Morocco Family Journey: Ancient Souks to the Sahara

G Adventures · 9 days
Morocco Family Journey: Ancient Souks to the Sahara
Morocco Family Journey: Ancient Souks to the Sahara
Morocco Family Journey: Ancient Souks to the Sahara
9 Days
From AUD $2549
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating

Morocco Family Journey: Ancient Souks to the Sahara

Morocco Family Journey: Ancient Souks to the Sahara

G Adventures · 9 days
Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Discover the magic of Morocco on a journey that takes you from bustling markets to soaring desert dunes. Meet enchanting musicians and storytellers steeped in Amazigh (also known as Berber) heritage, and try your hand at cooking up colourful local dishes.

Highlights

  • Explore a maze of narrow alleys in the walled village of Aït Ben Haddou
  • Learn to cook traditional Moroccan tagine
  • Discover a sea of sand on an expedition into the Sahara
  • Enter a world of color in the medina of Marrakech
  • Experience Morocco’s rich Amazigh (Berber) heritage.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Private air-con minivan/coach, 4x4 vehicle, walking

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Marrakech, Morocco

Finishes

Marrakech, Morocco

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Family, National Geographic Journey

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Marrakech

Welcome to Marrakech–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.
2

Day 2: Marrakech/Ouarzazate

Wind past red slopes and green terraces as we make our way south through the stunning valleys of Morocco's High Atlas Mountains, stopping to enjoy lunch along the way. Arrive in Ouarzazate, known as the “gateway to the Sahara,” and step behind the scenes at a film studio to see how the surrounding dunes have starred on the silver screen.
3

Day 3: Ouarzazate/Merzouga

Today, travel between jagged peaks and palm oases toward the desert town of Merzouga. Settle into our hotel near the incredible Erg Chebbi, a sweeping sea of dunes formed by wind-blown sand. As the sun sets, savour a traditional Amazigh dinner, then spread a blanket on the sand for an evening of desert stargazing.
4

Day 4: Merzouga

This morning, hop aboard a 4x4 and ride across the dunes to discover fossils left behind by an ancient sea, and be entranced by Gnaoua musicians in a local village. Return to the hotel for free time to cool off in the pool. Enjoy a tasty Amazigh dinner, then gather around a glowing bonfire for a storytelling session.
5

Day 5: Merzouga/Dades Gorge

Venture into the rugged landscape of the Dades Gorge, a dramatic and colourful valley carved by the waters of the Dades River. Visit a local village for lunch and enjoy a special dish—traditional Amazigh pizza! Continue to the hotel and enjoy free time to relax.
6

Day 6: Dades Gorge/Aït Ben Haddou

Take a morning walk and learn about the amazing geology behind the weird and wonderful rock formations of the Gorge. Drive through the Ounila Valley to the ancient fortified village of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site where clay houses crowd together in a traditional ksar behind defensive walls. Explore alleyways twisting between historic structures, and stand guard atop the clay brick ramparts, taking in views of the green oasis around this imposing fort. Entertain your taste buds at a hands-on tagine cooking class, followed by a delicious dinner.
7

Day 7: Aït Ben Haddou/Marrakech

Journey through the mountains to Marrakech, known as the “red city” for its walls, houses, and many mosques built from red clay. After checking into your hotel and resting up, head to a local henna workshop to have your hands painted in this ancient temporary tattooing art. Then, explore the lively Djemaa el Fna, an ancient marketplace still used as the main square in Marrakech. After, enjoy free time to discover more of Marrakech.
8

Day 8: Marrakech

Wake up as the call to prayer echoes across the city. After breakfast, set out on a guided walk through the narrow, maze-like streets of the medina, lined with colorful shops brimming with rugs, spices, and much more. Spend the rest of the day exploring Marrakech on your own, or opt to explore the Marjorelle Garden. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner in a traditional riad, a grand house with an elegant interior courtyard.
9

Day 9: Marrakech

Depart at any time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • 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 willdo 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. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

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 $2,549
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Discover the magic of Morocco on a journey that takes you from bustling markets to soaring desert dunes. Meet enchanting musicians and storytellers steeped in Amazigh (also known as Berber) heritage, and try your hand at cooking up colourful local dishes.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 14 Mar 2026

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990