Morocco Family Adventure & Beach

Saturday. Upon arrival at Marrakech airport you will be met and transferred to our hotel. The Welcome Meeting at 18:00 this evening provides the opportunity to meet your guide and fellow travellers before dinner.

Marrakech - Ait Benhaddou. This morning we travel across the High Atlas Mountains en route to legendary Ait Benhaddou, a fortified village situated along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. Granted UNESCO World Heritage listing, this ancient site has been the setting for many films including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. After lunch there's time to relax by the hotel pool before we enjoy a guided tour of this remarkable site, exploring the ancient winding alleys, towers and kasbahs - a handful of which remain inhabited today.

Ait Benhaddou - N'kob. After breakfast, we travel to the Berber Oasis of N'kob, located at the foot of the Jebel Saghro mountains, nestled amongst the exotic palmeries. The journey will take us through the Anti Atlas ranges to cross The Draa Valley which is famous for its dates and we can stop and try some fresh ones en route. Upon arrival we have time to explore N’kob’s 45 mudbrick ksour’s (fortified village) and learn about Ait Atta Nomad’s and their way of life. We can also take a walk through the Palmerie where you can soak up the stunning views and then have tea in a local family’s home or you can head back to the hotel to relax for the afternoon.

N'kob - Merzouga. This morning we head towards the Sahara Desert, stopping for lunch en route and in the summer there may be time for a relaxing swim. In Merzouga we transfer to our camels for an incredible trek across the vast Erg Chebbi dunes for a night at our authentic Berber Camp. An experience that is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on travellers young and old! We enjoy a relaxing evening in the desert; we can scale the giant sand dunes and watch an incredible sunset before settling down to enjoy local food and listen to Berber music. Tonight we camp under the glittering Saharan stars.

Merzouga - Todra Gorge. Leaving the desert, we continue our journey to Todra Gorge. This 1000ft gorge is hemmed in on all sides by vertical limestone cliffs and is known as Morocco’s Grand Canyon. From its plunging depths to dizzying heights, the charm of Todra lies in its changing colours as the sun slowly moves from east to west. This afternoon there will be time to explore the gorge and we visit a Berber cooperative to see how Berber carpets are made.

Todra Gorge - Ouarzazate. This morning we head off along the road of The Roses Valley en route to Ouarzazate - the Hollywood of North Africa. The Roses Valley is famous for its roses and there will be the opportunity to stop to see the variety of the rose products which are produced. This afternoon there's an optional visit to Ouarzazate's famous film studios which have been used for films such as The Kingdom of Heaven, Alexander the Great, The Last Temptation of Christ and The Living Daylights.

Ouarzazate - Marrakech. Today we make an incredible journey over the Atlas mountains back to Marrakech. The afternoon is free to spend at leisure before we head out for dinner at one of the restaurants in Djemaa el Fna Square, the exuberant market place which literally springs to life in the evenings. Filled with spicy aromas, exotic music, market stalls, snake charmers, magicians, storytellers and more, it is undoubtedly the liveliest and most captivating attraction in Morocco!

Marrakech. This morning you can enjoy an optional guided tour of Marrakech, alternatively you can explore the city yourself or relax by the pool. Marrakech has some amazing places to explore, the winding streets and bustling souks, visiting Bahia Palace, the Jewish Quarter and the beautiful Koutoubia Mosque - the landmark of Marrakech, which towers over the ancient Medina.

Marrakech - Essaouira. This morning we take a public bus to Essaouira (private transfer for larger groups). With a laid-back feel Essaouira is Morocco’s hippest coastal town. The windswept fishing port, broad beaches and ancient walled medina with ramparts built into the cliff have long been a favourite refuge for artists, sculptors, food lovers, surfers and backpackers. The medina surrounded by a fortress with 5 main gates you can navigate by, has retained its traditional styles and is laden with quirky shops, coffee houses, antiques, art studios, calligraphers, t-shirt designers and souvenir curios.

There’s a relaxed feel to the place and shopping here is a real delight. Locals and visitors alike enjoy strolling along the ramparts as the sun sets. The port is a hive of activity with fishing boats hauling in their daily catch.

Opt for a swim in the Atlantic, a game of football on the beach with the locals, an afternoon at the hammam, wind surfing or kite surfing (very cool to watch, even if you’d rather not participate yourself). The beach is also great for a stroll and since it runs for about 6 miles (10km) there’s plenty of it. By nightfall sit back and relax at any one of the many al fresco cafes, pubs or bars serving cold beer and the freshest seafood. Free time to explore Essaouira, try a hammam and practice your bargaining skills in the souks.

Enjoy a free day relaxing on the beach, topping up your tan, shopping in the quaint village souk or choose from a number of exciting optional activities such as quad biking, horse riding, surfing or wind surfing available about town.

Essaouira - Marrakech. This morning offers free time for you relax before we leave mid-morning for our return to delightful Marrakech (by public bus for small groups) for the final night. Take the opportunity for a final spot of shopping in Djemaa el Fna or head out with the group for a final dinner.

Our Moroccan adventure finishes after breakfast, goodbyes and farewells to new found friends.