Price:	£1,099
Tour type:	Xmas
Tour code:	XMES18
Start location:	Marrakech
End location:	Marrakech
Season:	December
Min group size:	2
Max group size:	16
Visas:	For more information about any visa requirements check the Travelling with Nomadic section
Transport:	Minivan/4x4 Landcruiser / Public transport

Day 1: Marrakech	Welcome to Morocco! An arrival transfer from Marrakech airport is included on day 1, be sure to arrive in time for your pre-departure meeting at 6:00pm. Your first night will be spent at our joining hotel where we also enjoy a traditional dinner. Overnight Marrakech (D)
Day 2: Casablanca	En-route this morning we travel up to Casablanca, made famous by Humphrey Bogart in the film “Casablanca”. We will have the option of visiting the stunning Hassan II mosque, which has the tallest minaret and the third largest mosque in the world, it can hold 25,000 worshippers at any one time.Overnight Casablanca (B)
Day 3: Meknes	After breakfast we head straight to Rabat , Morocco’s capital city where we will spend the morning to visit Oudaia Kasbah, Hassan tower, the Royal palace and Chellah After lunch we will move on to the third of our Imperial cities, Meknes, to enjoy some free time. Overnight Meknes (B)
Day 4: Chefchaouen	After breakfast, we’ll embark on a tour of the Roman ruins at Volubilis, the largest ancient site of Morocco. UNESCO-listed, the site dates back to AD40 and once ruled the entire Roman province of Mauritania. We’ll then head on to Chefchaouen for a guided tour this afternoon. High up in the Rif mountains, Chefchaouen boasts a beautiful blue door and white-walled medina that was originally a Berber post. The main square is the heart of Chefchaouen, with the Kasbah (built back in the 18th century), central mosque and cafes with authentic menus. The busy market is a mix of traditional Moroccan and tourist fare. Overnight Chefchaouen (B)
Day 5: Fes	Enjoy some free time in Chefchaouen this morning - spend your time exploring this beautiful city or relax at the hotel. We’ll then enjoy a leisurely lunch in Chefchaouen before moving on to Fes in the afternoon. Fes is the oldest and largest medieval city in the world, and its medina is a heady mix of aromas, sounds and sights. To navigate, follow one of the five, themed tourist circuits. There are plenty of mosques and palaces to visit, but be aware that only Muslims can enter Mosques in Morocco. Overnight Fes (B,)
Day 6: Fes	Today we embark on a fully guided tour of the city of Fes. Explore the tanneries, souks, potteries, and the Medina, and learn the fascinating history of the city. We'll later return to the hotel to get ready for an optional night of Moroccan entertainment and food at a restaurant in town. (Full day city tour included)Overnight Fes (B)
Day 7: Midelt	This morning we journey over the Moyen Atlas to stop at Midelt. This is a beautiful alpine area. Surrounded by huge pine trees and a tranquil mountain setting, this is a great spot to cool down and relax after the hustle and bustle of Fes. We will enjoy a small hike in the afternoon. We spend the night in this mountain location. Overnight Midelt (B, L, D)
Day 8: Sahara Desert	Today we enjoy a stunning drive rewarded by a fantastic Moroccan lunch and an afternoon relaxing and swimming. It is now time to head towards the desert and Merzouga, where we transfer to camels for a trek into the desert for a night at our Berber Camp. We enjoy local food, music and an amazing night out under the Saharan stars. (Camel trek included)Overnight Berber camp (B, L, D)
Day 9: Todra Gorge	Leaving the desert, we move on to Todra Gorge. This 1000ft gorge is hemmed in on all sides by vertical limestone cliffs and is also called Morocco’s Grand Canyon. We will have an early lunch at the Berber co-operative where you can see and buy authentic, Berber handmade rugs, kilims and carpets. The afternoon can be spent exploring the Gorge, walking through the Palmerie or trying our optional activity of Rock Climbing. The charm of Todra lies in its changing colours as the sun slowly moves from east to west. (Optional rock climbing). Overnight Todra Gorge (B,L,D)
Day 10: Ait Benhaddou	We bid fond farewell to Todra this morning en-route to Ait Benhaddou via Ouazazate. We will stop for lunch along the way and have a chance for an optional tour of the Film studios in Ouazazate, famous for films such as Gladiators, The Last Temptation of Christ and the Living daylights. On a hill along the Ouarzazate River we find Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, that boasts great examples of Kasbahs, some of which remain inhabited. This afternoon we have a guided tour of the famous Kasbah and village. This is where Lawrence of Arabia was once filmed. (Tour included) Overnight Ait Benhaddou (B, D)
Day 11: Essaouira	Day 11 - 12 Today’s drive is truly stunning as we traverse the high Atlas Mountains on our way to Essaouira. A colourful fishing town situated within 15th century Portuguese fortifications, where great beaches and surf beckon. Relax on the beach or alternatively explore the UNESCO-listed medina with its various souks and woodcarving workshops. Any city gate leads to the Medina , so you’re unlikely to get lost. The beach is in front of the Medina and there are plenty of cafés with terraces, both ideal for relaxing for a few hours. Blue doors and window frames abound as do the artists shops – buy a carpet or Thuya wood carving or sit on the beach sipping a mint tea as the sun sets, an antidote to the bustle of the Imperial cities. (Optional horse trekking, quad biking).Overnight Essaouira (2B)
Day 13: Marrakech	Day 13 - 14 We take a supratours public bus from Essaouira back to Marrakech this morning, to explore the final one of Morocco’s four Imperial cities we visit on this tour. Marrakech set against the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Its great pride and landmark is the Koutoubia Tower, sister to the Tower of Hassan in Rabat and the Giralda Tower in Seville. It is said that after the third of these was completed, the sultan had the eyes of his architect put out, lest he should build another more beautiful tower elsewhere. No visit to the city is complete without a visit to the city’s UNESCO-listed medina & Djemâa-el-Fna, an extraordinary gathering and market place. Overnight Marrakech x2 (2B)
Day 15: Taghazoute	After breakfast in Marrakech, you will be escorted to the bus station by your guide, where he will help you onto the bus to Agadir. You will be met at Agadir bus station and transported to Taghazout. After lunch in Taghazout, you’ll spend the rest of the afternoon surfing and having a professional surf session. Overnight Taghazoute (B, D)
Day 16: Taghazoute	After breakfast on the camp terrace, you’ll have an action-packed day of surfing, including another surf lesson in the afternoon. Overnight Taghazoute (B, L, D)
Day 17: Marrakech	Choose from one of our optional activities of surfing or horse riding, or just chill out on the beach this morning. Then you’ll take the bus back to Marrakech and spend your last night in the city! Overnight Marrakech (B, L)
Day 18: Marrakech	Your adventure tour ends after breakfast at the hotel in Marrakech. (B)

Add more time in Meknes. Include Agadir tour and Tangier if possible. Hotels were good and itinerary is versatile.
(Ashish & Harpreet – December 2016)

I was on the 23 December Moroccan All Encompassed Tour. My guide was Mohammed. We had a very successful tour, except for the vehicle breakdown on our first day on the way to Casablanca. Found the hotels and food to be better than expected. The route covered all the areas I hoped to see and experience. The service by your personnel was quite satisfactory. My disappointment surrounds the fact that the schedule led to our arriving in the later afternoon to a number of places. We would then have to see them quickly before sunset or even in the dark (Meknes). Your printed itinerary made it seem as though we would have more time at places and be less rushed. I realize there were longer distances to cover each day so perhaps we should have left earlier in the day or taken quicker lunches to move on. I would also have liked more cultural experiences along the way. A visit to a Berber home, discussion of Moroccan music, a stop to see an olive harvest, etc. Thank you for a wonderful vacation. I would definitely recommend Nomadic tours to any interested friends.
(David – December 2016)

Fantastic well organised tour - A great way to see the local cultures of Morocco. My highlight was camping in the desert and the surf was amazing.
(Rebecca – December 2014)

Mohamed & Mustapha were excellent, they were very good at their job .Lovely people .Thank you
(Victoria – December 2014)

Brahim was just incredible, I'd go as far as saying the best tour guide that I have ever had, amazing! (Fiona – December 2012)

Day 1: Marrakech - Hotel El Andalous	Nomadic‘s view: When you arrive in Marrakech at this hotel you feel your holiday has really begun; A beautiful 4 star hotel In Moroccan style with all the mod cons and WIFI of course. The large pool with pool bar is surrounded by sunbeds and a generous seating / lounging area. The hotel has 3 restaurants, a bar and La Casa bar where bands perform live every Thursday to Sunday eve. The bedrooms are comfortable with air con, bath / shower and separate toilet and with a bit of luck you have the view over the pool. It’s a 15 min walk to the famous Djemaa El Fna square and behind the hotel is the Menara Mall with lovely shops and cafes. What a great way to start and end your tour! Facilities; air-con, TV, safe, fridge, WIFI, Restaurant, Bar (alcohol served), pool, Spa, ATM machine.www.alandalousmarrakech.com
Day 2: Casablanca - Moroccan House Hotel	Nomadic’s view: There is no escaping that you are in Morocco in this large Riad style hotel; The hospitality of this hotel really stands out on arrival, when Moroccan mint tea and biscuits await you in the beautiful reception area with those typical Moroccan mosaic tiled walls and pillars finished off with a large fountain in the middle. Each bedroom is individually styled in one colour, has separated en-suite toilet and shower / bathroom. The buffet style breakfast offers lots of different Moroccan as well as European dishes and the breakfast area is in typical Moroccan seating style, a great start to the day. The hotel is in the City centre and about a 5-10 min walk to the shopping area and entrance to the Medina. Facilities; air con, sat TV, fridge, safe, WIFI, Restaurant (no alcohol) Spa. www.moroccanhousehotels.com
Day 3: Meknes - Hotel Akouas	Nomadic’s view: This hotel has been recently modernised and updated and it shows; All rooms are Moroccan style with a modern twist. This hotel is in a great location, there are some local shops and restaurants nearby and only 10 mins walk from the Medina. The rooms allocated to us are on the top floors so there is no noise /sound to disturb us. It has an indoor pool and on the top floor there is a terrace with lovely views over the city. Facilities; air con, sat TV, WIFI, Restaurant & Bar (alcohol served) Indoor pool www.hotelakouas.com
Day 4: Chefchaouen - Hotel Madrid	Nomadic’s view: Another hotel owned by Moroccan House hotels and again a beautiful Moroccan style Riad hotel. Moroccan hospitality at is best; friendly reception staff and Moroccan mint tea and biscuits awaits on your arrival. Each bedroom is individually decorated in a different colour, from walls to bedding. Breakfast is served in the beautiful reception area with lots of Moroccan dishes on offer. An added service, they have local costume clothing for you to try on and make pictures of…. a service that you will be charged for in town, but free to our clients. So don’t forget to ask for this should you want to have a picture of yourself in traditional clothes. They will be more than happy to help you. The hotel is just 5 min away from Chefchaouen square with its restaurants and shops and bright blue covered houses and alleyways…. An ATM machine, is 20m down the road… Facilities; air con, sat TV, WIFI (in the reception area) www.moroccanhousehotels.com
Day 5: Fes - Hotel Sofia	Nomadic’s view: This 4 star hotel is the latest to join our portfolio and is used on our Morocco Encompassed 15 day, Morocco Imperial City 10 day and our Morocco Highlights 8 / 9 day tours. Fes has many hotels but not many that are suitable for our tours. We have chosen this hotel for its location and facilities. The hotel is modern and all rooms have air-con- TV & WIFI The hotel has 3 restaurants and a bar should you fancy to stay in at night. Facilities; air con, TV, WIFI , restaurant & Bar (alcohol served) www.hotelsofia.ma
Day 7: Midelt - Hotel Kasbah Asmaa	Nomadic’s view: Kasbah Asmaa is a traditional Kasbah style hotel. If you think this hotel looks impressive on the outside?.. Wait until you see the inside of the hotel; Walking through the courtyard makes for a grand entrance indeed. You do not know where to look first; the mosaic pattern tiles on the walls and pillars, the big lantern hanging from the ceiling…..the massive Moroccan carpets on the floor, the beautifully laid out seating areas or the splashing fountain in the middle of this impressive reception area…. It is a lot to take in, but luckily there is plenty of time to enjoy this space. The bedrooms are large, with air con, TV and shower / bath and separate toilet. If you are lucky you will have a view over the lovely pool but then the Atlas Mountains in the background of this hotel are not a bad view either…. The hotel is just outside town, a 5 min taxi drive. In the evening you can relax in the reception area where you can connect to WIFI or just enjoy your surroundings….it is not often that you will be staying in a place such as this. Facilities; air-con, TV, fridge, WIFI in restaurant /reception only) Restaurant & bar (alcohol served) Pool and children’s pool. www.kasbah-asmaa-midelt.com
Day 8: Sahara - Auberge La Caravane	Nomadic’s view: A traditional Berber camp surrounded by the incredible sand dunes of the Sahara desert. The perfect spot for a Saharan sun set and sun rise. We can also sand board down the dunes, enjoy a Moroccan dinner and sleep in a large Berber tent or just put your mattress under the stars. The camp even has a flushing toilet! Enjoy this pure experience of sleeping under 1,000.000’s of stars (our highest star rated hotel)
Day 9: Todra Gorge - Hotel Amazir	Nomadic’s view: Arriving at this hotel is a bit deceptive; it is on the road side and apart from being a nice stone building it does not look overly impressive, but the atmosphere, location and customer service are what make a hotel and this has all that in abundance. When you enter the reception area, which is quite small, there is a cosy welcoming atmosphere. Downstairs from the reception area you walk into a beautiful restaurant in true Moroccan style with large upholstered seating along the walls, mosaic tiles rising up the pillars and beautiful views over the garden and pool. Beyond that is the terrace backing on to the river and Palmerie, where we will enjoy breakfast in the morning. The rooms are a little more basic than our other hotels, but comfortable, clean and spacious. The herbs growing in the garden will be picked by our Chef before adding them to the evening’s dinner. Outside is a lovely pool surrounded by large Palm trees and the view of the gorgeous mountains. The sound of the water in the Gorge just adds to the relaxed feel this hotel creates. Facilities; air-con, WIFI (in reception area only) pool, restaurant. www.lamazir.com
Day 10: Ait Benhaddou - La Rose Du Sable	Nomadic’s view: Another Moroccan style hotel that sits beautifully within its surroundings… This hotel is built in a Riad style with a lovely pool in the middle of the court yard. The rooms are on the first floor and you will either have a view of the pool or the stunning village of Ait Benhaddou all around you. Every piece of decoration around the pool, the corridors and reception are carefully chosen. Ait Benhaddou is a UNESCO listed village, from the hotel all you need is to walk across the road and walk toward the ancient Kasbah village, it is right in front of you. Facilities; air con, TV, Pool, Restaurant & Bar (no alcohol) WIFI. www.larosedusable.com
Day 11: Essaouira - Hotel Miramar	Nomadic’s view: This beautiful modern, but yet contemporary style hotel is located right on the beach front and a 10 min walk away from the Medina. This is probably one of our favourite hotels across all of our tours. The hotel has a restaurant with sea views, an indoor pool and is the perfect spot to explore Essaouira from. Facilities; air con, sat TV, WIFI, balconies have sea views. www.miramaressaouira.com
Day 15: Taghazoute-Surf Berbere Surf Camp	Nomadic’s view: This surf school is located in the lovely village of Taghazoute, approximately 24km outside of Agadir. The dorm style rooms and stunning roof top bar creates the right atmosphere for a weekend of surfing. There is one double room here, but the accommodation in general is in keeping with the Surf Camp set up. Facilities; WIFI, air con, roof top terrace, restaurant facilities