The transfer from Agadir Al Massira Airport to Tiznit, duration approximately 90 minutes. Settle into the Riad. The time will be scheduled to suit Easyjet flights from both Luton and Glasgow expected to arrive around 18.35 and 19.15.
We will spend a few hours reassembling our bikes before setting out for the coast. Starting from the Riad, you head along one of the city walls to cycle one of the main roads through Tiznit. There are two roads to Aglou and you be cycling the Ancien route which is west of the main road. Fully tarmacced and complete, it's a quiet cycle ride with little traffic and you will descend most of the way. Just before Aglou Plage head right for the port area. After a kilometre there are buildings on the left where there is a basic and good cafe. From here you can walk down to the small port with its small wooden fishing boats. Returning to the main road, head right and descend further into Aglou which is undergoing quite a lot of developement. There is a wide promenade at the sea front and 5 cafes (all owned by the same person) You can walk the promenade or explore the beach. The way back is the way you came
Heading to the south west of Tiznit this route takes an inland route parallel to the coast along a good road. The first part has a steep climb through switchbacks followed by 2 smaller climbs but it does afford good views all around. You will pass the small town of Souk El Arba Du Sahal where there are shops and basic cafe should you want to stop. Heading towards the coast is mostly downhill as you descend to Gourizm. Now for the Atlantic Coast. This is a lovely ride with hills falling to the sea on the right and the site and sound of breakers on the left. This area of the coast is developing where there are blocks of housing heading towards the coast. The coast road finishes at Aglou, and lunch will be taken at a suitable point along the coast. Into Aglou where you skirt the northern edge before returning to Tiznit along the Ancien Route.
The start of the ride takes you through the bustling heart of Tiznit, heading out via the suburbs rather than the main road. Arriving at the main road you head south with wide views all around towards Bounnamane. This runs along a wide valley and although you are climbing it hardly feels like it. If you fancy a break you can divert via the town (the route takes you that way) where there are shops and several cafes all serving tea and coffee. Returning to the road the cycling gets steeper passing water wells and cacti to reveal an amazing view appears across the plain below; stop a while to admire this. A switch-backed descent takes you onto the plain. Another climb (look back for great views) , followed by a swift descent that levels a bit for an extensive easy run towards Souk El Arba Du Sahel where there are a few shops and basic tearooms before the final section back to Tiznit.
We will be taken around the historic city of Tiznit by our knowlegable local guide. Within a wall with five historic gates there is a Palace, Grand Mosque and of course a market that specialises in silver
We take the westerly road towards Tafroute before heading north, heading through and past small villages to arrive at Arbaa Rasmouka. Passing a large resevoir we continue to Massa. Passing a large area of green pasture, which is quite a difference to the majority of roads in Morocco. Returning to Aglou is a long steady climb through an area full of cactus. Descending towards Aglou, you head to the north crossing the Tiznit to Aglou road to take the Ancien Route that gradually climbs back to Tiznit. This is the longest ride of the holiday, but total climbing is less than 1000 metres. If you feel this is a little long, you can go back the way you came, advise can be given to shorten the route or simple spend another day at the delightful Riad, it's your holiday after all
We transfer to Lakhsass where the ride starts. The road has been recently tarmacced and is predominantly downhill, a lovely ride. There is a steeper descent with great views before arriving in the small town of Tioughza, where there are several small cafes. Continuing onwards the road continues to descend with a final climb over the ridge and into the coastal town of Sidi, old town built by the Spanish. Once we have explored Sidi Ifni, a transfer takes you and your bike back to Tiznit
After lunch, there will be one transfer to the airport timed to suit the flights for London, Luton and Glasgow (expected departure 19.25 and 20.00).
Riad Janoub is a cosy 8 bedroom Guesthouse set within the old walls of Tiznit, known as the Silver City, in the South of Morocco. It’s a haven of secret corners to hide away in. A small, luxury Riad offering you a Royal Breakfast as part of your stay with an option for lunch and dinner – we can give you that personal welcome and homely feel unlike a hotel. The build was inspired by traditional Andalusian and Moroccan style architecture. Riad Janoub invites you to take a step back in time yet still being able to enjoy the modern comforts and feel the grandeur and charm of this original style of accommodation. Language is not a problem – between us we speak Moroccan, Tachelhit, English, Dutch, French, Spanish, German and Hindi.
There are eight rooms. Six rooms have a double bed, Two rooms have 2 or 3 single beds. All guest rooms include an en-suite bathroom with a spacious hot water shower and toilet, complimentary toiletries, and hairdryer.
Breakfast is always included as part of your stay. Enjoy the daily freshly prepared breakfast with both Moroccan and European options offered. You can choose where to take your breakfast – either outside overlooking the swimming pool and enjoying the views of the Riad in the Moroccan morning sunshine, or perhaps you prefer to sit inside in the specially designed dining room.
The Riad can cater for vegetarians, gluten free and lactose free. The restaurant has a fusion cuisine of Moroccan and Indian flavours
We will have a local guide throughout our stay. Aby speaks fluent English and has a charming disposition. He won't be travelling with us on all the rides as a back up driver but will be available as necessary throughout the tour
The tour of the walled city of Tiznit takes about two and a half hours. We will explore this ancient walled city
This is a holiday designed to allow us to explore the area by bicycle utilizing a comfortable base. On each days cycling we will start at 0900 after breakfast. We will either cycle as a group or at your own pace and we will regroup every 16km or so to take on water or snacks, which you need to carry with you, or we shall use local but basic cafe stops, where you can enjoy Moroccan tea). Most days will include something to see which will often be our lunchstop as well. Our return will follow the same formula and we will aim to arrive back at the Riad by 1630, though this may vary. I encourage people to stop and look because that's why we have come to Morocco, we don't cycle as a closely grouped bunch and as you will have GPX routes and route instructions, you are free to explore at your own pace, though I do encourage us all to meet up at periods during the day. This is not a race, it is an experience
The tour is on a land-only basis with tour participants arranging their own travel to Morocco. .
A transfer to and from Agadir airport are included in this holiday as are transfer of your bicycles. This transfer will be timed to the Easyjet departure and arrival from Gatwick (other flights from the UK are available and many arrive within a reasonable time frame. If you don't wish to take this transfer then you need to arrange your own transportation to Tiznit. During the week, on one day, there will be a need to transfer bikes to the start or from the finish and this is included.
One rest day is dedicated to a tour if Tiznit. However if you would prefer to miss a day or two of cycling please feel free, it is after all a holiday
The tour will use tarmac roads, but there may be short sections of unmade roads. Quieter roads will be selected but there will be periods of busier roads
The maximum number of participants will be 14
Early October is autumn time in Morocco, and day time and night time temperatures can vary considerably, varying from 14 to 24 degrees. During the day it should be warm and sunny, although there is always a chance of showers, and it is advisable to carry a lightweight waterproof jacket. Using sunscreen is strongly recommended. When the sun goes down it can be quite chilly, especially in the mountains, and a jumper or fleece may be necessary in the evenings.
This is a Muslim country so it would be appropriate to avoid shirts that do not cover shoulders and short length shorts. Consider bringing a light long sleeved top to wear when not cycling, and as possible additional sun protection.
A touring bike is the most suitable, with a low bottom gear (eg the small chainring in the front being the same size as or smaller than the largest cog in the rear). Because of the variable road surfaces, tyres should be at least 32mm (1.25 inches), though due to the hilly terrain knobbly tyres might not be the best. There can be quite a lot of broken glass on the roads, so puncture resistant tyres are recommended. Make sure your bike is in good working order, especially the brakes. It is advisable to fit a calibrated cycle computer; the route sheets are set out in kilometers. Each participant will be expected to bring/carry sufficient spares and tools to deal with punctures and minor repairs.
Maps, route sheets and GPX tracks will be provided. There are many guidebooks to Morocco
UK citizens must hold a passport that is still valid for at least six months at the end of the tour. Holders of non-UK passports are advised to check whether they require a visa. There are no compulsory health-related requirements for UK residents although it is strongly recommended that you are vaccinated against hepatitis A, typhoid, polio and tetanus protection has not expired. You should contact your doctor at least 3 months prior to travel to obtain these vaccinations and the latest advice for travellers. Please refer to https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco
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