Morocco Multisport
Unravel the mysteries of northern Africa and taste Moroccan delights on this six-day Backroads adventure. Explore the vibrant medina of Marrakech, discover an ancient mosque in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains and pedal along the rolling windswept Atlantic coast. Savor the piquant flavors of couscous and tagines, and sip bottomless cups of sugary mint tea. Ride a camel on the beach and stroll beside the whitewashed walls of sun-bleached seaside 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 of this magical and friendly country.
Day 1 Marrakech
Meet in Marrakech 
Discover charming hidden corners of the city on a lovely bike ride past palm trees, bougainvillea blossoms and even camels 
Enjoy a guided tour of the medina Visit the D’jemaa el Fna, the sprawling central square, and its carnival of snake charmers, storytellers and food merchants Indulge in a lavish dinner of Moroccan specialties.
Days 2-3 Ouirgane
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 blue-gray hills and a broad agricultural river valley, hike to a remote Berber village with a local guide for mint tea, fresh-baked bread and locally grown olives Make your way through the verdant Imlil Valley on foot, surrounded by the rugged snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains Feast on regional cuisine, and enjoy a music and dance performance courtesy of local Berbers.
Days 4-6 Essaouira
Shuttle and bike 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-Bouzarqtoun and stunning Sidi-Kaouki beach, where dramatic hills tumble to the coast Take a twilight camel ride along the water’s edge Wash away your cares in a hammam (traditional bathhouse).
EXOTIC RETREATS: Premiere Inns
Les Jardins d'Inès (1 night): Relax with a body treatment or at the Turkish bath of this stylish boutique hotel, whose Moorish design is accented with sumptuous fabrics, warm colors and decorative tiles.
Domaine de la Roseraie (2 nights): Tucked away in the Atlas Mountains, this gorgeous retreat is an oasis of rose gardens and citrus groves, with a spa, swimming pool and beautifully appointed guest rooms.
L'Heure Bleue (2 nights): This Relais & Châteux member in the heart of Essaouira welcomes guests with Colonial African décor, luxurious amenities, a hammam and a rooftop pool that’s perfect for taking in ocean sunsets.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Biking 12 Miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Walking Tour of Marrakech 2.5 hours
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- Walking Tour & Hike 1 hour
- Biking 14, 27 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 3 1 Route Option Available
- Walking 8 miles
- 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 17, 36 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
- Walking Tour of Essaouira 1.5 hours
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 13, 28 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
- Optional Walk or Camel Ride 2 hours
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Biking 19 Miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Trips 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 | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 3/29-4/3Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1240 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/11-16Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1240 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/25-30Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1240 for sgl. occ.)
- 11/8-13Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1240 for sgl. occ.)
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
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
We've been on 16 trips with Backroads, so naturally have high standards but each trip exceeds my expectations!- Los Angeles, CA
Our Backroads Morocco trip was simply amazing, from start to finish. What a way to explore a new country with different customs and way of living! We were treated like royalty by our leaders, and all our needs were met or exceeded. I felt privileged to share a peek into the real culture of such a fascinating country.- Stillwater, MN
This was a great trip. The places we traveled to and stayed in were fantastic and the pace and "extra" activities were done perfectly from a time management and interest and relevance perspective.- New York, NY