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The trip is online and bookable. The departure is not yet confirmed, but the first ones are already warming up their engines. If you want to be there, block your spot now. The legends are moving ahead.
Crossing the Sahara by bike with a seasoned bikepacking veteran like Virginia Cancellieri is an experience that goes far beyond physical exertion and performance. Cycling along the trails that climb from the Marrakech plateau up into the Atlas Mountains and then venture into the heart of the desert is a journey that allows you to experience a deep connection with nature at its wildest. This gravel adventure will have a little bit of everything: Martian-like landscapes and mountainous scenery, stories and legends of places and people, sweat and hard work, technical challenges, and valuable lessons.
Leading this adventure will be Virginia Cancellieri, a cyclist and traveler by calling. Virginia started out as a child racing on the road, then moved on to fixed-gear bikes, and finally—well before it became a trend—to gravel biking. Over the years, she has made cycling her way of experiencing the world: a means of exploration, a universal language that unites cultures, people, and landscapes. Today, she spends most of the year “on the road,” exploring new horizons from the saddle of her gravel bike.
As a regular participant in crazy and grueling ultracycling races, Virgi is a black belt in self-supported bikepacking. If you can think of the worst thing that could happen to you in the middle of the desert while your butt is perched on a saddle atop two wheels, it’s definitely already happened to her. She’s the perfect person to lead a group of passionate cyclists and modern explorers through mud kasbahs, nights in a nomadic camp, Berber oases, and ancient caravan routes that wind along the dunes of the Sahara.
There’s no set schedule to follow, no stopwatch to answer to: just kilometers of excitement, dust, and moments of silence filled with gratitude and respect. An adventure that celebrates the simple beauty of a bike trip, where a slow pace and the strength of the group take center stage.
You’ll ride with Virginia Cancellieri, a cyclist, traveler, and the face of gravel and bikepacking in Europe. From road races to crazy ultracycling events, Virginia uses her bike as a lens through which to view the world. She combines her curiosity about places and cultures with a methodical approach to studying maps and preparing her gear, because the beauty of a landscape won’t save you if you’re stranded in the desert.
A team of expert guides who also organize the Sahara Gravel Stage Race, one of the most iconic events on the international gravel scene. They know every trail, wadi, and pass in the Anti-Atlas. Their presence ensures safety, mechanical assistance, and a deep understanding of the local culture, making every day in the saddle smooth and unforgettable.
Each stage is a journey in its own right: from the gravel roads of the Anti-Atlas to the Berber villages nestled in oases, all the way to the sandy trails that lead into the heart of the Sahara. You’ll cycle through canyons, plateaus, and dry lakes, passing through scenery that changes with every turn. An authentic connection with Morocco and its myriad facets, where cycling becomes the purest way to explore.
Meet and greet at the airport and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Medina of Marrakech together, wandering through its lively markets and narrow streets fragrant with spices. In the evening, we’ll enjoy our first Moroccan dinner of the trip: tagine, mint tea, and the chance to get to know the group with whom we’ll be sharing this desert adventure.
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We’ll set off across the legendary Tizi n’Tichka Pass, through breathtaking mountain scenery, to the UNESCO site of Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most iconic red-earth fortresses. From here, we’ll begin our first cycling stage, pedaling along remote trails to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of the Desert.” We’ll end the day relaxing by the pool and enjoying mint tea.
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One of the most spectacular stages: a gravel ride through the Anti-Atlas Mountains, winding through canyons and endless valleys. More than 100 km of climbs and breathtaking views, far from any sign of civilization. An unforgettable challenge that culminates with a traditional dinner and a night in one of Morocco’s most charming kasbahs.
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We’ll cycle through the oases of N’Kob, nestled among palm trees and Berber villages. We’ll stop at a historic kasbah before setting out on a route that will take us to Zagora, the gateway to the Sahara. At sunset, we’ll reach our nomadic camp in the desert, where we’ll spend the night under a star-filled sky.
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Cycling into the Sahara is an unforgettable experience. Amid golden dunes and endless silence, we’ll ride accompanied by our 4×4 support vehicles. In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy mint tea and relax among the dunes as we watch one of the most magical sunsets of the trip.
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Today we’ll venture into the heart of the Sahara, into a vast, silent landscape where time seems to stand still. Our guides will lead us along well-trodden trails, avoiding areas of soft sand. As night falls, a unique spectacle awaits us: the clear desert sky, dotted with millions of stars.
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The final leg will take us across a vast, dried-up salt lake, cycling on solid trails to the remote village of Foum Zguid. A rewarding challenge to share with our travel companions over a final toast by the pool. We’ll return to Marrakech by 4:00 p.m. to head back to Italy.
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At each stop along the way, you’ll be welcomed at accommodations carefully selected for their comfort, hospitality, and local atmosphere. After a full day in the saddle, you can relax by the pool, sip some mint tea, and savor traditional Moroccan dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and aromatic spices.
The trip includes a total of 7 nights: 4 nights in 3- and 4-star hotels with an authentic and welcoming atmosphere, and 3 nights in authentic nomad camps in the Sahara Desert.
At the hotels, accommodations are in double rooms with twin beds, furnished in traditional Moroccan style and equipped with all the amenities needed to recharge after each day’s bike ride. For those who prefer more privacy, a single room is available for an additional fee.
During the last three stops, the experience becomes even more enchanting: you’ll sleep in Berber tents among the desert dunes, under a starry sky that seems to go on forever. While retaining the simple charm of the nomadic tradition, the tents offer comfortable beds and private bathrooms, striking the perfect balance between authenticity and comfort.
This trip is designed for intermediate and advanced cyclists who who are accustomed to riding for several consecutive dayson mixed terrain such as dirt roads and sandy sections. The daily stages range from 80 and 110 km, but this is not a race: the pace will be relaxed, with breaks, refreshments, and recovery stops along the way.
Two 4×4 support vehicles will accompany the group throughout the entire trip, providing water, snacks, and mechanical assistance. If you need a break at any time, they’ll be ready to safely escort you to your destination.
If you’re not sure whether you meet all the requirements, email us at hello@outdoo.it or send us a message on WhatsApp, and we’ll work with you to determine if this trip is right for you.
For this trip, we recommend bringing your own bike as checked sports luggage; alternatively, if you prefer, you can rent one on site: Cannondale models are available.
In addition to your bike, you’ll need technical gravel cycling gear for several days (summer and spring clothing for any cool days), shoes and a helmet, sunglasses, gloves if needed, and water bottles.
Logistical and mechanical assistance will be provided by a 4×4 support vehicle traveling with the group, which will handle luggage transport, water and snack supplies, and technical support. In any case, we’ll send you a detailed list before departure to help you prepare as best as possible.
If you’d rather not ship your bike, you can rent one directly on-site through our local partners, subject to availability.
The available bikes are Cannondale Gravel models, fully equipped to tackle the Sahara trails, dirt roads, and the sandiest sections of the itinerary.
The rental cost is approximately €370 per week and includes basic maintenance and technical support during the trip.
We recommend that you indicate your request at the time of registration so that we can reserve the desired model in advance, as availability is limited.
To ensure an exclusive and personalized experience, enrollment is limited to 10 participants.
If you are an Italian citizen, you must have a valid passport to travel to Morocco , and the passport’s expiration date must be later than the end of your stay in the country.
No visa is required for tourist stays such as ours.
For up-to-date information, we recommend consulting the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “Viaggiare Sicuri.”
If you are not an Italian citizen, please check the entry requirements through the official channels of your country of citizenship.
Our trips always include medical and baggage insurance. For more information on coverage, please refer to the information packet.
The trip is non-cancellable and non-refundable. But don’t worry: to book with peace of mind, you can addTrip Cancellation Insurance, which will cover you in the event of documented unforeseen circumstances that prevent you from participating.
For full details on coverage, please refer to the information packet.
First, we invite you to check out our general FAQs: you might find the answer you’re looking for right away. If you need further assistance, you can email us at hello@outdoo.it or send us a message on WhatsApp.
FROM
per person
The trip is online and bookable. The departure is not yet confirmed, but the first ones are already warming up their engines. If you want to be there, block your spot now. The legends are moving ahead.
Send us an email at hello@outdoo.it, message us on WhatsApp or schedule a call
