Morocco

This is a 13 day itinerary, starting and ending in Marbella.

22 April 2017.  Day 1:  Marbella
Fly into Malaga for arrival no later than midday.  Transfer to hotel in Marbella area.  Familiarisation with rental motorcycle. Group Evening Dinner

23 April 2017.  Day 2: Marbella – Chefchaouen. (140 miles)
Catch the Algeciras – Tangier ferry and head into the Atlas Mountains to the narrow alleys and blue buildings of Chefchaouen.

24 April 2017.  Day 3: Chefchaouen – Azrou. (167 miles)
Our route takes us via the Roman ruins of Volubilis and onto the Ifrane National Park, with its pine forests and cool temperatures.

25 April 2017.  Day 4: Azrou – Merzouga. (237 miles)
We descend to the Sahara Desert and a two night stopover in a traditional Kasbah.

26 April 2017.  Day 5: Merzouga.
Day off to enjoy activities in the Sahara Desert or just relax by the pool.

27 April 2017.  Day 6: Merzouga – Boulmalne Dades. (156 miles/ 233 miles).
A spectacular route via the Todra and Dades Gorges. If you don’t want to do the Gorges loop, which included dirt roads, then head straight to the hotel for a shorter days ride.

28 April 2017.  Day 7: Boumalne Dades – Marrakech. (198 miles)
We head to the imperial city of Marrakech via the ancient fortress of Ait Ben Haddou and then superb twisties on the Tizi n’Tichka Pass.

29 April 2017.  Day 8: Marrakech.
Day off to enjoy the vibrant markets and narrow alleys of the medina in this medieval imperial city.

30 April 2017.  Day 9: Marrakech – Taroudant. (164 miles)
Head out to the Atlantic Coast and the old port of Essaouira for lunch, before south on the coast road to Taroudant.

1 May 2017.  Day 10: Taroundant – Cascades D’Ouzoud. (239 miles)
Today we ride the Tizi n’Test Pass at 2092m, before ending the day by the D’Ouzoud waterfalls in an old riad.

2 May 2017.  Day 11: Cascades D’Ouzoud – Meknes. (215 miles)
Descend from the mountains to Meknes, one-time home of the Moroccan sultanate, many winding narrow medina streets and grand buildings.

3 May 2017.  Day 12: Meknes – Tangier – Marbella. (1245 miles)
Final days ride to the port town of Tangier and catch the ferry back to Spain.  Farewell Group Dinner

4 May 2017.  Day 13: Marbella
Drop off your bike and transfer back to airport.  Book your return flight for after 4pm.  Alternatively, add an extra night at the group hotel – please just request on booking.

We select hotels for their character, rather than just on their star rating.  We find most riders prefer the experience of staying in a converted riad or a kasbah, or a family run independent hotel rather than modern chain hotels.  All hotels we use have en suite bathrooms and most have satellite TV and wifi, although don’t expect a super fast connection!

Where available, we aim to use the equivalent of 4* standard hotel accommodation.  In some more remote locations, we may use equivalent 3* hotels or the best in area, which could be a more family run establishment, with character.

Please be aware that Moroccan hotels are generally lower in standard than the same rating in equivalent European hotels, unless you are in a well trodden tourist area, such as Marrakesh.

You have the benefit of booking with a bonded tour operator and your money paid to us in advance is protected in accordance with The Package Travel Regulations 1992.

Before you go

• Access to GlobeBusters Team pre-departure to request individual meeting about preparing for the trip
• Departure Handbook, Travel Pack with marked up maps, daily road book and GPS information
• Loan SD Card with GPS Morocco mapping suitable for Garmin Zumo or BMW Nav IV / V models

En Route

• Transfer to and from the airport in Malaga (if you are flying in)
• Hotel bed and breakfast accommodation on a shared basis (unless Single Room booked).
• Standard of accommodation is a mix of 4*, 3* or best in area
• Four evening meals, including your Welcome & Farewell Meal and two evening meals in locations which are remote and you have no other choice of restaurants.
• Algeciras (Spain) to Tanger-Med (Morocco) return ferry crossing for you and your motorcycle.
• Local overnight hotel parking charges.

Support Crew

• GlobeBusters Tour Leader on a motorcycle to accompany the group.
• In Morocco, support driver / mechanic with a support vehicle, equipped with satellite phone.

What bike is suitable to bring?
If you are bringing you own bike, we recommend a medium to large adventure style bike as the most suitable.  However, as this is primarily a paved road tour, any robust road bike will also be suitable.  Just be aware that paved roads can be potholed with broken surfaces, so the higher clearance the better.  Having said that we have had riders on Harleys successfully complete the trip, so it just depends on what you are comfortable riding and what comprises you are prepared to make.  If you don’t want to use your own bike, then you can rent one instead.

What riding experience do I need?
This tour is normally best for riders who are already experienced tourers in Europe and who are looking for that extra challenge of a varied and unpredictable road conditions and hazards, coupled with a different culture, foods and way of life.  On your ride you will encounter poor road surfaces (as well as excellent ones!) – the magnificent mountain terrains, can often have bends that may be broken up and you need to watch out for diesel, as well as other road users who will work to the local rules of the road (as opposed to the “Highway Code”).  You need to be an assertive rider, with good forward planning and hazard perception skills.

Do I have to ride in a group?
No!  We do not make you ride in convoy.  We offer you the freedom to decide how you would like to ride.  We give you a road book, GPS co-ordinates and hotel information.  You can use this to self-navigate.  If you prefer to ride with our Motorcycle Leader, then you can do this.

What is the average group size?
Our groups are normally between 8 – 12 riders (some riders will have passengers).

Is this ride suitable for a passenger?
Yes.  Many riders successfully complete this ride with a pillion passenger.  Any dirt roads are optional.

Is there a support vehicle?
Yes, once in Morocco, this tour operates with a local support vehicle and driver.

What documents do I need?
You will need your original documents as follows:  Passport and Driving Licence.  Passengers only need their passport.  Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the end of the tour.

If you are bringing your own motorcycle, you will also need your motorcycle registration document (V5 / log book) and your motorcycle insurance.  You will need a Green Card as proof of insurance in Morocco – please check with your UK insurer.  If your insurer will not issue this (some do not), then you can buy 3rd party insurance at Tangier-Med.  We will also provide you with details on how to create your Morocco motorcycle temporary import permit online once you have booked.

In addition you must have valid travel/medical insurance.

UK nationals do not need a visa to enter Morocco as a tourist.  For other nationalities, as visa requirements are dependent on your nationality and can be complex, with constantly changing requirements, we would direct you to our appointed visa agency for advice.  www.thevisamachine.com