as the average distance per day is more than 70 km and the average climb per day is more than 900 m. Throughout all days, the terrain is hilly and changeable, with flat sections and a lot of climbs and descents. Some climbs can be gradual, while others are short but steep. You should be comfortable navigating on uneven and rocky roads for extended periods. There are no overly technical sections, but good handling skills are required, especially on some bumpy descents. There are no rest days while riding, though we have the afternoons free to relax and recharge. A support vehicle follows the group throughout the journey but be aware that it cannot always follow directly, instead meeting the group at intervals.

Biking Conditions: The split of paved vs unpaved road surfaces on this tour is roughly 85% / 15%. The tarmac roads are mostly chip sealed in varying conditions, from smooth to weathered with potholes and wind-blown debris. We do encounter some smooth asphalt as well, made all the more enjoyable by its rarity. Unpaved surfaces are primarily vehicle-width gravel paths. For the most part, you can expect very little traffic in the countryside, but coming in and out of towns, as well as near popular tourist attractions, we will share the roads with cars, buses, and motorbikes. Oh, and herds of goats or packs of mules and donkeys, of course! Morocco can get windy which, at different times, works in and against our favour. Rainfall is not uncommon in Morocco, especially at higher elevations, at the time we schedule our tours. We generally ride rain or shine, but based on the guide’s discretion or your comfort level, modifications to the planned route can be made. It’s all part of the adventure!

A Note on Gravel: While gravel bikes are best suited to the terrain of this tour, this is not a gravel ride. We stick to tarmac as much as possible, taking to gravel tracks only as an alternative to busy main roads or when it’s just too tempting not to. If you are looking for a higher dose of gravel, then check out our Morocco Gravel Bike Caravan tour.

Accommodation: On this tour, we overnight in the trinity of Moroccan hotel types – riads, auberges, and kasbahs. Riads are traditional Moroccan homes converted into boutique hotels, characterised by an interior courtyard or garden, with rooms featuring authentic décor. Kasbahs are historic fortified citadels, offering unique architectural elements and typically located in rural areas of the Atlas Mountains. Auberges, which serve as overnight stops for people in transit, are more utilitarian and rustic, though still with plenty of Moroccan charm. On the coast they tend to be a little more elevated with extra comfort for the surfers (and the more rare cyclists!). While all selected accommodation on this tour offers a clean room, hot water, and AC/heating, please note that extras like a swimming pool or English-speaking staff are not always available (though often they are). Room sizes may be smaller, and beds can be firmer than you are used to. For larger groups, we may need to use more than one property and, in the case of limited availability, switch to an alternative property from the one listed in the itinerary.

Day 1: Meet in Marrakesh

Welcome to Marrakesh, the 'Pearl of Southern Morocco'! The best way to experience this spirited city is to get lost in the labyrinthine alleys of the medina — the UNESCO World Heritage-listed heart of the city, brimming with life. Wander through spice markets, leather workshops, and endless rows of red-clay shophouses where you'll find just about everything under the Moroccan sun. Don't miss Jemaa el-Fnaa, the city's bustling main square, or explore the elegant Moroccan architecture of the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the Saadian Tombs. We meet at our tour hotel in the late afternoon for a trip briefing and welcome dinner. Please let us know if you require assistance with airport transfers and pre-tour hotel bookings.

Riad
Dinner

Day 2: Marrakesh → Telouet → Ouarzazate

We depart from Marrakesh and drive about 3.5 hours over the High Atlas Mountains, a rugged range of craggy, weathered peaks that cuts across central Morocco. By noon, we reach the village of Telouet, where we have lunch and saddle up for our inaugural ride. Today’s route trends downhill overall, though with enough upward bursts to give our legs a good warm-up! The first 45 km are paved, taking us through the Ounila Valley, where lush olive and date groves are dotted along the river, framed by red-hued bluffs and mudbrick Berber villages. A major highlight is gliding past the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Benhaddou, a centuries-old Silk Route citadel known for its mudbrick kasbahs (fortresses) and narrow alleyways clinging to a steep hillside. This dramatic backdrop has featured in major productions like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. From here, we say goodbye to tarmac and spend around 25 km on gravel tracks radiating across the rocky, pre-Saharan steppe before a final dash on city streets into Ouarzazate — the "Hollywood of Morocco".

Hotel Karam Palace
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 76km
+639m
-1317m

Day 3: Ouarzazate → Tazenakht

Get ready for a tough yet rewarding day in the saddle as we head south on a long stretch of Moroccan backcountry tarmac, rising and falling with the contours of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. This ancient, long-extinct volcanic range has been crumbling for hundreds of millions of years, creating the desolate, rock-strewn hillscape we ride through today. Yet the region is also dissected by life-sustaining ribbons of green, such as the beautiful Fint Oasis at the 20 km mark — a hidden canyon where dates, pomegranates, almonds, and figs are grown. The climbs today are consistent but they aren’t overly long, usually ranging between 2–5 km and rarely exceeding a 5% gradient, making for a manageable effort on fresh legs! We call it a day when we reach Tazenakht, a small Berber town known for its high-quality carpets where the tallest building is, of course, the mosque. Some mint tea will be waiting at our simple, yet cosy upcountry hotel for the night.

Hotel Bab Sahara
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 79km
+1206m
-933m

Day 4: Tazenakht → Taliouine

Continuing our traverse through the Anti-Atlas, today’s route is entirely paved along a national road. We begin with a relatively flat 20 km zip across the arid, high plateau before settling in for an uphill-trending 30 km, tackling a series of low-gradient climbs that lead to the top of the Tizi n'Taghatine Pass at nearly 1,900 metres ASL. From here, it is a long, sweeping descent that transitions from windswept, craggy massifs and stone-littered slopes to the fertile valleys surrounding Taliouine. This region is the heartland of North African saffron cultivation, one of the world’s most highly priced spices due to the fact that it is hand-picked and only harvested once a year. In late October or early November, the purple blooms of the saffron-bearing crocus flowers carpeting the fields make for a beautiful backdrop. Regardless of the season, saffron is vital to the economy of Taliouine year-round and, after reaching our hotel in the afternoon, you can head to a nearby local cooperative to learn all about and sample products made from Morocco’s “red gold”.

Auberge Restaurant le Safran
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 82km
+823m
-1199m

Day 5: Taliouine → Oulad Berhil

Today we put our legs to the test on a 110 km feat of endurance, riding out of the Anti-Atlas and into the Souss Plain on minor provincial roads in various states of repair. From Taliouine, we head west along a seasonal river lined by almond trees before dipping south and rising back into the rugged hills. It is a gradual ascent, culminating in a more challenging finish as we reach our high point at the 45 km mark. From here, it is a glorious downhill taking us into the vast plain that spreads below the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas to the north. By around the 70 km mark, the terrain flattens as we reach the Souss Plain – one of Morocco’s most productive agricultural regions, filled with citrus estates and olive groves. We will also begin to see the twisting canopies of argan trees, a species endemic to southwestern Morocco which produces a valuable oil used in both cuisine and cosmetics. And finally, we reach the town of Oulad Berhil, where we unwind with elevated comforts at a well-regarded riad.

Riad Hida
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 110km
+837m
-1352m

Day 6: Oulad Berhil → Taroudant

In the morning we depart Oulad Berhil and climb into the lower reaches of the High Atlas foothills. The rocky slopes are dotted with argan trees where we may spot tree-climbing goats cheekily munching on fruit in the canopies. After around 20 km, we turn downhill through a river valley leading us back into the Souss Plain. Here we switch to gravel tracks and dive deep into the agrarian soul of the region, weaving past orange plantations, grids of wheat, barley, and alfalfa, and the small Berber villages that tend to them. At 50 km we’re back on tarmac for the final run to Taroudant, a historic city enclosed by massive ramparts built by the Saadian sultans in the 16th century. We enter the city through a monumental gate in the north and cruise through the medina’s dense cluster of neighbourhoods and vibrant souks. We exit again through a southern gate to complete the final distance to our riad on the outskirts of town.

Dar Zitoune
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 69km
+462m
-747m

Day 7: Taroudant → Bigoudine → Imouzer

We begin with a 1.5-hour vehicle transfer to clear the highway and reach the western edge of the High Atlas. Today’s distance is a compact 39 km, but it packs in some of the most challenging climbing of the tour. From the commune of Bigoudine, we settle into a steady 14 km ascent at a 7% average gradient, winding through a prehistoric landscape of gnarled argan forest and jagged limestone peaks. After a well-earned break at the summit, we enjoy a short dip into the village of Tikki before a final 6 km stretch at a gentler 3–4%. The day’s highlight is a sweeping 13 km descent into the highland oasis of Imouzzer where we saddle-off and relax at a delightful hotel overlooking a lush valley filled with towering date palms. If you’ve got some energy left in your legs, you can do a short hike over to the Imouzzer waterfall which, though it only cascades in the winter and early spring, remains a spectacular site of naturally carved limestone pools.

Hotel des Cascades
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 39km
+1182m
-691m

Day 8: Imouzer → Imsouane

Our ride begins with a twisty 18 km descent through the foothills of the western High Atlas Mountains. Beginning from just above 1,000 metres ASL we witness the lush valleys of Imouzzer transition into shrublands dotted with argan trees. Once we’ve dropped to around 500 metres ASL, we take on two back-to-back climbs that lead us to the sturdy dam walls of the Moulay Abdellah Reservoir at the 45 km point. The rest of the ride undulates gently towards the coast, culminating in a spectacular cliffside descent that reveals the wave-battered coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. Arriving into the small beach town of Imsouane brings us to sea level, completing our grand transition from Morocco’s mountains to the coast. Imsouane is most popular for surfers but it’s also a very welcoming home for cyclists, with laid-back vibes, and a peaceful shoreline framed by sand dunes and bluffs. Oh, and the fresh local seafood isn’t too bad either.

Auberge Imsouane Parc
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 76km
+1023m
-2157m

Day 9: Imsouane → Sidi Kaouki

It’s time for the home stretch! Our final ride traverses the ruggedly beautiful scenery of Morocco’s Atlantic coast far away from the busy highway. Leaving Imsouane, we climb out of the bay and hug the coast for much of the first 35 km, cycling on coarse tarmac and gravel roads etched into the jagged escarpments. After descending to the sandy beach of Tafedna we head back inland, rising 10 km into a rolling terrain of red-hued soil and shrublands before a final, downhill-trending push back to the sea. By 65 km we’re back in view of the Atlantic and follow the dunes to Sidi Kaouki, a small village along a large natural beach where we end our ride. Dip your feet in the sand, watch the sunset, and listen to the crashing waves.

La Maison des Vagues
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 77km
+1122m
-1141m

Day 10: Sidi Kaouki → Essaouira → Marrakesh

Before the final farewells, we spend the morning in Essaouira, the “Windy City of Africa”. A 30-minute drive up the coast from Sidi Kaouki brings us to the historic port, where we’ll wander past iconic blue fishing boats and scale the sea-battered ramparts. We’ll weave through the white and blue medina before gathering for a celebratory farewell lunch. Afterward, it’s a three-hour drive back to Marrakesh for drop-offs at the airport or your post-tour hotel. If you are flying out today, please ensure your departure is after 20:00 (8:00 PM). Of course, if you aren't ready to leave the Atlantic breeze behind, you can always extend your stay in Essaouira.

Breakfast, Lunch

Disclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.

Nuts & Bolts

Bikes

Because some people can't imagine going on a trip without their own beloved bicycle, we do not provide them as part of this tour. However, you can hire bikes locally for the price listed in the tour pricing section. We provide high-quality 3T (or similar) gravel bikes ideally suited for the conditions and terrain on this tour. If you bring your own bike, please make sure it is a gravel bike in good mechanical order. You can also bring your road bike, but only with tyre sizes of 32mm or larger, and be prepared for it to take a bit of a beating on Morocco’s roads. We highly recommend going tubeless in Morocco, as punctures are not a matter of if, but when!

We also have E-Gravel Bikes available for hire, but they are limited in number & size - please send an email to us to check on availability.

Bike Repairs

Basic spares and tools are carried by the guide and on the support vehicle, though we cannot guarantee having spares for every conceivable problem. Carrying a basic tool kit, a spare tube and a pump while riding is recommended.

Safety

Wearing a helmet is required on all our biking adventures and is non negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour leader is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree you must be responsible for your own safety while riding. It is therefore compulsory that you take out travel insurance that will cover you for a mountain biking tour.

Guides

You will be led by a local English-speaking guide and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route.

The Nitty Gritty

Passports and Visas

Please make sure you have a passport valid for at least six months beyond your departure date from Morocco. Morocco has visa exemption agreements with many countries, including the United States, Canada, most European nations, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. For the full list, please see here. If your nationality is on this list you do not need to prepare anything in advance and you may stay in Morocco for up to 90 days. You may be asked for your return flight details so make sure you have that. If your nationality is not on the visa exempt list or you require a different kind of visa for any reason, please see here for more information.

Health

There are no compulsory vaccinations although it is strongly recommended that you are vaccinated against: Typhoid; Hepatitis A and B. Tetanus and polio vaccinations should also be up to date at the time of travel. See here for more recommendations to help you prepare. Please speak to your doctor/physician for the most recent information.

Weather

Morocco is a large country with diverse landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and coasts, resulting in highly variable weather patterns across the region. Our Morocco cycling tours are primarily based around Marrakesh and the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, where the weather is typically mild in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) and cooler nights between 5°C and 15°C (41°F to 59°F). As we get closer to the summer months (generally starting from June), temperatures begin to rise, with daytime highs often exceeding 35°C (95°F) in lower elevations, while nights remain relatively warm. As we approach the winter months (usually from December onwards), temperatures gradually drop, particularly at higher altitudes, where conditions can become quite cold, with the potential for snow in the mountains. We do not offer tours during the hottest summer months and the coldest winter months, opting for the sweet spot conditions in the spring and fall. If you are cycling in the early spring or late fall, be prepared for layering up in the mountains and layering down at low elevations – sometimes all within one day! Having a combination of light clothes to stay comfortable in the heat and warm clothes to bundle up when it's colder is key. Rainfall is generally low, especially in the southern regions, but occasional showers can occur in the spring and autumn, particularly in the foothills and higher altitudes, so it’s good to be prepared for a brief downpour here and there.

Food

Meals are included in the itinerary as B = breakfast, L = lunch, and D = dinner. Moroccan cuisine is halal, which means all food and drink adhere to Islamic dietary laws, ensuring that they are permissible and prepared according to religious guidelines. This includes the prohibition of pork and alcohol. Each day begins with a classic Moroccan breakfast which consists of crusty bread, crepes (baghrir), and flatbread (msemen), paired with butter, processed cheese, a selection of jams and honey. Fresh coffee and tea are almost always on hand, alongside freshly squeezed orange juice. Most lunches on tour are served picnic-style along the cycling route. The core elements typically include cooked plain pasta or rice, bread, canned fish, and a large plate of lettuce, tomatoes, olives, peppers, onions, and cucumbers. Sauces, salt, pepper, and olive oil are also provided, allowing everyone to customise their plates to taste. Outside of Marrakesh all dinners are enjoyed at the hotels. The most common dish served is tagine, a slow-cooked stew made with a variety of meats, vegetables, and aromatic spices, traditionally cooked in a special clay pot with a conical lid. The tour provides a variety of snacks, including dates, almonds, peanuts, and a mix of walnuts, raisins, roasted chickpeas, and other similar items, to keep you energized during the ride. Where possible, we also include some local sweets for variety. Oranges and bananas are usually available as well. If you’re accustomed to energy bars, granola, or electrolyte gels during rides, please come prepared, as these are not readily available in Morocco and are not included in our snack provisions. Most allergies or special dietary requirements can be catered for. Please let us know as soon as possible, if you have not already noted in your booking information.

Drink

Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Water and tea are included while riding and during all meals. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer and alcohol are NOT included in the price, and won't always be available unless you bring your own. Morocco is a Muslim country and most locals do not consume alcohol - if you like to have a beer after a ride or a glass of wine in the evening, please consider bringing your own provisions from Marrakesh, as they will be hard to come by in more traditional and remote areas.

Solo Travelers

SpiceRoads does not require you to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.

Extra Expenses

Keep some cash on hand for souvenirs, incidentals, and tips. Included entrance fees are those for the listed sites that are part of the itinerary. Any other site fees are not included.

Money

Morocco's currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). While some larger hotels and restaurants might accept EUR/USD, it's always best to use the local currency. You'll find ATMs and currency exchange shops readily available in Marrakesh but not elsewhere on the tour. We suggest exchanging/withdrawing enough cash on the first day in Marrakesh to last until returning again at the end of the tour. Credit cards are accepted at higher-end hotels and restaurants and some retailers but, for the most, part, you will need to have cash on hand for purchases along the way.

General booking info

If this is the tour for you here's what you need to do to confirm your place:

FLEXIBLE BOOKING CONDITIONS

Booking a SpiceRoads cycling adventure is easy and we try to do everything possible to make sure you have full flexibility and peace of mind. We do not require a deposit to hold your place on a tour and once full payment has been made your money is protected in our client account and you have the flexibility to cancel or change your booking if needed.

CONFIRMING YOUR BOOKING

Just complete our online booking form or send your booking details offline (email or post), and we will confirm your participation. No deposit is needed to confirm your place on a SpiceRoads tour.

You are advised to read our Booking Conditions in full before you make your payment and should you require further clarifications of any of the conditions below, please email us or call our office.

TRIP STATUS

There is a minimum number of participants (usually 2) required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to Depart'. Once a trip is guaranteed to depart you are free to book your flights and make other travel arrangements. If the trip status is ‘Limited’ will mean we have only a small number of spaces available for booking. If you are unsure about the trip status, please email us or call our office.

BOOKING ONLINE

From the tour page, click the 'Book Now' link. All departures for this tour will appear, just select the date you'd like to travel. For the next steps, you'll need to know the names of the people travelling. If you wish you can also provide extra details such as passport numbers, height (for bike hire), or you can add that later by logging into Manage My Trip (we'll set up an account for you automatically if you don't already have one). Our system will contact you from time to time to fill in the missing information, as it will be required before departure. However, if the trip that you are booking offers a child discount, you will have to fill out the date of birth of each rider (so we can calculate the appropriate discount).

If you are having any problems please send us an email, or give us a call (+66 026 3295) and one of our travel specialists will assist you with your booking.

BOOKING OFFLINE

Just call us or send an email indicating which trip you want to join and we will happily send you a list of questions and process your booking for you.

DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS

We do not require a deposit or full payment to book a place for you on a tour.

The balance of the tour’s cost (final invoice) will need to be paid 60 days before the departure date with fees for any bicycle rental(s), single supplement(s) and extra hotel nights.

In the case where a booking is made when there are less than 60 days until the tour departure date, the tour’s cost should be paid in full within 72 hours of receiving an invoice from SpiceRoads. Payment can be made by credit card using our online payment gateway or by bank transfer. When making payment online you will need to confirm that you have read these booking conditions during the "checkout" process, which equates to agreeing to the terms of services and stipulations as indicated in this document.

In all cases, tour fees need to be paid “in full” before participation in a tour. No person(s) will be allowed to join a tour without fully settling their invoice and receiving a confirmation number from SpiceRoads.

The exception can be made for last-minute miscellaneous fees that can be paid locally (visas, additional local hotel bookings, etc.) can be settled on the day of arrival.

FULL FLEXIBILITY FOR TOUR CANCELATIONS

If the tour is cancelled or postponed by SpiceRoads because we didn't make the trip numbers and the tour can’t run, we will make a full cash refund (by bank transfer or on your credit card).

If the tour is cancelled for any other reason, including due to Covid related travel restrictions, we will give you a full credit (with no deductions for admin or any other small-print item) to use on any SpiceRoads tour with no time limit. (Exceptions being flights, special permits and other non-refundable items and these will be advised when booking the trip).

Before paying for your tour, you can cancel your booking with no charge and up until 40 days before departure, you can change your booking to another travel date or move your booking onto another SpiceRoads tour with no charges.

If you need to cancel after you have made full payment, please see our cancellation policy.

Loyalty Riders Club

For those who have been on several long tours with us, we reward customer loyalty by offering repeat customers a special discount off the tour price (excludes single supplement and bike rental). If this is your fourth scheduled tour or more you will receive a 5% discount. If this is your eighth scheduled tour or more we will extend a 10% discount. The discount will be reflected in your online booking, but please contact us if any questions. Loyalty discounts cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Note: Only tours of 7 days or more will be applicable for a loyalty discount.

International Flights

International flights, to and from the start and finish points are not included in the tour price. Once your tour is Guaranteed to Depart you can book your flight. Please contact us for advice before arranging flights for the best arrival and departure times. We would only cancel a trip for an extreme circumstance, but in that case, where we cancel your trip, we cannot be liable for losses incurred relating to any flight booking you have made. Please claim any losses from your travel insurance that you acquired when you booked your holiday.

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Contact Us

145 Soi Pridi Banomyong 14 (Mee Suwan 3)
Sukhumvit 71 Road, Phra Khanong Nuea, Watthana
Bangkok, Thailand 10110
Tel: +66 (0) 2 026 3295
Email: info@spiceroads.com
Website: www.spiceroads.com