New Year Morocco Tour 9 days from Casablanca to Marrakech

A Detailed Look at the 9-Day New Year Morocco Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech

Travelers seeking an immersive experience through Morocco’s iconic cities, stunning landscapes, and Sahara sands will find this 9-day tour a compelling option. Offered by Trek Morocco Desert Tour, this private journey combines history, culture, and natural beauty, all wrapped into one well-organized package. It’s perfect for those who want a rundown of Morocco without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

What we especially appreciate about this tour is the careful balance between city exploration and outdoor adventures. You’ll get to stroll through the ancient medinas, marvel at UNESCO World Heritage sites, and enjoy a memorable camel trek into the Sahara. Plus, the guides and accommodations promise a smooth and authentic experience.

A possible consideration is the intensity of the schedule — be prepared for long driving days and some physically active parts — but overall, it offers excellent value for the diversity of experiences packed into just over a week.

This tour is a good fit for families, friends, and even the LGBT community looking for a lively, culturally rich journey. If your idea of travel involves exploring Morocco’s imperial past, witnessing breathtaking desert vistas, and tasting local life firsthand, this trip has plenty to offer.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary: Visits to five UNESCO sites, imperial cities, and the Sahara Desert.
• Authentic experiences: Camel treks, vibrant medinas, and Berber villages.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable local guides enhance cultural understanding.
• Comfortable accommodations: Hotels and a luxury desert camp provide a good blend of convenience and atmosphere.
• Scenic driving routes: Pass through spectacular Atlas Mountains and Ziz Valley.
• Cultural highlights: Riad stays, historic kasbahs, and colorful markets.

This experience made our article of Which Atlantic Coast Tours & Things To Do To Choose? Our Best 8 Picks.

A Practical, Authentic Moroccan Adventure

This 9-day journey offers a thorough cross-section of what makes Morocco special — from its imperial cities and ancient ruins to the vast, shifting sands of the Sahara. It’s designed not just to tick off sightseeing spots but to give travelers a sense of the country’s rhythm, flavors, and history.

What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility and depth. It provides a private, guided experience, meaning your group has undivided attention, and the itinerary is tailored to suit your pace. The inclusion of local guides in key cities like Fes and Marrakech means you’ll gain insights you won’t find in guidebooks, making the experience richer and more personal.

Transportation and Comfort

The tour uses a private minivan, which ensures comfort and efficiency. Expect to spend quite a bit of time on the road — Morocco’s distances between cities aren’t short — but the scenic views make the travel part of the adventure. The driver guides are praised for their professionalism and their ability to make long drives interesting with well-chosen stops.

Cost and Value

At around $2,350 per person, the price covers a lot — from hotels and desert camp to dinners, breakfasts, and excursions like a camel trek in the Sahara. While it doesn’t include lunches, drinks, or monument tickets, the overall value lies in the inclusiveness and quality of experiences. For travelers eager to see Morocco’s highlights without the stress of organizing logistics, this tour offers excellent convenience.

The Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Casablanca

Arriving at Casablanca’s airport, you’re greeted and chauffeured to see the Hassan II Mosque — a jaw-dropping structure and the largest mosque outside of Mecca. We loved the way the tour balances iconic sights with leisure, visiting the Casablanca Corniche and Anfa Place, giving a glimpse into the city’s modern charm. Visitors often comment that the mosque’s architecture is awe-inspiring, and best of all, admission is free for the mosque exterior and grounds.

Day 2: Casablanca to Tangier via Rabat

Traveling along the Atlantic coast, you’ll stop in Rabat, Morocco’s capital, to see the historic Hassan Tower and walk through the Oudaya Kasbah. This gives a good introduction to Morocco’s political history and architecture. The drive to Tangier is scenic, with ocean views, making the long hours fly by. Staying in a riad in the Medina of Tangier ensures an authentic, local experience — a highlight for many guests.

Day 3: Tangier to Fes via Chefchaouen and Volubilis

Post-Tangier, the journey takes you through the Blue City of Chefchaouen, famous for its vibrant blue walls and relaxed vibe. It’s a quick stop, but enough to capture its charm. The visit to Volubilis, an ancient Roman ruin, offers a fascinating glimpse into Morocco’s historical layers. Reaching Fes in the evening, you’ll settle into a riad at the Medina’s heart.

Day 4: Fes—The Spiritual Heart

Fes is often called the most authentic Moroccan city. Here, the tour excels with a full day exploring the Medina’s labyrinthine alleys, visiting Al Karaouine Mosque (the world’s oldest university), Medrasa Bouanania, and the Tanneries, where you’ll see traditional leather-dyeing processes. The visit to the pottery cooperative and panoramic view from a fortress bring local craftsmanship and city layout into focus.

Day 5: From Fes to Merzouga via Ifrane and Midelt

This longer day starts with a drive through Ifrane, the “Switzerland of Morocco,” with its chalet-style buildings and clean streets. Continuing southeast, you pass the cedar forests and cross into the desert zone near Errachidia. The scenery shifts from mountains to semi-arid plains, providing a layered landscape experience. Lunch in Midelt and views of the Ziz Valley introduce you to Morocco’s varied geography.

Day 6: Sahara Desert and Todra Gorges

Early morning, you’ll wake up for a camel trek into the dunes — many reviewers mention the spectacular sunrise as a highlight. The Erg Chebbi dunes are endlessly photogenic and change with the light, creating unforgettable moments. Later, you’ll visit Todra Gorges, Morocco’s highest and narrowest gorges, with towering cliffs and local Berber villages. This day blends natural beauty with cultural encounters.

Day 7: Roses Valley, Ait Ben Haddou, and Marrakech

Leaving the desert, you visit the Roses Valley and the famous film studio. The highlight here is the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO site and a stunning example of Moroccan earthen architecture, often featured in movies and TV. Crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass offers breathtaking mountain scenery as you descend into Marrakech.

Day 8: Marrakech—The Red City

A full day explores Marrakech’s sights: the Koutoubia Minaret, the Saadian Tombs, the Palace of Bahia, and the Ben Youssef Koranic School. The medina’s alleys burst with artisans, spices, and lively markets. The afternoon includes a visit to Jamaa El Fna Square, where street performers, storytellers, and food vendors create a carnival atmosphere. The Majorelle Gardens provide a peaceful counterpoint to the bustling city.

Day 9: Departure

Your tour concludes with transfers to either Marrakech or Casablanca airport, making departure straightforward with transportation arranged.

Authenticity and Travel Quality

From the reviews, it’s clear travelers find the guides to be knowledgeable and friendly, making long drives enjoyable with stories and helpful insights. They’re praised for making the journey interesting and for their professionalism. The accommodations, including hotels and a desert camp, are designed to give comfortable yet immersive stays — a balance many travelers appreciate.

The camel trek in Merzouga stands out as a memorable way to experience the Sahara, often described as one of the best highlights of the trip. The scenic drives through mountain passes and valleys offer constant visual rewards that align with the tour’s promise of spectacular landscapes.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This 9-day Morocco tour is a well-rounded package for those eager to see the country’s most iconic sights without the stress of self-organizing. It balances culture with natural beauty, making it ideal for first-time visitors, families, and groups who enjoy guided experiences. If you’re someone who appreciates knowledgeable guides, scenic landscapes, and the opportunity to explore both bustling medinas and serene desert dunes, this trip delivers.

The tour’s value lies in its inclusiveness — hotels, meals, and key excursions are covered — allowing you to focus on soaking up the sights and sounds. Keep in mind, the schedule is busy and involves some physical activity like walking through medinas and camel riding, so a moderate level of fitness will help.

This tour offers a genuine taste of Morocco’s diverse character, making it a memorable way to ring in the New Year with friends, family, or fellow travelers seeking an authentic adventure.

FAQ

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, pickup is included, making your start smooth and hassle-free.

What is the tour duration?
It lasts approximately 9 days, including travel between cities and key sightseeing.

Are accommodations included?
Yes, the price covers hotels and a luxury desert camp, offering a comfortable base for each stop.

Does the tour include guided visits?
Yes, local guides in Fes, Marrakech, Chefchaouen, and other cities enhance your understanding of each site.

Are meals included?
Breakfast and dinners are included, but lunches and drinks are not.

What is the group size?
Since it’s a private tour, only your group participates, ensuring personalized attention.

Can the tour be customized?
Being a private experience, it can be tailored to your interests and pace.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult, and the physical activity level is moderate.

What’s the weather like during this trip?
Expect varied weather: cool in the mountains, warmer in the desert, so pack accordingly.

How much does the tour cost?
Pricing is around $2,349.12 per person, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the experience.

In summary, this 9-day Morocco tour offers a carefully curated journey through the country’s most captivating sights. It’s ideal for those wanting a thoughtfully guided experience, blending history, landscapes, and cultural encounters — perfect for celebrating a New Year in Morocco’s vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.