Morocco Meteor Shower - 9 days
Morocco Meteor Shower - 9 days
9 Days Starting and ending in Marrakech
Visiting: Marrakesh, Menara Gardens, Marrakech City Tour, Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Todra River, Merzouga, Fes, Meknes, Rabat, Casablanca
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1985/MMS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
18yrs or 16yrs accompanied by an adult
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$1105
$1075 (USD)
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$30
Tour Overview
Gaze up to the nights sky and witness the incredible Geminids Meteor shower as it peaks over the Moroccan desert. Explore the highlights of Morocco on this 9 day tour led by an expert local guide. Starting in Marrakech we travel to Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate before we begin our camel trek into the Sahara. Visit the Imperial Cities of Fes, Rabat and Meknes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Marrakech
Location: Marrakesh
Meals Included: No Meals
10 December. Upon arrival at Marrakech airport you’ll be met and transferred to our hotel in the centre of town. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore Marrakech - you might want to explore some of the highlights of Marrakech, such as the medina or Djemaa el Fna, the exuberant market place. Later on there will be a Welcome Meeting at the hotel at 19:30hrs.
Day 2 : Majorelle Gardens & Marrakech City Tour
Location: Menara Gardens, Marrakech City Tour
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we head over to the beautiful Majorelle Gardens just a short drive from the hotel. These botanical gardens were designed by the French Artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and 1930s. He used a distinctive shade of cobalt blue for the majority of the garden and although a lot of his other work has largely been forgotten – this garden is seen as his greatest master piece. The garden has been owned by Yves Saint Laurent since 1980 and his ashes were scattered here after his death in 2008. The garden contains an extensive collection of exotic plants and trees and is home to 15 species of bird. There is also a Berber Museum representing the various indigenous tribes of Morocco including over 600 artefacts. The newly opened Yves Saint Laurent museum nearby is also well worth a visit - this museum was opened in 2017 and is dedicated to the life and works of Yves Saint Laurent himself. Please note entrance into the YSL museum is not included and costs 100 MAD per person if you would like to go in.
This afternoon you will meet up with the rest of the group who are coming in from Casablanca before embarking on a guided tour of Marrakech. Inside the rose coloured medina walls is a tangle of winding streets and alleys that open onto verdant gardens and bustling souks. At the heart of the medina is Djemaa El Fna, the city's exuberant market place and towering over it, is the famous Koutoubia Mosque, the tallest building in the city.
This evening you'll be met by your specialist astronomy guide, who will give you a short presentation after dinner about the sky above you and what you can hope to see in the next couple of evenings.
Day 3 : Ait Benhaddou
Location: Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Marrakech - Ait Benhaddou - Ouarzazate. Departing the city this morning we travel across the plains of haouz and reach the great High Atlas mountains. Climbing over the pass of Tizi n Tichka, we stop for lunch and then continue onwards with great views over the Mountains and valleys to Ait Benhaddou. This incredible ancient fortified Kasbah was built for defence purposes high on a hill and is a stunningly well preserved medieval city which has famously featured in many blockbuster movies, including Gladiator and Laurence of Arabia as its beauty is unequal to any other fortified kasbah in south Morocco. Carrying on we continue south to the Hollywood of North Africa – Ouarzazate (pronounced war-zazat). Ouarzazate is famous for being the filming location for many other Hollywood blockbusters and famous TV shows including James Bond – The Living Daylights, The Mummy and more recently Game of Thrones.
After dinner we will head outside and look up to the sky, your astronomy guide will explain the constellations and stars that shine bright in the nights sky.
Day 4 : Erg Chebbi
Location: Ouarzazate, Todra River, Merzouga
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ouarzazate - Todra Gorge - Merzouga (Sahara). This morning we begin our journey into the Sahara with a medley of palm trees, rose fields and magnificent gorges. Travelling from Ouarzazate, there is a possibility of visiting the kasbah Amherdhil in Skoura before seeing the rose fields and reaching scenic Todra Gorge. Surrounded by towering vertical limestone cliffs reaching heights of 1000ft, it is known as Morocco’s Grand Canyon. The charm of Todra lies in its changing colours as the sun slowly moves from east to west. After time to wander through Todra we hit the road again for Merzhouga – our base before we head into the Sahara. Depending on the time of year, spend the afternoon relaxing and swimming before climbing aboard our camels for an incredible trek into the Sahara Desert to watch a beautiful sunset and spend the night at our remote Berber Camp, nestled amongst the dunes of Erg Chebbi. We enjoy local food, music and an amazing night camping in the Sahara.
The stars above Morocco are impressive all year long, however, every year on the 13th of December the Geminds Meteor Shower peaks with amazing effect. Having been observed for over 500 years, it is believe the meteor shower emanates from the Gemini constellation and hence this is where it gets it's name. Your local astronomer will guide you through the science behind what you'll hopefully get to see, the incredible display of ones the worlds brightest meteor showers.
If you would prefer the comfort of a hotel with en-suite facilities this evening, opt for our complimentary Sahara hotel alternative. Please do let us know your preferred option at the time of booking.
Day 5 : Fes
Location: Fes
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Merzouga (Sahara) - Fes. Departing early, we climb back on our camels disembarking for a truly stunning sunrise. After freshening up and breakfast in Merzouga we’re back on the road heading for Fes. It’s a long drive today however there is a lot to see on the way. We’ll pass through cedar forests full of Barbary Macaque monkeys on our way through the Moyen Atlas mountains. Just before Fes we stop at Ifrane – a beautiful town often likened to a Swiss Alpine resort. Along the way we also start to see our first glimpse of Morocco’s nomadic Berbers – travelling across the mountains and often staying in make shift tents as they head to their next destination. We arrive into Fes in the early evening.
Day 6 : Fes
Location: Fes
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fes is the oldest and largest medieval city in the world and its medina is a cacophony of aromas, sights and sounds. This morning we enjoy a guided tour of Fes el Bali - the old walled city. This fascinating medina is a veritable rabbit warren of 9400 alleys that often finish with dead ends – so be sure to stay close to the group! We also visit the dye-pits and tanneries before lunch in the medina. The remainder of the day is at leisure – why not take part in an optional Tagine Making Class or a night of Moroccan entertainment and food at a restaurant in town (both payable locally).
Day 7 : Rabat
Location: Meknes, Rabat
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fes - Volubilis - Meknes - Rabat. Departing Fes this morning we visit the fascinating UNESCO listed Roman ruins of Volubilis, which date back to AD40. Continuing on we stop at the Imperial City of Meknes, which became known as the Versailles of Morocco due to its impressive buildings and elaborate monuments. After lunch and some free time our final stop of the day is Rabat – Morocco’s capital where we overnight.
Day 8 : Rabat
Location: Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakesh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rabat - Casablanca - Marrakech. This morning we take a guided tour of Rabat and visit some of the capital’s highlights, including the impressive Chellah - a necropolis and complex of ancient, medieval ruins, the Royal Palace and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. After lunch we continue to Casablanca where we visit the Hassan II Mosque, which has the tallest minaret and is the third largest mosque in the world - it can hold 25,000 worshippers at any one time. After our visit to the mosque we say goodbye to our fellow passengers leaving us in Casablanca and continue onto Marrakech for the night.
Day 9 : Marrakech
Location: Marrakesh
Meals Included: Breakfast
18 December. Our amazing tour of Morocco ends today after hotel check out.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 star hotels & traditional riads
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Breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 3 dinners inclusive of a traditional Berber meal at our Sahara camp
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7 nights 3-4 star hotels and riads and 1 night camping at a Berber desert camp in the Sahara Desert (hotel upgrade available)
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Joined by a local Astronomer guide to provide information about the Geminids Meteor Shower
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Guided sightseeing - Casablanca, Rabat, Volubilis, Fes, Merzouga, Todra Gorge, Ait Benhaddou and Marrakech
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Camel trek into the Sahara Desert
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Escorted by a licensed English speaking Moroccan tour guide
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Specialist local guides at some sites
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Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 9
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All transportation and transfers in private air-conditioned tourism vehicles
What's Not Included
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International flights and visa
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Tip for your tour guide and driver. We recommend you allow USD$2-3 per day, per traveller for your guide and USD$1-2 per day, per traveller for your driver. Tipping your guide and driver is an entirely personal gesture
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Entrance Fees: USD$70-90pp, paid in local currency
Age Policy
18yrs or 16yrs accompanied by an adult
Accommodation
Adam Park Hotel & Spa
Guests can expect a very comfortable stay at the Adam Park Hotel & Spa. Each of the elegant rooms feature a patio or balcony with views of the surrounding area. Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining. Several restaurants offer a variety of options including Italian specialities, Moroccan favourites and international cuisine. There are also plenty of ways to unwind after a day exploring Marrakech, with an outdoor pool, fitness centre and a spa offering rejuvenating massage treatments.
Riad Imilchil
Traditional and stylish, the Riad Imilchil is a beautiful example of boutique Moroccan accommodation. The 6 rooms and 1 suite are beautifully decorated with colourful interiors and gorgeous en suites. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout and there is a stunning rooftop terrace where guests can view the whole of the city whilst enjoying a refreshing drink. At night you can view the famous Djemma El Fna pulsating in the distance.
Well located, just 10 minute walk into the centre of the Medina.
Ksar Ben Youssef
Ksar Ben Youssef is a newly built, traditional hotel located just 5kms from the centre of Ouarzazate. Offering 18 spacious air-conditioned rooms, with a variety of bedding configurations. Its large pool, overlooked by a rooftop terrace with shady nooks, is the perfect respite from the desert heat. Guests can enjoy a buffet style breakfast from the on-site restaurant or dine on one of the many terraces.
Dar Amoudou
Nestled in the heights of Ouarzazate's old district of Ait kdif, Dar Amoudou is a guest house with nine traditional styled rooms that offer all the modern comforts of a luxury hotel including; air conditioning, heating, free Wi-Fi, satellite channels and of course, en-suite facilities. Offering breathtaking views of Ouarzazate and the Atlas Mountains, the attractive terrace is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the magical surroundings, whilst also enjoying traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Camp Touareg
Set amongst the bright orange dunes of Erg Chebbi, Touareg Berber camp is designed with a traditional Moroccan theme. Tents are simply furnished with metal framed double, twin or triple beds. All bedding is provided including a pillow, sheets and a blanket (more blankets in winter). A Moroccan rug on the floor and solar generated electricity (after night fall). The camp has two toilet blocks and a large dining tent. Camping out in the desert is an incredible experience. Watch the sunset over the dunes, enjoy simple but tasty Moroccan cuisine and spend the evening by the camp fire, under a spectacular star filled sky.
Hotel Atlas Saiss Fes
Hotel Atlas Saiss Fes is a popular 4 star hotel, conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from Nouvelle Ville. The hotel offers spacious and comfortable guest rooms, equipped with free WiFi, flat screen TVs, air conditioning and en suite bathrooms. Facilities include a restaurant, 24 hour room service and a sauna (at an additional cost). Start the day with a generous continental breakfast before heading out to explore the enchanting imperial city of Fes. After a busy day, relax on the hotel terrace, enjoy a tasty meal at the restaurant or rejuvenate in the sauna.
Hotel des Oudaias
On the edge of the medina in Rabat, Hotel des Oudaias is a beautiful riad style property. Guest rooms are spacious and beautifully furnished in a typical Moroccan style with wooden furnishings, marble floors and en-suite bathrooms. Rooms are air-conditioned and have flat screen TVs. The property also boasts complimentary wi-fi throughout and an on site restaurant.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
4 star hotels & traditional riads
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What is the maximum group size?
24
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 9
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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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
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Dates & Availability
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Tuesday - Wednesday
Dec 10, 2024 - Dec 18, 2024Wednesday - Thursday
Dec 10, 2025 - Dec 18, 2025Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP 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.
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