Best of Morocco Family Holiday
Best of Morocco Family Holiday
Best of Morocco Family Holiday
12 Days Starting and ending in Marrakech
Visiting: Marrakech, Fes, Midelt, Sahara Desert, Ait Benhaddou, Imlil, Essaouira
Tour operator:
Tour code:
XMFB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
5-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Grab the kids and experience the best of Morocco's many highlights on this 12-day adventure packed with activities for the whole family. Take part in a fun pottery class in bustling Fes, wander the streets and colourful medinas of Marrakech and see one of the best sunsets of your life from a camel’s back in the Sahara! From the backs of camels and donkeys, you’ll walk through quiet villages in the High Atlas Mountains and experience traditional Amazigh hospitality during a homestay in Imlil. Explore the seaside village of Essaouira, then end it all in Marrakech where you can dine on tasty street food from the bazaar and watch street performers from the famed Djemaa el-Fna square.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech
Location: Marrakech
Accommodation: Hotel Meriem or similar
Meals Included: dinner
Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Morocco. Your adventure will begin in thriving Marrakech with a welcome meeting at 5 pm. After, join your leader and fellow travellers to visit Djemaa el-Fnaa in the Old City as the sun descends for a local street food experience. This is the largest public square in the world and it almost has the atmosphere of a medieval fair – so the kids are sure to love it! Street performers vie to entertain and the delicious smells waft by as food stalls cook up their local delicacies – you’ll no doubt want to try as much as you can for dinner tonight! You'll also be able to buy some snacks for the train journey tomorrow.
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Fes
Location: Fes
Accommodation: Hotel Across or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today, travel by train to the city of Fes. When you arrive, check in to your hotel and enjoy some time to relax. This is the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco – vibrant, noisy and a feast for the senses. With a huge, well-preserved Old Town that's the mother of all medinas, there’s plenty to see and do in Fes! The afternoon is free to explore the winding streets and hustle and bustle of this amazing city – there'll be something to surprise and entertain the family at every corner, just ask your local leader for tips.
Day 3: Fes
Location: Fes
Accommodation: Hotel Across or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast, take a guided walking tour of the Old City, known locally as Fes el Bali. Step back into the Middle Ages as you explore the medina's labyrinth, which buzzes with craftspeople, markets, tanneries and mosques. After passing donkeys navigating the car-free streets, you’ll stop to watch some traditional potters at work in a ceramics studio. Then, head to a pottery workshop to make something of your own! This activity supports the local artisans and a skilled craftsman will teach you all about their craft. The kids will love to get their hands dirty as you watch your ideas come to life using the traditional methods of sculpting and modelling. After, explore the speciality sections of the souq and see the dye pits at the Chauwara Tannery. Tonight, you’re free to maybe get together with the other families and enjoy a local feast of harira (chickpea soup) and chicken-stuffed pastilla with couscous.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Midelt
Location: Midelt
Accommodation: Ksar Timnay or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today it's time to leave the city behind and head for the beauty of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Take a private transfer through fertile valleys, pine forests and barren, rocky landscapes. Tell the kids to look out for wandering nomadic shepherds as they tend to their flocks – you might even catch a glimpse of barbary apes – North Africa's only monkey. Midelt is a market town originally built as a base for mining and surrounded by farms and orchards. When you arrive, take a walk to explore the village of Bremmem, also known as the Kasbah des Noyers for its ancient walnut trees, for an insight into the local farming life. Stroll along the canyon’s rim and hear the roosters crowing in the distance as the local’s chat in the nearby apple orchards. Appreciate the views of the canyon as the sun descends and then enjoy a free night in your peaceful surroundings.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Sahara Desert
Location: Sahara Desert
Accommodation: Camp Yasmina Original or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
This morning after breakfast, take a private transfer to the mighty Sahara, stopping to take in the views of kasbahs and palmeries (lush valleys with date palms, fields and orchards) along the way. As you pass through Erfoud and Rissani, you'll see the scenery change between barren mountainsides and fertile valleys until you reach the small Saharan village of Merzouga. When you arrive, leave your baggage, pack a daypack and saddle up for a 1-hour camel ride into the desert at the Erg Chebbi dunes – huge windswept dunes just 20 km from the Algerian border. Ride your camels into the edge of the Sahara at sunset – this is a core memory waiting to happen! The dunes are truly breathtaking as the evening light sets off the deep colours of the desert. Tonight, you’ll camp out in traditional style under the North African stars.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Ait Benhaddou
Location: Ait Benhaddou
Accommodation: Ksar Ljanoub or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
If you’re game, rise and shine early enough to catch sunrise over the dunes. This morning, take a scenic drive past ancient kasbahs, former military outposts, mountains, valleys and fields that will take you to Ait Benhaddou. For lunch, stop at Ouarzazate. Does it look familiar? This location is used for many Hollywood blockbusters – be sure to ask your local leader about what's been filmed here! Arrive in Ait Benhaddou – once a crucial stop for caravans as they carried salt across the Sahara. – once a crucial stop for caravans as they carried salt across the Sahara. Today, its grand kasbah has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and you'll see all it has to offer during a tour this afternoon. The rest of today is free to relax, until a group dinner tonight at the hotel.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Ait Benhaddou
Location: Ait Benhaddou
Accommodation: Ksar Ljanoub or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Today is all about enjoying the moment and taking in the incredible scenery. This morning, you’ll join a local artist to create your very own masterpiece using tea leaves and other natural materials – another activity for the kids to get creative! Then, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy however you choose. The hotel pool is a favourite hang out for kids and a perfect way to relax. Your leader will also be able to provide suggestions for other activities if you're feeling a little more adventurous. For dinner, enjoy some classic Moroccan tajine and couscous with your group.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Imlil
Location: Imlil
Accommodation: Dar Tajine or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Make your way to the High Atlas Mountains, passing Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2260 m above sea level) and Toubkal National Park. Along the way, snow-capped mountains and valleys in full flower will fly by your window – don’t worry, you’ll make a couple of stops for photos! When you arrive in the town of Aroumd, the kids can climb aboard donkeys and make their way to Imlil (the adults will be on foot and the walk takes about an hour). Witness traditional mountain village life far from the reach of the modern world and arrive in the remote village of Imlil – sitting on a rocky outcrop, this town has amazing views across the High Atlas Mountains and a unique opportunity to experience traditional Amazigh culture. You’ll spend the night in a family-run mountain home (or gite). Surrounded by the smell of woodstoves and bread, you’ll meet the host family and enjoy some traditional Amazigh hospitality and homecooked food as you swap stories and learn about their lives in the village.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Essaouira
Location: Essaouira
Accommodation: Riad Chakir Mogador or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Bread has always been an important element in Amazigh cuisine and today, you’ll have the opportunity to watch a bread-making demonstration for breakfast. Watch how it’s prepared and cooked by your hosts and then, if the kids feel up to it, maybe take an early morning walk around the village of Imlil. Head west towards the Atlantic Coast and the old fishing town of Essaouira – a city where the medina brushes up against the Atlantic Ocean. Sandstone walkways contrast with whitewashed houses, bright blue sky and the sand of the surrounding beaches and dunes. With your free afternoon, you might want to head to the waterfront and see the day’s catch. Tonight, maybe catch up with your group to share a seafood dinner.
Included Activities:
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Day 10: Essaouira
Location: Essaouira
Accommodation: Riad Chakir Mogador or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast, join your leader on a walk around the town. The remainder of today is free for you to explore Essaouira as a family. Everything in the small centre is within walking distance, and the coast is perfect for a beach day. Why not wander the harbour and its adjacent fish markets, where you can watch the daily auction. A fresh-cooked plate of the day's catch is highly recommended. This town is also becoming renowned for its burled Thuya wood, delicately formed and inlaid in tiny shops. The scent of the oils used to polish the richly coloured wood permeates the air and makes walking through the streets incredibly rich for the senses!
Day 11: Marrakech
Location: Marrakech
Accommodation: Hotel Meriem or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Leaving Essaouira behind, make the journey back to Marrakech. When you arrive this afternoon, head out for a tour of the bustling medina, trying some local Moroccan sweets and fresh orange juice on the way. Then, you’ll have free time to explore the sights or purchase any souvenirs. As is usual in a souq, individual trades and crafts are concentrated in one street or area, so the shoemakers are all next to each other, as are the jewellers, potters and weavers. This is the best place in Morocco to sharpen your bargaining skills, and you’re sure to be tempted by some of the extraordinary merchandise on display – maybe a pair of traditional Moroccan slippers? Meet up with your group for a final evening and toast to a wonderful adventure discovering the best of Morocco.
Day 12: Marrakech
Location: Marrakech
Meals Included: breaksfast
Your family adventure comes to an end this morning. There are no activities today you’re free to depart the accommodation at any time. If you’d like to extend your family holiday, just get in touch with your booking agent head of time.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (9 nights), Gite (1 night), Desert Camp tent (1 night) -
Meknes - Medina walking tour
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Volubilis - Entrance and guided tour
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Fes - Medina walking tour
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Fes - Pottery making class with a local artisan
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Taroudant Tannery
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Sahara Desert - Camel ride
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Ait Benhaddou - Kasbah visit
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Imlil - Donkey Ride to the village
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Imlil - Bread making demontration
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Essaouira - Leader-led orientation walk
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Included Activities
- Meknes - Guided Walking Tour
- Volubilis - Guided tour
- Fes - Medina Walking Tour with Local Guide
- Midelt - walking tour Berrem village
- Sahara Desert - Camel ride
- Ait Benhaddou - Kasbah visit
- Marrakech - Guided Walking Tour
Transport
- Private vehicle , Train
Accommodation
- GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS:
- Family of two: All family groupings of two will be accommodated in a twin room.
- Family of three: Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in some places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that a triple room will often be a twin room with a rollaway bed or mattress on the floor. Where triple rooms aren’t available it will be at your discretion which of your family takes the single room.
- Family of four or more: You will most likely be accommodated in two twin rooms. Where possible, we will accommodate your family in a quadruple room.
- While we do our very best to ensure that family groups are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over the exact placement of rooms within a hotel. Please be understanding if we are unable to room your family in immediate proximity of one another.
Important Information
- 1. Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.
- 2. Minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian.
- 3. A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at time of travel.
- 4. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 6 (Desert Camp) and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 5. While Wi-Fi is available in our hotels it is important to note that wi-fi works best in the hotel foyer and will be very slow in the rooms. An easier option may be to purchase a SIM card in Morocco to stay connected.
- 6. Ramadan is an exciting time to travel through Morocco but there are also a few things to bear in mind. Meal times will be a lot later than you may be used to, in particular dinner. You will find restaurants will open at 7–7.30 pm in the evening for dinner. Which will mean your family may not be eating dinner until 8–8.30 pm. Likewise breakfast may not start until 7 am. As you travel through the countryside there will be limited small road side cafes to stop at. Your leader will pre-plan where to stop to ensure families have access to snacks and bathroom stops along the way. Morocco is a Muslim country therefore alcohol is not readily available, particularly during Ramadan.
- 7. Optional transfer from Marrakech to Casablanca
- If you are flying into Marrakech we can provide an optional transfer to the starting point city of Casablanca. This transfer is on request and prepaid. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Mode of Transport
- Minivan , Train
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
The weather in Morocco can be extreme. Summer temperatures can be uncomfortably hot, especially for those who aren't accustomed to the heat, so please consider what time of year you travel carefully. If you do travel in the warmer months, pack layers to cover you from the sun, bring the necessary sun protection and drink plenty of water.
On Day 6, the group will take a camel trek through the Sahara. You will set off from your camp on the edge of a desert and loop back. This is a great way to experience the desert, but if you'd prefer, it's possible to walk alongside the caravan on the sand for about an hour. The walk is not very demanding, so a basic level of fitness is fine.
There are some long travelling days on this trip as we cover a great deal of land. The road to the High Atlas Mountains is very windy, so please take this into consideration if you or your child suffers from motion sickness. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions