Morocco Family Discovery Tour - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Tangier

Welcome To Tangier! Your local driver and guide will collect you from the airport and transfer you to your riad, a traditional Moroccan accommodation. Enjoy a welcome tea and take some time to relax, then head out to explore a bit. This northwestern port city, located on the Strait of Gibraltar, has been a strategic gateway between Africa and Europe since ancient times. Modern Tangier maintains its importance as a trade center, with road and rail connections across the country, regular ferries to and from Europe, and an international airport. 

While taking a guided tour tomorrow, you can head to the medina today to get a head start on immersing yourself in the local culture. Wander the narrow streets and stop in at some of the local shops, or grab a bite to eat. You can also take the kids down to the beach area and stroll along the shore before returning to your riad for the evening. 

Day 2: Explore Tangier, Hercules Caves

Your guide will take you around the city today, starting in the medina (old town), where you'll explore its labyrinth of commercial and residential alleyways. Wander around Petit Socco Square, known for its buzzy markets, craft shops, and cafés. This is a great place to grab a bite to eat or people-watch. While there, the kids will get to visit with a real-life snake charmer! Their jaws will drop as the charmer, and his two tambourine-tapping assistants entice a live snake to rise up out of its basket, and they can pose for pictures with lifelike plastic snakes.  

Afterward, pass through Bab Haha (a historic gate with sea views) and visit Place du Mechouar, as well as the 15th-century Portuguese Tangier Kasbah (fortified castle). And for an incredible view over the city, visit the cannons at Faro Square and savor scenes of the harbor and bay. From here, you'll head to the beach, where the kids can hop on a camel and take a short ride along the shore. The saddles do not have safety harnesses, so make sure your kids are old enough to hold on tightly! 

If you've got mythology buffs in the family, visit the Caves of Hercules. Located just over 8 miles (14 km) from the city center, mythology has it that Hercules retired there once his exploits were completed and that he created the Strait of Gibraltar by moving the nearby mountains. In reality, the caves were likely dug during the Neolithic period, and the rock was used for various works and tools. 

Day 3: Day Trip to Asilah 

Visit the colorful city of Asilah today. Your private transfer will take you about 28 miles (45 km) south of Tangier to what is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Morocco. Upon arrival, enjoy exploring the beauty of the city's walls, relaxing at endless beaches with crystal clear waters, and experiencing the hospitality of its kind inhabitants. The kids will love the brightly colored walls and murals, and you can visit numerous craft shops for handmade souvenirs. If you happen to be here in the spring, the city comes alive with various festivals and cultural celebrations, making for a fun afternoon for the whole family! 

Day 4: Transfer to Chefchaouen, Explore the Blue City 

It's off to Morocco's famed "Blue City" today, Chefchaouen. Your driver will transport you in the morning, a drive of approximately 2.5 hours that takes you through many small towns, and you'll be able to enjoy watching the flat plains and springtime green hills transform into the rugged landscape of the Rif mountains. After settling into your accommodation, head out to explore Chefchaouen, or "Chaoeun," as the locals call it. Founded in 1471, this blue-washed mountain village remains quaint and picturesque, with an artsy, relaxed vibe. 

Start in the old medina, where you'll find red-tiled roofs, those iconic bright-blue buildings, and narrow lanes converging on Plaza Uta el-Hammam. Peruse the nearby souks (markets) or head to the Grand Mosque and Kasbah. Although non-Muslims can't enter the mosque, you're free to visit the Kasbah Museum to learn about the history and see artifacts or tour the attached gardens, which have shaded benches, fountains, and a children's play area. Due to all the steps in the medina, there are no cars or motorcycles allowed, so the kids are free to run and play up and down the walkways. 

Later, head down to the river at the northeastern edge of town, where you'll meet local families selling freshly squeezed juices. There are also souvenir stands here, and you'll find people with traditional Moroccan hats and clothing on hand, ready to dress you up for some fun family photos! And if the heat of the day is getting to you, slip off your shoes and take your juice out to tables and chairs perched right on the edge of a mini waterfall, a refreshing way to cool down. This evening, you can head back to the main square for live music, entertaining performers, and a traditional Moroccan dinner. 

Day 5: Transfer to Fes via Volubilis, Moulay Idriss & Meknes

Today's destination is the Imperial city of Fes. Your driver will transport you in the morning, with a few notable stops to be made along the way. After saying goodbye to the scenic Rif mountains, your first stop is Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features Morocco's best-preserved Roman ruins. Wander the massive complex and explore large merchant homes with visible heating systems, temples, and many well-preserved mosaics.

Next up is Meknes, where you'll see the impressive gate of Bab al-Mansour, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the Royal Stables. The kids can run around a bit, and the adults might enjoy a quick break for mint tea or a snack. If you or the kids happen to notice that the building columns here are similar to the ones you saw at Volubilis, you'd be correct, as many of the palaces there were constructed with materials taken from that site.

Your final stop before Fes is Moulay Idriss, which, from a distance, looks like a sitting camel. Moulay Idriss was Morocco's first Islamic capital, and the city remains a site of ongoing cultural significance. Check out the unique round minaret here, the only one of its kind in Morocco. And before you have your driver drop you at your accommodations in Fes, drive up to the Marinid Tombs, where you can enjoy a lovely panorama of the city. Afterward, check in at your riad and rest after your busy travel day. 

Day 6: Family Cultural Tour of Fes, Dinner with a Local Family

Start today with a guided tour of the Fes medina. Travel along the narrow alleyways and onto rooftops for stunning views of the surrounding countryside while exploring the history that is such a huge part of the city's culture. Your guide will meet you in the morning and take you to explore the lively souks, see medieval Marinid architecture, and tour historical monuments as you absorb Fes' old-fashioned charm.

Visit Chouara Tannery, with its colorful leather dyes and centuries-old techniques, and stop at the Royal Palace of Fes, then pass through the Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud), a Moorish gate that acts as the old town's main entrance. Wander the Mellah (Jewish district), admire the old city walls, and discover local artisans at Nejjarine Museum. Throughout the tour, you'll be surrounded by the bright colors of rugs and jewelry, spice towers, dried fruits, and culinary delicacies. The kids can enjoy fresh juices and pastries at the food stalls and maybe purchase a cute toy camel as a souvenir! 

Tonight, experience real Moroccan life by joining a local family for dinner, a unique opportunity that not many visitors get to enjoy. Learn the history of their cuisine, recipes, and ingredients as you chat and mingle with a joyful Moroccan family. The kids can try their hand at cooking, too, learning about dishes such as tajine, a stew cooked in a conical clay pot, or the small, fluffy hole-filled pancake-style dessert known as baghrir. This is an excellent way to learn more about Moroccan culture while enjoying local hospitality. 

Day 7: Mosaic & Pottery Workshop, Fassi Artisan Workshop

Get hands-on today and learn the art of mosaic zellige, or cutting tile into small pieces and then assembling them. A family-friendly class takes you through the techniques and includes one hour of the kids practicing cutting and finishing the pieces, a tea break with a local craftsman, pottery workshops, and demonstrations of proper usage of the provided materials. Each of your family members will create a memorable souvenir to take home.

If you're interested in learning more about Moroccan crafts, you can also take a Fassi artisan workshop, where you and the kids can learn to create brass etchings, make embossed leather-bound travel journals, learn about sacred geometry, or make your own drums. There are multiple classes to choose from for both kids and adults, making it easy to cater to individual interests. 

Day 8: Transfer to Bin El Ouidane

This morning, your driver will transfer you from Fes to your next destination, the village of Bin El Ouidane, a drive of approximately six hours. Along the way, you'll pass through picturesque scenery and a couple of charming villages as you travel through the majestic Atlas mountains.

Departing Fes, you'll head toward Ifrane, a little Berber town nicknamed "Moroccan Switzerland" due to its chalet-style architecture reminiscent of the Alps. Enjoy the mountainous scenery, and the family can stretch their legs as you walk around the European-style Park La Prairie. From here, continue toward the mountain city of Beni Mellal, and make a stop at Ain Asserdoun Castel, a beautiful historic monument that sits atop a hill and has views that span the city. 

This afternoon, arrive at Bin El Ouidane and settle in at your accommodations. This small hamlet is surrounded by incredible scenery and is most known for Bin El Ouidane Lake, part of the reservoir created by the large dam here, which was built in the 1950s for irrigation and energy production. After you've had a chance to regroup, take the kids out for a walk, and if you or they are feeling up to it, you can rent fishing equipment and try for some catch and release of the world-class carp and other fish that reside in the lake's waters. 

Day 9: Outdoor Adventures at Bin El Ouidane Lake

Bin El Ouidane Lake is known for its numerous water activities, and today you can make it all about getting your family out on the water and enjoying all the lake has to offer. You won't miss the chance to paddle across the lake via kayak, paddleboard, or small boat. There are also banana boat rides available, water skiing, jet skiing, and more. If you didn't get to fish yesterday, this is a perfect time to try it out—you can hire guides to take you to the lake's best fishing holes, where you might just bring in some of the giant carp this region is so known for. 

Other outdoor activities include whitewater rafting on the nearby Ahansal River, otherwise known as Morocco's "Grand Canyon," with rapids that range from class five difficulty to more moderate levels. You can rent mountain bikes to cruise the trails around the lake or take an ATV tour into the nearby mountains. And those families with very small children might just want to relax with a picnic while the kids splash on the shoreline and enjoy the serenity of the lake views.  

Day 10: Transfer to Marrakesh via Ouzoud Waterfalls 

Get back on the road today for a private transfer from Bin El Ouidane to your accommodation in Marrakesh, a drive of about 3.5 hours. Along the way, make a detour to the Ouzoud Waterfalls, where you'll find some of the most beautiful cascades in Morocco. In the local Berber language, Ouzoud translates to "the act of grinding grain." You'll understand its namesake once you see the powerful set of waterfalls dropping over 360 feet (110 m) into the El-Abid River Gorge.

Follow a guide along a fairly easy route to the waterfalls, passing through lush olive groves. Make sure the kids keep an eye out for the local monkeys of the region, as the curious creatures are quite likely to make their presence known! As you hike, your guide will share stories about the history of the area, and once you reach the waterfalls, you'll have time to walk around and take photos of the cascades and scenery. 

Afterward, you'll continue to Marrakesh and settle into your accommodations. Nicknamed the "Red City" for its sandstone walls and buildings, Marrakesh was once a popular trading center for tribes in the nearby Atlas mountains and remains a vibrant hub with plenty to see and do. This evening, start your exploration with a visit to the gardens at the impressive Koutoubia Mosque, then head to the lively Jemaa el-Fna square, where the kids can see live music and performers such as jugglers and snake charmers, and you can grab a meal at one of the many food stalls. 

Day 11: Marrakesh With Kids Tour, Family Food Tour in Jemaa el-Fna Square

Discover the highlights of Marrakesh in an entertaining and interactive way with a personalized, family-friendly guided tour—complete with games, a treasure hunt, and outdoor activities that will be fun for kids and adults alike! Learn about the city's traditions and what makes Marrakesh so unique as you visit old palaces and walk through open-air souks. Enjoy local treats and drinks, visit the old part of the medina and see its colorful and unusual characteristics, and close the tour with a nomination from your guide as to who in the family has earned the title of "Marrakesh expert."

Afterward, you'll have time to relax at your riad or visit one of Marrakesh's famous gardens, such as Jardin Majorelle or Anima. This evening, explore the flavors of Marrakesh with a private food tour through the picturesque alleyways and vibrant squares of the medina. Follow your guide (and your taste buds!) from one snack to the next, learning about the country's essential ingredients, cooking techniques, and culinary culture. Try delicacies that range from unusual sweets, interesting fruits, drinks, and of course, some savory tajine, with delicious options to suit even the pickiest of little eaters. 

Day 12: Hot-Air Balloon Ride, Family Cooking Class 

Start your morning with a stunning view of the Marrakesh desert landscapes as you take to the skies on an incredible hot-air balloon ride. The early wake-up call will be worth it as you watch the sunrise over the desert, taking in the pastel colors and crisp morning air. Your balloon will take you over arid hills, quaint villages, and pockets of green, all with a gorgeous mountain backdrop. After sunrise, you'll sit down in your balloon and relax with a delicious breakfast of Moroccan pastries while still in the air. This is truly a wonderful way for your family to see a different side of Marrakesh.

Later today, learn more about traditional Moroccan cuisine with a family cooking class at La Maison Arabe, a culinary venue in Marrakesh founded in 1946 by two enterprising French women who were allowed to set up the first restaurant open to foreigners in the city's medina. Your family will learn step-by-step the secrets of authentic Moroccan cuisine from dadas (traditional Moroccan cooks), and the kids will be able to join in on the food prep as well! When finished, enjoy a lunch of authentic recipes passed down from generation to generation.

Day 13: Transfer to Casablanca, Visit the Hassan II Mosque 

It's on to Casablanca today, as your driver takes you on the 5.5-hour drive toward the coast. Get settled at your lodgings, then spend the afternoon seeing all the city has to offer. Start at one of Casablanca's most popular attractions, the Hassan II Mosque. The largest mosque in Morocco and second-largest globally, it includes a museum, baths, Koranic school, a library, and a prayer room that can accommodate up to 25,000 people. This is also the only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslims. Do keep in mind this is a religious site, however, and appropriate clothing such as long pants, skirts, and headscarves are required. 

Afterward, stroll through the old souk, where the kids can enjoy pastries and fruit drinks while you refresh with mint tea, then visit the medina. Located in the Hobous Quarter and established in the 1930s by the French, it is full of charming streets and art deco architecture. Check out the Clock Tower, which marks the busiest entrance to the old medina and is one of downtown Casablanca's most recognizable landmarks, then take a stroll along the scenic beach promenade, following the Boulevard de la Corniche that runs between two of the city's beaches. 

Take a break from the day's heat at Mohamed V. Square, which has French colonial architecture and lovely shaded garden areas. If the kids need more room to run, you'll find Arab League Park nearby, which has 30 acres (12 ha) of walking paths. And if you have any old movie buffs in the family, follow in Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart's footsteps with a visit to Rick's Café, which recreates the famous scene in the legendary film "Casablanca."

Day 14: Depart Casablanca

Your Morocco adventure ends today as you say goodbye to this enchanting place. Your driver will collect you from your Casablanca hotel and transfer you to the airport, where you'll catch your flight home. Safe travels! 

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