Rock the Kasbah - 10 Days
10 Days Starting and ending in Marrakech, Morocco
Visiting: Marrakech, Ait Benhaddou, Dades Gorge, Erg Chebbi, Ouarzazate
Tour operator:
Tour code:
361/RK
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
18-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through Morocco with "Rock the Kasbah." Begin in the vibrant city of Marrakech, where you'll explore its bustling souks and iconic landmarks. Experience the magic of the Sahara Desert with a camel trek or jeep ride across the Erg Chebbi sand dunes, and spend a night under the stars at a traditional Berber camp. Discover the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou, a stunning kasbah that has graced many films, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Dades Gorge on Christmas Day. Traverse the picturesque Draa Valley and relax in Ouarzazate, Morocco's film capital. With guided tours, delicious meals, and comfortable accommodations, this small group tour offers an unforgettable Moroccan adventure, complete with the opportunity to celebrate New Year's Eve in Marrakech.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Marrakech
Location: Marrakech
23 December 2020. Seasons Greetings and welcome to Morocco. Arrival transfer from the airport to our hotel. This evening (at 19:00) our welcome meeting takes place where you will meet your tour leader and fellow travellers.
Day 2 : Ait Benhaddou
Location: Ait Benhaddou
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
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 4 : Erg Chebbi
Location: Erg Chebbi
Accommodation Name: simple Berber camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 5 : Erg Chebbi
Location: Ouarzazate
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. This evening we enjoy a group meal together.
Day 6 : Ait Benhaddou
Location: Marrakech
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 : Djemaa El Fna
Location: Marrakech
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 8 - 9 : Marrakech
Location: Marrakech
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 10 : Marrakech
Location: Marrakech
Meals Included: Breakfast
01 January 2021. Our tour concludes after breakfast and hotel check out. Happy New Year!
What's Included
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Breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 5 dinners
Enjoy breakfast daily, along with 4 lunches and 5 dinners, including a traditional Berber meal at our Sahara camp.
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Accommodation
Stay for 8 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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Transportation and transfers
All transportation and transfers are provided in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles.
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Specialist guides
Benefit from specialist guides in some cities.
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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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Arrival transfer
Arrival transfer from Marrakech Airport on day 1 is included.
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 ranging from USD$35-55 per person, paid in USD or local currency, are not included.
Age Policy
18yrs or 15yrs accompanied by an adult
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with all transportation and transfers in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles. Enjoy a camel trek or Jeep ride into the Sahara Desert, with an arrival transfer from Marrakech Airport included.
Accommodation
Enjoy 8 nights in 3-4 star hotels and 1 night in a simple accommodation at a Sahara Desert camp, with an option for a hotel alternative. Experience a blend of comfort and adventure as you explore Morocco's stunning landscapes.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Sahara Desert stay?
During the Sahara Desert stay, you have the option of staying in a simple Berber camp with tents or opting for a hotel with en-suite facilities at no additional cost.
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Are there any special meals included during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a traditional Berber meal at the Sahara camp, as well as a Christmas dinner in the Dades Gorge area.
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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 camel trekking or taking a Jeep into the Sahara Desert to reach the Berber camp.
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What is the recommended tipping amount 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 and are estimated to be between USD$35-55 per person, payable in USD or local currency.
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What is the age policy for this tour?
The age policy for this tour is 18 years or 15 years if accompanied by an adult.
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Is there a welcome meeting at the start of the tour?
Yes, there is a welcome meeting on the first evening at 19:00 where you will meet your tour leader and fellow travellers.
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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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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.
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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.