Christmas in Morocco - 8 days
Christmas in Morocco - 8 days
Christmas in Morocco - 8 days
8 Days Starting and ending in Marrakech, Morocco
Visiting: Marrakech, Ait Benhaddou, Dades Gorge, Erg Chebbi, Ouarzazate
Tour operator:
Tour code:
657/XSS
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
Experience the magic of Morocco this Christmas with an 8-day cultural journey through its most captivating landscapes and cities. Begin in the vibrant city of Marrakech, where the bustling medina and the lively Djemaa el Fna square await. Spend Christmas Day exploring the stunning Dades Gorge and enjoy a festive dinner amidst breathtaking scenery. Venture into the Sahara Desert, where you can ride a camel or jeep across the Erg Chebbi sand dunes and marvel at the starry night sky. Discover the UNESCO-listed kasbah of Ait Benhaddou and the scenic Draa Valley. Relax in Ouarzazate, the "Hollywood of Morocco," and explore its famous film studios. With guided sightseeing, comfortable accommodations, and traditional meals, this small group tour offers an unforgettable Moroccan holiday experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
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
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: 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
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: Ouarzazate
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
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Breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 5 dinners
Enjoy breakfast daily, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners, including a traditional Berber meal in the Sahara.
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Accommodation
Stay 6 nights in 3 - 4 star hotels and 1 night in simple accommodation at a Sahara Desert camp, with a hotel alternative available.
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Guided sightseeing
Experience guided sightseeing in Merzouga, Dades Gorge, Ait Benhaddou, and Marrakech.
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Camel trek or Jeep into the Sahara Desert
Choose between a camel trek or a Jeep ride into the Sahara Desert.
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Licensed English speaking Moroccan tour guide
The tour is escorted by a licensed English speaking Moroccan tour guide.
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Specialist guides in some cities
Benefit from specialist guides in certain cities.
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Marrakech Airport transfers
Enjoy arrival and departure transfers from Marrakech Airport on days 1 and 8.
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All transportation and transfers
All transportation and transfers are provided 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 in the tour package.
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Tour leader presence
On some road journeys, the tour leader may not be in your particular vehicle.
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Tips for guide and driver
Tips for your tour guide and driver are not included.
It is recommended to allow USD$2-3 per day, per traveller for your guide and USD$1-2 per day, per traveller for your driver. -
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees are not included and range from USD$35-55 per person, payable 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. Enjoy a camel trek or Jeep ride into the Sahara Desert, with airport transfers on arrival and departure days.
Accommodation
Enjoy 6 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 tour?
The tour includes 6 nights in 3 to 4-star hotels and 1 night in simple accommodation at a Sahara Desert camp. There is also an option to stay in a hotel instead of the desert camp at no additional cost.
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Is there an option to choose between camel trekking and another mode of transport in the Sahara Desert?
Yes, you can choose between a camel trek or a Jeep ride into the Sahara Desert. This can be arranged locally through your guide at no additional cost.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, Marrakech Airport arrival and departure transfers are included on days 1 and 8 of the tour.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes breakfast daily, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners, including a traditional Berber meal in the Sahara.
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Will there be a tour guide throughout the trip?
Yes, the tour is escorted by a licensed English-speaking Moroccan tour guide, and there are specialist guides in some cities.
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What is the recommended tipping policy for the tour guide and driver?
It is recommended to allow USD$2-3 per day, per traveller for your guide and USD$1-2 per day, per traveller for your driver. Tipping is an entirely personal gesture.
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Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
No, entrance fees are not included. They range from USD$35-55 per person and can be paid in USD or local currency.
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What activities are planned for Christmas Day during the tour?
On Christmas Day, the tour includes visiting the kasbah Amridil and exploring the Dades Gorge, followed by a Christmas dinner in the beautiful surroundings of the gorge.
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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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Tuesday - Tuesday
Dec 23, 2025 - Dec 30, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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