Trip Style
Comfort
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
18
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
XMFK
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 10 Day Morocco Family Holiday Comfort. Embrace your family’s sense of adventure, without forgoing comfort, on this ten-day tour through the mystical and mesmerising land of Morocco. Explore the French-infused port city of Casablanca, wander the labyrinth of tanneries and spice souks in Fes, discover the rocky landscape of the Atlas Mountains, camp under the starry night sky of the Sahara desert, sip mint tea with locals in Todra Gorge and join the nightly carnival of fortune tellers, performers and acrobats in Marrakech.
From ancient...read more kasbah ruins to colourful bazaars, and all the couscous and tasty tagines in between, your expert guide will ensure you uncover all the highlights while allowing for plenty of free, family time to create treasured memories at your own pace.
From ancient...read more kasbah ruins to colourful bazaars, and all the couscous and tasty tagines in between, your expert guide will ensure you uncover all the highlights while allowing for plenty of free, family time to create treasured memories at your own pace.
Itinerary
Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Morocco. You and your family will be met at Casablanca airport by a local representative and taken to the hotel. There are no activities planned until your welcome meeting at 5 pm. As there's little free time included in Casablanca, it’s recommended you arrive a couple of days early to explore the city. Modelled after Marseille in France, this city is famous for its art deco buildings and the modern-day masterpiece, the Hassan II Mosque. If you do have time to space, maybe wander the old medina and the city walls, then jump in a taxi to visit the Quartiers des Habous – the new medina. You can also walk along the Corniche, watching the locals play football on the beach, or take it easy with a glass of sweet mint tea in one of the many great cafes. (D)
After breakfast, take a guided tour of the impressive Hassan II Mosque before heading to Fes – the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. When you arrive, head into the Old City, known locally as Fes el Bali – arguably the world's most fascinating and confounding Old City. Medieval Fes was one of the world's great centres of education and culture, both Islamic and Jewish. Its religious institutions and libraries are legendary, its mosques of great renown. This afternoon is free, so you might want to relax and take the kids for a swim in the pool. (B)
This morning, you and your family will take a walk through the twisting streets and alleyways of Fes, passing donkeys piled high with goods. Explore the specialty sections that divide the souk, filled with historic khans, madrasas and dye-pits, stalls loaded with fruits, herbs and soups, and where the smell of spice fills the air. Spend the day exploring the Old City, visiting Medersa el-Attarine and the local tanneries. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and maybe spend the evening relaxing in this calming oasis, away from the buzz of the medina. (B)
Today it's time to leave the city behind and embrace the simplicity and beauty of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Journey in a private minibus through fertile valleys, pine forests and barren, rocky landscapes. You may see wandering nomadic shepherds as they tend to their flocks, or even catch a glimpse of barbary apes – North Africa's only monkey – before arriving in Midelt. This is a market town, originally built as a base for mining in the area. It is also surrounded by farms and orchards, so you’ll walk through a Berber village for an insight into the local farming life and also enjoy a special home cooked lunch. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax or enjoy swimming in the hotel pool. (B/L)
Travel by private minivan toward the mighty Sahara, stopping along the way to take in the views of kasbahs and palmeries (lush valleys with date palms, fields and orchards). As you pass through frontier towns like Erfoud and Rissani, you'll see the scenery alternate between barren mountainsides and fertile valleys until you reach the small village of Merzouga. When you arrive, leave your baggage, pack a daypack and saddle up for a one-hour camel ride into the desert at sunset – the kids will love this! Erg Chebbi is home to huge windswept dunes that are quintessential Morocco and tonight you'll sleep in a luxury desert camp under the stars. The locals will prepare a hearty feast tonight, so all you and your family need to do is sit back, relax and take in the Milky Way. (B/D)
Return from the desert and drive to Todra Gorge. On the way, you’ll visit a fossil factory to learn more about the local area before continuing to the beautiful Todra Valley, which follows the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and is dotted with mud-brick villages sitting on hillsides. The remarkable scenery – sprawling green valleys and rocks sculpted into stunning formations by the wind – will be your home for the next two nights. (B/L)
After breakfast, you’ll have some free time to wander and explore the Todra Valley. A guided hike through the gorge and over a nearby mountain pass is highly recommended here – the most popular choice is a 10 km circuit that takes about 4 hours and isn't too challenging if you have a basic level of fitness. On the walk, you'll pass villages and meet locals along the way – you may even get a chance to share a cup of mint tea with some of them! The surrounding mountains and the famous Rose Valley in the distance make for a gorgeous setting. For lunch, join a local family in their home to see how people live in this largely unchanged culture. The rest of the afternoon is then free to hike (if you didn’t in the morning) or simply lounge by the hotel pool with views over the lush palmeries and soaring cliff faces. (B/L)
Today travel south to Ait Benhaddou. The scenic drive will take you past ancient kasbah ruins, former military outposts, mountains and valleys of palm trees. You'll pass through Ouarzazate, where productions such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy and Aladdin were filmed (ask the kids if they recognise anything!). On arrival to Ait Benhaddou you'll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local NGO restaurant. Located between the river and the palm trees, the restaurant is run by an all-women co-op called the Tawesna Association. After lunch have fun learning how to make Moroccan pancakes (baghrir) and other sweet treats with the local women in a hands-on cooking class. Later you will have the opportunity to explore the UNESCO World-Heritage-listed kasbah. Centuries ago, this fine example of clay architecture was an important stop for caravans carrying salt across the Sahara. Tonight enjoy a delicious dinner of Morocco's most famous cuisine: couscous and tagine! (B/L/D)
It's an early morning start as you make the journey to Marrakech – a feast for the senses. Be enticed by the alluring scents and brilliant colours of the spice markets, the sounds of the musicians, the rich folds of carpets, the delicious food and perfumed gardens. The afternoon is free to recharge. In the late afternoon, head to Djemaa el-Fna – one of the largest public spaces in the world. When night falls, it transforms into a hive of activity – henna-painters, performers and storytellers share the square with a street food bazaar, packed with stalls loaded with Moroccan delicacies, including snail soup. Your street food dinner tonight might include some Moroccan pastries with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. Maybe finish your day with a cup of tea on one of the roof-top restaurants overlooking the square. (D)
Your family's adventure comes to an end and there are no activities planned after breakfast. If you have more time, it’s highly recommended you book an additional night in Marrakech to explore this fascinating city further. Maybe take the chance to get to know Moroccan food better with Urban Adventures. Become a spice guru and savour a traditional dinner on ‘A Taste of Marrakech: Inside the Medina’ as a local shares their insider knowledge and shows you the best hidden food souks in the city. Find out more at urbanadventures. com. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Dodge the donkeys, discover the dye pits and embrace the smell of spices as you navigate the mystical alleyways of Fes under the guidance of your expert leader.
- Share a cup of sweet mint tea with Amazigh locals and enjoy a local lunch in a mudbrick kasbah as you explore the unchanged culture and stunning scenery of Todra Gorge.
- Ride a camel over windswept sand dunes at sunset and spend an evening camped under the Sahara’s starry night sky.
- Witness Morocco’s changing landscapes from the comfort of your private minivan – from fertile valleys and lush pine forests to ancient kasbah ruins and the rocky Atlas Mountains.
- Enjoy all the benefits of a knowledgeable local guide, so you can spend more time relaxing, swimming and bonding as a family.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Amal. Donations support them to provide women in Morocco with culinary skills training to help improve livelihoods. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
- Comfortable hotels (8 nights) Luxury Desert Camping (1 night)
- 8 Breakfasts included
- 4 Lunches included
- 4 Dinners included
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
- Intrepid regularly update their itineraries throughout the year based on feedback and local conditions. Therefore the itinerary you see now may differ from when you booked. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.
Brochure
Intrepid Africa (2024-25)
The wide-open plains of Africa are calling you. Get right to the heart of this incredible continent and unearth the magic of the continent with Intrepid. Journey through vast savannahs, encounter majestic wildlife, and immerse in rich tribal cultures. From the pulsating rhythms of bustling markets to the serene beauty of the Sahara, let Intrepid guide...more you through Africa's diverse tapestry of experiences.
Availability
USD
Flexible Deposit
Cancel up to 56 days before departure and your deposit becomes a credit for future travel.
Guaranteed Departures
Your Intrepid trip is guaranteed to depart as soon as one full paying traveler is booked!
Show more dates...
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
