Cycle Morocco - Atlas to the Sahara

8 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
Journey through the heart of Morocco by bike on this fast-paced cycling tour. Pedal through the remote Hamada Desert of the Sahara and take on the exhilarating High Atlas descent through Berber heartland. Pass through cool oases and traditional villages, exploring the Medinas and kasbahs within, before uncovering the hidden gems of Marrakech. Cycle the A...
19%
$1,451
From$1,180
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star

Highlights

    • Journey through the heart of Morocco by bike and by bus on this immersive cycling tour
    • Take on the thrilling descent from the scenic southern slopes of the High Atlas Mountains
    • Ride into the dunes of the Sahara on camelback before spending a night under the stars

What's this trip about?

    Journey through the heart of Morocco by bike on this fast-paced cycling tour. Pedal through the remote Hamada Desert of the Sahara and take on the exhilarating High Atlas descent through Berber heartland. Pass through cool oases and traditional villages, exploring the Medinas and kasbahs within, before uncovering the hidden gems of Marrakech. Cycle the Atlas Mountains - Take on the thrilling descent from the scenic High Atlas Mountain pass of Tizi N'Fedrhate. Camp in the Sahara - Ride into the dunes of the Sahara on camelback before spending a night under the stars. Explore the Red City - Get lost in the maze-like souks of majestic Marrakech.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityMarrakech
End CityMarrakech

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Cycling & Biking

Destinations

  • Africa
  • Morocco

Attractions

  • Ait Ben Haddou
  • Atlas Mountains
  • Dades
  • Erfoud
  • Erg Chebbi
  • Marrakech
  • Medina

Activities

  • Cycling

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Trip starts in Marrakech

Our tour of Morocco starts in the Red City. With its dusty rooftops, maze-like streets and bustling souks, Marrakech encompasses the essence of Morocco. Head to the Medina and people watch while you sip a mint tea in Jemaa el-Fna (the main square) or visit the Jardin ...

Day 2 Drive into the High Atlas and cycle to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou

This morning, we'll drive into the heart of the Atlas Mountains. Our 3 hours journey takes us over the High Atlas pass of Tizi n'Tichka at an altitude of 2260 metres/7415 feet. We'll make a stop at the Kasbah Telouet, located on the former caravan route from the Sahar...

Day 3 Cycling in the Draa Valley and drive to Nkob

Today, we'll depart Ait Ben Haddou by bus and drive over the dramatic Tizi n'Tinififft mountain pass, rising to an altitude of 1800 meters/5906 feet amid the lunar landscape of the Anti-Atlas. We'll continue down into one of Morocco's stunning natural wonders - the Dr...

Day 4 Cycle the foothills of the Jebel Sahro and camel trek to camp in the Sahara

This morning, we'll depart along the southern foothills of the Jebel Sahro Mountain range towards the Hammada Desert, a remote part of Morocco. We'll stop in Rissani, where we'll take some time to explore the Tuesday markets and the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, the...

Day 5 Sunrise on the sand dunes before cycle to Erfoud

Waking early, we'll watch the desert sunrise cast shadows across the rolling dunes before breakfast. Then, we'll return to Merzouga on camelback where we'll stock up on supplies for the day. Here, we'll get back in the saddle and cycle on to Erfoud. Today's ride is ...

Day 6 Cycle through local villages en route to El Kelaa Mgouna

Today, we'll set off by bus towards the Dades Valley in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. We'll stop to see the ancient 'foggara' subterranean irrigation system and learn how the ancient system provided water for the surrounding villages. After 2 hours driving, we...

Day 7 Ride down through the Atlas Mountains and return to Marrakech

After an early breakfast, we'll drive into the High Atlas to the Tizi n'Fedrhate Pass, around two hours away, along the former caravan route to El Kelaa des M\ Gouna. Known as the 'town of the roses\ , El Kelaa des M\ Gouna is blanketed by scented blossoms each spring...

Day 8 Trip ends in Marrakech

Our tour of Morocco ends at our hotel in Marrakech. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer, you need to depart from Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK).

Meals Provided : Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,180
Price per day$148
Last Updated: 4/26/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
14 Sep 2024
21 Sep 2024
$1,310
$150
15 spots left
21 Sep 2024
28 Sep 2024
$1,180
$140
13 spots left
28 Sep 2024
05 Oct 2024
$1,310
$150
6 spots left
12 Oct 2024
19 Oct 2024
$1,310
$150
10 spots left
26 Oct 2024
02 Nov 2024
$1,310
$150
11 spots left
09 Nov 2024
16 Nov 2024
$1,450
$140
9 spots left
15 Feb 2025
22 Feb 2025
$1,340
$160
15 spots left
08 Mar 2025
15 Mar 2025
$1,340
$160
16 spots left
22 Mar 2025
29 Mar 2025
$1,340
$160
16 spots left
29 Mar 2025
05 Apr 2025
$1,340
$160
10 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,528
Great
2,169
Average
377
Disappointing
116
Terrible
53
A

Amy

Apr 2024

Written on

Cycle Morocco - Atlas to the Sahara

Great trip! Highlights were Marrakech, cycling, and our guide (Hamid). Really enjoyed celebrating Eid during the tour, and learning more about Ramadan. The cyclin...

R

Richard

Apr 2024

Written on

Cycle Morocco - Atlas to the Sahara

This is the 3rd cycling holiday I have done with Explore and I have found them very organised and with excellent customer service. There is a bit more driving on thi...

F

Fiona

Apr 2024

Written on

Cycle Morocco - Atlas to the Sahara

The trip met my expectations and gave me experiences I could not have achieved as a separate traveller. Our guide Hamid was exceptional. Cycling and the Desert Camp...

N

Nigel

Apr 2024

Written on

Cycle Morocco - Atlas to the Sahara

The Leader made my trip

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bicycle, Minibus,

Transportation & flights

Bicycle, Minibus
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Assistant Cycle Guide, Driver(s), Local Guide(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Morocco: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. UK passport holders are requested to have at least 3 months validity from the date of entry into Morocco. All other nationalities please check with your nearest embassy for requirements of passport validity.
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 7
  • Dinner : 1
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-CSO

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