8-Day Cultural Epic: Bike from the Red City to the Blue City

Discover the soul of Northern Morocco on MTBMorocco‘s most unique journey. This 8-day biking tour takes you from the vibrant energy of Marrakech, the “Red City,” to the serene, azure-hued alleyways of Chefchaouen, the “Blue City.” This is more than a cycling trip; it’s a deep cultural bike tour through the heart of the country, connecting two of its most iconic destinations via ancient roads, Roman ruins, and the lush Rif Mountains.

Experience the incredible diversity of Morocco, from imperial cities and olive groves to rugged mountain passes and the famous blue pearl. Our fully-supported setup ensures you can soak in every moment of this unforgettable adventure.

Tour Highlights:

  • Iconic Cities: Experience the stark contrast between the buzzing Red City (Marrakech) and the tranquil, photogenic Blue City (Chefchaouen).

  • Ride the Rif Mountains: Conquer the challenging yet stunning routes through the green, rugged landscapes of the Rif range, a world away from the arid south.

  • Step Back in Time: Explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

  • Authentic Cultural Immersion: Stay in traditional guesthouses, sample local cuisine in tiny villages, and experience legendary Moroccan hospitality far from the tourist trail.

  • Fully Supported Adventure: Our support vehicle provides mechanical help, nutrition, and carries your luggage, making for a seamless journey.

Is This Tour For You?

  • Fitness Level: Challenging. Designed for fit cyclists comfortable with daily distances of 70-100km and significant climbing through mountain ranges.

  • Focus: A perfect blend of road cycling challenge and deep cultural exploration.

  • Group Size: Small groups for a personalized and safe experience.

Itinerary:

​Day 1: Marrakech: Arrival at the airport of Marrakech.

Transfer from the airport to your Riad in the heart of the medina. Discovery of the red city, its mythical place, the Koutoubia and its crazy universe … Night in Riad.

Head to the south west of Morocco, transfer by 4×4 to Imim’tanout and its famous souk, last wink to civilization then we return to the mountains to reach our starting point, a small village with houses of dried land. Preparation of bicycles and first pedaling on a fun single 5 km to the first village and first smiles of well being. Climbing the Irohalen valley always by a succession of mule tracks, many crossings of red villages hung on the mountainside and then arrived on the lunar plateau of Tizi Igourdan. Lunch then dive into the valley of Assif Ait Mhand by a path cut in the rock. Comfortable bivouac near the village of Bajhar. Dinner and night in the stars.

We climb progressively by a beautiful track overlooking balconies villages, crops and precipices. Arriving at the Col d’Iwla (1900 m) we take an old narrow and vertiginous colonial track to arrive on a grassy plateau with a thousand colors, we take a succession of fun trails among the flocks of sheep and we join our hostel. altitude located in the village of Ousikis. Meal on the panoramic terrace in the middle of nowhere offering a sunset on the Atlas, a great moment !!!

We take a rolling track to reach Tabgourt pass (2600 m), lunch and endless descent towards the Walguiwn valley. For more than 12 km we will alternate paths and small mountain tracks, cross landscapes of all beauties to reach the lush valley of Walguiwn. Evening and night at the inhabitant.

We leave the very mountainous region to reach an ocher plateau, real playground with its multitude of trails it offers. From fields of Argan trees to olive groves it is pure happiness to drive here. We find the trail of the village of Argana where one makes one of the purest argan oil of Morocco. Night and evening in home stay.

It is the most mediterranean stage of our journey with alternating trails and rocky trails in the middle of olive groves. You will cross a succession of villages which more one raproche of the sea whiten. The last kilometers to reach will be in 4×4. Night in an inn by the sea.

Last step of mountain bike, coastal stage very playful, we take the paths of camels sometimes by the sea sometimes in aplond cliffs, it is very beautiful, we cross creeks inhabited by fishing villages, one bathes c ‘ is that happiness then we arrive at the village of Tizi Armout end of our trip to the edge of a lagoon where flamingos, bathers, riders and camels circulate freely. Last transfer in 4×4 to reach Essaouira, evening and night in riad in the heart of the old city.

Transfer back to Marrakech and the airport for your return flight.

Non-tourist regionQuality of the coursePlayground (a large variety of singles and small tracks)No 4×4 transfers during the courseTotal immersion in the inhabitantArrival in Essaouira and the oceanLarge varieties of landscapesUnusual encounters and warm welcome from the people.Achievable from April to November. Departure on the date of your choice from 2 or 3 people.

2850Per Person

8 Day

Atlas Mountain

Bike

Ability Levels

2/10

Info

© 2025 MTB Morocco created by Home Webes