Holidays in Morocco for the New Year

Holidays in Morocco for the New Year

New Year in Morocco

If as a child you loved to read Oriental fairy tales, you should go to Morocco. This country from the first minute of your stay reminds illustrations of old Arab books with oriental beauties, minarets pointing to the sky, the smell of exotic spices floating through the maze of streets of the old city, and sly eyes of the boys who burn with childlike curiosity at every corner of the Medina. Saffron and couscous, the juicy ripeness of lemons and donkeys pulling their luggage obediently along the stone sidewalks, the skyscrapers of Casablanca and the bright blue of fishing boats in the port of Essaouira – all this is impossible to describe in words. What if you go to Morocco to celebrate the New Year? The idea bribes with originality and economic rationality, because at this time of the year there are not too many tourists in northern Africa, and, therefore, the prices will be merciful to the guests, suffering from the exotic Orient.

Let’s take a look at the map

The Kingdom of Morocco is located in the far northwest corner of the “black” continent. It is washed by the Mediterranean Sea in the north and the Atlantic Ocean – in the west, and its climate is largely dependent not only on geographic latitude, but also on the proximity of the ocean:

Throughout its length, Morocco finds itself in several climatic zones. In the north, the weather is determined by the Mediterranean climate, in the southeast – the desert, in the center of the country – continental.

The temperature rarely falls below +15 ° C on the Mediterranean coast in winter, but at this time precipitation is possible in the form of rain. Sunny days are plentiful, but cloudy weather on New Year’s Eve in northern Morocco is not uncommon.

On the beaches of the resort of Agadir during the winter vacations there is a pleasant warm weather with temperatures around +20 ° C during the day and +15 ° C at night. The water in the ocean only warms up to +14 ° C, but you can refresh if you want. The sunbathing can be hampered by cold winds from the Atlantic, but if you can find a nice tanning spot, you can get a bronze skin tone in just a couple of days.

Cosmopolitan Casablanca is cool in winter. The mercury columns reach +16 ° C during the day, and fall to +8 ° C at night. The water in the ocean is cold – only +15 ° C, and the beaches of Casablanca – not the best place in Morocco for swimming. New Year is better to celebrate in nightclubs, restaurants or at a disco.

One of the most exotic cities in the kingdom, Marrakech offers a rich cultural program at any time of year. On New Year’s Eve the thermometer columns usually stop at +17 ° C and +6 ° C during the day and night respectively, so a warm jacket to the evening dress on New Year’s Eve will not be superfluous.

The considerable daily temperature fluctuations in most parts of Morocco throughout the year are a good reason to think carefully about your closet. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen with a high protection factor. High levels of insolation in these latitudes are complemented by strong winds, so the skin can get burned quickly and unnoticed.

How to celebrate the New Year in Morocco

The vast majority of the inhabitants of the kingdom profess Islam, and therefore the New Year’s entourage at the end of December is more of a tribute to foreign tourists. Most of the Christmas decorations you will find in hotels and shopping centers, restaurants with European cuisine and nightclubs.

Planning to celebrate the New Year in restaurants in Morocco, study the menu to know what to order for the festive table. The most delicious and popular dishes of Moroccan cuisine are cooked in a tagine, a special ceramic pan with a lid in the form of a cone. Try the chicken baked with vegetables and lemon, harira soup, grilled vegetable stew. Moroccan desserts can honestly be called festive New Year’s Eve dishes. The most popular and delicious are puff pastries and ginger cookies, to which it is best to order a cup of mint tea (if you are not afraid of strong coffee with cardamom (the mix of sweet and even sweeter). The holiday alcoholic beverages in Morocco are the local wines – red “Taleb” and white “Valpierre”.

A nightclub is the ideal setting for continuing the celebrations, especially if you’ve traveled to Casablanca.. The main nightlife is concentrated here on the Corniche promenade. Nightclubs are present in Casablanca in huge numbers, but if you want a table, on New Year’s Eve it is better to book it well in advance.

Ancient Marrakech is famous for El Fna Square, where every night a magnificent show begins. It involves snake charmer and fire-eaters, illusionists and acrobats, dancers and common pickpockets. On New Year’s Eve, be careful with your wallet because the lively carnival will begin in Marrakech’s center and more people will be there.

Useful information for travelers

European carriers will help you to get to Morocco for the New Year:

For 300 euros you can get to Casablanca on Alitalia flights. The flight will take off from Sheremetyevo, connection – in Rome, and you will have to spend about seven hours in the sky.

French airlines offer tickets Moscow – Casablanca – Moscow with connection at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport. The ticket price is 350 euro. The trip takes seven hours not counting the connection.

Electronic subscription to the newsletter, arranged on the official sites of air carriers, will allow you to save significantly when buying tickets. You will be the first to know about discounts, bonuses and special offers and will be able to travel much better.

Agadir, as any resort city on the coast, offers a New Year vacation entertainment programs in hotels, but due to the fact that the weather in December and January is not very warm, the city’s beaches are not a particular success.

But in winter prices are significantly reduced for recovery programs in the thalassotherapy centers. In Morocco these services enjoy well-deserved popularity and cosmetology based on seaweed, sea water and muds has a long tradition.

Dreaming of devoting your winter vacation to face and body care? Then Morocco, where hundreds of beauty centers are ready to provide the guest with an incomparable useful pleasure.

On New Year’s Eve, Morocco is just the right weather for surfing. The sea off the coast of Essaouira is reaching its peak and the lovers of this beautiful water sport flock to the beaches of the Atlantic to celebrate the holiday according to their own ideas of the perfect holiday.

Tour “New Year 2022 in Morocco! Tales of the Ancient Maghreb and Breath of the Desert!”, New Year Tour 2022 prices

Morocco, like Schaharazade from the fairy tales “1001 nights” fascinates with its beauty and invites you to plunge into the fairy tale. Flight Royal Air Maroc, 6 night tour with a departure on December 31, 2021.

Tour description

Day 1

Casablanca

Check-in for the flight at Domodedovo airport and take off at 07:25. At check-in you must bring printed copies of documents: Sputnik V vaccination certificate, negative PCR certificate not older than 48 hours from the time of flight departure from Moscow, foreign passport. Arrival in Casablanca. English passport control with obligatory presentation of the printed certificate in English with a negative COVID19 test. The certificate should not be older than 48 hours from the time of departure from Moscow. Also you should fill in the form on onda.ma beforehand or show the printout of the form (you can get the sample with your travel package).

You will be met at the airport, transferred to the hotel, accommodated and have your own time.

Panoramic Casablanca sightseeing tour: visit of Casablanca city center, Habous quarter and Hassan II mosque (external view), Ain Diab promenade.

Optional: Gala New Year dinner for an extra fee. Information to be specified

Dinner and overnight at the hotel

Day 2

Casablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen – Fez

Breakfast at hotel.

After breakfast, travel to Rabat, Morocco’s administrative capital..

Tour of Rabat with a tour of the palace square, Mohammed V Mausoleum, Hassan Tower, and the Kasbah of Oudaya.

Transfer to Chefchaouen, a tiny picturesque town founded in the 15th century, nestled on the mountainside at 610m above sea level. A tour of the picturesque streets of the medina and the Uta el-Hammam square (a visit to the kasbah for an extra fee). On the road to Fez passing through the Rif Mountains you will enjoy wonderful landscapes.

Transfer to Fez, the first capital of Morocco, hotel accommodation and dinner.

Day 3

Fez – Volubilis – Meknes – Fez

Breakfast at the hotel.

Excursion around Fez (founded in VIII century). Excursion visiting the main attractions of the city: the mosque and university Al Qaraouin (IX-XII cc.), the mosque and tomb of Sultan Moulay Idris, Attarin Madrassah, Najjarin Fountain, Medieval Medina, the largest in Morocco, the famous Bab Boujloud Gate, and traditional Moroccan crafts workshops transfer to Meknes, the third imperial city of Morocco. In Meknes you will see the preserved walls of the Old City, the longest in Morocco, the famous Bab Al Mansour Gate (a masterpiece of 18th century architecture), and see the open pool of the Sultan, a rare and progressive construction for those times.

Transfer to Volubilis and visit this ancient Roman city, where colored mosaics are perfectly preserved, as well as parts of structures and buildings, colonnade and triumphal arch.

Dinner, overnight at the hotel.

Day 4

Fes – Merzouga

Breakfast, transfer to Merzouga.

First the road will take you through the mountains of the Middle Atlas through Berber settlements, the place of Ifrane, and cedar forests. Then along the road of thousands of kasbahs (kasbah means fortress), you will have a unique opportunity to observe how the mountainous landscape changes to the plain, how the vegetation typical of the highlands is replaced by orchards of fruit trees and palm oases, in which kasbahs, examples of architecture characteristic of the region, are picturesquely located. Merzouga, a place on the border with the desert, is called the Gateway to the Sahara or the harbor of the desert, because Merzouga is the starting point for travel in the desert, and it is also where camel caravans arrive after a long journey through the sands of the Sahara. The fine, clean sand, which forms the dunes of Erg Shebbi, has a pleasant color and is particularly beautiful during sunset or sunrise. You have a unique opportunity to see it, and to admire the endless starry sky, spend the night almost on the doorstep of the desert.

Day 5 & 6

Ouarzazate – Ait Bin Haddou – Marrakech

After breakfast, visit the Atlas Film Studio Museum, where you will learn about film sets and the history of the film studio, and drive to Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains via the high mountain pass of Tizi-n-Tishka.

On the way you will visit the ancient famous fortress village of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Arrival in Marrakech, hotel accommodation.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 7

Marrakech – Casblanca airport.

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning sightseeing tour of Marrakech. During the tour of Marrakech you will see the famous minaret of the Koutoubia mosque, the Bahia Palace (admission tickets are extra), the unique Majorelle Garden, which used to belong to the famous French couturier Yves Saint Laurent, a modest monument to whom is set at the far end of the garden under the canopy of exotic trees, walk through the picturesque shopping and crafts quarter of the old city.

In the afternoon tentatively at 18:00 Departure to Casablanca airport and departure to Moscow by flight AT 220 at 22:30. Arrival in Moscow 07:01.22 at 07:25 Domodedovo airport.

The cost of the tour includes

Air flight Moscow-Casablanca-Moscow on Royal Air Maroc regular flights, luggage 23 kg (1 piece)

6 nights’ accommodation according to the tour program in the hotels 3*/4* listed above or hotels similar to them

Airport pick up

Meals: breakfast+dinner (buffet or fixed menu at the discretion of the hotel management)

Program transportation by modern bus/minibus with air conditioning

Excursions according to the program with a Russian speaking guide

excursion “sunrise in the dunes of Merzuga” jeep + camels

entrance tickets for the following historical monuments: Medersa Fes, Volubilis, the palace Bahia + Majorelle Marrakech, Ouarzazate Cinema Museum

All taxes and fees, medical insurance up to 65 years old (over 65 years old, additional fee)

Extra fee

Extra sightseeing tours etc,

Mandatory extra charge – service charge – 25 euros per person (payable to the guide on the day of arrival),

Accommodation in Merzuga in bivouac – 25 euros per person per night, net

Festive New Year’s dinner (information about location, cost and menu will be provided additionally)

Early check-in at the hotel in Casablanca (check with manager at the booking)

Optional excursions,

Tips,

Personal expenses, extra meals, etc.

Non-departure insurance – recommended

Additional Information

Attention! The program of the tour can be changed by days, but the number of excursions must be kept.

Some sites may be closed for visits by order of the authorities.

Wearing masks in public places is compulsory.

Check-in and check-out at 14:00.

Early check-in (extra night paid) and late check-out (extra night paid) are possible.

Tour “Tales of the Ancient Maghreb and the Breath of the Desert + Rest in Agadir“, combined tour to Morocco

Elena, I liked the tour. Interesting. Not very happy with the guide – told little about the country (otherwise a good guide). And a little hard to travel, because of the long distances. The hotels are not bad. In Fez it was very far from the old town. I liked the first hotel – Maroccan House. And there was a large group.

from 90 908 ₽

price for one person

Announcement

Combined tour to Morocco with sightseeing program and rest on the coast.

Tour description

Departure

Check-in for the flight and departure. At check-in be sure to bring printed paper documents: Certificate of Vaccination Sputnik V, certificate with a negative PCR test not older than 48 hours from the time of flight departure from Moscow, passport. Arrival in Casablanca. Go through passport control showing the printed certificate in English with a negative COVID19 test. Also you should fill in the form on the site www.onda.ma or show the printout of this form (you will get the sample with your travel package).

You will be met at the airport with a sign, transferred to the hotel, accommodated, and have your own time.

Panoramic Casablanca sightseeing tour: visit of the city center, Habous quarter and Hassan II mosque (external view), Ain Diab promenade.

Dinner and overnight in a hotel.

Casablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen – Fez.

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, travel to Rabat, Morocco’s administrative capital.. Tour of Rabat with a tour of the palace square, Mohammed V Mausoleum, Hassan Tower, and the Kasbah of Oudaya. Transfer to Chefchaouen, a tiny picturesque town founded in the 15th century, nestled on the mountainside at 610m above sea level. A tour of the picturesque streets of the medina and the Uta el-Hammam square (a visit to the kasbah for an extra fee). On the road to Fez passing through the Rif Mountains you will enjoy wonderful landscapes.

Transfer to Fez, the first capital of Morocco, hotel accommodation, dinner.

Fez – Volubilis – Meknes – Fez

Breakfast at hotel. Excursion in Fez (founded in VIII century).

Excursion includes an external visit to the main attractions of the city: the mosque-university Al Qaraouin (IX-XII cc.), the mosque – tomb of Sultan Moulay Idris, Attarin Madrassah, Najjarin Fountain, Medieval Medina, the largest in Morocco, the famous Bab Boujloud Gate, and traditional Moroccan crafts workshops Moving on to Meknes, the third imperial city of Morocco. In Meknes you will see the preserved walls of the Old City, the longest in Morocco, the famous Bab Al Mansour Gate (a masterpiece of 18th century architecture), and see the open pool of the Sultan, a rare and progressive construction for those times. Transfer to Volubilis and visit this ancient Roman city where colored mosaics are perfectly preserved, as well as parts of structures and buildings, colonnade and triumphal arch.

Fez – Merzouga

Breakfast, transfer to Merzouga. First the road will take you through the mountains of the Middle Atlas through Berber settlements, the place Ifran and cedar forests. Then along the road of thousands of kasbahs (kasbah means fortress), you will have the unique opportunity to observe how the mountainous landscape changes to the plain, how the vegetation, typical of the highlands, is replaced by orchards of fruit trees and palm oases, in which kasbahs, examples of architecture characteristic of the region, are picturesquely situated. Merzouga, a place on the border with the desert, is called the Gate to the Sahara or the harbor of the desert, because Merzouga is the starting point for travel in the desert, and it is also where camel caravans arrive after a long journey through the Saharan sands. The fine, clean sand, which forms the dunes of Erg Shebbi, has a pleasant color and is particularly beautiful during sunset or sunrise. You have a unique opportunity to see it, and admire the vast starry sky, spend the night almost on the doorstep of the desert.

Merzuga – Todra Gorge – Ouarzazate

For early risers: early in the morning, before breakfast for extra fee ride on camels to meet the sunrise in the desert.

Breakfast, transfer to Ouarzazate along the road that leads through date palm plantations, almond trees directly to the Todra Gorge, a walk through which leaves a lasting impression.

Transfer to Ouarzazate. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech.

After breakfast, visit the Atlas Film Studio Museum, where you will learn about film sets and the history of the film studio, and drive to Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains via the high mountain pass of Tizi-n-Tishka. On the way you will visit the ancient famous fortress village of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Arrival in Marrakech, hotel accommodation. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Marrakech – Casblanca airport.

Breakfast at hotel. In the morning sightseeing tour in Marrakech. During the tour of Marrakech you will see the famous minaret of the Koutoubia mosque, the Bahia Palace (admission tickets are sold separately), the unique Majorelle Garden, which belonged to the famous French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, a modest monument to whom is set at the far end of the garden under the canopy of exotic trees, walk through the picturesque shopping and crafts quarters of the old city.

Departure to Agadir.

Transfer to the hotel of your choice for your stay.

Overnight at the hotel in Agadir.

Agadir .

Rest in Agadir. Free time.

Agadir

Breakfast in hotel. Free time.

Check-out from the hotel, transfer to the airport in Agadir (extra charge), flight to Moscow (via Casablanca).

The cost of the tour includes

Accommodation 6 nights on the program of the tour in the hotels 3*/4*, listed above or similar to them

Accommodation 5 or 7 nights at a selected hotel in Agadir, meals as booked

Airport pick up

breakfast+dinner (buffet or fixed menu at the discretion of the hotel)

Transportation by modern minibus with air conditioning

Excursions according to the program with a Russian speaking guide

excursion “sunrise in the dunes of Merzuga” jeep + camels

admission tickets for visiting the following historical monuments: Medersa Fes, Volubilis, Majorelle Marrakech, Ouarzazate Cinema Museum

All taxes and fees, medical insurance up to 65 years old (over 65 years old, additional fee)

Extra fee

Air flight Moscow-Casablanca, Agadir-Casablanca-Moscow: check prices at the booking stage.

Service charge – 25 euros per person (compulsory payment – to be paid on site),

Accommodation in Merzouga in bivouac – 25 euros per person, net per night

Transfer Agadir Hotel – Agadir Airport 45 euros/car one way

Early check-in at the hotel in Casablanca (check with manager at the time of reservation)

Optional excursions,

Personal expenses, extra meals, etc.

Non-departure insurance – recommended

Additional Information

Check in – 14:00, check out – 12:00.

Early check-in (extra night paid) and late check-out (extra night paid) are possible in the hotel.