Morocco Cycling Tour
This unique Morocco gravel cycling adventure is an unforgettable experience, both on and off the bike, catering for riders and non-riding partners, alike. This epic journey will take you across the Atlas Mountains and desert plains, starting in the vibrant city of Marrakech and continuing through traditional Berber villages, and the famous Dades Gorges. You'll cycle around the stunning Erg Chebbi sand dunes in the Sahara Desert, enjoying hot air ballooning at sunrise, camel rides at sunset, and luxury camping under the desert stars. With the expertise of our ride captains and local guides, you'll explore the best of Morocco, known for its exceptional gravel riding, vibrant colours, friendly inhabitants, and delicious cuisine. This adventure promises to create lasting memories with premium accommodation, fully supported rides, and all-inclusive activities that immerse you in Morocco's rich culture and breathtaking scenery.
Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime gravel cycling tour and discover the unparalleled beauty and hospitality of Morocco.
TOUR INTRODUCTION
The majesty of Morocco is a feast for the senses and is waiting to be explored on an epic journey across the mountains and desert plains. Discover the best of Morocco that is destined to awaken the senses, as we cycle through and visit the best that this exotic country has to offer.
The cycling experience of our ride captains, combined with the knowledge of our local tour guides, will enable us to offer you an unforgettable trip to this magical Kingdom.
Our trip starts in Marrakech an ancient, exotic city wrapped in European modernity and filled with sights, scents, and vibrant colour. We tackle the most famous climb in the Atlas Mountains, continuing into traditional Berber villages, riding through spectacular rugged Gorges, that Dades has become famous for. Cycling into the Sahara Desert plains and around the famous giant Erg Chebbi sand dunes, is an experience that stays with you forever. Think hot air ballooning at sunrise, camel rides at sunset and sleeping under the desert stars in your luxury Sahara campsite. A truly memorable photographic haven.
This is a trip for adventure seekers that will create fond memories which will last forever.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS TRIP
- Morocco is an incredible and rewarding experience both on and off the bike.
- A country known for its seriously good gravel riding, vibrant colour, friendly inhabitants, delicious food, stunning scenery and varied terrain.
- Fully supported rides with guides, mechanics, tools and support vehicle.
- A once in a lifetime experience riding through the Atlas Mountains, Dades Gorges and Sahara Desert plains.
- Our local tour guides will provide privileged access to hidden experiences.
- Premium 5 star unique accommodation.
- Glamping in the Sahara dunes under the desert stars.
- All inclusive off the bike activities and beautiful places to visit.
- Explore modern and traditional Morocco to better understand its melting pot of cultures and traditions.
- Relax at a traditional Hammam.
- Excellent shopping at the vibrant souks and spice markets.
- Unforgettable sunset and sunrise experiences including hot air ballooning and camel riding in the golden Erg Chebbi dunes.
THE APRÈS VÉLO GRAVEL CYCLING TOUR IS NOT JUST ABOUT THE BIKE. IT'S ABOUT THE APRÈS VÉLO LIFESTYLE AND CREATING FOND MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST FOREVER.
🚲 RIDE
You will experience why Morocco is the perfect gravel riding destination – a country known for its vibrant colour, friendly inhabitants, stunning scenery and amazing gravel trails.
🔎 DISCOVER
Discover the authenticity of Morocco that is deeply rooted in culture and history.
🍴 EAT
Moroccan cuisine is delicious and influenced by Berber, Jewish, Arab, and French cultures.
🛏 REST
We understand the importance of down time, comfort and peace, and have structured our itinerary accordingly in peaceful and luxurious accommodation.
JOIN US FOR OUR ALL INCLUSIVE MOROCCO GRAVEL CYCLING TOUR
ITINERARY
2024 TOUR DATES
9-16th September (SOLD OUT)
2025 TOUR DATES
1-8th May
8-15th September
Our team will welcome you at the airport to help with your luggage, before transferring you to your boutique hotel in the heart of Marrakech. For those arriving a day earlier to unwind, transfers will still be provided at whatever time you arrive. We recommend you arrive into Marrakech on the 7th September, to fully enjoy planned activities for 8th September. Let us know if you would like us to arrange any extra accommodation for you.
Enjoy a half day all-inclusive city tour of Marrakech, an informative and incredible eye-opener. Alternatively, explore Marrakech at your own pace, discovering the brilliant colours of the spice markets, the sounds of musicians, delectable foods, and perfumed gardens.
A traditional lunch follows, before the riders are transferred to collect their bikes, whilst the non-riders have the opportunity to visit a traditional herb, spice and natural beauty store with full product overview and presentations provided.
Our team will help riders with their bike set-up to ensure we are good to go tomorrow.
Time permitting, we will also offer an afternoon short “urban” tour of Morocco on our 2 wheeled chariots.
Over an evening sundowner, you will get to meet your fellow adventurers and the Après Vélo team, who will provide a tour debriefing.
When night falls, Marrakech turns into a hive of activity with drama in progress wherever you look. Dine at a restaurant overlooking the square, where snake charmers, Henna-painters, street vendors and performers will provide for an unforgettable evening.
Your adventure has well and truly begun!
Accommodation – Riad Nashira
On our ride menu, we will be offering 2 different options, with and without the Tizi ‘n Tichka climb.
Probably the most famous climb in the Atlas Mountains, Tizi ‘n Tichka is incredible, with absolute pristine roads, having been resurfaced in 2019.
The road twists and turns for all the 35km of the climb, at an average gradient of just 3%.
The heart of the climb is in the top section with genuine switchbacks and breathtaking views. At over 2000m, you will start to feel the coolness, with scenery reminiscent to the lunar landscapes of Mont Ventoux. As you get close to the summit incredible photo opportunities await.
Those who don't feel like climbing Tizi n' Tichka will enjoy a coffee at the top, where together, we'll ride past the Kasbah of Telouet and have lunch at a local tea house serving a series of traditional Moroccan dishes. After lunch we will transfer to Anmiter, where we will ride to our final destination of Ait Benhaddou via the Valley of Ait Ounilla, which includes an awesome series of descents and photogentic Berber communities.
Our accommodation is a luxury Riad/Kasbah in the heart of Ait Benhaddou, the city they filmed The Mummy, Gladiator and most recently, Game of Thrones.
Accommodation – Ksar Ighenda
In the afternoon relax in the paradise of your hotel, perched at an altitude of 1612m in the middle of the Mountains. Enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner, whilst watching the sunset over the desert.
Accommodation - Hotel Xaluca Dades
After breakfast, we will offer the option of either a hike through the renowned rugged gorges that Dades has become famous for. Alternatively opt for a shortish ride up through the famouos switchbacks of the Road Of A Thousand Kasbahs.
The scenery is truly overwhelming and is at the top of the bucket list for adventurous souls and immersion into authentic berber culture.
In the afternoon, treat yourself to a massage in the hotel Spa and Hammam or sunbathe at the outdoor pool. For the more energetic, you can spend your afternoon with our tour guides, exploring the traditional Berber Village before another great Moroccan feast.
Accommodation - Hotel Xaluca Dades
It doesn't take us long to hit our first climb of Touririte Peak, which hits the summit at approximately 2,000m, where we will stop for some refreshments, perched on the top of the cliff. Thereafter, you will experience the descent of a lifetime on smooth tarmac, with long sweeping turns, surrounded by incredible scenery, before stopping for some local food and refreshments. After lunch we will take a short transfer to Erfoud, an oasis town in the Sahara Desert, which is our home for the night.
Erfoud is a destination for filmmakers due to the beauty of the surrounding Sahara Desert and the town's oasis.
Films include:
- Spectre (James Bond)
- Prince of Persia
- The Mummy
Accommodation – Palais Du Desert
We depart our hotel towards Merzouga, home to one of Morocco's biggest dunes, Erg Chebbi formed by wind-blown sand. Be prepared for anything - sandy patches, hard gravel, or mud. The terrain is constantly changing depending on the localised weather systems and it's all part of the adventure.
Accommodation - Palais Du Desert
Incredible photo opportunities await, where your friends will envy the beauty that you're surrounding yourself with. What better way to finish off this incredible day, than with a camel ride at sunset. We honestly could not believe the beauty of this overwhelming experience.
This evening, we'll watch the sunset from atop a sand dune, before commencing our farewell dinner at a luxury desert camp in the Sahara.
Tonight, you will sleep under the stars, a perfect end to a truly memorable day.
Accommodation – Sahara Luxury Desert Camp
Our team will provide a transfer to Moulay Ali Cherif airport in Errachidia, which is a 1.5hr drive from our desert campsite, and provides flights to most major destinations in Morocco. Alternatively we can arrange a helicopter flight for you from the dunes direct to Marrakech, alternatively overland transport to your destination of choice, at an added cost.
Speak to us about organising additional days, accommodation and tours in Morocco.
Marrakech: Explore Marrakech prior to or at the end of our trip. There is a lot of ancient history, sightseeing and unique shopping opportunities.
Chefchaouen: Chefchaouen (the blue city) is known for its striking, blue-washed buildings, roofs, flower pots, stairs, which line its steep cobbled lanes, flanked by leather and weaving workshops. A worthy visit indeed.
Fes: One of the oldest medieval cities in the world and highly recommended. Indulge in some of the many food tours, perfume making classes or explore the beautiful architecture, mosques, museums, flea and street markets.
The Après Vélo itinerary may be subject to route and hotel changes, and other modifications subject to circumstances prevailing at the time.
PRICES & DATES
GRAVEL BIKES
Cannondale Topstone and GT Carbon Pro Gravel bikes are included in the tour price for use throughout the duration of the tour. See bike specs here:
GT Carbon Pro
Should you wish to purchase a new Gravel Bike at an excellent price awaiting your arrival in Marrakech, we have a range of Gravel Bikes for you to choose from. This order will need to be placed at least 3 months prior to your arrival.
Après Vélo have collaborated with 3T Cycling who make the world's finest and lightest equipment for every kind of bike racing including 3T’s award winning range of aero gravel bikes https://hosamresources.com/en/234-exploro
Please email us with your requirements in this regard at customerservice@hosamresources
INCLUSIONS
LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
8 days / 7 nights all-inclusive trip.
Day 1. Riad Nashira
Day 2. Ksar Ighenda
Day 3 & 4. Hotel Xaluca Dades
Day 5 & 6. Palais Du Desert
Day 7. Sahara Luxury Camp
RENTAL BIKES
-
See bike spec here:
- Should you wish to purchase a gravel bike, these will be made available for collection in Marrakech through prior arrangement https://hosamresources.com/en/234-exploro
- Should you wish to rent an E Gravel Bike, we can arrange this for you at a cost of AU$75 per day.
MEALS
- All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
- Snacks & hydration during the day. We recommend that you bring your own specific nutrition and hydration intake, if required. Please bear in mind the heat and the need to constantly replenish with electrolytes.
- 2 alcoholic drinks per person with each dinner.
SUPPORT
- Ride support with safety focus paramount. We recognise that no rider is the same and we ensure that no-one is left behind.
- 1 Ride Captain for every 7-8 guests.
- Support vehicles.
- Bike mechanic.
- Bottled water.
- On road nutrition & hydration. We recommend that you bring your own specific nutrition and hydration intake, if required. Please bear in mind the heat and the need to constantly replenish with electrolytes.
ACTIVITIES/TOURS
- Half day tour of Marrakech.
- Hot air ballooning.
- Camel riding.
- Cooking classes.
- Guided hiking in Dades.
- Private guided tours along the way.
TRANSFERS
- Marrakech International Airport pick up.
- Moulay Ali Cherif Airport drop off.
- All transfers throughout the duration of the trip.
- Luggage & bike transfers.
GRATUITIES
- We have taken the hassle out of you tipping throughout the tour. We will adequately take care of this on your behalf, for the entire support crew and service providers.
PHOTOGRAPHY
- Receive a gallery of lifelong memories from incredible images taken on tour.
GEAR
- Après Vélo Cycling Jersey + Souvenir T-shirt.
NOT INCLUDED
- Airfare.
- Travel and personal insurance.
- Additional hotel expenses i.e. in-room hotel charges, incidentals.
- E Gravel bikes. This can be arranged for you at an additional charge of AU$75 per day.
- Laundry. Facilities are available at your hotels for your convenience.
NON-RIDING PARTNERS
APRÈS VÉLO ENCOURAGES AND WELCOMES NON RIDING PARTNERS TO ATTEND OUR MOROCCO TOUR.
Riders and non-riding partners partake in all meals, and post ride activities making it an inclusive and shared experience for all.
A specific itinerary will be put together for non-riding partners that will ensure an equally satisfying and fulfilling experience.
Non Riding partners will receive a 20% discount off the quoted prices.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
See our FAQs page for answers to common questions or contact us via email.
WHAT OUR GUESTS HAD TO SAY
See our Testimonials page to find out what our guests had to say about the tour.
NEED MORE INFO?
See our links below for more information about this tour.
