The Wild Atlantic | 6 Day - 4 Days Biking
Day 1
Arrival day
Day 2
Marrakech to Essaouira (Approx. 220kms)
Heading west we follow along quiet back roads and through small villages. Get yourself acquainted with your bike, see some local sites such as a souk, or possibly an animal market and of course see how the Berber people live out in the countryside.
The plan is to get to Essaouira, check in and get freshened up and then have free time. A suggestion is to go for a late lunch at one of the fish stalls near the port and then spend the rest of today wandering around and discovering everything.
Essaouira was said to have been a bohemian respite for rockers such as Jimi Hendrix back in the sixties. This laid-back bustling old medina is full of wonderful things to see and do, such as perusing the colourful display of bazaars and souks. You will be able to walk along the impressive 18th- century ramparts called the Skala de la Kasbah, designed by European engineers, where antique brass canons line the walls. The old fishing port is laden with tiny blue sardine fishing boats and if really keen, get up early the following morning to see the daily catch laid out neatly on the ground waiting for buyers. You can also admire the big wooden trawlers that are still being built by hand.
Essaouira is renowned for watersports, with kite surfers usually out riding the waves just off the beautiful 7km crescent shaped beach with its recently completed promenade.
We will have dinner this evening at a lovely restaurant set on the beach just in front of our hotel, overlooking the sea. Time and weather depending we could stroll back to the medina and meet up at Taros roof terrace on the main square for a cocktail and to listen to the live music.
Day 3
Essaouira to Tizourghane (Approx. 290kms)
After a plentiful buffet breakfast we will head southwards following along the coast and the wild Atlantic Ocean, passing through several very popular hippy kitesurfing villages. Just before Agadir we turn inland, leaving the coast, into the Souss Valley area. Riding on through the fertile landscapes of the Souss Valley we have entered the Anti-Atlas mountains area and the valley of Tafroute. Here we will find compelling stone-built villages set amid a stunning landscape of pink granite and vast rock formations.
We treat you to the night in a unique converted kasbah, situated in the middle of an almost totally abandoned Berbere village.
Depending on what time we arrive we can go and discover some of the various interesting places nearby such as Tafraoute, the beautiful Gorges of Ait Mansour, the Painted rocks and the totally abandoned grenier called Tioulit.
We will have our dinner in this quaint guest house hidden away in the centre of this historical village. One can almost imagine the people going about their jobs, children playing etc. Stunning views to be seen out over the valleys. A cosy bar area to relax afterwards or wander further around the streets and feel the atmosphere
Day 4
Tizourghane to Taroudant (Approx. 115kms)
A short day today means that after breakfast we could either investigate a bit further locally, or set off to get to our destination early and have lots of time to see this interesting medina.
Taroudant is also known as ‘Little Marrakech, famous for its local crafts, including jewellery and carpets. Surrounded by 6kms of ramparts, unusually almost all of the town is tucked inside the walls.
Our accommodation for the night is a pleasant 4* family owned riad set inside the medina.
Day 5
Taroudant to Marrakech (Approx. 236kms)
After breakfast in the courtyard we will head northwards into the High Atlas and introduce you to one of Morocco’s most spectacular mountain passes – The Tizi n Test. The road weaves its way up to an elevation of 2093m – then tips over the northern side of the mountains as it descends through a gorge to Marrakech. As we start our ascent, not far to the east in the Siroua mountains, is the main region where the cherished and highly prized spice, Saffron, known as “Red Gold” is produced.
Reaching the top we will stop at the café Bonavista for refreshment. The summit is frequently shrouded in mist but if we are lucky there will be magnificent views to the south. You will also be able to appreciate and photograph stunning views from many other scenic stopping points all along the route.
When we get back to our base hotel, the bikes will be handed back and an inspection done at the same time to see if any damage has occurred whilst with you as temporary owner.
Final evening meal in the restaurant beside the pool when much laughter and joking normally occurs, remembering different anecdotes from our time on tour.
Day 6
DEPARTURE DAY
Everything will depend on the time of your flight. Normally breakfast will be had by the pool and then a transfer will take you to the airport terminal.
Sad to see you go, but hoping you’ll be back for a longer trip with us next time.
