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. Head to the medina and people watch while you sip a mint tea in Jemaa el-Fna (the main square) or visit the Jardin Majorelle, just a short walk from our hotel. 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. 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.

After breakfast in Marrakech, we hit the road heading toward the rugged peaks and deep valleys of the Toubkal Massif in the High Atlas Mountains. Passing across 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 breathtaking mountain views.

A leisurely start to the day, we'll head out for a scenic walk in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and 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.

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 this famous 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. After lunch, we continue to Sidi Kaouki, a laid-back coastal village just south of Essaouira. Known for its wild beauty, this hidden gem is quickly becoming one of Morocco's top spots for surfing and windsurfing, offering fantastic waves for both beginners and experienced surfers. The total driving time today is around five hours, with stops along the way. Once we've checked into our hotel, we'll take a relaxing sunset stroll along the vast, windswept beach-a perfect way to soak in the peaceful atmosphere before evening sets in. Our off-grid hotel, perched on a hilltop and surrounded by argan trees, offers breathtaking sea views and a true escape from the hustle and bustle. The hotel offers an infinity pool and the simple yet comfortable ensuite rooms and charming courtyard garden provide a cozy and tranquil retreat.

After breakfast we'll come together for a morning camel ride along the beach. The rest of the morning is free to head out for a surf (we'll have a surfing lesson the following day in Essaouira) or enjoy some beach time. After lunch it's a short drive up to Essaouira. The port town is lively yet relaxed 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. We stay in a characterful riad in the old town. This afternoon once we have checked in, 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. The town has a great choice of restaurants to sample in the evening.

This morning, we have a surfing lesson with a qualified instructor. The afternoon is yours to spend however you like. You could hit the waves with a surfboard, 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.

After breakfast, we'll drive back to the Red City of Marrakech, making a stop along the way. The total driving time is around three hours. After checking in to our hotel, we'll head out for lunch after which 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 Bahia Palace, an open-air museum that's famous for its decorated stucco walls and marble floors. 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 Jemaa el-Fna Square, the perfect spot to end our Moroccan adventure.

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).