Guided Heart of Morocco Bike and Hike Tour

Welcome to Marrakesh, a vibrant city full of colors, sounds, and stories.

Our hotel for the day is the beautiful Riad & Spa Bahia Salam — the perfect spot to unwind after your journey.

Our guide will meet you at 10:00 AM at the hotel.

After checking in, we take a guided walk through the lively streets of Marrakesh that have been welcoming travelers for well over a thousand years.

We’ll visit the stunning El-Badi Palace, admire the city’s ancient walls, and wander through its bustling souks. The aromas of fresh spices and sizzling street food will set the tone for the incredible Moroccan adventure ahead.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a warm welcome briefing before indulging in a traditional Moroccan dinner — a perfect start to our journey.

Leaving the city behind, we head towards the High Atlas Mountains for our first day of cycling. Our starting point is Telouet, an erstwhile caravan town located 1,800 metres (5,900 ft) high up in the Atlas mountains.

The transfer from Marrakech to Telouet takes around 3 hours.

In Telouet, we visit the impressive Kasbah of Telouet, home to the former palace of the powerful Glaoui family which once wielded considerable influence in Morocco, emerging as rivals to the King of Morocco himself. With its intricate tilework and grand courtyards, it’s a stunning introduction to Morocco’s rich history.

From here, we cycle through the Ounila Valley, passing remote Berber villages like Anmiter, where red rock mountains meet green farmland. As we ride, the landscapes keep changing—lush valleys, palm groves, and ancient kasbahs line our path. We stop at Tizgui N’Barda, a hidden oasis with natural springs, perfect for a refreshing break.

We'll stop along the way for a picnic lunch, before continuing the day's biking.

As we descend towards the desert plains, we spot the unmistakable silhouette of Aït Ben Haddou in the distance. This UNESCO-listed fortified town, with its sand-colored kasbahs and winding alleys, has been the backdrop for many famous films including Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), Gladiator (2000), Alexander (2004), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Babel (2006) and the TV series Game of Thrones to name a few.

As the sun sets, we soak in the golden glow over this ancient fortress—an incredible ending to our first day on the bike.

Paved 60.8 km (91%) Unpaved 6 km (9%)

Elevation: +700m

We begin the day by exploring the legendary mudbrick ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As the morning light casts golden hues over its ancient walls, it’s the perfect spot for pre-ride photos before hitting the trail.

We then begin the day's riding along a mix of dirt roads and winding single tracks, making our way toward the desert plateaus. The terrain varies from packed dirt to rocky sections, with occasional sand traps to test our skills.

The landscape feels almost otherworldly, with vast Hamada stone deserts stretching in every direction.

Keep an eye out for camels and nomadic Berber tents along the way. Then comes the real challenge—a 900m climb to Tizguililane, winding through dry riverbeds, loose gravel, and steep switchbacks that will test your legs.

The effort is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Anti-Atlas Mountains and the shimmering lakes near Ouarzazate—pure Moroccan wilderness at its finest.

Lunch once again will be a picnic lunch.

Paved 7.1 km (16%) Unpaved 35.8 km (83%)

Elevation: +300m

We begin the day with a 1 hour transfer to the village of Aguerd. From here, we cycle to the stunning Boutaghrar in the Valley of Roses.

The journey begins on packed dirt roads winding through arid hills and mudbrick homes, with the morning sun casting long shadows over the landscape. A steady climb leads to Ait Ayoub, where lush terraced fields contrast beautifully with the rugged mountains.

The trail then turns more technical as we ascend toward Imrhrane, navigating gravel, rock, and sand. Past Alemdoun, the ride becomes even more remote, with narrow ridgelines offering breathtaking valley views.

We stop in a picturesque spot along the way to admire the views and have a picnic lunch.

A major highlight is the Agouti Gorge, a dramatic canyon with fast, technical singletrack through red rock cliffs.

After exiting the gorge, a final climb leads to Tourbiste Pass, rewarding us with stunning panoramas before a thrilling descent into Boutharar.

Here, we can relax in a traditional guesthouse and enjoy a well-earned glass of mint tea.

Boutharar (also spelled Bou Tahar or Bou Taghrar) is a remote area, and our accommodation for the night is a simple yet comfortable guesthouse.

Paved 24.1 km (43%) Unpaved 32 km 57%

Elevation: +700m

Today we ride through some of Morocco’s most breathtaking landscapes, from rugged canyons to lush valleys and Berber villages.

Starting in Boutharar, we'll pass through Gorges Izelmaden, where towering cliffs rise dramatically from ground. The trail then leads to the ancient ruins of Hdida, an abandoned kasbah village perfect for photos.

Riding through Sidi El Ghazouani, a small spiritual site and Agoulzi, we take in the sights and sounds of traditional Berber culture before reaching the Valley of Roses. This beautiful valley appears especially stunning in spring when pink Damask roses bloom all over.

As the route becomes more remote, we pass through Tassouit and Serghine before arriving at Ait Ouzzine, a lush oasis village.

Approaching Boumalne Dades, the scenery transforms with towering cliffs and winding switchbacks.

A highlight is the Dades Gorges, home to Morocco’s most famous cycling road. The journey ends at the Monkey Fingers Rocks, a surreal landscape of bizarre eroded formations—a perfect finale to an unforgettable ride.

Lunch once again will be a picnic lunch.

Paved 39.6 km 53%
Unpaved 33.1 km 44%

Elevation: +1000m

After several days of cycling, today is all about exploring on foot.

Our 8km (5mi) hike begins in the stunning Dades Valley, surrounded by towering red rock formations. As we venture deeper, we enter the Canyon des Doigts de Singe, named for its finger-like rock formations stretching toward the sky. These dramatic sandstone and limestone cliffs, sculpted by centuries of erosion, create an almost otherworldly landscape.

Along the way, watch for eagles soaring above and desert foxes darting between the rocks. We may also encounter Berber shepherds skillfully guiding their goats along the rugged trails, adding to the authenticity of this breathtaking adventure.

We'll have a picnic lunch along the way.

Elevation: +193m

After yesterday's hiking, we get back on our bikes for another spectacular ride.

We climb high into the Atlas Mountains, reaching nearly 2,000m ( 6,561ft) before descending into the legendary Todra Gorge. With its towering red cliffs and narrow canyon walls that rise upto 400m (1,300ft) almost vertically, this is one of Morocco’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

From here, the landscape transforms once again as we approach Tinghir, a lush oasis surrounded by palm groves. After the day’s effort, we settle in for a well-earned rest.

Lunch once again will be a picnic lunch.

Paved 31.4 km (42%) Unpaved 42.8 km (58%)

Elevation: +700m

Today, we journey into the heart of the Merzouga Desert for an unforgettable experience. The transfer to Merzouga takes around 3 hours.

Merzouga is located close to Morocco's southern border with Algeria, right where the vast expanse of the Sahara proper begins. Along the way, we visit the Khettaras, an ancient underground irrigation system vital for desert life.

Arriving at the desert’s edge, we embark on a camel caravan across the mesmerizing Erg Chebbi dunes, where golden sands stretch endlessly under the sun’s warm glow. The rhythmic sway of the camels enhances the dreamlike atmosphere as we traverse this surreal landscape. You can choose whether to hike or ride your camel.

The hike/ride takes around 1 hour. We'll stop along the way for a picnic lunch.

By evening, we reach our luxurious desert camp, where traditional yet comfortable tents offer a peaceful retreat beneath the vast Sahara sky. A delicious Moroccan feast awaits, featuring fragrant tagine, couscous, and fresh bread.

As night falls, the silence of the dunes surrounds us, and the sky sparkles with countless stars, free from light pollution. Drifting off to sleep to the whispers of the desert wind, you’ll feel deeply connected to Morocco’s timeless beauty.

The day begins with an unforgettable sunrise walk through the Merzouga Desert. Rising before dawn, we set off under a star-lit sky, climbing to a high vantage point to witness the desert’s transformation.

As the first light touches the dunes, soft pinks and golds blend together, creating a breathtaking scene. In this quiet moment, the desert feels truly magical—a sight you’ll never forget.

After soaking in the sunrise, we return to camp for a delicious breakfast, a perfect way to refuel for the day ahead. Later, we transfer to Midelt, a town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains.

The transfer to Midelt takes around 4 hours.

Here, we’ll have free time to explore the stunning landscapes and indulge in authentic Moroccan cuisine, savoring flavors unique to this region. From the serenity of the dunes to the vibrant charm of Midelt, today is a journey through Morocco’s diverse and breathtaking beauty.

Midelt is a remote town and the accommodation options here are limited. Our stay for the night is in a simple, yet comfortable hotel.

We begin the day with a 2 hour transfer to Azrou. From the golden sands of the Sahara, we have now transitioned to the alpine cedars of Azrou.

We set off for a flexible 2 to 3-hour hike through the heart of the famous cedar forest in Ifrane National Park.

Starting at an altitude of around 1,750 meters, this circular route takes you through a remarkably diverse ecosystem featuring majestic Atlas cedars, evergreen oaks, Zeen oaks, maples, and hawthorns. We’ll reach a maximum elevation of approximately 1,820 meters—a gentle and rewarding ascent.

The trail offers a refreshing escape, remaining cool and shaded beneath the towering forest canopy. As we climb, we’ll arrive at a viewpoint overlooking the stunning Tigrigra Valley, offering a glimpse into the traditional transhumant lifestyle of local Berber shepherds during the winter months.

Keep your eyes open! With a bit of luck, we may encounter Barbary macaques, an endemic species, or spot unique wildlife such as Levaillant’s Woodpecker.

We end with a shuttle transfer to Fez that takes around 1 hour 45 minutes.

Elevation: +462m

Today we embark on a guided walking tour of Fez, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual heart. Also known as the Athens of Africa, Fez has been a center of trade, commerce, and learning for well over 1,200 years. The University of al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, founded in 857 AD, is recognized as the world's institution of higher learning still in operation.

We explore the city's UNESCO-listed medina, with its maze-like alleys, bustling souks, and stunning palaces.

After the tour, we part ways, taking with us unforgettable memories of this incredible journey.

Fez has an international airport with connectivity to other Moroccan cities and some European capitals. You can ask your hotel to arrange a cab to the airport.