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:
Tour code:
485/NYIM
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
15-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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
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
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Meals
Breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 5 dinners inclusive of a traditional Berber meal at our Sahara camp.
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Accommodation
9 nights in 3-4 star hotels and 1 night in simple accommodation at Sahara Desert camp, with a hotel alternative available.
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Guided Sightseeing
Guided sightseeing in Merzouga, Dades Gorge, Ait Benhaddou, and Marrakech.
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Sahara Desert Experience
Camel trek or Jeep into the Sahara Desert.
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Essaouira Experience
Beachside bliss and free time in Essaouira.
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Tour Guide
Escorted by a licensed English speaking Moroccan tour guide.
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Specialist Guides
Specialist guides in some cities.
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Arrival Transfer
Arrival transfer from Marrakech Airport on day 1.
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Transportation
All transportation and transfers in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles.
What's Not Included
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International Flights and Visa
International flights and visa are not included.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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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+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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