Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Morocco – Marrakech – Agafay Desert – Ourika – Essaouira
100% customisable for you
Gather the little ones, pack the bags and have passports at the ready: your family adventure to Morocco begins today. Head to the airport, speed through security and enjoy some coffee (or juice) in the airport lounge before hopping on your flight to Marrakech. The flight is just shy of four hours, but don’t worry: we’ll provide tailored fun packs for the youngsters to keep them entertained (and quiet) on the flight.
You’ll touch down in Marrakech early this evening, where a private transfer will whisk you to your accommodation for your first taste of Moroccan cuisine and fresh mint tea. While the little ones might be excitable, try to get an early night before tomorrow’s jam-packed day of discovery.
This morning, fuel up with a traditional Moroccan breakfast before heading out for your first activity: biking through Marrakech’s medina (old town). This red-walled UNESCO World Heritage site is something to behold, and we think zooming around its labyrinthine streets on two wheels is the best (and most enjoyable) way for the family to experience the hustle and bustle.
This afternoon’s activity? A private guided tour of the city’s legendary souq (on foot this time). From visiting historic weaving workshops to meeting shoemakers and other artisans, you’ll encounter fascinating local characters. Whether there are budding carpenters or little fashion designers among you, be sure to let your enthusiastic local guide know what you’re most excited to see. The tour also includes entry to the Dar Si Said Museum, a treasure trove celebrating the city's culture and history.
This evening, wander around the glorious Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakech’s main square, marvelling at everything from snake charmers to storytellers.
Enjoy a tasty breakfast in Marrakech this morning before being privately transferred to the Agafay Desert, under an hour’s drive away. Here, the family will spend a day exploring the desert before a night sleeping at a luxurious camp in the heart of the desert, with the Atlas Mountains as a beautiful backdrop.
There’s plenty of fun for all the family here, be it hiking, biking or riding your way across the arid landscape. Back at camp, excitable children can splash around in the bio-designed swimming pool, and parents can indulge in a relaxing massage. For dinner, southern Moroccan cuisine is served al fresco, and guests then gather around the cosy firepit for a cup of mint tea before admiring a light pollution-free night sky.
Calling adventure seekers large and small: it’s time for an action-packed day in the desert. Kick off this morning with an adrenaline-fuelled buggy ride across the arid landscape. Traverse the rocky dunes and rugged trails as a family team before returning to camp for a delicious lunch.
You’ve tried a buggy, but what about a camel? While it’s not quite as adrenaline-fuelled as this morning’s excursion, camel riding through the serene desert is an amazing experience for children and parents alike. Led by your guide, make sure to stop occasionally to take in the magic of the desert (and snap an action shot of the little ones, of course).
After today’s desert fun, it’s time to head to your next destination. Bundle the children into a private transfer heading to Ourika, just under two hours’ drive away. You’ll be spending two nights here, so check in and flop into bed, ready for more adventures tomorrow.
Rise and shine, as this morning you’ll be discovering the gorgeous Ourika Valley, a region renowned for its waterfalls. Your adventure will include jumping, sliding and abseiling, so strap in for an unforgettable experience alongside an experienced instructor.
After descending the Tazitounte Canyon in wetsuits, harnesses and ropes (silly selfies are a must), navigate the wadi (river) bed, surrounded by waterfalls, natural pools and lush vegetation. The descent will take around two hours, so stop for a well-deserved picnic by the edge of the Ourika wadi.
This afternoon, leave wetsuits and waterfalls behind and visit a local pottery workshop for a demonstration. Aside from its waterfalls, the Ourika Valley is also known for its high-quality pottery, and your guide will share a few ceramic secrets before giving everyone a chance to try their hand at the pottery wheel.
Back at the lodge, enjoy a hammam steam room to ease any aching muscles.
Today, you’re swapping the mountains for the coast as you’re privately transferred four hours to the laidback port city of Essaouira. You’ll be staying here for three nights in a charming family-friendly riad, just a short walk away from some sandy beaches – perfect if the little ones need to let off steam after the car journey.
Come evening, stroll along the sand or head into town to wander the bustling souq – our clued-up Concierge is on hand to recommend any hidden gems or top restaurants.
After a tasty Moroccan breakfast this morning (fresh bread and cheeses, anyone?), it’s time to head out on a tour of Essaouira. Alongside your friendly guide, wander the UNESCO-listed medina’s narrow streets, stopping at souqs and street vendors for a few mid-morning snacks.
All that walking will build up an appetite, but we’ve just the activity to help: a Moroccan pastry workshop. This afternoon, join a local home baker in a hands-on Moroccan biscuits class. Learn to make traditional recipes, including shortbread and almond biscuits, before washing down your freshly baked treats with fresh mint tea. As you bake and eat, chat with your guide about everyday life and learn about The Women's Charity Association El Khir (AFBK), which supports the workshop by hiring local women.
If you've still got room for dinner, consult our Dossier for the tastiest tagine in town.
It’s your final full day in Morocco, so let’s make it one to remember. After breakfast, bundle the children into a private transfer heading south to the waterfalls of Sidi M’Barek, around half an hour’s drive away. Here, you'll be led by an experienced guide along a well-marked route, passing through a lush green landscape to reach the picturesque falls. Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch as a family before being transferred back to Essaouira.
This afternoon, you can all try your hand at some watersports, whether you’d prefer some gentle boogie boarding or some more intense surfing or kitesurfing.
Come evening, make the most of your last night in Morocco, whether that’s picking up any final souvenirs in the souq, strolling along the beach, or wandering the medina.
This morning, you might have to tear the children away from their breakfasts-with-a-view to return to Marrakech for your flight home. Pass the two-and-a-half hour drive looking at photos from your trip and discussing the family’s adventure holiday highlights (we’re betting camels and biscuits will feature).
Once you arrive at the airport, enjoy one last taste of Moroccan fare in the airport lounge before boarding your four-hour flight back to the UK. There’s only one question left: where to next?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
