Our Tour
Atlas To Sahara Grand Tour
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through monumental landscapes and spectacular roads on our 12-day Atlas to Sahara Grand Tour — a cycling adventure covering over 600 km across Morocco’s diverse interior.
The journey begins with the exhilarating ascent to the Tichka Pass (2,268m), one of North Africa’s highest mountain passes, before descending into the dramatic landscapes of the Anti-Atlas and reaching the gateway to the mighty Sahara Desert.
From the desert’s edge, the route turns northward, guiding you through the Central High Atlas, a region known for its majestic canyons, the Valley of Roses, and breathtaking mountain scenery — a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and unforgettable cycling.
- Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech
Welcome upon arrival at Marrakesh Menara Airport by your guide, followed by a short transfer to your hotel in town.
Enjoy an overnight stay at a comfortable 3-star hotel on a bed and breakfast basis, giving you time to relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Ait Benhaddou
The first day of the tour begins with a scenic two-hour drive south from Marrakesh to the High Atlas Mountains, following the road to Ouarzazate. Our starting point sits at an altitude of 2,200 meters, where the support vehicles will assist with bike preparations before we set off.
The ride begins with a gentle climb up the famous Tichka Pass, one of Morocco’s highest paved roads, reaching a peak altitude of 2,268 meters. After a brief photo stop to take in the breathtaking views, we enjoy a thrilling winding descent toward Telouet, home to the historic Kasbah of Telouet — also known as the Palace of Glaoui, named after the influential family that once owned it.
Following a visit to the Kasbah, we’ll have lunch before continuing our ride through the spectacular Ounila Valley. Here, lush green terraces contrast beautifully with ochre-hued Kasbahs, while the road meanders through charming villages, featuring some rolling terrain with short steep climbs and incredible switchbacks.
Our day ends in the picturesque town of Ait Benhaddou, where we’ll relax overnight in a welcoming riad, immersing ourselves in the rich culture and history of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Meals included: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)
Day 3: Agdz
After exploring the remarkable Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we’ll drive toward the outskirts of Ouarzazate, where the next stage begins near the historic Kasbah Tifoultout.
The ride starts on a quiet road skirting the western edge of the Jebel Sahro Range, featuring a smooth surface and some long, straight stretches—perfect for picking up the pace if you wish.
The first climb takes you up to the Tizi n’Ouado Pass (1,550 m), where gearing down to the small ring will help you tackle the ascent. From there, a descent leads to the village of Ait Saoun.
The next challenge is the climb to the day’s highest point, the Tizi n’Tinififft Pass (1,660 m). At the summit, enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped Atlas Mountains and the dramatic surrounding canyons.
What follows is pure cycling delight: a long, exhilarating descent into the town of Agdz (942 m), framed by the distinctive, tajine-shaped Jebel Kissane peak. Agdz is a classic caravanserai oasis with a pristine palmeraie, located along the ancient camel caravan route linking Marrakesh, Timbuktu (“resting place”), and the legendary Draa Valley.
To finish the day, we’ll ride along the left bank of the valley, reaching our stage endpoint near Kasbah Tamnougalt, where we stay in a comfortable hotel featuring a refreshing swimming pool.
Meals included: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)
Day 4: Zagora
After breakfast, we’ll set off to cycle along the Upper Draa Valley on a newly paved backroad. Along the way, you’ll discover stunning palm groves, lush terraces, and impressive Kasbahs lining a narrow river that flows down from the High Atlas Mountains.
This route follows a significant stretch of the historic caravan trade route, once traveled by merchants carrying salt to exchange for gold and slaves, connecting Timbuktu, Niger, and Old Sudan with North Morocco and Europe.
Our journey will be enriched by stops in authentic villages showcasing a unique blend of Berber, Arab, and Black African cultures, offering a glimpse into the rich ethnic diversity of the region.
The stage concludes in the town of Zagora, where we’ll spend the night in a cozy hotel nestled within the peaceful palm groves.
Meals included: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)
Day 5: Desert
Leaving the Draa Valley behind, we head east toward the Tizi N’Tafilalt, part of another historic caravan route linking Morocco’s two largest palmeraies — the Draa and the Tafilalt.
Our cycling route crosses a rugged stone desert plateau, flanked by heavily eroded mountains, before reaching a relatively flat stretch near the village of Tisserdmine.
Here, we temporarily say goodbye to our bikes and embark on a thrilling 4×4 adventure into the desert lands of the Ait Atta Tribes.
The 4×4 journey takes us through dry sandy wadis and across vast, open plateaus, plunging deep into the heart of the Sahara Desert.
By day’s end, we arrive at a small desert village, where we’ll spend the night in a comfortable riad, surrounded by the silence and magic of the desert.
Meals included: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)
Day 6: Merzouga
Today, you’ll experience some of the most spectacular landscapes the Moroccan desert has to offer.
We begin with a hike up a sandy ridge, where panoramic views of the vast Saharan expanse will leave you breathless and inspired.
Next, traveling by 4×4 vehicles, we’ll traverse dry riverbeds, lush palm oases, rolling dunes, and expansive plateaus.
At Atrouss, we’ll reunite with our minibus and bikes for a short, scenic ride to Merzouga.
Our overnight stay will be at a charming auberge nestled right beside the iconic sand dunes, where the desert’s magic comes alive under the stars.
Day 7: Erfoud
We start the day cycling across the expansive desert plateaus toward Rissani — ideal terrain for riding in echelon if the breeze picks up. The route features a gentle climb over 65 km, but it’s so gradual you’ll hardly notice.
Upon reaching the village of Ksar, you’ll witness the striking contrast between the arid desert and the lush palm groves of the Tafilalt Valley. Here, vibrant crops like turnips, broad beans, and some of Morocco’s finest dates flourish.
In Rissani, we’ll spend time exploring the traditional souk, a lively marketplace where nomads and villagers from nearby Kasbahs gather to trade essential goods. Rissani and the surrounding Tafilalt Valley also hold historical significance as the seat of the Alaouite Dynasty, Morocco’s current royal family.
After lunch, featuring the local specialty “Medfouna”, we’ll continue cycling north toward Erfoud, where we’ll spend the night in a charming Kasbah lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)
Day 8: Dades Valley
Today we will ride north-west from Erfoud via Eljorf and Ksar Touroug to Tinjdad. Along the route between Erfoud and Tinjdad, we’ll pass hundreds of Khettara’s which are part of a 300 km network of subsurface irrigation channels excavated in the late 14th century. After riding past the town of Eljorf, you’ll see large mounds of dried earth – some with pulleys on top – which acted as public wells for the irrigation of crops. We will ride the red clay high plateaus dividing the High Atlas Mountains and the norther slopes of the Djebel Saghro. When we reach Tinjdad, we transfer by minibus to Boumalen Dades where we stay the night in a nice lodge. (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 9: Dades Gorges
Today’ spectacular ride takes us along the Dades Valley which also known for as “Rose Valley”. We will follow the Dades upstream with dramatic views of crumbling adobe villages and kasbahs nestled into the red rock landscape at every turn and superb rock formations sculpted into red sandstone. Beside roses, we grow a variety of fruits in the verdant terraces as peach, apricots, almond trees in gorgeous white full bloom in February. When we pass the last village and lodges in the bottom of the valley, we will climb an amazing set of a half dozen switchbacks to quickly gain some height. Actually, this climb is the exception to the overall modest grades following the Dades river. Beyond “Tissedrine” switchbacks we will climb up to have more dramatic views overlooking the canyons. Few km ahead, the road disappears into the depths of the cliffs marking the narrowest point in the entire Dades Gorges where the road ran side-by-side with the river. From this point we will ride back down the same road and enjoy the afternoon superb lights and photo stops. Overnight to the Boumalen in the same hotel. (Meals: B, L, D)
Day 10: Back to Marrakech
After an early breakfast, we will drive back to Marrakech via Ouarzazate and the Tizi Tichka Pass. We will reach Marrakech in early afternoon which will mark the end of our epic cycling adventure in Morocco. Overnight in a Riad in the Medina on BB basis. (Meals: B, L)
Day 11: Marrakech
A free day to explore One of Morocco’s most magnetic tourist destinations, Marrakech is brimming with beautiful sights and fantastic attractions: the souks, Museums and Gardens… Overnight in a Riad in the Medina on BB basis.
Day 12: Marrakech Airport
Depend on your flight timing, a transfer is arranged to Marrakech Airport for your return flight. (Meals: B)
Highlights of this Tour
Epic High-Altitude Cycling: Conquer the Tichka Pass at 2,268 meters, one of the highest paved mountain passes in North Africa.
Dramatic Mountain Landscapes: Ride through the stunning Atlas Mountains, including the rugged Anti-Atlas range and the Central High Atlas.
Desert Adventure: Experience the edge of the Sahara Desert with its vast, otherworldly landscapes and unique culture.
Cultural Immersion: Explore traditional Berber villages, vibrant souks, and historic towns along the route.
Valley of Roses: Discover the fragrant rose valleys famous for their beauty and local rosewater production.
Grand Canyons and Scenic Routes: Cycle through spectacular canyons and diverse terrain, from lush valleys to arid plateaus.
Challenging yet Rewarding Ride: Over 600 km of varied terrain combining tough climbs, thrilling descents, and flat stretches.
Authentic Moroccan Hospitality: Stay in charming riads, lodges, and desert camps that showcase Morocco’s rich culture and cuisine.
- Why Ride with Us?
- Arrival and departure transfer Marrakech airport by Minibus
- 2 nights on bed and breakfast basis at 3* hotel / Riad in Marrakech
- 9 nights in small hotels on tour
- Full board on a bike tour with mineral water
- Minibus / 4x4 assistance on the whole road bike trip
- Moroccan road bike guide
