Morocco Family Immersion Vacation

From the markets of Marrakech to the sunny Sahara, Morocco offers an authentic immersion into the culture of North Africa. The winding cobbled streets filled with colorful textiles and wafting scents of spices make the perfect landing place in Morocco and a great way to start our journey. Stay at a refurbished, upscale riad, a traditional palace in the medina (Old City), which gives you immediate access to the activity of the souks (markets) while offering a peaceful respite as well. Nearby, the town square is awash with vendors, snake charmers, henna tattoo artists and more! On one evening, take a tour of the markets to buy supplies for our cooking class and then feast on what we have created.

After three nights in this vibrant city, we head east to the soaring canyons of Dades and Todra gorges. The red stone walls stretch to the blue skies showing off the many colors of Morocco. Enjoy a hike near Dades before continuing to the edge of the Sahara desert where we hop on camels for a trek to a traditional Bedouin camp. Upon arrival try your hand at sand boarding. Spend the night under the stars (actually in luxurious tents) in the dunes of the Sahara with a scrumptious dinner prepared by our hosts. After dinner, perhaps hike to the top of the dunes to see the stars or learn to play some of the local instruments in a campfire sing-a-long.

Then, head back to the west through the gorgeous Atlas Mountain where we may meet its famous residents: monkeys. And then on to Casa Blanca for some relaxation on the Atlantic Coast.

Day 1: 

Arrive Marrakech. Enjoy a half day free upon arrival to discover this vibrant city also known as the “Red City” because of its pink-tinted buildings. Visit the souks, and plunge into the excitement of the place Djemâa El-Fna Square in the heart of Morocco.

Day 2: 

Full day tour of Marrakech including a horse-drawn carriage ride around the city ramparts and lunch. You will visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the Majorelle Garden, the 16th century Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace, and the Dar Si Saïd Palace, a museum of jewelry, kaftans, leatherwork, carpets, chests and doors.

Day 3: 

Join a chef for a walk through the food markets picking fresh ingredients to take to a cooking class where you will learn to cook traditional Moroccan food. At the end of the class, relish your creations in a Moroccan feast.

Day 4: 

Depart Marrakech and travel over the Tizi n' Tichka Pass while enjoying superb views of the High Atlas Mountains and of the Berber villages. Stop for lunch and tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Benhaddou that is situated on a hill along the Ouarzazate River. This beautiful example of southern Moroccan architecture has been used as a backdrop for over 20 films including Lawrence of Arabia, Jewel of the Nile, The Mummy, and The Gladiator. You will continue towards the El Kelaa M'gouna (Valley of the Roses), and the Dadès Valley (Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs). Stay overnight in a hotel right by the Dadès Gorges and enjoy the evening with a Moroccan dinner.

Day 5:  

Dades Valley to Rose Valley & Mountain Trek (Ait Youl 1606m- Isommar) (3 hrs walk) Today you'll meet with the muleteer team then start the trek and straight away in the Tamassint plateau will enjoy spectacular views of this delightful valley as you walk towards the small village of Ait M'Rao. Have lunch then continue to cross the Mgoun Valley and return to Dades Gorge.

Day 6:

 After breakfast, you will depart for Todra Gorge. Its 66 ft wide entrance, bubbling clear stream and its 1000 ft high rock walls stretch 325 ft back on either side and is the most stunning part of the canyon. The narrow valley is lined with palmery and up on the rocks you may see the Nomad families tending sheep and goats. Perhaps, you will spot the eagles that nest in the Todra and other amazing birds. You will have lunch in the Gorge. Then, travel further into the desert to the tiny village of Merzouga, where you will begin your camel trek into the beautiful Erg Chebbi dunes at the start of the Sahara Desert. You will spend the evening in a traditional Bedouin bivouac (camp), enjoy a Moroccan dinner, and sleep in traditional Nomad tents.

Day 7: 

Wake-up to a spectacular sunrise in the desert and enjoy breakfast. Bivouac trekkers will return by camel and continue to Rissani where you will visit the local Market then continue to Erfoud, Ziz Valley, Errachidia, and the Middle Atlas Mountains, our destination for the night.

Day 8: 

In the morning, continue to Meknes through the mountains of the Middle Atlas, and the cedar forests of Azrou where you will have the opportunity to wander amongst the famous Moroccan monkeys in their natural environment. Explore the Medina of Meknes with its beautiful Tomb of Moulay Ismail, The Granary, The Square of Lehdim, and the Gate of Bab al Mansour. You will have the opportunity to explore the souks and relax in one of the Square cafés. After lunch, drive to Casablanca, our destination for the night.

Day 9: 

After breakfast, an optional sightseeing tour of the economic capital of Casablanca includes the impressive Mosque of Hassan II, opened in 1993, and second only in size to the great mosque at Mecca. It can accommodate 25,000 worshippers and is one of the only religious sites open to non-Muslims by the beautiful Corniche seaside. Take a moment to catch your breath and to admire the serenity of the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy the afternoon at the beach.

Day 10: 

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Includes:

- 9-nights accommodation

- All in-country transfers with the group in air-conditioned van

- English speaking guides on all days

- All breakfasts, one lunch and five dinners

- Full day tours with local guides in Marrakech, Meknes and Casa Blanca (1/2 day in Casa Blanca)

- Guided day tours of Aït Benhaddou/High Atlas Mountains, Meknes/Middle Atlas Mountains, Dades Valley, Todra Gorge, 

- Cooking class

- Sand-boarding

- Camel trekking

- Guided hike

- Overnight luxury camping (tents have furniture and attached private bathroom) in Beduoin camp

Does not include:

- International airfare

- Expenditures of a personal nature such as gratuities, beverages, laundry, etc

- Passport/visa services and/or fees

- Travel insurance

Payment Schedule:

Deposit: $500 per person due to hold space

Second Payment: 50% of balance due 60 days after deposit

Final Payment: 50% of balance due 120 days after deposit

Cancellation Policy:

Deposit: Non-Refundable

Remainder of payments:

Up to 200 days prior to tour departure: 50% refundable

199 to 120 days prior to tour departure: 25% refundable

119 days to date of departure: 0% refundable

Pricing and itinerary subject to change due to currency fluctuation and availability.