E CYCLISTS RETREAT
Immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of Zagora, famously dubbed the "direct door to the Sahara," where every step whispers tales of ancient journeys. Follow the path to Zagora, adorned with cultural gems like the Kasbah Ait Lkaid in Tamegroute. Delve into the mystique of this 11th-century religious hub, where a treasure trove of Koranic manuscripts and exquisite green pottery awaits. Then, surrender to the allure of Kasbah Asmaa, a haven frequented by celebrities and rock stars, where each moment feels like a brushstroke on the canvas of a desert dream.
Day 1: Airport transfers. Enjoy dinner and stay overnight at a charming Haute Maison Boutique Hotel in Marrakech. Join the Yoga Intro session at 7pm..
Day 2: Start your day with yoga from 8:00am to 9:00am, followed by breakfast from 9:00am to 9:30am. Depart at 9:45am from Marrakech to explore the High Atlas Mountains, the largest mountain chain in North Africa, known for its breathtaking natural scenery. As we head south, we'll pass through Aït Ourir, a charming Berber village, offering splendid views of the fertile Atlas foothills. Our journey to Southern Morocco will take us through olive groves of the Oued Zat as we ascend the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass road. Conclude the day with yoga from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.
Tizi n'Tichka pass is situated between the expansive Marrakech Plains and the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Experiencing occasional snowfall between November and March, the pass offers a warm atmosphere thanks to the abundant sunlight. At an elevation of 2,260 meters above sea level, it stands as the highest mountain pass in North Africa and was part of the former Trans Saharan Trade Route connecting Marrakech and Sub Saharan Africa. Today, it has transformed into the road of the Kasbahs and Ksars in the Valley of Ounila. Amidst this arid landscape, the Ounila River breathes life into the surroundings, creating lush vegetation and stunning views of a green valley oasis. Our journey explores multiple Kasbahs, including the renowned Kasbah Tamdaght.
Enjoy lunch in Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site that once served as a crucial point along ancient caravan routes connecting the Sahara and Marrakech. While most inhabitants now reside in modernized villages on the opposite side of the Ounila River, some still live within the ksar. This historic site was pivotal for trading gold, salt, and slaves along the renowned Southern Caravan route through the Sahara. Beautifully preserved, Aït Benhaddou is renowned for its appearances in famous films such as The Bible, Tea in the Desert, and The Gladiator. Spend the night in Aït Benhaddou.
Day 3: Start the day with yoga from 8:00am to 9:00am. After breakfast, depart at 9:35am to explore Morocco's pearl, the Draa Valley. Drive through lush green palm trees in this oasis, famous for its dates and recognized as an ancient trade route. Head towards Zagora, and note that during the 11th century, the Draa Valley was the starting point of the first Berber dynasty, the Almoravids, who launched their conquest of Morocco and Spain. Conclude the day with yoga from 6:00pm to 7:00pm.
Known as the "direct door to the Sahara," Zagora boasts a town sign indicating "Tombouctou 52 days," representing the believed travel time to Timbuktu or Mali by foot or camel. On the way to Zagora, we visit the Kasbah Ait Lkaid in the village of Tamegroute. Tamegroute has been a religious center since the 11th century and is home to an 11th-century Koranic Library, which once housed 40,000 volumes, with 4,000 theological volumes still preserved. Many of these manuscripts, including illuminated Korans written on gazelle skins, were later sent to Moroccan museums and libraries. Tamegroute is renowned for its beautiful dark green pottery, crafted with a henna glaze and sun-dried—a unique art form in Zagora. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the charming Kasbah Asmaa, frequented by numerous celebrities and rock stars.
Day 4: Start the day with yoga from 8:00am to 9:00am. Embark on a 4x4 morning departure to Tafraout. At a trail junction for Tarbhalt, we cycle off-road trails, crossing flat sandy slopes before reaching the falaise, a cliff of a dry riverbed. Climb to admire the magnificent landscapes. In the afternoon, follow a trail through the valley of Ahanou n'Zireg to our desert camp. Conclude the day with yoga from 4:30pm to 5:30pm.
Day 5: Begin the day with yoga from 8:00am to 9:00am. Enjoy a bike ride through magnificent sandy trails and oueds winding through black rocks, leading to the village of Ramlia, where lunch will be served. In the afternoon, arrive at Hotel Auberge Aghbalou. Have dinner and spend the night in a desert camp. Conclude the day with yoga from 4:30pm to 5:30pm.
Day 6: Start the day with yoga from 7:30am to 8:30am. Begin a bike journey north, crossing a charming small Erg to reach the riverbed Oued el Maider. Bike along the riverbed to the beautiful Maider Volcano crater. Navigate through hard and sloping terrain, covering 75% by bike and 25% by 4x4, until reaching Fezzou. Continue off-road until reaching the paved road, taking us through Anlif, N'kob, Tansinkht, and finally to Tamnoughalt. Conclude the day with yoga at 7:00pm.
Day 7: Begin the day with yoga from 8:00am to 9:00am. Travel via Ourzazate and the scenic Tichka Mountain pass back to Marrakech. The road gradually ascends to the High Atlas, leaving behind fields and olive groves as we penetrate the mountains. Pass through impressive bends carved into the rock leading up to 2300 meters in Taddert, offering inspiring High Atlas mountain landscapes. Descend towards Marrakech, arriving in the afternoon. Enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech's Medina. Have dinner and stay overnight in a charming Haute Maison Boutique Hotel on the outskirts of Marrakech. Conclude the day with yoga from 6:00pm to 7:00pm.
Day 8 • Airport Transfers and Departures
FAT E BIKE YOGA HOLIDAY RATES PER PERSON
Half Board (Breakfast & Dinner)
Transfers & Pickups:
Airport transfers are included in the package. Please provide arrival and departure information 24 hours in advance.
Included in Packages:
Lodging
Airport transfers are included in the package. Please provide arrival and departure information 24 hours in advance.
Included in Packages:
Lodging
- Full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner). Please inform us of your dietary preferences (Vegetarian / Non-Vegetarian) prior to and during the retreat.
- 2 Yoga Classes per day, each lasting 1.5 hours
- 3
E-Bike for use during the retreat
- 4
Airport Pickup and Drop-Off
Not included in packages:
Travel Insurance
Health Insurance & Repatriation
Flights (Destination is Marrakech)
Alcohol and Soft Drinks
Travel Insurance
Health Insurance & Repatriation
Flights (Destination is Marrakech)
Alcohol and Soft Drinks
