Trips

Casablanca

Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Morocco. Your family adventure begins today with a welcome meeting at 5 pm. As there's little free time included in Casablanca on this trip, consider coming a day earlier to fully explore the city! Modelled after Marseille in France, the city is famous for its art deco buildings and is great to explore on foot. A pleasant way to spend the day is to wander the old medina and the city walls, then jump in a taxi to visit the Quartiers des Habous – the new medina. Be sure to have your haggling skills at the ready. Finish the day with a walk along the Corniche, watching the locals play football on the beach, or take it easy with a glass of sweet mint tea in one of the many great cafes. Riding Distance: None

Tangier

After breakfast, head to the impressive structure that is the Mosque of Hassan II. It is the largest mosque in Africa, and the 5th largest in the world. Afterwards, take a 3.5-hour private minibus to the coastal town of Tangier – right at the point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. It was once a hotspot for artists, secret agents and millionaires, but now Tangier has been going through a change of late thanks to the arrival of a new monarch in Morocco in 1999. Mohammed VI of Morocco and his forward-thinking ideas about commerce and tourism has suddenly woke up the community to the potential of this city. Today, the city's medina and kasbah are well worth exploring, as are the cafes and patisseries around the Place de la France in the Ville Nouvelle. There are also great beaches for a swim, or even a camel ride along the shore, if you’re all up for it! Riding Distance: None

Tangier

Saddle up for a 30-kilometre ride, beginning with an easy 10 kilometres to the Grottes d'Hercules (Caves of Hercules). Legend says Hercules stayed in this cave before doing his eleventh labour – collecting the golden apples from the Hesperides Garden. Over the years, the caves have been used in many ways, including as a concert venue! After you’re done exploring, the road undulates and climbs as you’ll jump back on the bike to explore Cap Spartel, known to the Romans and Greeks as the “Cape of the Vines”. Stop by the 19th century lighthouse and, if you're lucky, climb up to the top for an amazing view out across the Atlantic Ocean. A quick lunch then a pleasant downhill back towards our finish by the port of Tangier. Relax after the ride by perhaps treating yourself to a mint tea at the rooftop cafe Salon Bleu, which overlooks the medina and ocean. Riding Distance: Approximately 30kms/18 miles

Chefchaouen

This morning, leave Tangier and drive approximately 1.5 hours through the arid inland towards the east coast and the coastal town of Tetouan and on to the beachside village of Azla for the start of today’s ride. Follow the winding coastal road south to the small fishing town of Oued Laou. This is a stunning ride, with the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean on your left, steep mountains on your right, and small coves dotted with beautiful beaches in-between. Today there are four climbs, but there are several stops along the way, including one for lunch by one of the beaches and to enjoy a refreshing swim (weather permitting). After lunch, hop back into the private minivan and rest your legs as you drive the steep hills leading to the ‘Blue City’ of Chefchaouen (approximately 60 kilometres). Set against a wide valley and nestled between two peaks in the stunning Rif Mountains, it’s one of the prettiest places in Morocco. Wander with your kids through this idyllic town, shop for handicrafts in the ancient Medina, take some photos beside the blue-washed buildings and artistic doorways, or just sit down for some afternoon tea at a café. Riding Distance: Approximately 25kms/15 miles, with the option of an additional 10kms/6 miles if you're feeling especially active!

Chefchaouen

Today is a rest day. You and your family will have the day free to wander and explore this beautiful part of Morocco. Chefchaouen's medina has been lovingly preserved with striking blue and whitewashed houses, red-tiled roofs and artistic doorways. Much of Chefchaouen was recreated by Andalusian refugees escaping the Reconquistia, so you might feel like you're in the hills of Spain while exploring its streets. Ease into the relaxed pace of life in this rural retreat, perhaps booking in for some henna or going off for a family hammam treatment (traditional Moroccan spa). If you're feeling active, a hike up to the Spanish Mosque overlooking the town provides a perfect vantage point for you and your family to witness a stunning sunset over the town. Riding Distance: None

Fes

Wave goodbye to Chefechaouen and make your way to another popular place in Morocco – Fes. Drive to the outskirts of Beni Hmed village then swap four wheels for two as you ride towards Tabouda, where you’ll see the shimmering turquoise waters of the El Wahda Dam. As the roads get busier and the day heats up, retreat to the comfort of the support vehicle and leave the quiet of the Rif Mountains behind you. After an included lunch, drive the remaining 95 kilometres to Fes – the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. It’s vibrant, noisy, fascinating and almost overwhelming; a visual and pungent feast for the senses. Take the remainder of the day to relax before really getting into this amazing city that’s home to a huge, well-preserved medieval old city, and the mother of all medinas. Riding Distance: Approximately 30kms/18 miles

Fes

Take a guided group walking tour of the old city, known locally as Fes el Bali. Step back into the Middle Ages in the labyrinth of the Medina, which is alive with craftsmen, markets, tanneries and mosques – your family will feel like it’s in another era! Pass donkeys piled high with and explore the specialty sections that divide the souk. Look out for the Medersa Bou Inania – one of the city's most beautiful buildings, which has recently been restored and is now open to tourists. Visit Medresse el Attarine and the splendid Funduk Nejjarine – a beautifully restored 18th century inn. You'll also see the famous tannery, known for the iconic view overlooking its dye pits, and a ceramics factory where you can see potters working in the traditional way. In the evening, enjoy a delicious group dinner of Moroccan specialities, which may include harira (chickpea soup) and chicken-stuffed pastilla with couscous. Riding Distance: None

Marrakech

Today is a travel day, where you’ll board a day train to Marrakech. The train takes 6 hours, so sit back and relax as you watch the landscape pass by. Bring a book or some travel games to play along the way! Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon, then transfer to our hotel, freshen up before heading to the marvellous main square of Djemaa el-Fna for a wander and some dinner. This is one of the largest and busiest squares you’ll have ever seen, so enjoy the atmosphere, lights and artistry on display! Riding Distance: None

Marrakech

Fuel up with breakfast this morning and hit the road on a cycling tour in and around the city. As the frenetic daily life of Marrakech buzzes around you, take your bike along main avenues and into some quieter backstreets. Starting from near the royal olive groves of Menara gardens you’ll ride to well-known sites like Koutoubia mosque and its famous 12th-century minaret, pass by the Marrakech Medina before ending in the palm grove (palmeraie), with some several hundred thousand trees to explore. Riding Distance: approximately 22kms/13 miles

Marrakech

There are no activities planned for the final day and you and your family are free to depart the accommodation at any time. With plenty to see in and around Marrakech, we highly recommend you book an additional night or two. If you would like to spend more time in Marrakech, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability). Riding Distance: None