Christmas in Morocco - 8 days

Christmas in Morocco - 8 days

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8 Days From

$755

Christmas in Morocco - 8 days

8 Days Starting and ending in Marrakech

Visiting: Marrakech, Ait Benhaddou, Dades Gorge, Erg Chebbi, Agdz, Ouarzazate

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

657/XSS

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 24

Age range:

18yrs or 16yrs accompanied by an adult

Special diets catered:

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

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Interests:

Cultural

From: $755

NB: Prices correct on 22-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

CHRISTMAS TOUR: Make your way to magical Morocco this Christmas, a short hop from Europe but worlds apart. An exotic land of spices, ancient Kasbahs, rolling Saharan sands, verdant valleys and bustling souks. Ride camels in the Sahara Desert, explore Marrakech, and spend Christmas surrounded by towering Dades Gorge!

Highlights

  • Marrakech - Discover the sights, smells and sounds of this sensual city including the medina and Djemaa el Fna main square

  • Dades Gorge - Spend Christmas Day exploring the kasbah Amridil and take in the breathtaking view of this mighty gorge, tucking into a delicious Christmas dinner in the area

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

  • Ait Benhaddou - Delve into the warren of narrow streets that make up this famous UNESCO-listed kasbah

  • Draa Valley - Pass through this scenic region, stopping in Agdz to visit ancient kasbahs and enjoy incredible mountain views

  • Ouarzazate - Relax in the 'Hollywood of Morocco' and opt to visit the film studios responsible for Gladiator and other blockbusters

Places You'll See

Erg Chebbi

Marrakech

Erg Chebbi

Marrakech

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Marrakech

Location: Marrakech

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Adam Park Hotel & Spa

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: 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: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Kasbah Tizzaouirine

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, palmeries and kasbah ruins. We then have the evening to relax before enjoying a great Xmas dinner in the beautiful surroundings.

Day 4: Erg Chebbi

Megue Ryan
Paul M
Randolfo Santos

Location: Erg Chebbi

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Desert Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dades Gorge - Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Crossing the Jebel Sarhro, we head down to Erg Chebbi sand dunes, which signify the start of the mighty Sahara Desert. 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 soak up the breath-taking scenery. If you would prefer to take a Jeep to the Berber camp, this can be arranged locally through your guide at no additional cost. Arriving at our simple Berber camp, we enjoy dinner and an evening by the campfire, under the spectacular Saharan night sky. Remember to 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.

Day 5: Agdz

Location: Agdz

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel La Perle Du Sud

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. This evening we enjoy a group meal together.

Day 6: Ouarzazate

Location: Ouarzazate

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel La Perle Du Sud

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 7: Marrakech

Location: Marrakech

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Adam Park Hotel & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we tour magical Marrakech, an exotic pink city of snake charmers, steamy hammams, bustling souks and hidden palaces. The focal point and highlight of the city is the Koutoubia mosque and Djemaa el Fna - the central square, which is an extraordinary market place full of colour, music, spicy aromas and traders. Best seen in the evening when the square is overflowing with food stalls, dancers, acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians and henna artists.





This afternoon and evening is free for you to explore independently, soak up the incredible atmosphere and test your bartering skills in the souks. Perhaps pamper yourself with a steamy hammam!

Day 8: Marrakech

Location: Marrakech

Meals Included: Breakfast

30 December. Our Moroccan adventure concludes after breakfast. Happy travels! If you would like to extend your trip and spend New Year's Eve in Marrakech or by the coast in Essaouira, take a look at our Rock the Kasbah or Surf the New Year tour.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    3 - 4 star hotels

  • Breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 5 dinners inclusive of a traditional Berber meal in the Sahara

  • 6 nights 3 - 4 star hotels and 1 night simple accommodation at Sahara Desert camp (hotel alternative available)

  • Guided sightseeing - Merzouga, Dades Gorge, Ait Benhaddou and Marrakech

  • Camel trek or Jeep into the Sahara Desert

  • Escorted by a licensed English speaking Moroccan tour guide

  • Specialist guides in some cities

  • Marrakech Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 8

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

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visa

  • Note: On some road journeys, the tour leader may not be in your particular vehicle

  • 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

  • Entrance Fees: USD$35-55pp, paid in USD or local currency

Age Policy

18yrs or 15yrs accompanied by an adult

Check out our Q&As

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    3 - 4 star hotels

  • What is the maximum group size?

    24

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Marrakech Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 8

  • 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 from travellers on this tour

Nicole Summerlin  

Christmas in Morocco - 8 days

08-Jan-2019

The Christmas in Morocco tour was fantastic. There was quite a bit of travel time but it was paced well and lots of stops to take pictures, see attractions, get food and local flavor. We got many sights in and definitely were exposed to and got a good feel for the country and the people and culture. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and provided tons of background and cultural information and made some changes to the things we saw and did based on the group's requests. The meals were great and varied, and even with all of the travelling and sightseeing there was still time on our own to relax and do some things on our own as well. It was my first tour solo and I will happily do it again given my experience.

Carolyn Bradburn  

Christmas in Morocco - 8 days

03-Jan-2019

This is an excellent tour and we all had a fabulous time. There is quite some distance to travel on the first and last days of the tour, our tour guide kept us entertained and informed about the various sites we were passing along the way. The variation in landscape was breathtaking. The days in between were full of activities. Don't miss the camel ride into the Sahara, the sunset is amazing. The accommodation is lovely and the Moroccan people warm and friendly. The last day in Marrakech with the City Tour and the Celebration Dinner was wonderful, a real experience. Your tour guide was fabulous nothing was too much trouble, he really looked after us and always with a happy smile and a joke or two.

Judy Belt  

Christmas in Morocco - 8 days

04-Jan-2017

The trip was fabulous !! Combination of a wonderful tour group and Jamal's tour leadership. I laughed more in a one week trip than I had the rest of 2016. Highlights were the camel ride, the quad biking, and the dancing at a couple of the hotels. Jamal was very attuned to the group. He realized we were all tired of tagine so at the next lunch spot he made arrangements for skewers. He could be silly and joke with us (especially Victor), but was serious when necessary. He is very knowledgeable about his homeland and proud of his Berber heritage. A little too much time on the bus, but not unexpected given how much territory we covered in a relatively short time. Jamal even made that fun by providing yummy cookies and other treats during the long rides. Jamal obviously loves his job and brought a lot of positive energy to the group, He was always upbeat (even when it was like "herding cats" and I like one of his sayings that every problem there are many solutions. Will definitely use On the Go again and am optimistic that every trip has a "Jamal" !! Judy B

Tracy Clarke  

Christmas in Morocco - 8 days

03-Jan-2019

A great trip, good value and fun! We had a fab guide who made every effort to make the holiday memorable. There were some long days travelling; the only way to pack it all in but worth noting if you don’t travel well. We stayed at the hotel rather than do the camel trek- don’t worry about missing out if you decide to do the same we still rode in the camels and enjoyed some evening entertainment thanks to our guide and the hotel staff. This was our second trip with on the go and we will definitely consider them again next Christmas and New Year.

Sherri Cunningham  

Christmas in Morocco - 8 days

16-Jan-2018

We're a family of six from the US who had never done an organized tour previously. Our experience with On the Go Christmas in Morocco was wonderful, and surpassed all expectations. Our tour guide, Ibrahim, was superb, and really made our trip special. He was provided great insight and historical information, and his command of English and sense of humor was incredible. Fantastic trip!!!

Audrey Byrne  

Christmas in Morocco - 8 days

31-Dec-2018

To mirror what I wrote in the feedback form, I thought the itinerary was well planned. However, I did not anticipate spending so much time driving in the minibus. Some of the hotels were not great, others exceeded my expectation. Some of the food provided by some of the hotels was not good/ The driver Hussain, was an excellent driver and coped well with the bus breakdown between Ouazazate and Marrakech - we resumed driving in a short space of time. The other travellers (12 others) were fantastic and really made the trip a memorable one for me. The guides used in the Film studio and city guide in Marrakech were really good. Our tour guide Abdellatif, was fantastic - I cannot praise him highly enough - he is a real treasure for On The Go Tours. He was friendly, answered every question we had about aspects of Morroco - there was nothing he didn't know about his country. He was great fun and we spent so much time laughing that he made this trip so special. I really hope the company continues to use Abdellatif as he was a crucial factor in this being one of my best holidays. It would be appreciated if the amount of driving could be looked at, and also revise some of the hotels and of course the food. My fellow travellers would have preferred more Moroccan food. Finally, I have already thanked Abdellatif but can you please give him 5 stars and a big thank you again from me

Geoffrey Thompson  

Christmas in Morocco - 8 days

02-Jan-2018

A very good tour that packs in a lot in a short time. A couple of long days in the mini bus to get to our starting and end places but enjoyable. Our guide was knowledgeable and interested in our welfare as well as imparting a lot of facts about the various places and timings.

Nicki Ooi  

Christmas in Morocco - 8 days

02-Jan-2019

Our guide Abdellatif was very knowledgeable, attentive and helpful. He went above and beyond to ensure that we had a comfortable stay. It helps that he is also quite humorous at times, making the long drive between cities more bearable. I am also very grateful to our Hussein who drove safely and steadily. I would highly recommend the one night camp at Sahara desert. It was the highlight of the trip. The tent is more luxurious than I expected, almost like a glamping. Though I wish for more variety in the meals provided. The food served are all the same in every city.

Novie Sutandhi  

Christmas in Morocco - 8 days

07-Jan-2015

The overall tour was good and Jamal was friendly. The only concern was the hotel could be better. They were run down and cold. I would be careful with the hotel in Marrakech, there are a couple of inappropriate people at the hotel bar.

Krystle Keese  

Christmas in Morocco - 8 days

07-Jan-2019

The tour was great! There was a lot of driving but our tour group members were fantastic and we all became great friends over the week. Also, we were so fortunate to have a great guide who was super fun, took great care of us, gave us a glimpse of Moroccan life and culture, and adjusted the tour to our wants and needs. He really added to our tour experience and connected to each and every one of us ensuring we all had a great time. As for the tour itself, each stop was super interesting and fun. The site specific guides were great and added to the tour experience in general. Other than the tour having a lot of driving and the “international” food menus being very poor, I would have liked one more day in Marrakesh to enjoy the markets and do some more shopping. The Moroccan food we had was excellent.

Read all 20 reviews

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Monday - Monday

Dec 23, 2024 - Dec 30, 2024
$755

Tuesday - Tuesday

Dec 23, 2025 - Dec 30, 2025
$795

Book with Confidence

  • 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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