Morocco: Hike, Bike & Horse Ride

Day 1 Marrakech

Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Marrakech. Your adventure begins today with a welcome meeting at 6 pm – check with hotel reception to confirm the time. Dive right into the spirit of the city plus get to know your travel crew during an evening trip to Djemaa el-Fna, where you'll find vendors selling all sorts of things, including traditional delicacies like snail soup. Stroll through the market to find henna painters and street performers among the swirls of smoke rising from food stalls. Enjoy a group dinner before returning to the hotel to get some rest before tomorrow's bike ride.

Day 2 Cycling in Marrakech

Fuel up with breakfast before heading out to explore the city on two wheels. Spend two and a half hours cycling across the city, pedalling past historical sites such as the orange walls of the King's Palace, the haggling masses of the Medina Market and the city's largest mosque – Koutubia. Afterwards, enjoy a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. You head back to the medina to find some souvenirs. Otherwise, if you’re already hooked on the flavours of Morocco, find a restaurant for some tajine, couscous or harira.

Day 3 Mountain Biking in Atlas Mountains

Take a scenic drive up to the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains, which form part of the Berber territories of the Ourika Valley. Here, your experienced guides will prepare you for a thrilling downhill mountain bike ride. Depending on your experience, you will have a choice between faster downhill roads or easier trails. Ride through picturesque foothills, taking in views of gentle slopes and roughened peaks. After the ride, travel by vehicle to the small village of Imlil, where you can rest up with a classic Moroccan lunch of salads, tajines and freshly baked bread. Following lunch, walk to Aroumd (around 1 hour) and enjoy the hospitality of a local Berber family during an overnight stay.

Day 4 Trekking in Aroumd / Essaouira

Lace up after breakfast and hit the mountains. Your local leader will pick a trail based on the general ability level of the group and then it's time to tackle the High Atlas range on foot. Spend the morning navigating the boulders and crags, descending into a valley in the afternoon and emerging into the charming white-washed town of Essaouira. Enjoy a free afternoon in this laidback fishing town, perhaps strolling along the coast and taking in views of the sand-coloured ramparts and city walls. There's a flourishing contemporary art scene, as well as plenty of traditional craftspeople selling their wares in the souqs, making it the perfect place to shop for gifts or souvenirs. For food, perhaps head for Rue Touahen – an alternative hub full of quirky eateries and funky cafes.

Day 5 Horse riding in Essaouira / Marrakech

In the morning, saddle up for a horseback ride on Essaouira's golden sandy beaches. This activity is fit for all levels – even if you are a beginner, you will be given all necessary instructions and guidance to enjoy the ride. Loop your way back to the ranch through mimosa forests and sandy dunes of Morocco’s so-called windy city. This activity will certainly work up your appetite so afterwards hit the markets for a fresh-caught seafood lunch. Enjoy bit more free time in the afternoon before returning to Marrakech later in the day.

Day 6 Marrakech

After a big week, recharge your batteries at a traditional hammam – a steam room which loosely translates to ‘spreader of warmth’. Bathing in Morocco is frequently a social affair, and locals might visit a hammam once a week for a ritual based body treatment that involves steaming, scrubbing and massaging the skin until it glows. In the afternoon, you’ve got time to visit some more of Marrakech – maybe it’s back to Djemaa el-Fna, Bahia palace or Majorelle Gardens. Tonight, re-group for an optional dinner with your leader and travel pals.

Day 7 Marrakech

With no activities planned for today, your Moroccan adventure finishes after breakfast.