Riad Ksar Ighnda, Aït Benhaddou
This charming Riad property with just 19 rooms, each with individual decor offering a luxurious ambiance of elegance and sophistication.
Our Morocco Escape trip starts from Aït Benhaddou (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
Morocco Biking – Escape
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
Trip Inclusions
What’s Included
- Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guide(s)
- Support vehicle
- 7 nights lodging
- All breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners
- Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
- GPS routes and maps
- 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)
What's Not Included
- Bike rental
Particulars
Departure Dates
| 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|
| Mar 5-12 | Mar 4-11 |
| Mar 19-26 | Mar 18-25 |
| Apr 2-9 | Apr 1-8 |
| Apr 16-23 | Apr 15-22 |
| Sep 3-14 | Sep 2-13 |
| Sep 17-24 | Sep 16-23 |
| Oct 1-8 | Sep 30- Oct 7 |
| Oct 15-22 | Oct 14-21 |
| Nov 5-12 | Nov 4-11 |
| Nov 19-26 | Nov 18-25 |
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 $4,300
Single Supplement
US $1,090
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $380
E-bikes*: US $560
Pre-trip Extension in Ouarzazate
Includes one day, one night’s accommodation, and a half-day walking tour.
US $395
Single supplement US $150
Post-trip Extension in Marrakech
Includes two days, two nights’ accommodation, and a half-day walking tour.
US $695
Single supplement US $295
*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 hybrids are fun to ride, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
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
Additional information
| Level | Moderate |
|---|
1
Day 1
Aït Benhaddou
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 4-7 pm. Aït Benhaddou 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.
2
Day 2
Aït Benhaddou
Today, we’ll 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.
3
Day 3
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.
Distance: 33 km; 156 m gain or 67 km; 155 m gain
The distance between Aït Benhaddou and Ouirgane is 220 km
4
Day 4
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: 49 to 100+ km; up to 272 m gain
5
Day 5
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.
Distance: 35 km; 235 m gain
The distance between Ouirgane and Essaouira is 210 km
6
Day 6
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 or to the village of Sidi Kaouki; for those who like to walk, there are also hikes from the town to secluded beaches. We’ll stay at the exclusive Le Medina Hotel, one of the top Riad hotels in the city, located in the heart of the medina.
Distance: 49 km; 270 m gain or 25 km; 127 m gain
7
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 km
8
Day 8
Depart
You can depart at your leisure anytime on this day.
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.
La Maison Arabe, Marrakech
Nestled in the heart of Marrakech's ancient medina, La Maison Arabe offers an enchanting blend of Moroccan heritage, luxury, and exceptional culinary experiences, making it the perfect retreat for discerning travelers.
Tour Reviews
“…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
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.
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.
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