Morocco Family Holiday

Salaam alaikum! Welcome to Morocco. Your adventure begins in Marrakech – a feast for the senses and a world of spice markets, Amazigh music, carpets, acrobats and perfumed gardens. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 5 pm to meet your leader and the other families. If you have an arrival transfer booked, please look for a representative when you arrive at the airport. Your hotel is located just outside the city walls around the old medina, about a 30-minute walk to the main square, Djemaa El Fna – the largest public square in the world. It's also near lots of local shops and restaurants, so there’s plenty to do if you arrive early. After your meeting, why not head out to dinner with the group and get to know each other.

Today's adventure begins with a drive over the High Atlas Mountains to the village of Imlil – the largest village in the Mizane Valley. You’ll store your main luggage here, before continuing on foot to the traditional mountain village of Aroumd with your daypack. If you don't feel comfortable with the walk, your leader can arrange a mule for you to ride instead (the kids will surely love the mule ride!). Perched on a rocky outcrop, the remote village of Aroumd offers views across the High Atlas Mountains and a unique opportunity to experience traditional Amazigh culture. Spend tonight in a family-run mountain home (gite) in Aroumd. Surrounded by the smell of woodstoves and bread, you’ll meet the host family, watch a bread-making demonstration and enjoy some traditional food together.

After breakfast, you'll travel up the coast to Essaouira – a city where the medina brushes up against the Atlantic Ocean. This town with a thriving art scene was formerly a Portuguese trading colony and was once home to sizeable British and Jewish populations. The town sits opposite the rocky Mogador Island and is fringed by sandy beaches and dunes. It remains a busy fishing port with its iconic harbour filled with colourful fishing boats. You’ll arrive in the early afternoon, then the rest of the day is free for you to start exploring. Maybe wander the market stalls and narrow streets filled with the finest local produce and artisanal wares or ask your leader for the best local spots for you and the kids to try Essaouira’s renowned seafood.

Head to Essaouira Beach this morning – it’s time to catch some waves! Spend this morning testing out your skills during a surfing lesson. The gentle waves and relaxed atmosphere make this beach a great surfing spot for all skill levels, including first-time surfers and families. After your lesson, the rest of the day is free for you and your family to discover more of Essaouira. You could wander along the harbour, browse the fish markets, go for a leisurely stroll along the beach or visit the boutiques and art galleries in the medina. Essaouira is very walkable, so take your time and soak up the laidback coastal atmosphere.

Say goodbye to Essaouira and travel inland to reach the rocky desert landscapes of Agafay. When you arrive, take some time to settle into your desert camp. Later this afternoon, you’ll go on a camel ride at sunset – this is an excellent vantage point to take in the wide-open scenery and views of the Atlas Mountains as the desert changes colours and night falls. Look to the skies to take in the beautiful display of stars above you, maybe pointing out a constellation or two. Enjoy an evening at your camp, surrounded by the vast desert landscape.

Leaving Agafay behind, journey back to Marrakech. Join your leader for an afternoon walking tour of the city centre, taking in the main sights on your way to the sprawling Djemaa El Fna main square and souq. 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 it’s almost certain you’ll be tempted by some of the merchandise on display – maybe a pair of traditional Moroccan slippers or some spices. The kids will love the variety of fortune tellers and jugglers moving about the crowd. For dinner this evening, consider returning to the souq, where delicious smells waft by as food stalls and restaurants cook up local delicacies.

There are no further activities planned and your adventure comes to an end this morning. If you have arranged a departure transfer, you’ll be advised of the pick-up time. If you’d like to extend your stay in Marrakech, and it’s highly recommended you do, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.