Best of Morocco Family Holiday
Best of Morocco Family Holiday
Best of Morocco Family Holiday
12 Days Starting in Casablanca and ending in Marrakech
Visiting: Casablanca, Meknes, Fes, Midelt, Merzouga, Ait Benhaddou, Imlil, Essaouira, Marrakech
Tour operator:
Tour code:
XMFB
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Physical rating:
Low, Low
Age range:
5-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
From:
$1335 (USD)Tour Overview
Take your family to experience the best of Morocco's many highlights on this 12-day trip that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. Explore the rich history of Meknes, take part in a fun pottery class in bustling Fes, wander the streets of colourful medinas and witness one of the best sunsets of your life from a camel’s back in the Sahara Desert. From camels to 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, kick back on an optional beach day and then top it all off with colourful Marrakech, where you can dine on tasty street food from the bazaar and watch street performers from the famed Djemaa el-Fna.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Casablanca
Location: Casablanca
Accommodation: Hotel Imperial or similar (1 night)
Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Casablanca, Morocco – a city modelled after Marseille and famous for its art deco buildings and, of course, the Humphrey Bogart and Ingred Berman classic. Your family adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm. If you have time, a trip to the Hassan II Mosque is a definite highlight of the city – or why not wander around the old medina, watch the locals play football on the beach or sip a glass of sweet mint tea in one of the many cafes? There’s lots to see and do here, so it’s recommended that you arrive a few days earlier and soak up everything Casablanca has to offer.
Day 2: Meknes
Location: Meknes
Accommodation: Hotel Swani or similiar (1 night)
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
After breakfast this morning, you and the family will catch a train from Casablanca to Meknes – one of Morocco's four historical capital cities. Foreign trains are always exciting, especially for the kids, so why not play eye as you watch the scenery pass you by along the way? When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk around town with an opportunity to have lunch at a local cafe in the medina, then the rest of the day is free to explore as a family. Sultan Moulay Ismail turned Meknes from a provincial town into a spectacular Imperial city during the 17th century, and you can now visit his immense Heri es Souani granary and crumbling palaces. Dinner if free for you to explore and find a nice local restaurant for some delicious tagine or barbequed meats.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Fes
Location: Fes
Accommodation: Hotel Across or similar (1 night)
Meals Included: breaksfast
Travel through rolling hills and olive groves to the archaeological site of Volubilis this morning. This World Heritage site was once a provincial Roman capital, a distant outpost of the empire, and the remains are impressive to say the least. Take a tour around the ruins with a local guide, checking out the buildings and fantastic mosaics along the Decumanus Maximus. Continue to Fes, where you’ll spend the next two nights. This is the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. It's vibrant, noisy, fascinating and a feast for the senses with a huge, well-preserved Old Town that's the mother of all medinas. 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.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Fes
Location: Fes
Accommodation: Hotel Across or similar (1 night)
Meals Included: breaksfast
After breakfast, take a guided walking tour of the Old City, known locally as Fes el Bali. Step back into the Middles Ages as you explore the labyrinth of the medina, which buzzes with craftspeople, markets, tanneries and mosques. This isn't your average shopping centre – donkeys pass through the car-free streets piled high with goods. Watch some traditional potters at work in a ceramics victory and then head to a cosy pottery workshop to make something of your own! Experience the art of this craft with a pottery class from the skilled craftsman, all while supporting the local artisans. 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 the clay. After, explore the speciality sections of the souq and spend some time overlooking the dye pits at the Chauwara Tannery. Tonight, you’re free to find the best spot for dinner. Maybe get together with the other families and enjoy a delicious feast of harira (chickpea soup) and chicken-stuffed pastilla with couscous.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Midelt
Location: Midelt
Accommodation: Ksar Timnay or similar (1 night)
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. Arrive in Midelt, a market town originally built as a base for mining and surrounded by farms and orchards. Take a walk exploring the village of Bremmem for an insight into the local farming life, or perhaps check out an optional traditional music performance in Midelt’s heart.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Merzouga
Location: Merzouga
Accommodation: Desert camp (1 night)
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
This morning after breakfast, take a private transfer to the mighty Sahara, with plenty of chances to stop and take in the views of kasbahs and palmeries – lush valleys with date palms, fields and orchards. As you pass through towns like Erfoud and Rissani, you'll see the scenery change between barren mountainsides and fertile valleys until you reach the small Saharan village of Merzouga. On arrival, leave your baggage, pack a daypack and saddle up for a one-hour camel ride into the desert at the Erg Chebbi dunes – huge windswept dunes located just 20 kilometres 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 plays across them and sets off the deep colours of the desert. Tonight, you’ll camp out in traditional style under the North African stars. Try some fantastic local cuisine while you sit around an open fire, enjoying lively music and dancing under the night sky.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Ait Benhaddou
Location: Ait Benhaddou
Accommodation: Ksar Ljanoub or similar (1 night)
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. Today, its grand kasbah has been listed as a World Heritage site and you'll enjoy a tour of it in the afternoon. Game of Thrones, Gladiator and many more blockbusters were also filmed here! For dinner, enjoy some classic Moroccan tajine and couscous.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Imlil
Location: Imlil
Accommodation: Gite Tagine (1 night)
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
This morning after breakfast, make your way to the High Atlas Mountains, passing Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2260 metres above sea level!) and Toubkal National Park. Along the way, pass snow-capped mountains and valleys in full flower – there will be some great photo ops here! 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. Perched on a rocky outcrop, Imlil offers stunning 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: Hotel Chakir or similar (1 night)
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning, enjoy a bread making demonstration for breakfast and if the kids feel up to it, maybe 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. This artists' town was once home to sizeable British and Jewish populations, and its charm has seduced people like Orson Welles and Jimi Hendrix, who (according to local legend) spent much of his time here in the 1960s. As you will arrive in the afternoon, there will be still some time for exploring. Your tour leader will guide you through some options for the rest of the day. Observing the daily seafood auctions is always a fun thing to do, and you might like to visit one of the small local cafes and do a spot of people watching. In the evening, maybe catch up with your group to share a seafood dinner.
Included Activities:
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Day 10: Essaouira
Location: Essaouira
Accommodation: Hotel Chakir or similar (1 night)
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 witness the daily auction? A fresh-cooked plate of the day's catch is highly recommended. Browse some of the many shops and art galleries where unique local pieces are on display. This town is also becoming renowned for its burled Thuya wood, delicately formed and inlaid in tiny shops. The scent from the oils used to polish the richly coloured wood permeates the air and makes walking through the streets incredibly rich for the senses.
Included Activities:
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Day 11: Marrakech
Location: Marrakech
Accommodation: Hotel Meriem or similar (1 night)
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Leaving Essaouira behind, journey inland to Marrakech. Enjoy an afternoon walking tour of the city centre with your leader when you arrive, taking in the main sights on your way to the sprawling Djemaa el-Fna 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 you are almost certain to be tempted by some of the extraordinary merchandise on display – maybe a pair of traditional Moroccan slippers or some spices? The market almost has the atmosphere of a medieval fair – so the kids are sure to love it. Street performers vie to entertain you and there are so many sights, sounds and smells to draw you in. In the evening, wonderful 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!
Day 12: Marrakech
Location: Marrakech
Meals Included: breaksfast
Your family adventure comes to an end this morning. There are no activities planned for the final day and you’re free to depart the accommodation at any time.
What's Included
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Marrakech - Medina walking tour
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Meknes - Medina walking tour
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Sahara Desert - Camel ride
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Ait Benhaddou - Kasbah visit
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Volubilis - Entrance and guided tour
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Fes - Medina walking tour
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Accommodation
Hotel (8 nights), Camping (1 night)
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Transport
Minivan, Train
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Meals
9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
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Fes - Pottery making class with a local artisan
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
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.
Transport
- Minivan , Train
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
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) where you will be in shared accommodation 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.
Check out our Q&As
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Are international flights included in this tour?
No
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, except optional activities
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes if aged 15+ and accompanied by an adult
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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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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details. -
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