Best of Morocco Family Holiday

Intrepid Travel · 13 days

4.8

20 Reviews

Duration

13 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience 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.

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (12), Lunch (2), Dinner (4)
Accommodation: Hotel (10 nights), Homestay (1 night), Desert Camp (1 night)

Highlights

Watch the sunset from the unique perspective of a camel’s back, then spend an evening camping in the Sahara, surrounded by golden dunes under a blanket of stars.
Update the family portrait with the stunning backdrop of the northern coastal city of Tangier and the strikingly blue-washed Chefchaouen.
Adventure into the Atlas Mountains and stay with a traditional Amazigh family for an insight into authentic Moroccan life and culture, with a homecooked meal to get to know each other.
Lead the kids through the mystical alleyways of medieval Ait Benhaddou – can you spot which movies were filmed here?
Take part in a pottery class from a local craftsman in Fes’ bustling medina and get your hands dirty as you make your own clay ceramic, all the while supporting the local artisans.

Trip Details

Duration

13 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, Train

Guide Language

English

Starts

Marrakech, Morocco

Finishes

Marrakech, Morocco

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Family, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech

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 Djemaa el-Fnaa in the Old City for a local street food experience as the sun descends. This is the largest public square in the world, and the kids are sure to love the chaos! Street performers vie to entertain and 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:

Dinner at Jemaa El Fnaa

Accommodation:

Hotel Meriem (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Tangier

After breakfast, make your way to the station and board the train to Tangier, enjoying a relaxed journey across Morocco as the landscapes gradually change from the heart of the country to the northern coast. When you arrive in Tangier, transfer to your accommodation and settle in. The rest of the day is free to relax or begin soaking up the atmosphere of this historic port city at your own pace.

Accommodation:

Hotel Charf (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Chefchaouen

Today, you’ll take a half day tour of Tangier with a local guide, discovering the city’s highlights and rich blend of cultures. After, head on to Chefchaouen, the picteresque blue mountain town. When you arrive, join your leader for a short orientation walk through the alleyways and staircases bathed in shades of blue, before a free evening to wander at your own pace – maybe find a great local restaurant or just soak up the atmosphere.

Included Activities:

Chefchaouen - Leader led orientation walk
Tangier - Half day walking tour with local guide

Accommodation:

Puerta Azul (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Fes

You’ll have some free time this morning to explore more of Chefchaouen – if you want the best chance of getting family photos, it’s best to arise just after sunrise when the streets are quiet. After, head to Fes – the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. Vibrant, noisy and a feast for the senses, Fes feels medieval, with a huge, well‑preserved Old Town that’s the mother of all medinas. The afternoon is free to explore the winding streets and lively atmosphere of this incredible city –ask your local leader for tips and be careful of getting lost in the old medina (it’s said that only the locals know their way out of the maze!).

Accommodation:

Across Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Fes

After breakfast, take a guided walk through 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 with the local artisans. A skilled craftsman will teach you all about their craft and the kids will love getting 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 get together with the other families and enjoy a local feast of harira (chickpea soup) and chicken-stuffed pastilla with couscous.

Included Activities:

Fes - Medina walking tour
Fes - Pottery making class with a local artisan

Accommodation:

Across Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Midelt

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, and when you arrive, you’ll take a walk through one of the nearby villages to soak up the spectacular scenery. Your local leader will also give an insight into local farming life before you all settle in for a peaceful evening.

Included Activities:

Midelt - walking tour of a Berber village

Accommodation:

Ksar Tinmay (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Sahara Desert

This morning after breakfast, drive into 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 (12.5 mi) 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:

Sahara Desert - Camel ride

Accommodation:

Camp Yasmina Original (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Ait Benhaddou

If you’re game, rise and shine early enough to catch sunrise over the dunes. Then, take a scenic drive past ancient kasbahs, former military outposts, mountains, valleys and fields to Ait Benhaddou, stopping in Ouarzazate for lunch along the way. If Ait Benhaddou looks familiar, it’s because this location was used for many Hollywood blockbusters – be sure to ask your local leader about what’s been filmed here! Once a crucial stop for caravans as they carried salt across the Sahara, today the grand kasbah has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. After your visit this afternoon, the rest of the day is free to relax until your group dinner tonight at the hotel.

Included Activities:

Ait Benhaddou - Panoramic painting lesson
Ait Benhaddou - Kasbah visit

Accommodation:

Ksar Ljanoub (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Imlil

Make your way to the High Atlas Mountains, passing Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260 m/7415 ft 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 1 hour). See a slice of mountain village life, far from the reach of the modern world and arrive in the remote village that sits on a rocky outcrop. This town has amazing views across the High Atlas Mountains and offers 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. Meet the host family and soak up the warm hospitality as you tuck into a dinner of homecooked food, swapping stories and learning about their lives in the village.

Included Activities:

Aroumd - Mule Ride from Imlil to Aroumd

Accommodation:

Riad Dar tagine (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Essaouira

Bread has always been an important element in Amazigh cuisine and today, you’ll watch a bread-making demonstration, tucking into the results 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. Then, head west to 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 skies and the sand of the surrounding beaches and dunes. When you arrive, join your leader for an orientation walk around town. Tonight, maybe catch up with your group over a seafood dinner along the waterfront.

Included Activities:

Essaouira - Leader-led orientation walk
Armed - Bread cooking demonstration

Accommodation:

Hotel Chakir (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Essaouira

Today is a free day for you and the family to explore Essaouira. Everything in the small centre is within walking distance, and the coast is perfect for a beach day or surfing lesson. Why not wander the harbour and its adjacent fish markets, where you can watch the daily auctions. 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!

Accommodation:

Hotel Chakir (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Marrakech

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 as you go. Then, you’ll have free time to explore on your own, picking up souvenirs and finding more hidden gems. 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.

Included Activities:

Marrakech - Medina walking tour

Accommodation:

Hotel Meriem (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Marrakech

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.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $2,495

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 13 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Grab the kids and experience the best of Morocco's many highlights on this 12-day adventure packed with activities for the whole family.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 03 Jan 2027

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Meg

Traveled, March 2024

04/11/2024

I fell in love with Morocco on this trip and I am so glad that I chose to do it with a tour company. If I had visited the country in any other way I would not have learnt, experienced and seen such a wide variety of things. A huge part of our positive experience must be attributed to our tour leader Salim. He elevated what would have been a great trip to something truly exceptional. His knowledge and passion for his country - including its history, landscape and politics - really helped bring context to our experience of his home. His warmth, humour and care for the group was unwavering, even whilst suffering from a cold during Ramadan. Thanks Salim! You made this trip an unforgettable experience for my daughter and I. A brilliant ambassador for Intrepid.

5.0

Rachel

Traveled, December 2023

12/29/2023

This trip is an amazing introduction to travel for your little ones. Everyone in Morocco was so friendly and welcoming!

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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