Experience the wonders of Morocco with your family on this captivating highlights tour. Embark on an adventure from the enchanting city of Marrakesh to the breathtaking peaks of the Atlas mountains and indulge in an unforgettable night beneath the stars in the Agafay Desert. Throughout the journey, you’ll have the opportunity to bond with your loved ones while learning to cook delectable Moroccan cuisine together, crafting your own vibrant mosaics, and even soaring high above Marrakesh in a thrilling hot air balloon ride.
Immerse yourselves in the magic of the desert as you ride camels across the golden sands and immerse yourselves in the warm hospitality of the Berber people. The cherished memories created on this journey will be treasured for a lifetime, as you share in the joy of discovery and adventure as a family.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Marrakesh, Private Food Tour | Marrakesh |
| Day 2 | Explore Marrakesh, Anima Garden, Afternoon Tea at the Royal Mansour Hotel | Marrakesh |
| Day 3 | Family Cooking Class at Amal Nonprofit Center, Pottery & Mosaic Workshop | Marrakesh |
| Day 4 | Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Marrakesh, Transfer to Imlil | Imlil |
| Day 5 | Toubkal National Park & the Atlas Mountains, Berber Villages Mule Ride | Imlil |
| Day 6 | Transfer to the Agafay Desert, Berber Village Visit & Camel Ride | Agafay |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Marrakesh & Depart |
Welcome to the vibrant world of Morocco! As-salaam alaykum (may peace be upon you). This North African country is a tapestry of Arab, Jewish, and Berber influences, enriched by its proximity to Spain and a history of French colonization, creating a truly unique and diverse cultural experience. Its family-friendly atmosphere, with a maze of lively souks, kasbahs, dunes, deserts, and beaches, is the perfect setting to spark the curiosity of travelers of all ages.
Upon your arrival, a warm welcome awaits as your private driver greets you and escorts you to your riad, a charming traditional guesthouse nestled in Marrakesh’s medina, the heart of the city where history and culture intertwine through winding alleyways and bustling markets. Your riad is a true oasis, featuring an open-air courtyard with scalloped archways, fountains, and intricate designs, providing respite from the desert heat and often boasting a refreshing plunge pool.
The best way to delve into the delights of Marrakesh is through a guided private food tour. Over the next few hours, savor a variety of traditional delicacies, from Moroccan sweets to authentic and savory tajines, while strolling through the captivating streets of this fascinating city. The tour offers your family a delightful sensory experience, introducing the kids to an array of new flavors and culinary wonders. After the tour, you have the option to explore the bustling souks and charming squares at your leisure or simply unwind and relax with your family at the riad.
Start your day with a delightful breakfast on your sun-filled terrace, preparing for an exciting adventure exploring Marrakesh with the kids. The morning offers a guided tour and interactive treasure hunt, a fun way for the little ones to discover the city’s hidden treasures. Explore the captivating Ben Youssef Madrasa’s architecture, wander through the vibrant souks, and immerse in local traditions that spark their imaginations, making this welcoming city even more enchanting.
For a refreshing lunch break, find a cool and shaded spot before departing the lively city for a unique oasis that blends gardens, sculptures, and art. Your private driver will take you 18 miles (30 km) southwest to the renowned ANIMA Gardens, created by André Heller. Watch the kids joyfully roam through the expansive gardens, adorned with bamboo, palm trees, cacti, interactive sculptures, and masterpieces by Picasso and Keith Haring. Treat yourselves to delectable pastries at Café Paul Bowles within the garden, relishing the breathtaking mountain views from the rooftop.
Returning to Marrakesh, maintain the leisurely ambiance with a luxurious afternoon tea at the Royal Mansour Hotel. Despite its central location next to Djemaa El Fna, the main square and vibrant heart of Marrakesh, the hotel’s interior exudes elegance and tranquility, welcoming children with a special menu featuring a vanilla marshmallow teddy bear! Following tea time, the evening is yours to enjoy as you please.
Take a relaxed morning, but don’t linger too much, as an exciting day awaits you. Your first stop is the Amal Center, a nonprofit organization empowering disadvantaged women through restaurant training and job opportunities. Engage in a child-focused culinary workshop and explore the unique flavors of Moroccan cuisine. A blindfolded spice challenge will entertain the little ones, adding a playful twist to the experience.
As the delightful aromas fill the air, the center’s skilled chefs will guide you and the kids in preparing a sumptuous traditional tajine with flatbreads. While the tajines slowly simmer over the fire, learn about the NGO’s meaningful work and inspiring success stories of the women they support, fostering empowerment and success in the workplace.
After a fulfilling lunch, immerse yourselves in Moroccan art and culture with a pottery and mosaic workshop. Under the guidance of a skilled tutor, you and the kids will master the art of mosaic zellige, intricately cutting and assembling tiles. For younger ones, a pottery workshop offers a fun and hands-on alternative. Applaud the kids’ artistic creations and then head to Djemaa El Fna. From one of the square’s rooftop cafés, enjoy a child-friendly sunset view and listen for the evocative sounds of the evening call to prayer.
Rise and shine for an unforgettable day! Start early with a hot air balloon ride over Marrakesh, soaking in breathtaking views of the mountains as the desert comes alive with the rising sun. Glide over arid hills, charming villages, and lush greenery while savoring a delectable selection of Moroccan pastries. Capture a treasured family selfie amidst the magical morning sky.
Once back on solid ground, bid farewell to Marrakesh as you check out of your riad. Embark on a private transfer to Imlil, nestled in the High Atlas mountains. Keep the kids engaged by spotting local wildlife, perhaps even glimpsing a majestic golden eagle, as you traverse through meadows and valleys en route to Asni. Take a break here to stretch your legs and enjoy a tasty meal before continuing your journey, passing through the stunning Moulay Brahim Gorge, a particularly scenic stretch.
Finally, arrive at your accommodation in the charming village of Imlil, nestled within the heart of Toubkal National Park. Settle in and be welcomed with a refreshing glass of traditional Moroccan mint tea—a true delight. With the early morning adventure behind you, the rest of the day is yours to unwind at leisure. Alternatively, if the hot air balloon ride has sparked your sense of adventure, embark on an easy hike to Armed, the highest and largest Berber village in the valley, immersing yourselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Today, immerse yourselves in the authentic Moroccan rural life, embarking on a journey through traditional Berber villages in the Atlas Mountains—by mule! The kids will be thrilled to meet these patient, strong, and sure-footed creatures while relishing the picturesque views of the peaks and desert that surround you.
For a genuine cultural experience, pause for a delightful lunch in a Berber house, warmly welcomed by a local family known for their hospitality. Engage with your hosts, who will graciously share their fields and farms with you. Discover the fascinating Berber law of “the right of water,” where every family in the village receives water to irrigate their land in exchange for assisting in building the village’s irrigation system and canals. The little ones will delight in feeding the goats, sheep, and cows, and joining in to collect fresh vegetables from the farm.
After a rewarding time with your hosts, enjoy refreshments and further bonding before heading back to Imlil. The evening is yours to spend as you please, cherishing the memories of this enriching day in the Atlas Mountains.
Say goodbye to Imlil today as you and your family venture into the captivating landscape of the Agafay Desert. Capture the mesmerizing scenery with your camera during the two-hour drive, with your driver making stops along the way for you to relish the breathtaking views. If the kids need some playtime, make a stop at the picturesque Ourika Valley. Accompanied by an experienced mountain guide, enjoy an easy 90-minute hike to witness the famous waterfalls of the valley.
Resume your journey towards Agafay, taking a secluded mountain road that weaves through traditional Berber villages, each with its own unique charm. Your next stop will be one of these charming villages, where the warm Berber hospitality awaits. Share a delightful lunch with your hosts and marvel at the stunning vistas over the Sidi Fares Valley. Learn about the process of extracting oil from the native argan fruit, which has gained popularity in the beauty industry, as the Berber women share their traditional practices.
Descending into the Agafay Desert, pass through the picturesque Asni Valley, known for its walnut, almond, and peach trees, with the snow-capped summits of the beautiful Tahnaout Valley in the distance. The excitement builds as you reveal to the kids that your last night in this fascinating country will be spent camping in the sands beneath the starry sky! Settle into your camp and enjoy a warm welcome tea. Surprise the little ones with one final treat—an exhilarating camel ride across the desert. Traverse the arid plateau, basking in the sunset’s glow before returning to camp just in time for a delicious dinner and a cozy campfire beneath the twinkling stars. A perfect ending to your Moroccan adventure!
As the sun rises over the enchanting desert, it marks the end of your memorable journey in Morocco. Relish the final moments of the desert’s beauty before your driver transfers you back to Marrakesh, where your departure awaits.
With cherished memories of the vibrant cities, the majestic Atlas Mountains, and the captivating Agafay Desert, you’ll carry the spirit of Morocco with you as you embark on your onward flight. Safe travels, and until we meet again!
