Cycle Morocco's Great South

Once you arrive in Marrakech, we recommend walking or taking a taxi into the old city. Here there is plenty to explore, including the old walled medina where winding alleyways are filled with souks selling everything from street food to pottery and jewellery.



Accommodation: Hotel Meriem (or similar)

We transfer out of Marrakech this morning to Sid Fares and begin our cycling journey into the foothills of Mount Toubkal. After a nice warm up on a wonderful, undulating road, we enjoy a long descent into the Asni Valley with beautiful views. We then follow the river and cross several bridges before arriving at our hotel.



Accommodation: Auberge Tigmmi n'Tamazirte (or similar)



Drive time: Two hours

The day begins with a challenging climb to the dramatic Tizi n'Test Pass (6,890ft/2,100m). We are rewarded with dramatic views to the south over the Sousse Valley towards the Anti Atlas Mountains. After lunch, we have a truly dramatic and, in places, quite steep descent as the road winds down to the valley. Once in the valley, our ride takes us past orange, lemon and grapefruit groves as we approach Oulad Berhil. Here we receive a warm welcome, delicious food and a relaxing evening at our beautiful riad. This converted palace is a wonderful addition to the end of our day with roaming peacocks and the chance to pick our own fruit straight off the trees.



Accommodation: Riad Hotel l'Arganier (or similar)

We have a morning transfer into the Anti Atlas Mountains and the real southern Morocco, much of which is semi-desert and a contrast to the fertile Sousse Valley. We travel through argan country trying to spot the much-loved tree-climbing goats. From Irherm, we are surrounded by almond trees and our road has some wonderful ups and downs as we pass through many farms and mud-walled Amazigh villages. The last section of the ride is another wonderful descent of about 7.5mi (12km) through dramatic scenery to Tafraoute.



Time permitting, we visit peculiar painted-blue giant rocks, otherwise we visit tomorrow.



Accommodation: Hotel les Amandiers (or similar)

We transfer to Tizi M’Lil and begin another varied ride, undulating through spectacular hills, past traditional villages and hill-top kasbahs, with some superb balcony sections with excellent views. There are a few climbs, but the ride ends with an exhilarating descent to Ait Baha Lake and then we transfer to the coastal resort of Agadir.



Accommodation: Oasis Hotel & Spa (or similar)



Drive time: Six and a half hours

Today we enjoy a truly spectacular ride through the Paradise Valley, a narrow gorge lined with palm trees. Towards the head of the valley, we have another challenging climb with excellent views, eventually reaching a high plateau and the little town of Imouzzer, the end point of one of the most dramatic rides on our route. Originally the home of the Ida Outanane Amazigh tribe, Imouzzer retains a strong cultural identity.



Accommodation: Hotel des Cascades Ecolodge (or similar)

We start cycling from the front door and begin with another excellent winding descent on a good road to a valley dotted with palm trees and traditional villages. There are a couple of moderate climbs over rocky hills and descents back into the fertile valleys before we reach the main coast road and the end of the ride. After a picnic lunch, we transfer (90 minutes) to our destination for the evening, Essaouira. This old Portuguese fishing port dates to the 15th century, but the present town was constructed around 1760 by Sidi Mohammed ben Abdullah, who needed a base from which to suppress a revolt from Agadir. Today, Essaouira is extremely relaxed and the whitewashed houses with painted shutters, artisan workshops, boatyards and fishermen provide a marked contrast to Marrakech. There's plenty of interest in the narrow traffic-free streets of the old town and we stay overnight in a traditional riad.



Accommodation: Riad al Madina (or similar)



Drive time: Two hours

After a free morning to explore lovely Essaouira, we transfer to the vibrant city of Marrakech. Simply enjoy a freshly squeezed orange juice in one of the many rooftop cafes overlooking the Djemma El Fna square, or perhaps take a calèche (a horse-drawn carriage) ride to the peaceful Majorelle Gardens. These small but tranquil gardens are decorated throughout in indigo blue and house the small Museum of Islamic Art. A final treat would be to go for a hammam, a traditional Moroccan steam bath. A visit to Djemma el Fna this evening is the ultimate reward for our week's cycling – with snake charmers, story tellers, smoky food stalls and souks, there is no other way to experience the exciting atmosphere of Marrakech.



Accommodation: Hotel Meriem (or similar)



Drive time: Three and a half hours

The trip ends after breakfast, but you can explore Marrakech if you have time before your flight.



For excellent views of Djemaa el Fna, head to La Grand Balcon du Cafe Glacier or Cafe de France. You must buy a drink, but at 20 Moroccan dirham (US$1.85), it's worth it.



Alternatively, Majorelle Gardens, or Le Jardin Secret, makes a great escape from the bustling city, and a chance to discover outstanding examples of Islamic art and architecture.



A top tip for great food would be the Moroccan roast lamb at Chez Lamine just off Djemaa el Fna. Go between midday and 3pm or you'll miss it.



If you're craving a cold beer or a glass of wine, make your way to La Salama, again just off the Djemaa el Fna. You can enjoy the beautiful interior and lively atmosphere.



You’ll easily find a taxi around Djemaa el Fna when it’s time to make your return journey home.