Morocco Multisport
Biking & Walking from Marrakech to the High Atlas & Essaouira
Unravel the mysteries of northern Africa as Backroads introduces you to the many delights of Morocco. On our six-day adventure, spend time in the vibrant city of Marrakech, amid the Atlas Mountains foothills and along the windswept Atlantic coast. Relish the savory flavors of couscous and tagines, and sip bottomless cups of sugary mint tea. Ride camels as they lope across the beach, and stroll beside the whitewashed walls of sun-bleached coastal towns. Listen to the mesmerizing strains of Berber music. Engage in the centuries-old dance of marketplace negotiation with local merchants. And embrace the unique culture and traditions that we discover along our journey through this magical and friendly country.
- Pedal through an exotic landscape more accustomed to camels than cyclists
- Marrakech’s D’jemaa el Fna, a busy marketplace brimming with snake charmers, soothsayers, herbalists and musicians
- Hike to a Berber village in the Atlas Mountains accessible only by foot and see traditional life
- Ride a camel down the Essaouira beach at twilight
- Luxuriate at L'Heure Bleue Palais with spectacular ocean views
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Ouirgane
Meet in Marrakech 
Shuttle to the small village of Tamesloht, home to a zaouia (holy site) Stop for lunch near a picturesque lake before pedaling through the rolling countryside and up into the High Atlas Mountains Accompanied by views of snowcapped mountains, hike to a remote Berber village with a local guide for mint tea, fresh-baked bread and olive oil Make your way through the verdant Imlil Valley on foot, surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Atlas Mountains Feast on Moroccan specialties and enjoy a musical performance courtesy of local Berbers.
Days 3-4 Essaouira
Ride west on undulating terrain toward the coast, passing sun-splashed olive groves, argan trees and the goats who climb them With a local guide, explore the narrow winding streets of Essaouira, a fortified port town and World Heritage site Spin to the sleepy surfing village of Moulay Bouzerqtoune, where dramatic hills tumble to the coast Take a twilight camel ride along the beach Wash away your cares in a hammam, or traditional bathhouse Shuttle to Marrakech and indulge in a lavish Moroccan dinner.
Days 5-6 Marrakech
Hike to a spring-fed oasis 
Spin through the outskirts of Marrakech Enjoy a guided tour of the medina Visit the D’jemaa el Fna and its carnival of snake charmers, storytellers and food merchants.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
This is my second Backroads trip, and I definitely look forward to more. We experienced so many things that we never would have been able to do on our own, for example, the hike into the Berber village and tea at a home there. Local guides added much to our knowledge, helping us understand the Moroccan/Muslim culture. I have tried to determine my favorite part of the trip, but I just can't single out a specific part. Each day was a new adventure, and they all blended together to make this one of my most memorable trips. Thank you so much.- Stillwater, MN More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Morocco Multisport
EXOTIC RETREATS: Premiere Inns
Domaine de la Roseraie
Ouirgane (2 nights) Tucked away in the Atlas Mountains, this gorgeous retreat is an oasis of rose gardens and citrus groves, with beautifully appointed guest rooms, a spa, swimming pools and tennis courts.
L'Heure Bleue Palais
Essaouira (2 nights) A traditional Moroccan riad, this Relais & Châteux member in the heart of Essaouira is outfitted in colonial-African décor, with a rooftop pool that’s perfect for taking in ocean sunsets.
Kasbah Agafay
Marrakech (1 night) This Small Luxury Hotels of the World member is a haven of luxury, tranquility and beauty with a spa, swimming pool and elegantly appointed guest rooms.
Morocco Multisport
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- Walking Tour 1.5 hours
- Biking 11, 15, 27 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Walking 4, 8 miles
- 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 17, 36 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
- Walking Tour 1.5 hours
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 13, 28 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
- Beach Walk or Camel Ride 1.5 hours
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 5 miles
- Biking 17 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Walking Tour 2.5 hours