Dar Chamaa, Ouarzazate
This 20-room hotel opened in 2009 and boasts comfortable air-con guest rooms, restaurant and bar. You will have time for a morning swim in the large pool before we depart.
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:
- Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences
- An evening to remember: an evening in the desert being entertained by a troupe of berber musicians
- 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 – Expedition
Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate
Day 1
Zagora
Zagora
Day 2
M’Hamid
M’Hamid
Day 3
Ait Ben Haddou
Ait Ben Haddou
Day 4
Ouirgane
Ouirgane
Day 5+6
Essaouira
Essaouira
Day 7+8
Marrakesh
Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Tensift-El Haouz, Morocco
Day 9
Trip Inclusions
What’s Included
- Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guide(s)
- Support vehicle
- 10 nights lodging
- All breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 9 dinners
- Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
- GPS routes and maps
- 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)
What's Not Included
- Bike rental
Particulars
Departure Dates
| 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|
| Mar 6-16 | Mar 5-15 |
| Mar 20-30 | Mar 19-29 |
| Apr 3-13 | Apr 16-26 |
| Apr 17-27 | Apr 16-26 |
| Sep 4-14 | Sep 3-13 |
| Sep 18-28 | Sep 17-27 |
| Oct 2-12 | Oct 1-11 |
| Nov 6-16 | Oct 15-25 |
| Nov 20-30 | Nov 5-15 |
| Nov 19-29 |
Trip can start at any date. Custom trips available upon request. Call or email for details.
Trip Size
4-16 participants
Total Days
11 days / 10 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 $4,750
Single Supplement
US $1,200
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $560
E-bikes*: US $740
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 $595
Single Supplement: US $250
*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.
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
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, where our team will be waiting at the airport to welcome you and whisk you off to our first hotel.
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.
1
Day 1
Ouarzazate
We suggest connecting by air through Casablanca; we’ll be at the airport in Ouarzazate to greet you on arrival and whisk you to our hotel. Note that the evening flight from Casablanca usually arrives just after midnight – you can sleep in and have a leisurely breakfast before we start biking.
2
Day 2
Zagora
Following the magical Draa River, we cycle along this fertile valley where lush palmeries 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
3
Day 3
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
4
Day 4
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 Aït 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
5
Day 5
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
6
Day 6
Ouirgane
We’ll transfer today over the High Atlas, beginning our 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 a charming hotel 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
7
Day 7
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 1156 and recently restored and open to visitors.
Distance: 40 km; 415 m gain or 40 km; 775 m gain
8
Day 8
Essaouira
After a transfer towards Marrakech, we’ll turn west towards the coast, beginning our ride with the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. We’ll bike a stunning road, dropping to the hip town of Essaouira, 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
9
Day 9
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 Maroc, 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
10
Day 10
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.
11
Day 11
Depart
You can depart at your leisure anytime on this day.
Azalai Lodge, Zagora
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.
Berber Tented Camp, The Sahara Desert
Located in the sand dunes of the Sahara, canvas tents with beds, cotton sheets and warm blankets will welcome you to this oasis in the dessert. With Moroccan rugs underfoot, and the twinkling light of kerosene lamps we think you'll find this evening one of your most memorable in Morocco.
Riad Ksar Ighnda, Aït Benhaddou
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.
Domaine Malika, Ouirgane
This charming hotel is situated in a picturesque valley with olive trees, a large swimming pool, exquisite restaurant, and views of the Atlas Mountains. It's the perfect place to rest after a day of cycling.
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.
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.
Tour Reviews
“The trip was great… our guide was the best we have ever had and we have traveled with B&R, Backroads and Vermont Biking.”
“I couldn’t see any other way to experience as much of Morocco as we did. The Marrakech hotel was over the top luxurious.”
“Morocco was wonderful!”
“Loved the varied experiences and exposure to Moroccan culture and cuisine. Very much enjoyed the hike up to the Berber village and lunch in a family home. Hotels were varied and interesting. Exceptionnal support with the van and Abdul, the driver.”
“We had an absolute blast on our trip… loved it! The cooking class and related meal were the best for me. Also enjoyed the Berber village lunch. Guide and driver took care of routes instructions for us.”
“Fantastic trip. The right combination of active trip, interesting country, great food and accommodations, variety, excellent guide and driver. Each accommodation was unique and I would recommend all of them. People very friendly. More moderate Arab country than others that I have visited. Best meals: The tajine from our cooking class at the Villa Maroc. The couscous lunch at the Berber house in Tik Fist. Lunch at Bab el Oued. Particularly liked visiting the kasbah at Telouet. It is beautiful and it was great to get the history from a guide. The hike to the Berber village, as well as the tea and lunch. Our guide was excellent. The camel ride out to the desert camp was fun, though it was very windy at the time. The stars were incredible. Excellent package provided before the trip. Best info we have received from any tour company. The rides were easier than expected. Excellent driver: safe, kind, always there and looking out for us and ready with water/snacks. Our guide was outstanding. Very knowledgeable, read our group well, very positive, excellent cyclist. Loved the country, the food, the culture, the history, being with friends. Best rides: descent from Telouet, descent from the Plateau de Kik, approach to Ouirgane, descent from Tin Mal. We chose GE because it is a Canadian company that uses local guides. Friends had been on this trip with GE and really recommended it. Accommodations looked good. Price appropriate, prompt response re: initial quotes, ability to customize.”
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