Our Morocco Escape trip starts from Ait Ben Hadou (missing the Draa Valley); we cycle to the ancient kasbah of Telouet, 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:

  • Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences
  • A ride you will never forget: the descent from the Tin Mal mosque to Ouirgane with a view of Mt.Toubcal, Morocco’s highest
  • Private Land Cruiser for each 4-5 guests, with driver
  • Order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks
  • Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups
  • We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises

Location

Ait Ben Haddou

Ait Ben Haddou

Day 1+2

Ouirgane

Ouirgane

Day 3+4

Essaouira

Essaouira

Day 5+6

Marrakech

Marrakech, Morocco

Day 7+8

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides
Support vehicle
7 nights lodging
All breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners
Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
Detailed map and route instructions
All baggage transportation
All tips in hotels, restaurants etc. (excludes discretionary tips for guides)
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities)

Particulars

EVENT DATES

2024

Mar 30-Apr 6
Oct 11-18
Oct 21-28
Dec 21-28

2025

Dates available on request.

Trip can start at any date. Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.

TRIP SIZE

4-16 participants

TOTAL DAYS

8 days / 7 nights

ARRIVE / DEPART

Ouarzazate / Marrakech

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate
30-40+ miles daily
Van supported

TERRAIN

Gently rolling with some short steep hills

COST

Land Cost:
US $3,450
Includes 7B/4L/5D

Single Supplement:
US $860

Bike Rental:
US $280
Please note: Our bicycle fleet for this trip are Cannondale Quick 1 performance hybrids which are suitable for the roads in Morocco. Bikes come with flat pedals, rear racks and a map cover. Racing and e-bikes available on request (supplement TBC).

Pre-trip Extension: Ait Ben Haddou
US $295 pp
Single supplement: US $75
1 night in Ait Ben Haddou at a luxurious hotel with 1/2 guided visit to the UNESCO site, dinner, breakfast and airport transfer on arrival.

Post-trip Extension: Marrakech
US $695 pp
Single supplement: US $175
2 nights hotel with breakfast daily, 1/2 day guided visit for each day and airport transfers on departure.

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247

1

Day 1-2

Ait Ben Haddou 

You can fly into Ouarzazate directly (we will meet you at the airport) or fly into Marrakech and take a coach to Ouarzazate and taxi to the hotel- arrive anytime between 4:00-7:00 pm. Ait Ben Haddou 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.

On Day 2 you can 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 Ait Ben Haddou for an afternoon around the  swimming pool.

2

Day 3-4

Ouirgane 

There is a morning option to ride to the kasbah Telouet along a quiet road, directly from our hotel. Afterwards, we’ll shuttle to lunch and then continue on bikes 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 a charming hotel with extensive gardens. Next day, 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 Nfiss to the extraordinary Tin Mal mosque, built in 1156 and recently restored and open to visitors.
Distance D3 : 33 km, elevation gain 156m or 67 km, gain 155m.*
Distance D4 : 49 to 100+ km, elevation gain up to 272m.*
The distance between Ait Benhaddou and Ouirgane is 220 kms.

3

Day 5-6

Essaouira

Beginning in the village of Moulay Brahim, we will bike a stunning road across the Kik Plateau. Late afternoon, arrive to the hip town of Essaouira, famous for its artisan shops, European feel, and several kilometers of sandy beaches. On our second day, 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 or to the village of Sidi Kaouki; for those who like to walk there are also hikes to secluded beaches from town. We’ll stay at the exclusive Villa Maroc, one of the top Riad hotels in the city, located in the heart of the medina.
Distance D5 : 35 km, elevation gain 235 m.
Distance D6 : 49 km, elevation gain 270m or 25 km, gain 127m.*
The distance between Ouirgane and Essaouira is 210 kms.

4

Day 7

Marrakech 

Leaving Essaouira we’ll reach Marrakech in time for lunch. Afterwards, we’ll visit the city’s sites including the Marjorelle 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.
The distance between Essaouira and Marrakech is 185 kms.

5

Day 8

You can depart at your leisure anytime on this day .

*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure

Riad Ksar Ighnda, Ait Ben Haddou

At the foot of the Atlas, the Riad is a place out of time where you'll relax and admire the beautiful lights of the desert in an authentic berbere atmosphere.


L'Oliveraie de Marigha, Ouirgane

This charming hotel is situated in a 4-hectare park with views of Mount Toubcal, and has a large swimming pool and excellent French influenced restaurant.


Villa Maroc, Essaouira

This former private palace has been tastefully renovated into the most stylish and intimate Riad hotel in the city. The Villa, originally two 18th century riads, immerses you in a world of simplicity and warmth enhanced by the flavours of ancestral family cooking. Enjoy the superb views from the rooftop terrace and experience a traditional hammam onsite.


Jardins de la Koutoubia , Marrakech

This 5-star hotel is a wonderfully luxurious hotel to finish at. The rooms are comfortable, the pool is large and the location, just steps to the UNESCO protected Jemma El Fna square, is ideal.