 |
16 Dec 2013
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 17
|
|
|
Morocco Virgin Needs Advice Please
Hi Everyone
Myself and 2 friends are planning to ride down to Marrakech in April next year (2014) from the UK.
We'd like to try and avoid toll roads in France / Spain but it's not imperative.
We have allowed 4 days to get to Marrakech, 7 days in and around Marrakech and then 4 days to ride back to Manchester.
I am looking for a good route through France / Spain and looking for advice on B&B's in both countries on our way down and back.
Looking to cross at Algeciras (unless a new crossing opens up by then that is easier to use).
Not sure whether to stay in Marrakech centre or to take a guest house outside so open to suggestions on that also.
I know it's a big ask for people to recommend things but any help will be gratefully received.
Kind regards and ride safe
WonkyD
|
16 Dec 2013
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,484
|
|
|
If you catch the Porstmouth to Santander Ferry you could be in Morocco in 48 hours from leaving the UK. Most of the route through spain is not tolled except a short stretch south of Seville.
You could easily be in Marrakech in 3 days from leaving the UK. This year (in a 4x4) we left Friday 17:30 from Porstmouth and were in Morocco by 21:00 on the Sunday, ferry from Algerciras to Tanger Med.
For a first time in Marrekech I'd reccomend a Riad in the Medina, I'm sure some other bikers could reccomend somewhere with parking/storage. I use Hotel Islane opposite the Koutoubia Mosque, cheap central but nothing special. Avoid Hotel Ali in Jemaa El Fna unless you want to be kept awake by backpackers!
Last edited by TheWarden; 16 Dec 2013 at 19:32.
Reason: I can't type
|
16 Dec 2013
|
|
Contributing Vendor
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Northumberland, UK
Posts: 558
|
|
Hi WonkyD
To make the best use of your time I'd autoroute thhrough France and take the National routes where possible so:- Calais-Rouen autoroute then Chartres - Borseaux on the N10. The N10 from Bordeaux to the Spanish border has been upgraded to autoroute standard but I can't remember if it's tolled.
You'll find lots of small family run hotels and B&Bs on the National roads
Into Spain at Irun then Vitoria-Gasteiz. Then take the autopista Burgos, Valadolid, Salamanca, Cacares, Merida, Seville. Up to this point all the autopistas are free and there's not much traffic. From Seville there's a small toll or take the N1V and then the N340 coast road to Algeciras.
In Spain, There are plenty of excellent value hostals en route with good rooms and good food. Much cheaper than the budget hotel chains and lots more character.
Cross Algeciras - TangerMed or Ceuta. Buy your tickets from Carlos http://http://www.viajesnormandie.net/
Plenty of bike friendly accommodation in Marrakech check here:- http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ntribute-39077
I'd only stay a couple of nights in Marrakech - you need to get away from the city and see more of the country.
Buy Chris's book! Morocco Overland ~ the website for the book
Hope that helps,
Peter
|
16 Dec 2013
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Middle England, UK
Posts: 457
|
|
|
I agree with the above; I was in Marrakech this summer, and I saw quite a lot in just one day! I rode south over the mountains to Ouarzazate. It's a great mountain road, and what lies south was, for me and my first time in the country, what I imagined Morocco to be. Definitely go for a wander! South again, and you'll be at the desert!
Also, if you go along the Med coastal road south through Spain, there's a lot of toll roads.
Have a great ride.
|
16 Dec 2013
|
 |
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
|
|
Suggested French and Spanish routes plus accommodation waypoints here: France, Spain, Gibraltar, ferries and ports
You can use the motorway from Tanger Med to Marrakech, cost is probably less than £20. Nevertheless, just four days Manchester to Marrakech is really pushing it. Taking the Santander ferry would help reduce the strain a bit.
.
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
|
17 Dec 2013
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
|
|
|
I stayed on a cheap hotel right on the main square in Marrakech, with a roof deck overlooking the square. It was pretty spectacular; the only problem was they didn't sell alcohol, but that was remedied with BYO.
I've only been to Morocco once, but not sure that I would spend seven days in and around Marrakech. Fez is also very cool, as well as the mountains and desert to the south, not to mention the beaches to the southwest, the dunes to the SE, etc.
|
17 Dec 2013
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 17
|
|
|
Thanks
Thanks for all the replies so far.
I have been looking at places in Marrakech itself and also in the village of Imlil which is about 60km outside Marrakech.
We'd more than likely stay outside of the hustle bustle of Marrakech and ride in there possibly a couple of days.
Tim - many thanks for the heads up. The ride down will be 4.5 days as we are all meeting up on the Thursday night down in Ashford so we can get a good nights sleep before catching an early train across on Good Friday. We have allowed 5 days to get home if needs be with an extra day as contingency built in.
Will still look into the Santander route but they other 2 want to ride down through France as well as Spain.
Many thanks for all the waypoints etc ... VERY much appreciated.
WonkyD
|
27 Dec 2013
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: In my car
Posts: 33
|
|
|
City worth seeing
I always hear Marrakech and Fez so I have to mention Essaouira. In my opinion it's a great place to visit especially if you are on a short trip. For Fez everybody recommends a guide since you can easily get lost (I haven't visited it yet, not into citys too much), Essaouira is small and offers a lot, the old Wall with the cannons, the port, the medina, the woodworkers at the Port wall, has its own beach, plus there is a optin to daytrip to Sidi Kaouki taking the beach-dunes-piste exit. It's easy to find since there are lots of quad-tracks, so again no guide required (enter the beach after the river to respect the tourists and camel guys) I've done it in 4x4 several times, it's tight to follow quad tracks in a HJ61 but at least you can't get lost there.
Just my 2 cents
|
28 Dec 2013
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 5
|
|
|
hi from santander ferry port ive got down to the port of algeciras in southern Spain on a 125 vespa in 24 hours the roads though Spain are great .
in Morocco centro there are loads of cheap rooms just don't leave your bike unlocked or you bags unattended "" otherwise its an amazing place
|
29 Dec 2013
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: In my car
Posts: 33
|
|
If you can't let your bike unlocked and bags unattended: Where in the world can you?!? 
|
30 Dec 2013
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Midlands UK
Posts: 144
|
|
|
I'd also recommend the ferry to Santander. Roads through Spain are excellent and toll free. That saves as much time and energy for Morocco. Our first stop in Morocco was Asilah (spellings vary) on the coast. The Motorway past Rabat ad Casablanca is cheap and very easy driving - best if you want to make the fastest trip to Marrakesh
|
3 Jan 2014
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: the MK riviera
Posts: 167
|
|
|
I'd reccommend taking the ferry to Northern Spain; I've left Bilbao at 08:00hrs and arrived in Torremolinos (2 hours from Algeciras) at 19:30hrs riding a KTM 640 adv, all on toll free roads with a 45 min lunch stop.
If you're riding through France the A75 from Clermont Ferrand to Beziers is toll free (apart from the amazing Millau bridge which is 6 Euros in a van)
|
5 Jan 2014
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 17
|
|
|
:-) Thank you
You guys are great ..... I have the Morocco Overland book and am working my way through it.
The guys I'm going with want to ride down through France so I'll be looking for a good route through.
Encouraging to know of others experiences.
We are looking to stay at Imlil, in the foothills of the High Atlas (60km south east of Marrakech) and then use that as a base.
Having been to Marrakech on holidays I didn't want the hustle bustle everyday but we are looking at going there and staying overnight to save riding back at night.
PLEASE keep the advice coming guys .... as the Tesco ad says .... "Every little helps" 
|
6 Jan 2014
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
|
|
For some pics of Imlil have a look at posts 12 and 13 at Six weeks in May/June 2012
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
|
6 Jan 2014
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 17
|
|
|
Thanks Tim
Just looked at the pics ... am now really looking forward to going there. Think it will be a good base rather than the centre of Marrakech.
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
