CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR TOUR: A Christmas of changing colours at Todra Gorge, impressive Kasbahs at Aït Benhaddou, camping under Saharan stars and ringing in the New Year in enchanting Marrakech, Guaranteed to be a festive season to remember!
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Ait Benhaddou
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.
Overnight: Skoura | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Xmas in Dades Gorge
Skoura – Dades Gorge. Merry Christmas! We spend the morning visiting the kasbah Amherdhil before continuing to Gorge du Dades in the Dades valley. On arrival we take some time to explore the gorges, palmeries and kasbah ruins. We then have the evening to relax before enjoying a great Xmas dinner in the beautiful surroundings.
Overnight: Dades Gorge | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camel trek & Sahara
Todra 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 simple Berber camp, we enjoy dinner, music and a night under the Saharan stars, before retiring to our tents for the evening. Wrap up warm!
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.
Overnight: Merzouga | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Erg Chebbi
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. This evening we enjoy a group meal together.
Overnight: Ouarzazate | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate – Marrakech. Famous for being a prime filming location for many Hollywood TV shows and Blockbusters, we have the opportunity to explore the World's largest film studio this morning. Be sure to explore the iconic Colosseum used in 'Gladiator' and the prop jet used in 'Jewel of the Nile'. Carrying on we continue to Kasbah Telouet. Built in 1860 this kasbah was once home to the very wealthy Thami El Glaoui until he conspired with French Colonialists to delay Morocco's fight for independence.
Descending into the city of Marrakech, Morocco's pink city. We have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the Medina and the delights of Djemaa el Fna, the exuberant market place, which is a hive of activity, sights and smells at both day and night.
Overnight: Marrakech | Breakfast
Djemaa el Fna
This morning enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech and the afternoon is free to independently explore. The focal point of Marrakech is the central square - Djemaa el Fna, an extraordinary gathering and market place. Full of colour, spicy aromas and traders, Djemaa el Fna is best seen in the evening, illuminated against a backdrop of the snowcapped Atlas Mountains, when it's overflowing with food stalls, snake charmers, fortune tellers, musicians and henna artists. Towering over all this is the Koutoubia mosque, the tallest building in the city.
Overnight: Marrakech | Breakfast, Dinner
Free time in Marrakech
Two days of free time to explore Marrakech independently. Perhaps try a hammam and practice your bargaining skills in the souks. On New Years Eve there is the option to get together for dinner (and a few drinks) in a local restaurant to celebrate the coming of the New Year.
Overnight: Marrakech | Breakfast x 2
Marrakech
01 January. Our tour concludes after breakfast and hotel check out. Happy New Year!
Breakfast
New Year's Eve - beach side!
If bringing or singing in the New Year beachside is more your style, try our New Year's in Morocco tour. Trek the foothills of the Atlas, snap up some bargains in the souks of Marrakech and lap up the sunshine, surf and sea breeze this new year at Essaouira - the hippest beachside hideaway in all of Morocco! Check out our New Year's in Morocco tour with New Year's Eve arrangements in coastal Essaouira!
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to those who don’t have anyone to share a room with or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.
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Extra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Adam Park Hotel & Spa, Marrakech
Guests can expect a very comfortable stay at the Adam Park Hotel & Spa. Each of the elegant rooms feature a patio or balcony with views of the surrounding area. Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining. Several restaurants offer a variety of options including Italian specialities, Moroccan favourites and international cuisine. There are also plenty of ways to unwind after a day exploring Marrakech, with an outdoor pool, fitness centre and a spa offering rejuvenating massage treatments.
Kasbah Ait BenHadda, Skoura
Nestled in the heart of the Skoura pal grove, the Ait Benhadda boasts incredible mountain views, and stunning terraces and garden to enjoy the landscape. All guest rooms are en-suite and air-conditioned and are equipped with a satellite TV. Guests can cool off by the pool or taste some of the Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine at the on-site restaurant.
Kasbah Tizzaouirine , Dades Gorge
Overlooking Oued Dades, Kasbah Tizzarouine offers rustic Moroccan accommodation. Guest rooms vary from the quirky cave rooms to the more palatial Berber suites. The hotel also includes an outdoor pool and seating on a beautiful terrace giving great panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valley. Staff at the Kasbah are very helpful and the restaurant comes with great recommendations. Those who are in to local music can enjoy and join in with drumming sessions that take place each night.
Desert Camp, Merzouga
Set amongst the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi, the Berber camp is designed with a traditional Moroccan theme. The permanent tents include multiple beds and electricity (after night fall) Camping out in the desert is a wonderful experience, due to the lack of light pollution, the stars come out in abundance and really are a sight to behold.
Hotel La Perle Du Sud, Ouarzazate
A comfortable hotel emanating authenticity from it's show of modern art to traditional features and furniture. La Perle Du Sud is located in the heart of the city, close to a number of local restaurants and bars. Bright guest rooms offer air-conditioning and free WiFi access throughout. A swimming pool allows guests to relax and bask in the Moroccan sunshine.
Reviews
Travellers have rated this tour as 4 out of 5 based on 2 recent reviews
A great experience, first group tour I have done in years and it was surprisingly good. Loved Marrakech and would recommend it as a travel destination for sure. Right from booking to the tour guide, everything was professional and everyone was friendly and helpful. Food was average but that was not an issue for me personally. Great shopping destination and on your free days definitely visit the Yves St Laurent Museum and Gardens.”
This was an amazing tour. My first time in Africa, I was unsure what to expect. My entire trip went smoothly with with On the Go. The country is beautiful, the tour guide and group were amazing. I would not hesitate to go back to this country or book another tour with this company.”
The camel trek into the Sahara & Berber Camp were excellent. New Years at Djama el Fna in Marrakech was the best!”
This is my 4th On the Go trip. The meals were great and by far the best experience was the camel trek into the Sahara. Our guide made us all feel like part of one big Moroccan family! ”
I did Egypt with you previously and really loved it. The highlight of this trip was certainly the camel trek and the sand dunes. I'll definitely be travelling again! ”
A great trip! I loved the camel trek into the Sahara and the overnight camp. Our guide Bubkah was helpful, ever so kind and gave just the right amount of information. Thanks for a great New Year!”
Fantastic tour, spending xmas in todra gorge was surreal & beautiful and certainly makes a change! The guides were great and the group was an excellent mix. Thanks to all! :o)”
Thankyou Brahmin & Webrahaim & Lassen! Great trip :o) Sweet as Bro!”
Hi Janet,
I just came back from Rock the Kasbah trip in Morocco. One of the best Xmas & NY I've ever had!
Trekking the desert and spending the night at berber camp was such a unique experience.
Will surely recommend on the Go to my friends and i am looking forward to my next tour with you! ”
In Brief
Extra Tour Info
A great experience, first group tour I have done in years and it was surprisingly good. Loved Marrakech and would recommend it as a travel destination for sure. Right from booking to the tour guide, everything was professional and everyone was friendly and helpful. Food was average but that was not an issue for me personally. Great shopping destination and on your free days definitely visit the Yves St Laurent Museum and Gardens.”
