Morocco Grand Tour for Families - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Casablanca

Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival, you'll enjoy a comfortable private transfer from Casablanca airport to your accommodations, a drive of about 45 minutes. Located on the Atlantic coast, Casablanca has everything you need for a magnificent family holiday in Morocco. The economic capital of the country, the city takes advantage of its dynamism to offer modern infrastructures while retaining the charms of a rich past. Once checked in at your hotel, your driver/guide will take you out for a tour.

Start with a 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, established in the 1930s by the French and full of charming streets and Art Deco architecture. Take a stroll along the scenic beach promenade, following the Boulevard de la Corniche that runs between two of the city's beaches. Often called Morocco's "Miami," you'll find several buzzy cafés, restaurants, and bars along this stretch. 

Explore Notre Dame, a 1956 Catholic church notable for its elongated concrete entrance and striking stained-glass windows, designed by French artist Gabriel Loire. Then, take a break from the day's heat at Mohamed V. Square, which has large palm trees, French colonial architecture, and lovely shaded garden areas. 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 2: Guided Tour of Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca Beach Clubs

Take a guided tour of one of Casablanca's most popular attractions, the Hassan II Mosque. The largest mosque in Morocco and second-largest globally, the complex includes a museum, baths, Koranic school, a library, and a prayer room that can accommodate up to 25,000 people. It not only showcases some of the best examples of Moroccan architecture, but it is also the only mosque in Morocco whose interior is 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. 

After walking the exterior and admiring the phenomenal architecture, your guide will escort you inside, where you'll take in the lavish interior, which blends wood, marble, and carved stone together with arched and ornamented ceilings. The roof is covered with emerald green tiles, and at night, the mosque glows orange, illuminated by lights that reflect on the ocean's waves. Artisans from across Morocco contributed to this superb architectural masterpiece.

Later today, let the kids get some fresh ocean air with a stroll along the shore. While much of Casablanca's coastline is now taken up by luxury hotels and restaurants, this is still the top spot where locals go for sun and fun. Visit beaches such as Aïn Diab, which is lively and busy, or head to one of the beach clubs, where you can rent deck chairs and purchase a day pass for the family to use their pools. Otherwise, you can simply relax and take in the sea breeze while people-watching along the promenade. 

Day 3: Transfer to Fes via Volubilis & Meknes, Dinner with a Local Family

Transfer to the city of Fes today. Often referred to as Morocco's cultural capital, this walled city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a medina that has remained almost intact since its creation at the end of the eighth century. Along the five-hour drive, you'll stop in at the imperial city of Meknes and visit the Roman ruins at Volubilis. Your first destination 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.

Next up 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. If you or the kids happen to notice that the columns here are similar to the ones you saw in Meknes, you'd be correct, as many of the palaces there were constructed with materials from Volubilis.

Later today, you'll arrive in Fes, one of Morocco's four imperial cities. After your hotel check-in, you'll have the opportunity to join a local family for dinner, a unique experience 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 perhaps the small, pancake-style dessert known as baghrir. This is an excellent way to understand Moroccan culture while enjoying local hospitality.

Day 4: Explore Fes, Pottery & Mosaic Workshop

Tour the enchanting city of Fes, traveling along the narrow alleyways and onto rooftops for views of the surrounding countryside while exploring the history that is such a huge part of the city's culture. Visit a madrasa Koranic school, whose architecture shows off the know-how of Moroccan craftsmanship, see workers at the tanneries and their intricate artisan designs, and take in the spice towers, food, and local crafts well-worth haggling over. Have a bite to eat or drink in Seffarine Square and observe the comings and goings of the medina, and let the kids select a fun Moroccan toy or other treat.

This afternoon, take a guided workshop and learn the art of mosaic zellige, cutting tile into small pieces and then assembling them. The class takes you through the techniques, and you'll learn about making plates of zellige. The workshop includes one hour of practice on 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.

Day 5: Babouche Workshop, Henna Party, Jnan Sbil City Park 

Learn to make traditional Moroccan slippers, or babouche, with a workshop that helps you and your family design your own and practice the leather working techniques passed down through generations. Local craftsmen will teach you about the different types and shapes of slippers, as well as the traditional tools needed for design. Then, you'll choose the color of leather and the model of slipper you prefer and design your own custom pair!

Later, you'll have the chance to participate in a traditional henna workshop. Henna, or mehndi, goes back thousands of years, with Moroccan women decorating their hands, arms, and feet to celebrate special occasions such as weddings. Learn this amazing skill yourself, as instructors show you how to hold a henna cone, and you can practice drawing the designs on paper, then eventually draw them on your hands, arms, or feet. Henna contains no chemicals or additives, is completely safe, and can last up to two weeks. 

This afternoon, relax at Jnan Sbil Park, which has peaceful shaded walking trails that make for a nice break from the midday heat. The kids can burn some energy while the adults take in the ponds and flowing fountains, numerous birds, an ancient waterwheel, and more than 3,000 species of plants. Afterward, stop at a nearby café for some refreshing mint tea and juice drinks for the little ones.

Day 6: Transfer to Midelt, Monkeys of the Cedar Forest, Fossil & Mineral Hunt

Take a private transfer from Fes to Midelt, enjoying the views of the scenic high Atlas mountains over the course of the 3.5-hour drive and making a few stops along the way. Your first stop will be the town of Ifrane, nicknamed "Moroccan Switzerland" for its chalet-style architecture reminiscent of the Alps. The family can take a walk around the European-style Park La Prairie and let the kids stretch their legs.

Day 7: Transfer to Merzouga via Erfoud, Saharan Camel Ride

Day 8: Erg Chebbi Family Adventures 

After breakfast, enjoy a drive through the dunes of Erg Chebbi by Jeep. Meet with a local family for tea, and visit the Gnawa house in Khamleya village to explore the spiritual healing music. Traditionally practiced throughout Morocco and originating from the sub-Saharan region, Gnaoua music is spiritual at its roots, although maâlems (master musicians) are making the music quite mainstream. 

Later today, you can rent sandboards for the kids and let them test their skills on the dunes! Sandboarding is great for all ages, as you can easily manage how steep you'd like to go or how speedy you'd like to be. You can also join a quad ATV tour of the desert, which takes you out into the dunes and along the shifting shapes of this otherworldly landscape. Your day ends with the colorful displays of the sunset across the sand and a final music and story-filled evening at camp. 

Day 9: Transfer to Boumalne Dades, Hike the Todra Gorge

Today, you'll be transported to the desert town of Tinghir, passing fantastic views of neighboring villages along an extensive river oasis that features 30 miles (48 km) of palm trees. Here, you'll visit the ancient and colorful Jewish quarter of Ali Ait el Haj for a glimpse into Morocco's rich Jewish history. Continue to Todra Gorge, a series of limestone river canyons in the High Atlas mountains. Take a quick and easy walk through the gorge and let the kids splash in the cool, shallow waters here.

Pass through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, where you might catch glimpses of nomads tending to their animals. You'll then enter the Dadès Valley and the town of Boumalne Dades, where you'll find farmlands of rose bushes used to make rose water and oils. Stop at the rose collective so the kids can watch the distillation process in action, or visit one of the roadside vendors to purchase crafts made from flowers. And if you're here in May, you can experience the annual Rose Festival. 

If you'd like to see more of the Todra Valley, take a walking tour of Todra Gorge. Located about 30 miles (50 km) from the Dadès Gorges, this is an exceptional setting to venture off the beaten path, with breathtaking landscapes of canyons and green gorges. You can choose from trails that are more accessible for smaller children or take the challenging routes if you have older teens. During the hike, you'll meet the shepherds of Todra as well as many nomadic tribes with their herds and see the various species of birds and other wildlife that inhabit the area. 

Day 10: Donkey Ride & Family Hike in the Dadès Valley

Take an easy walking tour while interacting with local Berber families in the Dadès Valley, a two-hour excursion that takes you into the foothills of the mountains and authentic Berber villages. Learn more about the regional culture and traditions, and hear stories about the history of the country and its people. You'll have a chance to observe traditional farming techniques, experience live entertainment, and see the unique architecture of the villages. The kids will also get to take a guided donkey ride to further explore the area. Enjoy lunch and an authentic tea ceremony before returning to Boumalne Dades.

Day 11: Transfer to Marrakesh via Ouarzazate & Aït Benhaddou

You're back on the road today for the 5.5-hour drive to Marrakesh. Leaving Boumalne Dades, you'll pass El Kelâat M'Gouna, where fragrant fields of rose bushes are cultivated for use in the world's cosmetic industry. If you didn't get to visit previously, make a quick stop at a women-run rose cooperative to see the process of converting the petals into water and oil and sample some of the products. 

Day 12: Marrakesh With Kids Tour, Jemaa el-Fna Square Family Food Tour

Discover the highlights of Marrakesh in an entertaining and interactive way with a personalized, family-friendly guided tour that offers 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."

Later today, 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 Morocco's unique sweets, interesting fruits, and drinks, and of course, some savory tajine, with delicious options to suit even the pickiest of little eaters. 

Day 13: Family Cooking Class, Bike Tour to Majorelle Gardens

This morning, visit the Amal Center for a family cooking workshop. This nonprofit is a training center that serves disadvantaged Moroccan women through job training at their on-site restaurant. The class includes learning about the different spices and recipes that make up Moroccan cuisine, preparation of traditional chicken tajine, and fun games and prizes for the kids. Once your tajine has cooked, enjoy the fruits of your labor with a delicious lunch served with fresh bread. You'll also learn more about the center and its endeavors to help the community and give back to those in need.

If you're interested in seeing Marrakesh via wheeled adventure, spend your afternoon on a bike tour that takes you through the city and along the alleys of the medina, ending at the lovely Majorelle Botanical Gardens. The gardens are famous for the bright blue and yellow house there, a museum once the home of French artist Jacques Majorelle and was designed by the French architect Paul Sinoir. Older kids will love the history of the museum, and the younger ones can enjoy strolling along the restful paths, home to more than 300 species of plants and flowers.