Family Discovery Tour of Morocco: Agadir & Marrakesh
From Agadir
7 Days
Overview
With outdoor activities, ancient culture, and exciting excursions, this week-long Moroccan adventure will delight the whole family. The vibrant cities of Agadir and Marrakesh are your starting point as you explore the surrounding desert and mountain landscapes, sample local food, and learn more about Moroccan culture. Kids will love playing in a real desert oasis, riding a donkey, navigating colorful souks and medinas, and being immersed in nature and creativity along the way
Details & Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Agadir
Welcome to Morocco! After arriving at Agadir Al-Massira Airport, you’ll be met by your driver and guide, who will transfer you to your hotel. If you and your kids are feeling tired from the flight, relax and get some rest ahead of your busy week. If it’s still early in the day and you feel like getting acquainted with the city, take a walk through Agadir.
Much of Agadir’s old city was destroyed by an earthquake in 1960, so most of what can be found here today is relatively new. Agadir has a reputation as a cool, laid-back, modern city with a buzzy marina filled with upscale shopping and restaurants. Enjoy a seaside stroll along the promenade and stop for ice cream on the beach.
Day 2: Paradise Valley Day Trip
After a good night’s rest, take a day trip today to Paradise Valley, a desert oasis with fresh, natural pools surrounded by palm trees and mountains. Start early and set out along the Honey Road north of Agadir, enjoying the scenery as you wind through the desert toward the year-round green oasis.
Upon arrival, take an easy 20-minute hike to the pools, where the whole family can relax and play in the turquoise waters, sunbathe on the rocks, and cliff-jump into the deeper waters below. When the kids have had their fill of swimming and splashing, your driver will take you back to Agadir for the afternoon, where you could head to the beach or explore more of the city at your leisure.
Day 3: Taroudant & Tiout Tour with Donkey Ride
This morning, head to Taroudant, nicknamed Little Marrakesh because of its similar ramparts and lively souks. Stop to enjoy the views from a lookout point, where you might even see goats climbing the argan trees—a common sight sure to delight the kids!
In Taroudant, spend some free time exploring the medina (old town) and the souks, which sell a variety of goods that adults and kids will both enjoy browsing, including carpets, jewelry, leather bags, and other decorative objects and handicrafts. Admire the architecture of this ancient red city, which is surrounded by more than 4 miles (7 km) of ramparts.
Later, continue along the road to the village of Tiout, an oasis of palm trees inhabited by Berber people. You’ll be welcomed with mint tea followed by a traditional lunch to keep everyone’s energy levels up. After lunch, animal-loving kids will jump at the chance to meet the local donkeys and go for a gentle ride through a picturesque palm grove while you follow on foot.
Day 4: Transfer to Marrakesh, Family Food Tour
Travel from Agadir to Marrakesh today, a journey of about three hours along the highway. Take your time and stop en route to admire the views of the soaring High Atlas mountains.
After settling into your hotel, take your family on a gastronomy tour through the city’s medina. With cozy alleyways and vibrant squares, bustling Marrakesh is the perfect city to get lost in as you follow your nose and taste buds from one snack to the next. Sample 10 traditional delicacies, from sweets to an authentic savory tajine. Along the way, learn about the country’s essential ingredients, cooking techniques, and culinary culture. Your kids might find a new favorite Moroccan dish, while you can be inspired for future family meals at home.
Day 5: Family-Friendly Tour of Marrakesh, Traditional Henna Workshop
Keep your kids interested and energized today with a well-planned, kid-friendly sightseeing tour. A local guide will lead you on a journey that includes fun games, a treasure hunt, and outdoor activities sure to spark the little ones’ imaginations. Learn about local traditions, admire the exquisite architecture of the Ben Youssef Madrasa, walk in an open-air souk, and enjoy some local treats and drinks with the kids.
Later, join a traditional henna party. The tradition of mehndi, or henna tattoos, goes back thousands of years. Moroccan women decorate their hands, arms, and feet to celebrate special occasions, such as weddings. Learn more about the art and craft of mehndi during a workshop. Under the guidance of an instructor, you and your kids will learn how to hold a henna cone and practice drawing the designs on paper, then eventually on your hands, arms, or feet. Your beautiful decorations will last a week or two and are the perfect souvenir of your Moroccan adventure
Day 6: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride, Visit Anima Garden
Rise early today for an optional hot air balloon ride above Marrakesh and the surrounding landscapes. Adventurous kids will love the thrill of soaring over the city, while adults can savor watching the sunrise over the desert and mountains. The pastel colors, soft light, and crisp early morning air create a tranquil experience that provides a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Once the sun’s up, you’ll enjoy a tasty Moroccan breakfast in the air before landing.
Later, make a trip to Austrian artist André Heller’s Anima Garden, around 18 miles (30 km) southwest of Marrakesh. The whole family will feel like they’ve entered another world where art and nature are lovingly intertwined. The greenery of the artistic botanical garden in the otherwise barren landscape around Marrakesh is like an oasis. Kids will enjoy exploring and having a run around the large landscaped grounds and finding the many hidden treasures and quirky highlights throughout.
Day 7: Depart Marrakech
It’s time to say goodbye to Morocco today. Depending on your time of departure, you may have time to take one last stroll around Marrakesh’s medina and souks, shopping for souvenirs and snacks. At the appropriate time, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey. Bon voyage!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Agadir
Day 2 –Paradise Valley Day Trip
Day 3 –Taroudant & Tiout Tour with Donkey Rid
Day 4 – Transfer to Marrakesh, Family Food Tour
Day 5 –Family-Friendly Tour of Marrakesh, Traditional Henna Workshop
Day 6 –Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride, Visit Anima Garden
Day 7 –Depart Marrakech
What’s Included
Planning and quality control by seasoned travel leaders
Knowledgeable Guides (Multi-lingual), special lectures, and insightful meetings
Entrance Fees to Historic Monuments
All Transfers-even individual airport transfers, when required.
Luggage Handling-at all hotels, airport, etc.
Air-Conditioned, comfortable, and luxurious vehicles depending on your choice (4*4, Mini-bus…).
Nights at the top range hotels, Riads, Kasbahs, and Bivouacs.
Elegant Meals (Breakfast daily, and usually either Dinner).
All details are handled by reliable, experienced Tour Leaders.
Outstanding value and convenience.
No hidden add-ons or markup.
What’s Excluded
Lunchs
Tips
Travel insurance charges
Travel Advices
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Best time to visit Morocco
The climate in Morocco varies wildly according to the season and area of travel. In the lowlands, the cooler months from October to April are popular among visitors. This time of year is pleasantly warm to hot (around 30°C) during the day and cool to cold (around 15°C) at night. Winter in the higher regions often brings snow and can therefore get seriously cold, particularly at night. Tourists flock to the coastline from June to September for fun in the sun, with warm mostly rain-free days. Further inland it can get hot and rain is rare, which makes the best times to travel March to June and September to December.
Morocco Culture & Customs
Morocco's culture has developed over centuries of influence from far and wide. Contemporary Morocco is a fascinating mix of Berber, Mediterranean, Andalucian, and African traditions, which are present in the cuisine, clothing, music, language, customs, and lifestyle. As an Islamic country, most Moroccans are Muslim; however, there are small populations of people who practice Judaism and Christianity. Classic examples of Islamic architecture can be observed all throughout the country and tenets of the Islamic religion are carried out in the customs and lives of the people. The 'Call to Prayer' can be heard five times a day, women are expected to dress modestly and alcohol isn't drunk by most of the population.
Most of Moroccan society can be considered traditional, with respect for elders, connection to family, and giving alms to the poor hallmarks of everyday life for many Moroccans. Hospitality is another important element of society, with warmly welcoming people into your home a time-honored tradition and social responsibility that dates back centuries.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options in Morocco ?
Much of Morocco's cuisine revolves around meat, but vegetables are an important staple and a crucial ingredient in many dishes of the Maghreb. Your diet can consist of more than just flatbread and hummus – trust us. Keep an eye out for vegetable-based tagines and couscous, the renowned Zaalouk (a smokey eggplant and tomato salad), vegetable Briouats (triangular-filled pastries), and cinnamon oranges. Vegan options are slightly more limited, as many of the pieces of bread and couscous dishes have butter added to them, but your best bet is to enquire if yours can be made using oil instead. Otherwise, it's easy to dine well on varied vege offerings in Morocco.