Cycle Morocco’s Great South on a 9-day adventure

Once you arrive in Marrakech, we suggest walking or taxiing into the old city. Here, there is plenty to explore, including the old walled medina where winding alleyways are filled with souks selling everything from street food to pottery and jewellery.

We will transfer out of Marrakech to Sid Fares and begin our cycling journey into the foothills of Mount Toubkal. After a nice warm-up on a wonderful, undulating road, we will enjoy a long descent into the Asni Valley with beautiful views. We will then follow the river and cross several bridges before arriving at our hotel.

The day begins with a challenging climb to the dramatic Tizi n’Test Pass (6,890ft/2,100m). We are rewarded with dramatic views to the south over the Sousse Valley towards the Anti-Atlas Mountains. After lunch, we have a truly dramatic and, in some places, quite steep descent as the road winds down to the valley. Once in the valley, our ride takes us past orange, lemon, and grapefruit groves as we approach Oulad Berhil. Here, we receive a warm welcome, delicious food, and a relaxing evening at our beautiful riad. This converted palace is a wonderful addition to the end of our day with roaming peacocks and the chance to pick our own fruit straight off the trees.

We have a morning transfer into the Anti Atlas Mountains and the real southern Morocco, much of which is semi-desert and a contrast to the fertile Sousse Valley. We travel through Argan country trying to spot the much-loved tree-climbing goats. From Irherm, we are surrounded by almond trees, and our road has some wonderful ups and downs as we pass through many farms and mud-walled Amazigh villages. The last section of the ride is another wonderful descent of approximately 7.5 mi (12km) through dramatic scenery to Tafraoute. Time permitting, we visit the peculiar painted-blue giant rocks; otherwise, we visit tomorrow.

We transfer to Tizi M’Lil and begin another varied ride, undulating through spectacular hills, past traditional villages, and hill-top kasbahs, with some superb balcony sections offering excellent views. There are a few climbs, but the ride ends with an exhilarating descent to Ait Baha Lake, and then we transfer to the coastal resort of Agadir.

Today, we enjoy a truly spectacular ride through the Paradise Valley, a narrow gorge lined with palm trees. Towards the head of the valley, we have another challenging climb with excellent views, eventually reaching a high plateau and the little town of Imouzzer, the endpoint of one of the most dramatic rides on our route. Originally the home of the Ida Outanane Amazigh tribe, Imouzzer retains a strong cultural identity.

We will start our cycling journey from the front door and begin with a fantastic winding descent on a good road to a valley dotted with palm trees and traditional villages. There are a couple of moderate climbs over rocky hills and descents back into the fertile valleys before we reach the main coastal road and the end of the ride. After a picnic lunch, we will transfer (90 minutes) to our destination for the evening, Essaouira. This old Portuguese fishing port dates back to the 15th century, but the present town was constructed around 1760 by Sidi Mohammed ben Abdullah, who needed a base from which to suppress a revolt from Agadir. Today, Essaouira is extremely relaxed and the whitewashed houses with painted shutters, artisan workshops, boatyards, and fishermen provide a marked contrast to Marrakech. There’s plenty of interest in the narrow traffic-free streets of the old town, and we will stay overnight in a traditional riad.

After a free morning to explore lovely Essaouira, we will transfer to the vibrant city of Marrakech. Simply enjoy a freshly squeezed orange juice in one of the many rooftop cafes overlooking the Djemma El Fna square, or perhaps take a calèche (a horse-drawn carriage) ride to the peaceful Majorelle Gardens. These small but tranquil gardens are decorated throughout in indigo blue and house the small Museum of Islamic Art. A final treat would be to go for a hammam, a traditional Moroccan steam bath. A visit to Djemma el Fna this evening is the ultimate reward for our week’s cycling – with snake charmers, storytellers, smoky food stalls, and souks, there is no other way to experience the exciting atmosphere of Marrakech.

The trip ends after breakfast, but you can explore Marrakech if you have time before your flight. For excellent views of Djemaa el Fna, head to La Grand Balcon du Cafe Glacier or Cafe de France. You must buy a drink, but at 20 Moroccan dirhams (US$1.85), it’s worth it. Alternatively, Majorelle Gardens, or Le Jardin Secret, makes a great escape from the bustling city, and a chance to discover outstanding examples of Islamic art and architecture. A top tip for great food would be the Moroccan roast lamb at Chez Lamine just off Djemaa el Fna. Go between midday and 3 pm or you’ll miss it.

If you’re craving a cold beer or a glass of wine, make your way to La Salama, also just off the Djemaa el Fna. You can enjoy the beautiful interior and lively atmosphere. You’ll easily find a taxi around Djemaa el Fna when it’s time to make your return journey home.