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Local seller, Marrakesh

Southern Oasis Cycling - 2010/11 Itinerary

8 days - from $920

• Discover the kasbah & oases of the Draa Valley
• Cycle the 'hammada' desert of the great Sahara
• Exhilarating High Atlas descent to Marrakech

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Gateway to the Sahara
From Ouarzazate our first ride takes us down into perhaps the lushest oasis south of the Atlas - the Draa Valley. Millions of date palms, ancient kasbahs and ksours (fortified villages) line the way, with the breathtaking mountains of the Jebel Sahro as a backdrop. After a night in the small town Tazzarine we cycle through the desert towards Erfoud where there's time to cycle or visit Rissani and its local market. In the afternoon a short jeep ride (optional) takes us to the huge sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi. A walk across them at sunset is an unforgettable experience when light and colours are changing every minute. Here one gets the first impression of what the real Sahara is like.


Todra Gorge & freewheeling in the High Atlas
Next we cycle towards Tinerhir and, completing the journey by vehicle, enter the dramatic Todra Gorge - one of the most impressive rock formations in the region. From El Kelaa Mgouna, famed for its rose-water, we continue by bus through the scenic “Valley of the 1000 Kasbahs”. Then, driving into the High Atlas, we slowly ascend the Tizi n'Outfi pass (2,150m). From we take an exhilarating ride downhill through some of North Africa's most spectacular mountain scenery - from fortified kasbahs to lush valleys and snow-capped peaks, to the natural bridge of Imi n'Ifri.


Marrakech - A Feast for the Senses
Leaving the majestic Atlas mountains behind, we return to Marrakech, the 'Red City'. There will be time to enjoy the maze of alleyways in the souks and the celebrated 'circus' of Djemma-el-Fna Square. Crammed with story-tellers, musicians, jugglers, snake-charmers, peddlers and kebab stalls, it is a scene straight from the Arabian Nights. An optional guided walking tour can be organised for anyone interested.

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Itinerary:

Day 1 Join the tour in Marrakech. Day 2 Cross the High Atlas Drive to Ouarzazate via Tizi n'Tichka (2260m) Day 3 Draa Valley From Ouarzazate our first ride takes us down into perhaps the lushest oasis south of the Atlas - the Draa Valley. Millions of date palms, ancient kasbahs and ksours (fortified villages) line the way, with the breathtaking mountains of the Jebel Sahro as a backdrop. Days 4/5 Erfoud We cycle through the desert towards Erfoud and may visit Rissani to enjoy the local market. We have the option to visit the huge sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi. A walk across them at sunset is an unforgettable experience. Day 6 Todra Gorge Todra Gorge is one of the most impressive rock formations in the region. We explore the gorge on foot then continue via El Kelaa Mgouna, famed for its rose-water, and the scenic “Valley of the 1000 Kasbahs”. Day 7 High Atlas & Marrakech Driving into the High Atlas, we take an exhilarating ride downhill through some of north Africa's most spectacular mountain scenery, ending in Marrakech. There will be time to enjoy the maze of alleyways in the souks and the celebrated 'circus' of Djemma-el-Fna Square. Day 8 Tour ends in Marrakech.

Accommodations: 7nts hotel; 6 breakfasts included.
Transport: 21-gear 'hybrid' bikes with front suspension and a rear pannier bag for carrying day things.
Comment: Grade B, moderate - 170km/4 days (average of 43km/day). One day free for optional ride. By using our support bus to ascend steep sections we ensure that cycling is either relatively flat or downhill, though there are still a few uphill sections. Expect some exhilarating descents from high passes (including the dramatic Tizi n'Outfi). 95% on asphalt.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader/guide cycles with the group each day. A support vehicle/bus accompanies the tour in full, providing transfers between cycling points and carrying luggage.
Trip Reference: CSO2010

Dates & Prices
Start End Prices in US$ Local Payment Availability
17 Oct 1024 Oct 10$9200
07 Nov 1014 Nov 10$9200
19 Dec 1026 Dec 10$9200
26 Dec 1002 Jan 11$9200
20 Feb 1127 Feb 11$9600
13 Mar 1120 Mar 11$9600
10 Apr 1117 Apr 11$9600
17 Apr 1124 Apr 11$9600

Prices and itineraries shown for tours departing from January 2011 onwards are subject to change and confirmation with the publication of our 2011/12 brochure, due to be published in October 2010.

The price of a Single Room Option does not necessarily guarantee a single room for every night of the tour. For more information, please refer to the trip dossier / more details for this tour.
Single rooms are available for this tour at a supplement from US$ 115, depending on availability.