Discover Morocco: 18 Days with Biking and Trekking
Day 1 – Casablanca – Rabat
- Welcomed at the airport, then we take the road to Rabat.
- Rabat: Imperial City, founded in the 12th century by the Almohads., it is also the second city of Morocco.
- A city tour includes Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohamed V, the Kabash of the Udaïa (12th century) and the Necropolis of Chellah.
- Night in Rabat.
Day 2 – Rabat – Tangier – Tetouan – Chefchaouen
- Today we leave for the North of Morocco.
- Tangier: Cosmopolitan and very lively city. Tetouan, which has one of the most authentic medinas of Morocco, a UNESCO heritage site.
- Then, on to the Rif mountains, 2,450 m above sea level towards Chefchaouen.
- Night in Chefchaouen.
Day 3 – Chefchaouen and Excursion to the Akchour Valley
- Tour of the blue and white city with steep streets, Chefchaouen is also considered a holy city.
- Cycling to the Akchour Valley, the lost paradise! Akchour is located in the Talassemtane National Park. UNESCO has designated this park as part of the Mediterranean Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve because of its rich biodiversity. The exceptional natural landscape of Akchour is very famous, with a beautiful waterfall and the Bridge of God (natural arch). 2 hours of hiking in one of the trails.
- Night in Chefchaouen.
Day 4 – Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fez
- For the next two days discover a little history of Morocco : Volubilis, founded in the 3rd century BC, where we will visit the most important Roman ruins in Morocco.
- With a local guide, visit the Imperial City of Meknes with its massive walls and monumental gates including Bab Mansour. Other sites such as the royal stables, the grain mills and the Jewish quarter (Mellah).
- Night in Fez.
Day 5 – Fez
- Founded in the 8th century BC, Fez is both a living museum and a colourful modern city. With the local guide to discover the history of Fez, you will see the tombs of the Merinides, the Royal Palace with its panoramic view of the city and its ramparts.
- Visit of authentic tanneries and artisans of copper and pottery. Discover the Medersa El-Attarine, a dazzling example of complex Islamic architecture.
- Night in Fez.
Day 6 – Fez – Merzouga
- Today we are going to discover the desert.
- We will pass by Ifrane, the little Switzerland of Morocco, cedar forests and the Barbary Macaques of the Middle Atlas.
- Panoramic view of the Ziz valley and magnificent palm groves. Cycling in this beautiful valley (about 40 km) to Erfoud, the capital of dates and visit the museum of fossils dating back 360 million years
- Then, by car, direction Merzouga located in the majestic dunes of erg Chebbi, the Sahara desert.
- Night in Merzouga.
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Day 7 – Merzouga
- In the morning, we visit the oasis of Merzouga and take a 4×4 tour in the desert. With luck, our paths will cross with Nomads.
- In late afternoon, we depart on the backs of dromedaries to caravan across the desert and spend the night in a Berber camp (luxury tent) under the stars.
Day 8 – Merzouga – Boumalne Dades
- Witness a resplendent Sahara sunrise before continuing our journey towards Boumalne Dades through some of the most scenic landscape in Morocco.
- We will pass through the small Berber village of Aït Atta, the Todgha Gorges, with cliffs 300m high, and cycling in the Dades Valley. Night at Chez l’Habitant Amazigh Berbère, to discover a little of Berber history.
Days 9 – 10 – 11 Trekking
- With a mountain guide, trekking in the mountains of Saghro (Mountains where the last part of Babel’s film was shot), with deep canyons reminiscent of American canyons. Breathtaking landscapes.
Day 12 – return of the Trekking – Aït Ben Haddou
- In the morning, end of the trekking. Bike ride, 25 to 30 kms, in the mountain of Saghro until N’Kob small Berber village 45 Kasbahs.
- Then we continue by car in the Drâa Valley, huge lush valley of palm trees, the majestic Tamnougalt Ksar dating from the 16th century (possibility of seeing).
- Ouarzazate, the movie studios «Hollywood Africa» hundreds of films were shot there such as the Jewels of the Nile, Gladiator, Babel. Large thermodynamic solar power plant in operation since February 2016. Small stop in front of the Taourirt Kasbah, national heritage. Night in Aït Ben Haddou.
Day 13 – Aït Ben Haddou – Marrakech
- Visit of the Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou dating from the 16th century, UNESCO World Heritage. Aït Ben Haddou gathers an impressive number of ochre adobe kasbahs, some have been restored.
- To reach Marrakech we will take the Atlas road through Telouet, cycling in the Ounila valley, and the Tizi n Tichka pass, 2260 m above sea level.. Night in Marrakech.
Day 14 – Marrakech
- Today, with a local guide, you will visit Marrakech, the red city. 1,000 years of history to discover!
- Important sites to see: the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the Minaret of the Koutoubia, the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square, not to mention the Souks. Night in Marrakech.
Day 15 – Excursion Ourika valley (130 km round trip)
- Ourika Valley : South of Marrakech, admire this beautiful and lush green valley of the High Atlas with its Berber villages. Tea in a Berber family. Back to Marrakech by bike. Night in Marrakech.
