New Year's in Morocco - 11 Days

New Year's in Morocco - 11 Days

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11 Days From

$1075

New Year's in Morocco - 11 Days

11 Days Starting and ending in Marrakech, Morocco

Visiting: Marrakech, Ait Benhaddou, Dades Gorge, Erg Chebbi, Ouarzazate, Taroudant, Agadir, Essaouira

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

485/NYIM

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 24

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $1075

NB: Prices correct on 25-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 11-day cultural journey through Morocco, celebrating New Year's amidst the country's most iconic landscapes and cities. Begin in Marrakech with a guided tour of its vibrant medina and the bustling Djemaa el Fna. Explore the ancient kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and spend Christmas Day in the stunning Dades Gorge. Experience the magic of the Sahara Desert with a camel trek or jeep ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes, followed by a night under the stars at a Berber camp. Discover the film capital of Ouarzazate, the historic city of Taroudant, and the charming coastal town of Essaouira, where you'll ring in the New Year with a festive dinner. Conclude your adventure back in Marrakech, enriched by Morocco's diverse culture and breathtaking scenery. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, guided sightseeing, and the expertise of a licensed Moroccan tour guide throughout your journey.

Highlights

  • Marrakech - Take a guided tour of Morocco's most famous city, including the medina and Djemaa el Fna.

  • Ait Benhaddou - Discover Morocco's most famous kasbah and explore the narrow streets of this UNESCO-listed ancient site.

  • Dades Gorge - Spend Christmas Day exploring kasbah Amridil and Dades Gorge, with a delicious Christmas dinner in beautiful surroundings.

  • Sahara Desert - Ride a camel or jeep into the Erg Chebbi sand dunes and star gaze the Sahara skies.

  • Agadir - Stroll around this quaint fishing town, which was devastated by a major earthquake in 1960.

  • Taroudant - Visit saffron fields and take a guided tour of this historic city's vibrant souks.

  • Ouarzazate - Enjoy time in Morocco's film capital, home to a famous studio responsible for many blockbuster movies.

  • Essaouira - Celebrate the New Year with a group dinner and drinks in this charming walled port city, and enjoy time at leisure.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Marrakech

Location: Marrakech

Accommodation Name: hotel

23 December. Welcome to Morocco! Arrival transfer from

Marrakech airport to our hotel. This evening (at 19:00) our welcome meeting takes place, where you'll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers.

Day 2: Ait Benhaddou

Location: Ait Benhaddou

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou – Skoura. This morning we drive onwards to the legendary Ait Benhaddou - a ‘fortified city’ situated along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech, boasts some beautiful examples of ancient kasbahs. Only a handful of which remain inhabited. Granted UNESCO World Heritage listing, this incredible site had been the setting for many films including Gladiator. After exploring Ait Benhaddou we travel onwards to Skoura where we have an evening at leisure.

Day 3: Dades Gorge

Location: Dades Gorge

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Skoura – Dades Gorge. Merry Christmas! We spend the morning visiting the kasbah Amridil before continuing to Gorge du Dades in the Dades valley. On arrival we take some time to explore the gorges, admire the palm trees and see the kasbah ruins. We then have the evening to relax before enjoying a great Xmas dinner in the beautiful surroundings.

Day 4: Erg Chebbi

Randolfo Santos

Location: Erg Chebbi

Accommodation Name: Berber camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dades Gorge - Erg Chebbi. Crossing Jebel Sarhro, we enjoy lunch and a swim before travelling down to Erg Chebbi sand dunes, the start point of the mighty Sahara Desert. The Erg Chebbi dunes located near the remote frontier town of Merzouga are renowned for their incredible height and size. In parts the vast sand pile reaches skyward to heights of 150 metres!



The desert winds ensure this astonishing landscape is forever changing and no two days offer the same panorama. Mounting our camels, we trek across the vast rolling dunes of the Sahara and take in the breath-taking scenery. Arriving at our Berber camp, watch an incredible sunset across the dunes, enjoy simple local cuisine and then sit by the campfire under the spectacular Saharan stars. If you would prefer to take a Jeep to the Berber camp, this can be arranged locally through your guide at no additional cost.





If you would prefer the comfort of a hotel with en-suite facilities this evening, opt for our Sahara hotel alternative at no additional cost. Please do let us know your preferred option at the time of booking.

Day 5: Ouarzazate

Location: Ouarzazate

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Erg Chebbi – Agdz – Ouarzazate. Today we travel through Mercissi and Nkob in the Saghro Moutain region, passing the incredible rock formations and wells that have been dug over centuries by the nomads to get access to water, along the way. Onwards to the small town of Agdz, with its Palmeries, ancient Kasbahs and incredible views of Jebel Kissane Mountain. Our final stop of the day is Ouarzazate – Morocco’s film capital, where we lay our heads for the evening. Tonight, dinner is a group affair.



Day 6: Taroudant

Location: Taroudant

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ouarzazate – Tarouddant. We begin our day taking in the landscape of saffron fields as we make our way to Talouine, where we visit a local saffron farm. Later, we continue to Tazenacht, where we visit a carpet cooperative to learn the art of carpet making before finally stopping in Tarouddant, the former berber capital and our home for the night.

Day 7: Agadir

Location: Agadir

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Tarouddant – Agadir. This morning we have some time to enjoy a guided tour of Tarouddant’s souks. We spend the afternoon driving past banana plantations and fruit orchards along the coast as we make our way to Agadir, a quaint town along the coast which was destroyed by the 1960 earthquake. Here, we have the remainder of the day at leisure to wander around the harbour and perhaps try some of the fresh fish.

Day 8-9: Essaouira

Location: Essaouira

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we continue along the coast until we reach Essaouira. With a laid back vibe Essaouira is Morocco’s hippest coastal town. The windswept fishing port, broad beaches and ancient walled medina with ramparts built into the cliff have long been a favourite refuge for artists, sculptors, food lovers, surfers and backpackers. The medina surrounded by a fortress with 5 main gates you can navigate by, has retained its traditional styles and is laden with quirky shops, coffee houses, antiques, art studios, calligraphers, t-shirt designers and souvenir curios. There’s a relaxed feel to the place and shopping here is a real delight. Locals and visitors alike enjoy strolling along the ramparts as the sun sets. The port is a hive of activity with fishing boats hauling in their daily catch.





On the evening of day 9 - New Year's Eve we'll all head out together for dinner and a few drinks.

Day 10: Marrakech

Location: Marrakech

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Essaouira - Marrakech. Happy New Year! This morning is spent at leisure, sleep in or head to beach for your first swim of the year. This afternoon we stop at a local Argan oil cooperative en route to Marrakech. On arrival in Marrakech, we enjoy a guided tour of the bustling medina.

Day 11: Marrakech

Location: Marrakech

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

02 January. Spend the morning relaxing or picking up a few last minute souvenirs. Our tour concludes upon hotel check out at 12 noon.

What's Included

  • Meals

    Breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 5 dinners inclusive of a traditional Berber meal at our Sahara camp.

  • Accommodation

    9 nights in 3-4 star hotels and 1 night in simple accommodation at Sahara Desert camp, with a hotel alternative available.

  • Guided Sightseeing

    Guided sightseeing in Merzouga, Dades Gorge, Ait Benhaddou, and Marrakech.

  • Sahara Desert Experience

    Camel trek or Jeep into the Sahara Desert.

  • Essaouira Experience

    Beachside bliss and free time in Essaouira.

  • Tour Guide

    Escorted by a licensed English speaking Moroccan tour guide.

  • Specialist Guides

    Specialist guides in some cities.

  • Arrival Transfer

    Arrival transfer from Marrakech Airport on day 1.

  • Transportation

    All transportation and transfers in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights and Visa

    International flights and visa are not included.

  • Tips

    Tip for your tour guide and driver.

    We recommend you allow USD$2-3 per day, per traveller for your guide and USD$1-2 per day, per traveller for your driver.

    Tipping your guide and driver is an entirely personal gesture.

  • Tour Leader Presence

    On some road journeys, the tour leader may not be in your particular vehicle.

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance Fees: USD$35-55 per person, paid in USD or local currency.

Age Policy

18yrs or 15yrs accompanied by an adult

Mode of Transport

Travel in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles with all transportation and transfers included. Arrival transfer from Marrakech Airport is provided, and enjoy a camel trek or Jeep ride into the Sahara Desert.

Accommodation

Enjoy 9 nights in 3-4 star hotels and 1 night in simple accommodation at a Sahara Desert camp, with an option for a hotel alternative. Experience comfort and traditional Berber hospitality throughout your stay.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the Sahara Desert stay?

    During the Sahara Desert stay, you have the option of staying in a simple accommodation at a Berber camp or opting for a hotel with en-suite facilities at no additional cost.

  • Is there a welcome meeting at the start of the tour?

    Yes, there is a welcome meeting on the first evening at 19:00 where you will meet your tour leader and fellow travelers.

  • What activities are included in the Sahara Desert experience?

    In the Sahara Desert, you can choose to ride a camel or take a Jeep into the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. You will also have the opportunity to watch the sunset, enjoy local cuisine, and sit by the campfire under the stars.

  • Are there any special events planned for New Year's Eve?

    Yes, on New Year's Eve, the group will head out together for dinner and a few drinks in Essaouira.

  • What is the recommended tipping amount for the tour guide and driver?

    It is recommended to allow USD$2-3 per day, per traveler for your guide and USD$1-2 per day, per traveler for your driver. Tipping is an entirely personal gesture.

  • Is there an option for a hotel stay instead of camping in the Sahara?

    Yes, if you prefer the comfort of a hotel with en-suite facilities instead of camping in the Sahara, you can opt for the Sahara hotel alternative at no additional cost.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Tuesday - Friday

Dec 23, 2025 - Jan 02, 2026
$1075
Prices last published on 24-Dec-2024

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  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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