11 Days Living New Year In Morocco From Marrakech

Welcome to Morocco! Arrival transfer from Marrakech airport to our hotel. Tonight (at 7:00 p.m.) our welcome meeting takes place, where you will meet your guide and fellow travelers.

This morning we will drive to the legendary Ait Benhaddou - a "walled city" located along the ancient caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech, full of fine examples of ancient kasbahs. Only a handful remain inhabited. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this incredible site has been the scene of many films including Gladiator. After exploring Ait Benhaddou, we go to Skoura where we spend a free evening.

Merry Christmas! We spend the morning visiting the Amherdhil Kasbah before continuing to the Dades Gorges in the Dades Valley. Upon arrival, we take the time to explore the gorges, palm groves and ruins of the kasbah. We then have the evening to relax before enjoying an excellent Christmas dinner in a beautiful setting.

Crossing Jebel Sarhro, we have lunch and swim before descending to the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, the starting point of the mighty Sahara Desert. The Erg Chebbi dunes located near the remote border town of Merzouga are renowned for their incredible height and size. In some parts, the vast pile of sand reaches the sky at heights of 150 meters! The winds of the desert mean that this astonishing landscape is constantly changing and no day offers the same panorama. Riding our camels, we cross the vast undulating dunes of the Sahara and admire breathtaking landscapes. Arriving at our simple Berber camp, we enjoy a dinner and a night under the Saharan stars. Wrap up warm and remember your winter sleeping bag. If you prefer the comfort of a hotel with a private bathroom tonight, go for our alternative to the Sahara hotel at no additional cost. Please let us know your preferred option at the time of booking.

Today we pass through Mercissi and Nkob in the Saghro mountain region, passing the incredible rock formations and wells that have been dug over the centuries by nomads to access water, along the way. On the way to the small town of Agdz, with its palm groves, ancient kasbahs and incredible views of Jebel Kissane mountain. Our last stop of the day is Ouarzazate - the capital of Moroccan cinema, where we rest our heads for the evening. Dinner tonight is a group affair.

This morning, we have time to enjoy a guided tour of the souks of Tarouddant. We spend the afternoon passing banana plantations and orchards along the coast on our way to Agadir, a picturesque town along the coast that was destroyed by the 1960 earthquake. Here, we have the rest of the day free to walk around the harbor and maybe try some fresh fish.

This morning, we have time to enjoy a guided tour of the souks of Tarouddant. We spend the afternoon passing banana plantations and orchards along the coast on our way to Agadir, a picturesque town along the coast that was destroyed by the 1960 earthquake. Here, we have the rest of the day free to walk around the harbor and maybe try some fresh fish.

This morning we continue along the coast until we reach Essaouira. With a laid-back vibe, Essaouira is Morocco's hippest coastal city. The windswept fishing port, wide beaches and the old fortified medina with ramparts built into the cliffs have long been the favorite refuge of artists, sculptors, foodies, surfers and backpackers. The medina surrounded by a fortress with 5 main gates through which you can navigate, has retained its traditional styles and is full of original shops, cafes, antiques, art workshops, calligraphers, designers of t- souvenir shirts and knickknacks. There is a relaxed atmosphere and shopping here is a real delight. Locals and visitors alike enjoy strolling along the ramparts at sunset. The port is a hive of activity with fishing boats carrying their daily catch. On the evening of day 9 - New Years Eve, we will all go out together for dinner and a few drinks.

Happy New Year! This morning is devoted to leisure, the night or the beach for your first swim of the year. This afternoon, we stop at a local argan oil cooperative on our way to Marrakech. Upon arrival in Marrakech, we enjoy a guided tour of the bustling medina.

Spend the morning relaxing or shopping for some last minute souvenirs. Our tour ends upon departure from the hotel at noon.