Family Marrakech, Atlas & Essaouira Adventure

Our tour of Morocco starts in the Red City. With its dusty rooftops, maze-like streets and bustling souks, Marrakech encompasses the essence of Morocco.

There are no activities planned for today, so you're free to arrive at any time and explore the city or relax by the hotel pool. You may wish to head into the medina and people watch while you sip a mint tea in Djemaa el-Fna (the main square) or visit the Jardin Majorelle.

If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), which is around a 20-minute drive from our hotel.

Our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting and then an optional dinner. If you arrive later, they'll catch you up as soon as possible. Stay: Hotel Bleu Sea Le Printemps (or similar) (Comfortable)

After breakfast, we dive straight into the heady delights of Marrakech with a guided walking tour. We'll pass by the rose-coloured Koutoubia (booksellers) Mosque on the way to the Ben Youssef Medrassa, a ornately decorated former Islamic school where we witness first-hand how generations of young Moroccans were educated and the workings of an Islamic school.

We'll fuel up on fresh pastries from a traditional bakery before continuing to the medina on foot. There, we'll be guided through the labyrinth of spice-scented souks, passing by craftsmen selling rugs, leather goods and crockery before dropping by a spice shop. Finally, we'll navigate our way out into the energetic Djemaa el-Fna Square.

This afternoon, we'll have free time to relax by the pool. Then, at around 3pm, we'll head to a craft workshop where there are a choice of activities. Morocco is well known for its thriving pottery industry and we'll see many stalls selling ornately decorated plates, pots, bowls and tagines. During our workshop you can choose either to model a couple of pieces yourself or try your hand at painting ceramics already produced. Full instruction is provided and no previous experience is required. After our workshop your work will need to be fired to ensure it's durable and ready to use, we'll pick up our creations on day seven when we return to Marrakech.

This evening you're free to head into the old city or relax back at our hotel. Stay: Hotel Bleu Sea Le Printemps (or similar) (Comfortable) (B)

After breakfast this morning, we hit the road, heading toward the rugged peaks and deep valleys of the Toubkal Massif in the High Atlas Mountains. Crossing the Haouz Plain, we pass through the market town of Asni before driving into the foothills.

Our first stop is the village of Aguersioual, nestled in a valley that leads up to Mount Toubkal, North Africa's highest peak. We'll take a short stroll through the village before diving into a cooking demonstration, where we'll learn the secrets of Morocco's most famous dish, the tajine. Bursting with flavour, tajines bring together tender chicken or lamb, fresh seasonal vegetables and a mix of olives, prunes, apricots, and an aromatic blend of spices. Don't worry if you're vegetarian, there's plenty of delicious plant-based options too! And of course, no Moroccan meal is complete without fresh fruit and a steaming cup of mint tea. Beyond just great food, this experience gives us a glimpse into the fascinating Berber way of life.

From here, we continue our journey, taking in sweeping views of the Oued Rhirhaia Valley, driving past tiny villages clinging to the steep hillsides as we wind our way toward Ouirgane. The High Atlas, North Africa's most impressive mountain range, has long stood as a natural divide between the northern plains and the pre-Saharan lands. Up here, in their mountain strongholds, the Berbers, often called the Lords of the Atlas, have held onto their traditions for centuries. Unlike the rest of North Africa, their music, dance, language, and customs remain distinct from the rest of the Arab world.

For the next two nights, we'll be staying in a beautiful, locally owned property surrounded by gardens. With a swimming pool and a sun-drenched terrace, it's the perfect place to unwind and soak in the mountain views. Stay: Ouirgane Ecolodge (or similar) (Comfortable) (B/L)

We have a leisurely start this morning. We'll head out for a scenic walk in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, surrounded by traditional mud-brick houses that seem to blend seamlessly into the hillsides.

Situated in a picturesque valley, Ouirgane is a hidden gem beloved by trekkers and nature lovers. Thanks to its unique microclimate, the landscape is filled with terraced fields, fruit orchards, and walnut groves. Our walk takes us through juniper and fir forests, along the river, and into the stunning Toubkal Massif National Park, with the dramatic peaks of the High Atlas as a constant backdrop. If you're visiting in spring, expect a valley bursting with wildflowers.

For lunch, we'll enjoy a warm welcome from a local Berber family, getting a taste of their traditional hospitality and delicious home-cooked food.

After lunch, we continue our walk, soaking in the panoramic views. The total walk time today is around four hours , but it's flexible, we can adjust the route based on the group's pace, local points of interest and weather conditions.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to unwind back at our hotel. Whether you choose to lounge by the hotel pool or relax in the peaceful gardens surrounded by mountain peaks, it's the perfect way to end the day. Stay: Ouirgane Ecolodge (or similar) (Comfortable) (B/L)

Leaving the Atlas Mountains behind, we journey back toward Marrakech before heading west to the coast. Along the way, we'll stop at an Argan oil cooperative, where you can see firsthand how the oil is produced and maybe even pick up a bottle or two.

Next, we make a special stop at Le Domaine du Val d'Argan in Ounagha, Morocco's southernmost winery. Though Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, its winemaking roots stretch all the way back to the Roman Empire, and today, it produces some excellent wines. While most vineyards are found in the north around Meknes, Val d'Argan is a standout, known for its high-quality wines with a distinctive character.

We'll settle in for a leisurely outdoor lunch in the shade, savoring fresh salads, warm breads, a selection of meats and fish and seasonal, locally sourced vegetables-all perfectly paired with a glass of wine from the vineyard. And if you're looking to cool off before the meal, there's a swimming pool where both kids and adults can take a refreshing dip - so don't forget to bring your swimming costumes.

After lunch, we continue to Essaouira and check in to our hotel, close to the old town. The rest of the day is free. Feel free to meander back into the medina to shop for unique souvenirs, or soak up the atmosphere in the galleries and cafés of the souk. If you're a foodie, don't miss the fresh fish stalls at the harbour front, where you can sample the catch of the day straight off the grill. Stay: Hotel Al Jasira (or similar) (Comfortable) (B/L)

Essaouira is a relaxed port town with its whitewashed houses and traditional fishing boats and an extensive beach. British, French, Arab and Jewish influences from the 18th and 19th centuries are still reflected in the architecture and town's layout today. The coastline running down from Agadir to Essaouira is well known for its surfing opportunities and this morning we take to the waves with a surf lesson led by a qualified instructor.

Waves ridden, we'll dive into the heart of Essaouira's old medina and its lively fishing port with a local guide. Strolling through the narrow alleyways, we'll pass traditional craft stalls brimming with handmade treasures before ending up on the historic ramparts, where stunning panoramic views of the old town and rugged coastline await.

In the late afternoon, we'll head back to the beach for a camel ride across the sands. Then, this evening, you\ re free to sample one of the many restaurants in town. Stay: Hotel Al Jasira (or similar) (Comfortable) (B)

This morning, enjoy your final few hours in Essaouira before we board our bus and head back to Marrakech.

We'll leave the coast behind and head back inland to Marrakech, a few hours' drive away. Once we've arrived in the Red City, we'll pick up our pottery from the craft workshop and then check into our hotel. The afternoon is free for you to explore as a family.

You might want to head back into the medina to take in local life wandering past vendors selling everything from doughnuts to fabrics, meander through the maze-like markets, where vendors call out to sell their wares, and enjoy the sounds and scents of the souks.

In the evening, we'll have a final group meal and toast to the end of our Moroccan adventure. Stay: Hotel Bleu Sea Le Printemps (or similar) (Comfortable) (B)

Our tour of Morocco ends at our hotel in Marrakech

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer, you need to depart from Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK). (B)