22 nd 29 th October 2016

MARRAKECH EXPRESS An unforgettable all-road experience filled with adventure! 9th – 16th April / 22nd – 29th October 2016 1 ““I decided to join the...
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MARRAKECH EXPRESS

An unforgettable all-road experience filled with adventure! 9th – 16th April / 22nd – 29th October 2016 1

““I decided to join the allROAD tour to Morocco aND Something magical happened. I spend money, but I came back being richer. I would join Explore360° again any time! even if there were only Swedes on the team ;-)” JES BUUS / DENMARK participant MARRAKECH EXPRESS 2

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Welcome to Explore 360°!

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Our Concept

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Morocco: the closest faraway place!

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The Route

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Day by Day

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Routes / Level of difficulty

15-17 Information 18-19

Taste of Morocco

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Tour package

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Contact

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welcome to explore360°! Fellow riders! Welcome to Explore360°! My name is Chris, living in Sweden since 2011 and together with Anna my wife, I am running Explore360°. I would like to share my two biggest passions with you: travelling and driving a motorcycle: an unbeatable combination that has led me to far-out corners of this world and more than 40 countries the last ten years. The feeling of freedom and really being in the present when my bike, the road and environment are in harmony with each other, is what I enjoy most. Motorbike travelling means

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to me: experiencing a wide variety of scenery, cultures, lifestyles and adventure, and off course to have fun and to go for a ride. In this brochure I would like to inform you what the Morocco Experience is all about and share the experience that I had in this extraordinary country. Breath-taking scenery, great roads, a pervasive culture and the instant feeling that this is a country that moves your senses in all possible ways. Just awesome! At last I would like to share some ideas, which we believe in here at Explore360°, to give you a never-to-forget experience.

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our concept • We believe in having a genuine experience with a healthy dose of adventure. By exploring breath-taking landscapes, great roads and maybe being a bit out of your comfort-zone or undergoing a culture shock, but simply always having a good time and fun will give you a once in a lifetime experience! • We believe that motorbike travelling is for everybody! It doesn’t discriminate age, gender, sexual preference or type of bike and so on. You only need a flexible, open-minded attitude and the rest will follow! • We strive to make every Explore360° Experience a unique one! So no itinerary will be exactly the same. In this way it will also stay fun and exiting for us. • We believe in small intimate groups who want to have fun and a great time together. Not only while driving but also when not driving! • We believe in having a support vehicle (≥ 5 participants). This gives you the opportunity to drive your motorbike in the most free way possible and enjoy it to the max! • We believe in stimulating the local economy by making use of additional local guides and small local businesses and accommodations to stay. • We believe in creating a safety-net for our customers. That’s why Explore360° has lodged security with the Swedish Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency (“Kammarkollegiet”). So you are protected under the Swedish law. 5

Morocco: the closest far-away country! Would you like to have a unique and exiting experience on two wheels? Morocco is one of the best countries in the world for riding your adventure-bike. From winding roads through the High Atlas or dusty gravel in the southern Sahara desert, buzzling traffic in Marrakech or enchanting landscapes with Kasbah’s, oasis and small villages. Encounter the culture of the Imazighen, also known as Berbers, enjoy the exquisite Moroccan cuisine and explore century old Medina’s., it’s all going to happen!

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Join us on this fabulous journey, an opportunity of a lifetime. An adventure that will delight and enchant. A journey that will thrill the senses, both on- and off the bike. Fabulous scenery, accessed in the most raw and emotive way possible. From a motorcycle perspective, the best way to travel in Morocco! We introduce you to winding roads and challenging gravel roads (pistes) on this all-road adventure, demonstrating the best of both worlds. The ideal adventure for both the experienced and inexperienced off-road rider. As always, hints and tips will be readily available for those looking to improve technique! And

we’ll have alternative routes for those who want it easier, or the opposite. Join us on this fabulous journey, the opportunity of a lifetime to sample all that Morocco has to offer and that’s not just the riding. The food, accommodation and photo-stops are all chosen to be varied and of the highest standard available. Set foot in Northern Africa and see for yourself on this amazing Morocco Experience!

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The route

8 Adventure

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Comfort

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Days

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8 Level riding

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1 €1.600 Culture shock

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Price

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Day by day

Day 1 /

Day 2 /

We will stay in a 5* hotel in Marrakech, where our rental bikes are waiting for us! After having a dinner together we will have a briefing of what will follow coming days. We start early the next morning so we won’t make it too late.

We’ll take the Tizi n’ Tichka pass (2300 m.) over the High Altas, with its never ending curves, through one of Morocco’s most stunning landscapes. Followed by the Telòuet pass (partly unpaved) with its many Kasbah’s, descending to Aït Benhaddou, a fortified city, or Ksar, along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. Ouarzazate is also known for its film studios. Many films were recorded here, like Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy and Gladiator. We spend the night in a hotel with a pool close to the beautiful preserved Kasbah Taourirt.

Arrival Marrakech

Marrakech > Ouarzazate (220 km).

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Day by day

Day 3 /

Day 4 /

Via “the route of Kasbah’s” and passing the Valley of Roses and Gorge du Dadès, we’ll hit the gravel roads. Riding the highest pass of this tour (2940 m.) and the last stretch through the impressive Gorge du Todra, where the mountains go straight up for 300 meter just beside you. We stay over in a very special auberge which is partly build into the mountain. Imagine, having dinner under the stars after a good day riding and sleeping in one of their ‘cave-rooms’.

Maybe in distance not so impressive but this piste over the Tizi ‘n Tazazert pass is a challenging one with stunning views! Crossing the Djebel Sarhro mountain ridge to reach N’kob. Having a picnic lunch with a breath-taking view at 2300 m. on the pass makes it all worth it. You’ll feel like riding through Arizona with the ‘column mountains’ on the way down. Watching the sunset over the oasis while enjoying dinner in our auberge makes this day complete.

Ouarzazate > Gorge du Todra (280 km)

Gorge du Todra > N’kob (170 km)

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Day by day

Day 5 /

Day 6 /

We have several options again today. Through the enchanting green oasis of the Drâa Valley with countless kasbah’s, or the barren stone-dessert that separates us from Algeria. Before cooling off in the pool, we will feel some real Sahara sand going through our hands at the Tinfou dunes. Finishing the day by having a cold drink in the lushly flowering garden of our hotel.

From Zagora it’s only 52 days to Timbuktu, by camel. But we’ll take another dusty piste towards Foum Zguid and have a hot day riding through the dessert north of the mountain ridge Djebel Bani. So you’d better watch out for crossing camels! Heading up for the mountains of the Anti-Atlas. Winding asphalt or grinding gravel, it’s up to you again. Ending up in one of Morocco’s hidden gems. A small paradise surrounded by palm trees hidden up in the mountains. Expect some authentic Berber hospitality!

Nekob > Zagora (150 km)

Zagora > Aguinan (250 km)

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Day by day

Day 7

Day 8

The first stretch leads us over a gravel road steep up out of the valley with beautiful red and ochre coloured mountains. After Taliouine, a town known for it’s saffron, we will conquer the High Atlas once more and take the famous Tizi n’ Test pass. With the highest peaks of Morocco of the Djebel Toubkal mountains (4167 m.) on our right hand side, we are heading back to Marrakech. Worth a visit is the Tin Mal mosque high up in the mountains, one of the only two mosques accessible for non-Muslims in Morocco. Our adventure ends here in Marrakech but not before we enjoy a good dinner in a special restaurant.

Depending on which time you’ll fly home, but it shouldn’t end without paying a visit to the famous square Jemaa-el-Fna. With its monkeys, donkeys, snakes, apes, musicians, storytellers and food stalls, it’s a must experience! Enjoying this spectacle makes it the perfect setting for looking back on a thrilling and never-to-forget experience!

Aguinan > Marrakech (290 km)

Departure

Flying back home, or extending your stay with some days to explore Marrakech a bit more is of course also a possibility.

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ROUTES / Level of RIDING This all-road adventure leads us from smoothly curvy asphalt, wellprepared gravel roads, to more bumpy tracks with stones and rocks (we will not ride in the sand dunes). Total distance is approximately 1500 km’s whereof 40% off-road over so called pistes. But there is more available! Depending on personal wishes or like bad weather conditions, there are also alternative routes over asphalt available. It’s mandatory to have experience with gravel riding, and if you have not so much experience, we strongly recommend you to follow an all-road course.

Intermediate level All-road / gravel riding experience required. Previous participation in an off-road training is recommended. Conditions Please bring your complete motorcycling gear (helmet, motorcycling boots, gloves, goggles, motorcycling suit with protectors, back protector). Sorry, no rental of motorcycling gear possible.

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RIDING SKILLS / Off-road On all our trips are fun and safety our main goals. With the classification 1 track up to 3 tracks, we would like to give you an indication to evaluate your off-road riding skills, for the tour required. Self-evaluation is not easy – but the final decision is made by you only. Don`t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions or you need suggestions for an off-road course. We are also at your disposal for further questions about the trip or special information about the routes. = Off-road beginners Driving on asphalt, even on passes with narrow switchbacks are no problem for you. The off-road part is mostly under 30 % of the total distance. The tour is easily manageable also for beginners. Recommendation: If you have no off-road and /or gravel riding experience at all, we recommend a 1- or 2 day training course. After that training course it is much easier for you to evaluate your skills and to figure out whether you have fun riding off-road tracks.

ROUTES / Level of RIDING = Intermediate off-road riders Driving on asphalt as well as on gravel, passes with narrow switchbacks (paved and gravel) are no problem for you. Off-road (gravel) riding experience is mandatory. The off-road part is mostly over 30 % of the total distance. Challenging sections with bigger stones, steep climbs/descents and/or sand are possible. Recommendation: This tour is not applicable for participants without any off-road/ gravel riding experiences. You are experienced with off-road/ gravel riding, and/or have had a 1- or 2-day training course. = Advanced off-road riders This tour is suitable for drivers with advanced off-road experience and good fitness. The daily routes can be pretty long. The tour consist mostly of off-road parts including demanding and difficult routes with single-tracks, sand, big stones, mud and water crossings Recommendation: This tour is not recommended for participants without any offroad experiences. You must have an extensive experience with off-road / gravel riding and/or have had an advanced off-road course.

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information Motorbikes We rent excellent prepared BMW’s and Husqvarna motorbikes for this amazing adventure. This all-rounder is perfect on the asphalt and has no troubles when it’s getting a bit rougher. The following bikes are available (for six days rent)*: Husqvarna 650 Terra € 690 / SEK 6.400 BMW 650 Sertau € 725 / SEK 6.715 BMW F 700 GS: € 750 / SEK 6.950 BMW F 800 GS: € 900 / SEK 8.350 BWM R 1200 GS/LC: € 990 / SEK 9.200 • Well maintained motorcycles from our partner in Morocco, unlimited mileage and a Moroccan third party insurance* • Tires: TKC 80 off-road tires (or equivalent). • Deposit € 1500,- per person (cash or by creditcard). • You can bring a GPS yourself. Bring your own mount to attach it. • Of course you are also welcome to join this adventure on your own motorbike! Price: from € 1600 / SEK 14.850.

*The bikes are not covered fully comprehensive for riding off road if not as part of a guided tour, so any damage has to be paid in full). Deposit is from € 1.500 15

ACCOMMODATION

food

Each location is chosen for variety and quality, ensuring an eclectic mix and unique experience at the end of each day’s riding. It ranges from luxury hotels to (basic) auberges, a typical Moroccan inn, based on a twin room. Single room supplement: € 250.

We only halt our adventure in the best places to “refuel”. Not only the bikes need to be maintained! You’ll sample the best of Moroccan cuisine and eat as the locals do, and indulge yourself with tagine, couscous or other local delicacies. Breakfast and dinner are included, for lunch we’ll eat in good restaurants along the road or we’ll bring a picnic.

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PARTICIPANTS (min. 4 riders).

GETTING THERE

Will you continue even though the tarmac ends? Have you got a positive attitude and are you looking forward to an adventurous trip through one of the most extraordinary countries in Northern Africa? Do you like to share your experience with others and help each other out when the going gets tough? This trip demands an open mind for unknown cultures, flexibility, endurance and team spirit because we help each other when it’s needed. It’s good to have some experience with motorbike travelling and you need experience with driving on gravel roads but for sure you don’t need to be an off-road expert to participate on this trip! When doubting, just give me a call so I can explain more in detail!

There are direct flights to Marrakech from all major airport in Europe like: Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, Madrid, etc. But also low-cost airlines like Ryan-air and Norwegian fly directly to Marrakech. It gives you all the flexibility if you would like to extend your holiday for some more days in Marrakech or elsewhere in Morocco. We will arrange transport for picking you up from the airport.

It is possible to bring your partner along. In the support vehicle and/ or on some stretches of the route as a pillion (depending on your riding capacity).

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Taste of morocco

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tour package ✓✓ Entrance fees. ✓✓ Local guides.

when /

✓✓ Parking fees. ✓✓ Transfers from/to airport on arrival and departure to/from hotel.

09th – 16th April 2016 22nd – 29th October 2016 You prefer other dates or a specific designed tour? Just get in contact so we can plan a tailor-made tour.

Price (per rider) /

NOT INCLUDED / ×× Flight to and from Morocco. ×× Fuel.

Per rider (own bike): Husqvarna 650 Terra BMW 650 GS BMW 650 Sertau BMW F 700 GS: BMW F 800 GS:

€ 1595/ SEK 14.900 € 690 / SEK 6.400 € 675 / SEK 6.250 € 725 / SEK 6.715 € 750 / SEK 6.950 € 900 / SEK 8.350

BWM R 1200 GS/LC:

€ 990 / SEK 9.200

Single room supplement:

€ 250 / SEK 2.300

Pillion/support vehicle:

€ 1250 / SEK 11.500

×× Medical insurance (with repatriation), travel and cancellation insurance. ×× Personal expenses. ×× (Alcoholic) drinks. ×× Possible traffic fines. ×× Single room supplement.

Own responsibility to / •

Bring your own complete motorcycle gear (helmet, boots, gloves, suit incl. protectors/back protector.



✓✓ 7 nights accommodation in unique 4*/5* (rural) hotels and Auberges (based on a twin room).

Arrange your personal travel-, cancellation- and medical insurance, (European) insurance card and passport (min. six month valid from the arrival date).



You have got a valid passport and motorcycle driver’s license.

✓✓ All breakfasts (7x), all lunches (6x) and all dinners (7x).



Make the deposit for the rental bike (from € 1500) in cash or by credit card

INCLUDED / ✓✓ 8 days holiday, 6 days riding.

✓✓ Rental bike: unlimited mileage (incl. soft bag/luggage if needed)

(upon arrival).

✓✓ European- and Moroccan insurance.



Book your own flight ticket.

✓✓ Support vehicle (≥ 5 participants) for tools, spare parts and customer’s luggage.



Follow the (local) traffic rules, laws and regulations as well the tour leader’s instructions.

✓✓ Guide & sweeper (≥ 7 participants) on a motorcycle.



Take care of your own equipment and motorbike. Explore360° will whenever possible help, but cannot be held responsible for any costs for recovery and such due to reckless behaviour.

✓✓ SPOT-(GPS)emergency tracker and/or satelite phone.

* All prices are per person and are subject to change depending on accommodations, rental bikes and applicable currency, taxes or VAT.

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“A once in a lifetime experience! The combination of sand dunes and snow white mountain peaks is truly unique. Morocco’s spectacular nature will stay in my heart and memory forever.” lisa nordlind / participant Morocco Experience

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© Explore360° 2015 pictures by Lisa Nordlind, Mark Agius, Jonas Jerndal, Arthur Dgm and Chris Wilthuis

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Explore360°

Motorcycle Adventures

Chris Wilthuis

Brochure / design by Laya www.designbylaya.com

M: + 46 (0) 72 015 05 70 E: [email protected] W: www.explore360.nu F: facebook.com/explore360degrees 23