Day 1 – Arrive Malaga
We pick you up and take you to your hotel. Introduce you to your 2CV. Welcome reception in the evening.
Hotel: Parador de Golf, MalagaDay 2 – Malaga to Tarifa to Tangier – 184kms
The rally starts in the southern Spanish town of Malaga which has frequent flights from around Europe. From here we drive to Tarifa and cross to Morocco on the fast ferry. We clear customs and head for the hotel.
Hotel: Farah TangierDay 3 – Tangier to Meknes – 290kms
From Tangier we head towards the Roman ruins of Volubilis before our night stop in Meknes. The fabulous roads of Morocco beckon as we head through the foothills towards this pretty town, one of the ancient capitals of Morocco.
Hotel: Transatlantique. This is an excellent 4-Star hotel with views across the city and the Medina.Day 4 – Meknes to Beni Mellal – 348kms
A day in the Middle Atlas mountains. We route through the Bab Mansour gates and the Place el Hedimin in the ancient town before we break out to the major wine growing region in Morocco. The route climbs through cedar woods to Ifran, the Switzerland of Morocco. Great scenery and competition sections.
Hotel: TBADay 5 – Beni Mellal to Marrakech – 265kms
Just 15kms outside Beni Mallal we have the first real mountain challenge as we head for a testing Regularity section – 470m to 1320m climb in 50kms. We visit the Cascades de Ouzoud, one of the major attraction in Morocco. From here we have 80kms of high agricultural land before dropping onto the Marrakech plane for a regroup in this picturesque town.
Hotel: 5 Star Sofitel Lounge and Spa.Day 6 – Marrakech Rest Day
Today you have a chance to sample the delights of Marrakech. From the fabulous Jemaa el Fna Square to the souks, tanneries, belly dancing and cuisine, it’s all there to enjoy.
Day 7 – Marrakech to Ouarzazate – 212kms
With more than 50kms of competition today it’s a tough one. First you have to climb out of Marrakech on the famous Tizi n’Test, a demanding 20kms that climbs 1,000 metres! Then down through Berber villages and deep river gorges, ending up at Ait Benhaddou, the Hollywood of Morocco where many famous films have been made.
Hotel: Ouarzazate Berbere Palace.Day 8 – Ouarzazate to Merzouga – 377kms
Easy route out of Ouarzazate into flat stony desert with the High Atlas now to your left and views of the Grand Canyon of Morocco. Then we have a 10kms regularity section. After a passage control in N’Knob its back to the desert road. We pass Tazzarine and then Alnif before the busy town of Rissani. The stop for the night is the desert camp south of Merzouga. Hotel: Camp La Belle Etoile
Day 9 – Merzouga Camp
Technically a rest day but instead we will be taking to the desert for a bit of fun in the dunes.
Hotel: Kasbah Tombouctou.Day 10 – Merzouga to Midelt – 380kms
A big day in every way; distance; mountains; gorges; competition and spectacle. Today we drive the fabulous Todra Gorge and then find more gorges that are off the tourist trail. Its a tough day with fabulous scenery and plenty of competition. Don’t expect to get in early which is no bad thing as Midlet is not the most lively place in Morocco.
Hotel: TaddartDay 11 – Midelt to Fes – 315kms
Another great day over the high passes of the Middle Atlas. Out of the hotel we head for Boulmane and then the quiet roads of Imouzzer Marmoucha. The river falls into a deep gorge and provides good sections for competition.
Hotel: Sofitel Palais JamaisDay 12 – Fes, Day Off
Here you can find the greatest souk of them all – and you will need a guide or you will never find your way out! The labyrinth of streets and stalls is simply stunning.
Day 13 – Fes to Tangier – 374kms
Out of Fez then into the Rif mountains. There’s a fairly main road to Taounate before we find the quieter rural roads. A full day of twists and turns.
Hotel: Farah TangierDay 14 Tangier to Malaga – 198kms
From the ferry we head east to Malaga where we say good bye to our tin snails and get ready for the Gala dinner and prize giving.
Hotel: Parador de Golf MalagaDay 15 Malaga – Depart
