11 Days
Exotic and alluring, Morocco offers a fascinating culture; we’ll follow the ‘trail of the kasbahs’ into the Sahara, hike in the High Atlas, bike along the coast to the resort town of Essaouira, explore the town of Marrakech and more…
Only Great Explorations:
Ouarzazate
Day 1
Zagora
Day 2
M’Hamid
Day 3
Ait Ben Haddou
Day 4
Ouirgane
Day 5+6
Essaouira
Day 7+8
Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Tensift-El Haouz, Morocco
Day 9
| 2026 | 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 6-16 | Mar 11-21 | |
| Mar 20-30 | Apr 2-12 | |
| Apr 3-13 | Apr 16-26 | |
| Apr 17-27 | Sep 3-13 | |
| Sep 4-14 | Sep 17-27 | |
| Sep 18-28 | Oct 1-11 | |
| Oct 2-12 | Oct 15-25 | |
| Oct 16-26 - FULL | Nov 5-15 | |
| Nov 6-16 | Nov 19-29 | |
| Nov 20-30 |
Trip can start at any date. Custom trips available upon request. Call or email for details.
Trip Size
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelModerate
30-40+ miles daily
Van supported
TerrainGently rolling with some short steep hills
CostLand Cost
US $5,350
Single Supplement
US $1,350
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $560
E-bikes*: US $740
Pre- or Post-trip Extensions
In Morocco, we offer extensions in Ouarzazate and Marrakech. The Ouarzazate Extension would normally be done before your trip and the Marrakech Extension afterwards.
Ouarzazate
1 Night Extension
US $395 per person
Single supplement: US $150
Includes one night’s hotel accommodation, breakfast each morning, and a half-day guided walking tour.
Marrakech
2 Night Extension
US $695 per person
Single supplement: US $295
Includes two nights’ hotel accommodation, breakfast each morning, and a half-day guided walking tour, and a Marrakech city guide.
*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
| Level | Moderate |
|---|
Getting There
Our tour begins in Ouarzazate. If you’re flying from North America, all major airlines serve Casablanca and Marrakech. We recommend flying into Casablanca and connecting onward to Ouarzazate. Airport pickup is provided for arrivals on Day 1 after 5 pm. If you arrive earlier, getting to the hotel is easy, as it’s just a short and inexpensive taxi ride from the airport.
If you choose to fly into Marrakech, please note that reaching Ouarzazate involves a long overland transfer. While scenic, it makes for a longer travel day — something to keep in mind when planning your arrival.
Ouarzazate
We suggest connecting by air through Casablanca. Airport pickup is provided for arrivals on Day 1 after 5 pm, when our team will be waiting to greet you and transfer you to our hotel. If you arrive earlier, you can easily take a short, inexpensive taxi ride from the airport to the hotel. The evening flight from Casablanca usually arrives just after midnight, so you can sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we start biking.
Zagora
Following the magical Draa River, we cycle along this fertile valley where lush palmeraies secret date palms, olive groves, and citrus trees. We’ll stop close to Agdz for lunch before continuing on to lively Zagora, which dates from French colonial times.
Distance: 33 km; 156 m gain or 67 km; 155 m gain
The distance between Ouarzazate and Agdz is 80 km
M’Hamid
Our cycling route will lead us to Tamegroute, where we’ll visit an ancient library which boasts a magnificent collection of Koranic texts, dictionaries, and astrology works, some on gazelle hides. We will also visit a local co-operative to learn how the distinctive pottery found in this region is made. Afterwards, we’ll continue deep into the Sahara (Tomboctou is only 52 days away by camel caravan). Trading our bikes for camels, we’ll be led by Berber escorts to our private tented camp, where festivities await.
Distance: 49 to 100+ km; up to 272 m gain
The distance between Zagora and our drop off point is approximately 45 km
Aït Benhaddou
Up with the sun, we’ll enjoy breakfast surrounded by dunes before departing the desert. We’ll visit a local market, where fruit, vegetables, herbs, handicrafts, sheep, goats and donkeys are brought to be sold. Late afternoon, we’ll cycle a quiet road to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou. This is Morocco’s most spectacular ksour, a collection of towered and crenellated Kasbahs that once guarded the lucrative caravan route through the Atlas mountains. We’ll stay at the intimate Ksar Ighnda, a charming and luxurious hotel.
Distance: 35 km; 235 m gain
The distance between M’hamid and Aït Benhaddou is 280 km
Aït Benhaddou
After the journey back from the desert, you will appreciate having an extra day in Aït Benhaddou. Choose to take a day off to relax and explore Aït Benhaddou on foot, or cycle up to the incredible kasbah at Telouet, described so evocatively in Gavin Maxwell’s ‘Lords of the Atlas’. After lunch in Telouet, return to Aït Benhaddou for an afternoon around the swimming pool.
Distance: 32 km; 580 m gain
Ouirgane
Our first ride has the potential to be one of your favourites: 32 km in a quiet valley. We’ll then transfer over the High Atlas, beginning our second ride along a flat stretch of magnificent road where views of snow-capped peaks and lush farmland provide a dramatic change of scenery. Reaching the Ouirgane Valley, we’ll stay at the exclusive Domaine de la Roseraie with extensive gardens.
Distance: 32 km; 580 m gain or 71 km; 745 m gain
The distance between Aït Benhaddou and Ouirgane is 220 km
Ouirgane
Today, we’ll hike into local villages where we’ll be offered tea and a chance to bake bread in community ovens. Afternoon options include cycling along the enchanting Oued Nfis to the extraordinary Tin Mal mosque, built in 1,156 and recently restored and open to visitors.
Distance: 40 km; 415 m gain or 40 km; 775 m gain
Essaouira
This could be another of your favourite days of riding as we cycle a quiet road from the mountains to the sea. Essaouira is famous for its artisan shops, European feel, and several kilometers of sandy beaches.
Distance: 22 to 50+ km; 450+ m gain
The distance between Ouirgane and Essaouira is 210 km
Essaouira
Today, we’ll join a local historian exploring the medina here, where the maze of tiny streets reveal spice markets, marquetry workshops, ancient hammams and more. Cycling options include routes along the coast; for those who like to walk there are also hikes to secluded beaches from town. We’ll stay at the exclusive Villa De L”O, located in the heart of the medina.
Distance: 49 km; 270 m gain or 25 km; 127 m gain
Marrakech
There may be a an opportunity for an early morning ride to Sidi Kaouiki before departing for Marrakech in time for lunch. Afterwards, we’ll visit the city’s sites including the Majorelle Gardens, Museum of Yves St. Laurent, and El Bahia Palace; as dusk sets on the extraordinary Jemaa El Fna, we’ll watch as snake charmers, acrobats and street performers of every kind imaginable entertain. We’ll stay at a wonderful Riad near the historical center and for our final night, dine at one of the most atmospheric restaurants in Morocco.
Distance: 40 km; 415 m gain
Depart
You can depart at your leisure anytime on this day.
An elegant retreat inspired by the traditional architecture of Morocco’s kasbahs, with beautiful gardens, refined rooms and suites, a large pool, and a full spa with hammam, sauna and jacuzzi, this luxury property is sure to delight.
This palace style 4-star hotel is the best in Zagora. The rooms are well appointed and the grounds, surrounding the swimming pool, are opulent.
Amid the Sahara’s golden dunes, canvas tents dressed with crisp cotton sheets, warm blankets and Moroccan rugs create an intimate desert oasis. By the glow of kerosene lamps, spend an unforgettable evening beneath the stars.
At the foot of the Atlas Mountains, this is a timeless retreat immersed in the landscapes and traditions of Morocco. It offers understated luxury, tranquil courtyards, and extraordinary desert light.
Domaine de la Roseraie is a magnificent property with delightful gardens, comfortable rooms, a full onsite spa complete with heated indoor swimming pool and tradtional hammam, horseback riding, tennis courts, and private grounds — this is the most luxurious choice in the Ouirgane Valley.
This is our newest find in Essaouira and is described as an impeccably manicured boutique hotel with the perfect balance of authenticity and luxury. We also like the location, between the ramparts and the sandy beach, it is our favourite hotel in Essaouira.
With 26 rooms and exceptional amenities, La Maison Arabe strikes the perfect balance between intimate riad and refined hotel. Steeped in history and old-world elegance, it offers a timeless alternative to Marrakech’s grander palace hotels. Past guests include Winston Churchill, Charles de Gaulle and Jackie Kennedy.
Tour Reviews
“This Morocco trip with Great Explorations was the best vacation we have ever had (and having been married 43 years, that’s saying alot). We would not have changed a thing, even doing it by ourselves. We have already decided that is the way we want to do the rest of our vacations. It truly was an eye-opening adventure to experience another culture so intimately in the medinas. In short, add up the accommodations, the sites, the biking and our guide, Sebastian and driver, and ours was truly a dream vacation.
Speaking of Sebastian, the trip would definitely not have been the same without him. He is truly a man of the world with an insatiable curiosity about all things and people who inhabit it. He went above and beyond granting our requests and anticipating things we would like to do. He arranged local guides, suggested eating places and answered innumerable questions about everything. He never said “no” to any of our requests. I never once saw any expression of fatigue or frustration on his part. (That fact, alone, was extraordinary.) In conclusion, we loved every second of our trip. We know it was the result of a lot of time-consuming work on your company’s part.”
“I LOVED the hike and trip through the Berber village. I also Loved the night in the desert and really appreciated all the work that went into preparing the fun evening for us.”
“It was a great trip. After 5 similar tours, three with Great Explorations and two with others, we wanted you to know that Mohammed the guide and Mohammed the driver were the best we have ever had. Mohammed the guide, besides being the best biker we have ridden with, was so thoughtful and aware of all riders of different speeds and abilities. Thanks for the enjoyable trip.”
“Lots to do with our guides, the rides and our group dynamics. The accomodations were unique and lovely, the terrain was also diverse and challenging. Morocco was such a surprise. The kasbahs are an incredible texture to the landscape, and food was fresh and interesting! Veronika and Adrian were amazing and really made the whole experience very special. Concerned, caring, organized and FUN!”
“Guide in Essaouira was great!”
“The hotels were unbelievable and met 5 star accommodation expectations. I enjoyed the guides positive attitudes and stories, hike to the village, access to swimming at stops and at the hotels. Excellent support! Always there’s to pick up tired riders as well as available for bike maintenance.”
“Excellent trip. Rides were good. Nice that some of the participants could use e-bikes. Sebastian & Mohamad were excellent!”
“Fabulous trip. Loved the country and the geography. We completely enjoyed ourselves. The e-bikes are perfect for the trip. Diversity of the regions was perfect: we saw and did a lot. We really liked the camel ride & the cooking class. The van support was excellent.”
“Guides and drivers were exceptional.”
“The trip was very well designed to show off the remarkable Moroccan landscape and culture. Both guides were terrific and they were outstanding together. Great overview of many Morocco landscapes and people. We enjoyed the unique character of the accommodations. The walk-up to the Berber village and personal sense of the lunch in the village home was unforgettable. We liked the cooking demonstration, the Sahara expedition and camp. Bikes were very good and the e-bikes were critical to the enjoyment of our trip. The information materials, especially the booklet that included phrasebooks and cultural tips was very helpful.”
“Excellent trip. Well organized with excellent guides and drivers. Nice combo of riding and cultural visiting. Good hotels. The region was very good. Safe roads with good driver respect and good surfaces. No issues with safety or animosity from locals. Lots of interesting things to see. Good cultural exposure. Great visit to the Berber village and hike up there. Bikes were very good.”
“A very well planned trip that covered a wide range of terrain including the Sahara desert, Atlas Mountains and coastal area of Essaouira finishing in the very interesting city of Marrakech. YSL museum and gardens was excellent. Hike to the Berber village was one of the best days! Desert night was very unique! Our guides and drivers took very good care of us. The vans were always available when needed and the drivers took great care to make sure nobody got lost. The amazing culture and variation in terrain was ideal however most enjoyable were the guides and drivers. I always felt safe and well looked after. We chose Great Explorations again as we have traveled with them to Vietnam and Northern Thailand and both were great trips.”
“We’ve traveled with Great Explorations many times and have always had excellent experiences. This was really something special. We loved Morocco and our group and guides. It was a unique experience and different from Europe which we loved. The bike rides were some of the best I have experienced. Highlights: the hike to the Berber village, the oil collective and the walking tour in Ess.”
“The overall fun and friendliness of fellow bikers, guides, drivers, and the locals we met was the best. Fabulous to experience Morocco by bicycle – felt I was riding on a lunar landscape at times with slivers of verdant green. Awesome group and guides and drivers. I felt safe and supported and encouraged on every bike ride. Best events were those interacting with locals: lunch on the mountain, pottery tour, rug stop, cooking class (she was amazing). So grateful the guides rode with us and drivers were spaced along the route to cheer us on.”
“The guides were excellent. They had a group of 17 to keep happy and they did it with a smile! Morocco is exotic in that it appeals to many senses. I enjoyed the hike up to the local village with lunch with a local family. I loved seeing the Kasbar where 300 families currently reside. The community bakery and pottery making was interesting. Overall as I said to others on the trip….my best vacation ever so far!”
“Honestly I did not know what to expect, but it was all a wonderful experience. The drivers and vehicles were exceptional! The best parts of the trip were the camaraderie – it was a super group of people (mostly very nice Canadians); the stunning scenery and Moroccan experience; and the open biking and challenges put before us.”
“The guides were fantastic – always well-organized, good humoured and good company. The biking group were a fun bunch of people. The trip was a lot of fun.”
“What a wonderful way to see a country. Loved our guide and the drivers arranged for our trip. All hotels were lovely. Cooking class was fantastic. The drivers and guide did a fantastic job ensuring our needs were met and we were safe.”
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