Description:
Celebrate the New Year with an extraordinary journey through Morocco, from the bustling city of Casablanca to the serene Sahara Desert. This 8-day private tour features cultural exploration, breathtaking landscapes, and a magical New Year’s Eve celebration under the desert stars, accompanied by live Berber music. Experience Morocco’s imperial cities, the majestic Atlas Mountains, and the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi or Erg Chegaga.
Highlights
- Visit the Hassan II Mosque and explore the cultural gems of Casablanca, Fes, and Marrakech
- Discover the ancient Roman ruins at Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes
- Experience camel trekking and a magical New Year’s Eve celebration in the Sahara Desert
- Explore Todra Gorges, Dades Valley, and the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
- Relax by the Atlantic coast in Essaouira
Program Details:
Day 1: Casablanca – Meknes – Volubilis – Fes
Arrive in Casablanca, where you’ll visit the Hassan II Mosque and enjoy lunch at Rick’s Café. Continue to Meknes to see Bab Mansour, the Sahrij Souani Basin, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Proceed to Volubilis to explore its well-preserved Roman ruins before heading to Fes. Check in to your riad in the heart of the medina for an overnight stay.
Travel: 5–6 hours
Day 2: Exploring Fes
Explore the cultural capital of Morocco with visits to the Royal Palace, the Mellah (Jewish quarter), and the famous Al-Qarawiyyin University. Discover the vibrant tanneries, ceramic workshops, and panoramic views of the old medina. Spend the night in your riad.
Stay: Riad in Fes
Day 3: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Errachidia – Merzouga
Travel through the Middle Atlas, stopping in Ifrane (the “Switzerland of Morocco”) and Azrou’s cedar forests, where you may spot Barbary apes. Continue through the Ziz Valley, enjoying stunning views of oases and desert landscapes, before arriving in Merzouga. Enjoy a warm welcome with mint tea and overnight at your accommodation.
Travel: 8–9 hours
Day 4: Merzouga – New Year’s Eve Celebration in the Desert
Explore Merzouga and its surroundings, visiting the Gnawa musicians, the Merzouga lake, and nomadic communities. In the afternoon, embark on a camel trek into the desert, arriving at a luxury camp amidst the dunes. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with traditional Berber music, dinner, and dancing under the starlit sky.
Stay: Desert camp
Day 5: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
Rise early to witness a stunning sunrise over the dunes. Return by camel to Merzouga, then drive to Todra Gorges for lunch. Explore the narrow gorges before heading to the Dades Valley, known for its “monkey toes” rock formations and ancient kasbahs. Overnight at a hotel overlooking the valley.
Travel: 6–7 hours
Day 6: Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
Drive through the Rose Valley and visit Kasbah Ameridil in Skoura. Continue to Ouarzazate, Morocco’s “Hollywood,” and stop at the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and arrive in Marrakech for an overnight stay.
Travel: 6–7 hours
Day 7: Marrakech – Essaouira
Discover Marrakech’s historical and cultural highlights, including the Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and Majorelle Gardens. After lunch, drive to Essaouira, a charming coastal town, where you’ll explore its medina and vibrant souks. Spend the night in a riad near the port.
Travel: 3 hours
Day 8: Essaouira – Casablanca Airport
Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Essaouira’s port, medina, and beaches. Depart for Casablanca for your flight home, marking the end of your tour.
Travel: 5–6 hours
Features:
Inclusions
- Hotel pickup and drop-off service
- Transport in an air-conditioned private vehicle
- Professional English/Spanish-speaking driver
- Accommodation: Riads, hotels, and a luxury desert camp
- New Year’s Eve dinner and celebration
Exclusions
- Lunches and drinks
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Anything not mentioned in the program
Experience the magic of Morocco and celebrate the New Year in an unforgettable way!
