North Africa
Christmas & New Year Edition
21 December 2026 – 03 January 2027
Monday 21 December Istanbul
We will meet at Malta International Airport at 07:00 for flight TK1370, departing at 09:45 and arriving in Istanbul at 14:15. Upon arrival, we will transfer by coach to the city centre, to the popular district of Beyoğlu (Taksim Square). We will check in at the 4-star Taxim Gonen Hotel. In the afternoon, we will join a guided outing to begin exploring the beautiful and lively city centre.
Tuesday 22 December Istanbul
The day begins with a buffet breakfast before starting a guided Istanbul Historical City Tour through the old city. Together with a local guide, we will explore some of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, beginning with the magnificent Hagia Sophia, originally built in the 6th century and renowned for its massive dome and extraordinary history as both a church and mosque. The tour continues to the beautiful Blue Mosque, famous for its striking blue Iznik tile decoration and elegant architecture. We then visit the historic Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the social and sporting centre of the Byzantine Empire, where we can see important monuments such as the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. After a traditional lunch (included) at a local restaurant, the tour continues with a photo stop and exterior visit of the grand Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman sultans between the 15th and 19th centuries, followed by a visit to the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir with a mystical atmosphere. The day concludes at the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with thousands of shops spread across historic trading streets.
Wednesday 23 December Istanbul
We start the day with breakfast before enjoying a very interesting excursion in Istanbul. We begin our visit at the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, where we experience one of the most beautiful and elegant palaces in the city. After that, we enjoy a relaxing Bosphorus cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, where we see the unique meeting point of two continents, Europe and Asia, while also enjoying views of the surrounding waters connecting the Marmara Sea and the Black Sea. Later, we continue our visit to the colourful Spice Bazaar, where we experience the rich aromas and vibrant atmosphere of one of the city’s most famous markets. In the evening, we offer an optional dinner cruise, where we enjoy food, drinks, singing, and traditional belly dancing while sailing along the Bosphorus.
Thursday 24 December Casablanca
We transfer to Istanbul Airport for check-in and departure on Turkish Airlines flight TK617, leaving at 11:50 and arriving in Casablanca at 14:50. Upon arrival, we are transferred to the city centre and check in at Hotel Kenzi Basma 4*. After check-in, we join the tour leader for a familiarisation walk, followed by dinner at the hotel.
Friday 25 December Casablanca (Happy Christmas)
We enjoy breakfast at the hotel before visiting the impressive Hassan II Mosque. Our guide helps us appreciate the grandeur and intricate details of this architectural masterpiece. After the visit, we take time to stroll around the mosque’s exterior and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. We then have free time for lunch at our leisure. In the afternoon, we explore the charming Habous Quarter, also known as the New Medina, where we can browse local shops and pick up souvenirs. We return to the hotel to relax and refresh before enjoying a Christmas dinner.
Saturday 26 December Casablanca - Rabat - Fes
After breakfast, we depart Casablanca and travel towards Fes, with a scenic stop in Rabat, Morocco’s elegant capital. We enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Rabat’s main highlights, blending historic landmarks with modern charm. We then continue our journey to Fes, one of Morocco’s most iconic imperial cities. Upon arrival, we check in at Hotel Riad Menzeh Zalagh 4* and enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Sunday 27 December Fes
We begin the day with breakfast before meeting our guide for an immersive walking tour of the historic Fes el Bali Medina. We first visit the famous Chouara Tannery, where the colourful dye pits are most active in the morning, offering a fascinating glimpse into traditional leather-making. We then explore the Medersa Bou Inania or Al-Attarine Madrasa, both outstanding examples of Islamic architecture. Around midday, we enjoy a traditional lunch at a restaurant inside the medina (lunch not included). In the afternoon, we continue through the bustling souks, passing the Coppersmiths’ Square, ceramic workshops, and viewing the exterior of the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University. Later, we head to the Merenid Tombs for panoramic views over the city. We return to the hotel to relax before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a lively dinner show at Palais la Medina.
Monday 28 December Fes – Merzouga
After breakfast, we begin our scenic journey from Fes to Merzouga, gateway to the Sahara Desert. We travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing Ifrane and the cedar forests of Azrou, where we may see Barbary macaques. We stop for lunch (not included) in a town such as Midelt. We then continue through the Ziz Valley, with its palm groves and desert landscapes. By late afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga and begin a camel trek into the desert to witness a breathtaking sunset over the dunes. We continue to Desert Camp Palmeras, where we check in, enjoy a traditional dinner, and relax under the Saharan sky.
Tuesday 29 December Merzouga – Ouarzazate
After breakfast in Merzouga, we begin our journey westward towards Ouarzazate, travelling through some of Morocco’s most dramatic desert and mountain landscapes. We first pass through Rissani, an ancient trading town known for its traditional Saharan atmosphere and as a gateway to the desert. We then continue across arid plains and rocky landscapes before reaching the spectacular Todra Gorge, where towering limestone cliffs rise dramatically on either side of a crystal-clear river—an ideal stop for photos and a short walk. We proceed through the scenic Dades Valley, famous for its winding roads, striking rock formations, and lush palm oases. Along the way, we may also pass the fragrant Valley of the Roses, particularly beautiful in spring when the fields are in bloom. As the journey continues, we travel through traditional Berber villages and the palm-filled oasis of Skoura, known for its ancient kasbahs and tranquil landscapes. We arrive in Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Sahara” and Morocco’s film capital, by late afternoon. Upon arrival, we check in at Hotel Al Barka 4*, unwind after the day’s drive, and enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure, with dinner at the hotel.
Wednesday 30 December Ouarzazate – Marrakech
After breakfast and checking out of our riad, we meet our guide before setting off on a scenic journey towards the High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we pause at the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka Pass to take panoramic photos of the rugged landscape. We continue to the ancient, fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, where we explore the impressive kasbah and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (lunch not included). In the afternoon, we drive along the famous “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” towards Marrakech. Upon arrival, we check in at Hotel Zalagh Kasbah 4*.
Thursday 31 December Marrakech
We start the day with a traditional Moroccan breakfast at our hotel, enjoying local favourites. After breakfast, we meet our guide and join the group for a walk to the impressive Koutoubia Mosque, where we take in the beauty of its iconic minaret and the tranquillity of its surrounding gardens. As the morning continues, we head into the heart of Marrakech and step into the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. We begin our exploration of the vibrant souks before they become too crowded, taking time to wander through various sections filled with colourful spices, handcrafted leather, glowing lanterns, and unique artisan goods. Around midday, we pause for a well-deserved lunch at a local spot of our choice (lunch not included). We then return to the hotel to relax and prepare for the NYE Gala Dinner.
Friday 01 January 2027 Marrakech (Happy New Year)
We enjoy a late breakfast before boarding the bus to the magnificent Bahia Palace, arriving early to admire its stunning architecture and peaceful gardens without the crowds. Afterwards, we take a short walk to the nearby Saadian Tombs, a serene and beautifully preserved burial site rich in history. We then continue to immerse ourselves in the vibrant colours and exotic plants of the Majorelle Garden, a tranquil oasis in the city. Around midday, we enjoy some free time for lunch at our leisure before being dropped off at the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where we explore the bustling market, soak up the atmosphere, and watch street performers at our own pace.
Saturday 02 January Marrakech - Istanbul
Early in the morning, we have an option Hot Air Balloon ride in Marrakech, offering a breathtaking way to see Morocco from above. We soar at sunrise and admire the vibrant sky and the majestic Atlas Mountains over the desert landscape.
We then return for breakfast and enjoy the morning at leisure. We check out at noon and transfer to Marrakech Airport. We board Turkish Airlines flight TK620, departing at 16:15 and arriving in Istanbul
