Our Morocco Escape trip starts from Ait Ben Haddou (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

Ouirgane

Ouirgane

Day 2+3

Essaouira

Essaouira

Day 4+5

Marrakesh

Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Tensift-El Haouz, Morocco

Day 6

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, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners
Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
Detailed map and route instructions
All baggage transportation
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities)
All tips in hotels, restaurants, etc. (excludes discretionary tips for guides)

Particulars

EVENT DATES

2024

Apr 10-17
Apr 18-25
Oct 7-14
Oct 17-24
Oct 26-Nov 2

2025

Dates available upon request.

Trips can start any date. Custom trips on request. 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 $3,950
Includes 7B/5L/5D

Single Supplement:
US $990

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 hotel 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 the Domaine Roseraie, a stunning property with horses, tennis courts, large pool and spa. 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 km.

3

Day 5-6

Essaouira

Beginning in the village of Moulay Ibrahim, 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 Villa De L’O, 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 km.

4

Day 7

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 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.
Distance: 40 km, elevation gain 415 m.*
The distance between Essaouira and Marrakech is 185 km.

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

This charming Riad property with just 19 rooms, each with individual decor offering a luxurious ambiance of elegance and sophistication.


Domaine de la Roseraie, Ouirgane

La Roseraie is a magnificent property with delightful gardens, comfortable rooms (many with fireplaces), a full onsite spa, complete with heated indoor swimming pool and traditional hammam, horseback riding, tennis courts and private grounds. This is the most luxurious choice in the Ouirgane Valley.


Le Medina Hotel, Essaouira

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.


Riad El Fenn , Marrakech

Located just 2 minutes from the main square in the heart of the medina, this stylish Riad is owned by Richard Branson's sister.



			


Trip Reviews

April 21, 2014

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Morocco. Our Guide Adrien was friendly, competent and did a good job of organizing. We felt we were able to see a lot of the country, including the people and culture. We think it was the best was to travel through Morocco.

March 30, 2014

Morocco was a nice suprise, interesting people, great mix of things to see. Interesting cities, desert and mountains. Trip was very interesting cycling from the desert through the mountains to the ocean and then to Marrakesh, with fabulous sites to see along the way.

November 14, 2007

“…fantastic food and culture. The experience of riding camels and overnighting in the Bedoin camp was a highlight. The hotels were fantastic and the rides very scenic.” Sechelt, BC

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