Atlas Descent Cycling Holiday - Morocco

Accommodation

7 nights hotels.

Food

All meals included except 2 dinners.

Itinerary Ex London

Duration:8 Days Sat-Sat

Start and End: London - London

Day 1

Fly to Agadir via Casablanca.

Day 2

Tafraoute and the Blue Rock Trail. Approximate distance 35km Setting off from Agadir in the Landrovers we drive across the plains of the Souss Valley and climb into the heart of the Anti Atlas range, reaching a high point just before the old garrison town of Tafraoute, (130km transfer). Here we descend on the old off road track down to Tafraoute and on to the gritty pistes through the extraordinary boulder strewn moonscape to the famous painted rocks, where we rejoin the landrovers. Following non-technical gravel tracks across the high altitude plains we return to Tafraoute on a mix of good tarmac and sections of sweeping singletrack through the beautiful palmeries. Today's ride is a relatively easy introduction to prepare us for the days to come.

Day 3

Tafraoute and the Gorges of Ait Mansour. Approximate distance 70km Today's ride follows a spectacular route though the impressive gorges and lush palmeries around Ait Mansour. After a short transfer high into the mountains behind Tafraoute, we begin the 70km ride, descending through the landscape that contrasts so dramatically with what we saw yesterday. The ride is rough and rocky, following dry riverbeds in places, but the scenery is superb and we pass through many villages. 35km is off-road and 35km is on tarmac, including some major downhill (and one long optional climb), and we return to the hotel on the bikes. If the weather is bad and the riverbeds are impassable, there are alternative routes to follow. Back in Tafraoute we can relax in the hotel bar before spending the evening sharing a home-cooked meal and a carpet demonstration.

Day 4

Anezi Descent. Approximate distance 45km We drive for about 35km west from Tafraoute to the start of today's ride. A superb switch-backing piste takes us 18km down through a spectacular valley and past a number of traditional villages en route to Anezi. A short tarmac stretch offers a break from the stony terrain, but the piste soon returns. We transfer approx. 30 mins to Tiznit, an old walled town famous for its silver markets. There is a traditional hammam (steam bath) that we can visit in the late afternoon, or you can relax by the hotel pool.

Day 5

The Tacheine Trail and Taroudannt. Approximate distance 35km Today's ride follows fast gravel tracks through the northern edge of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. After an early breakfast, we return to yesterday's end point, from where we take a different trail across wild scenery. Overall this is an excellent day's ride, with a healthy mix of up and down (no climbs of more than 4km). Tracks are mostly good though rough/rocky in parts; in the event of bad weather some rivers may become impassable and it may be necessary to take an alternative route. At the end of the ride we reach the small town of Hemis Ait Moussa where we load the bikes onto the Landrovers and drive to Taroudannt, the 'Pearl of the Sous' (120km transfer). The late afternoon can be spent exploring the huge covered souk (market) or relaxing in one of the many cafés, enjoying the atmosphere of this fascinating town.

Day 6

Tamgault Gorge Trail. Approximate distance 40km Today we transfer (approx. 2hrs) to the small village of Tiqqi in the foothills of the High Atlas. The landscape here is very different, with pine trees and remote mountainside villages dominating the area. Initially our track leads through several untouched Berber villages. Mud houses are perched precariously under cliff edges with locals looking on as we cycle through. After riding across country for several kilometres the track becomes less defined and rocky and we come to a spectacular gorge. Having lunch here there is time to admire the views and contemplate the two climbs before our final fast cross-country ride to tarmac (total off-road ride 26km). Rejoining the tarmac we cycle downhill for the last few kilometres to our hotel in Immouzer.

Day 7

Agadir and the Cascades Flyer. Approximate distance 60km The ultimate off-road trail and a fitting finale to this Biking Adventure! From the hotel a spectacular descent takes us to the coast. On the way there are a couple of climbs to overcome, but the thrill of visiting these remote valleys is ample reward. Poor weather may make this particular route impassable, in which case we will make our way out of the mountains through Paradise Valley; this route follows a spectacular winding tarmac road through some of the most beautiful of Morocco's varied landscapes, dropping from the ridges around Immouzer deep into a narrow gorge. After a stroll on the beach, we will load the bikes onto the Landrovers for the last drive into Agadir, arriving in time for a farewell dinner.

Day 8

Finish Agadir after breakfast.