Morocco: Marrakesh, Essaouira and the High Atlas Mountains
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Overview
Morocco is perfect for your next family vacation! It’s welcoming and exotic, colorful and stark, and where you’ll find both fragrant, traditional dishes and excellent French cuisine. Bring your family to explore from the mountains to the coast; be inspired by teeming city centers and quiet mule trails, uncovering Morocco’s rich history and dynamic culture.
Stroll the Medina and Souks of Marrakesh
Learn the true meanings of ‘color’ and ’bustling’ as you navigate the maze of narrow alleys, unchanged for centuries, lined with craftsmen selling their wares.
Hike to Sidi Chamharouch
Join pilgrims from far and wide for a trek up the foothills of Mt. Toubkal to picnic near the shrine to the sultan of the jinns.
Make Some Pottery
Visit a small local pottery and smoosh your hands into some clay while learning about the ancient Berber art.
Bike along the Kik Plateau
Hop on bikes for a ride along this rocky, limestone outcropping, enveloped in a panorama of Berber countryside.
Go on a Camel Ride
At the beach of Sidi Kaoki, enjoy an hour long camel ride along the breezy coast.
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Itinerary
Days 1-3
Fly to Marrakesh, Morocco
Days 2-5
Marrakesh
Visit the Ancient Walled City
Walk through the centuries-old maze of narrow, twisting alleys, lined with craftsmen busy at work on their wares.
Cooking Class and Dinner
Djemma el-Fna
You’ll discover the world renowned, magical business of story tellers, snake charmers, dancers, water sellers and food stalls.
Days 4-7
Imlil
Visit an Amazigh Home
Visiting a local or Amazigh home you’ll learn how to prepare traditional Moroccan mint tea. You’ll also learn how to prepare tagine, a tasty stew — then you’ll enjoy both!
Kik Plateau Biking
The limestone plateau of Kik is a rocky outcropping overlooking a vast valley. Hop on bicycles and cycle along the plateau for about an hour.
Climb Sidi Chamharouch
Today you’ll hike up the valley to the holy site of Sidi Chamharouch, joining pilgrims from far and wide. Mules are available for children to ride, as needed. Total trekking time is 5 hours.
Picnic Lunch
Since only Muslims can enter the shrine, you’ll enjoy it from a small distance while you eat your picnic lunch. After a rest, you’ll wind your way back down Mt. Toubkal and return to Imlil.
Days 6-8
Essaouira
Walk the City
Your guide will walk with us over cobblestone streets and through the town and medina in this seaside town.
Meet a Local Artist
You’ll meet a local artist whose work is displayed in the Portuguese Scala; your kids will have a private lesson, creating their own piece of art to take home.
Camel Ride
At the beach of Sidi Kaoki, camels wait to take us on an hour-long ride along the breezy coast.
Days 8-9
Marrakesh
Majorelle Gardens tour
Admire the vivid hues of Majorelle Gardens, designed by expatriate French artist Jacques Majorelle in 1924. A special shade of bold cobalt blue, which he used extensively in the garden and on its buildings, is named after him — “Majorelle blue.” Stroll through bamboo groves, banana trees and coconut palms, and try to spot the more than 15 bird species only found in this area of North Africa. The garden also houses the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakesh.
Farewell Dinner
Enjoy one last dinner with your new friends and guide, sharing your favorite moments from the incredible time you just had!
Day 9
Depart Marrakesh
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Dates & Prices
2024 Dates
03/09-03/17
Sold OutAdult $4490Teen $4490Child $4290
03/23-03/31
Adult $4490Teen $4490Child $4290
05/18-05/26
Adult $4490Teen $4490Child $4290
06/15-06/23
Adult $4490Teen $4490Child $4290
11/23-12/01
Adult $4490Teen $4490Child $4290
12/22-12/30
Adult $4690Teen $4690Child $4490
12/24-01/01
Adult $4690Teen $4690Child $4490
Additional Info
Single Supplement
Single supplement starts at $900.
Alumni Discount
If you are a returning Thomson guest, please subtract $500 per family from these prices.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. We’ve received great feedback about Travel Guard – you can learn more about the benefits of travel insurance there.
Price Includes
All entrance fees, accommodations based on two to a room, land transportation, private bilingual guide throughout, area specialists, most meals, bottled water & snacks in the vehicle.
Guaranteed departure. Small group surcharge may apply. Call us to discuss age recommendations for each destination. Prices are subject to change.
- Hotels
Es Saadi Gardens and Resort
The Es Saadi Gardens is a resort located in a residential area and within walking distance of the old city. Amenities include two tennis courts, a health and fitness center with exercise facilities, sauna, hammam (Turkish bath) and a variety of beauty treatments. Each room is air-conditioned and includes free Wi-Fi, a balcony, phone and TV.
Dar Imlil
Le Medina Essaouira Hotel - Thalassa Sea & Spa
Reminiscent of a sumptuous Moroccan riad, the facade of the Le Medina Essaouira Hotel is decorated in the traditional red of Mogador. Set by the sea, close to the medina, this luxury hotel contains 117 rooms, each with a balcony. Hotel amenities include a private beach, 2 swimming pools, a full service spa featuring massage and beauty services, multiple restaurants, and internet access.
Thomson Family Adventures will attempt to adhere to this itinerary and its hotels as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or availability) may necessitate changes in the accommodations.
- Why Thomson
Friends Across Borders
Your child will have a cultural connection like no other by meeting kids the same age from the country you’re traveling by playing games, throwing a Frisbee, kicking a ball around, or just chatting. Ask us about our pen pal program.
Guaranteed Departures
No matter what happens, once your family books a trip you’re going.Guides
Be accompanied for your entire trip by an expert local in-country guide who will know all of the ins and outs of the adventure and destination.Small Groups
With a small group you’ll have plenty of time for spontaneity and to develop a connection with your fellow travelers and guide.
Starts at
$5390
Duration
9 days
Activity Level
Active
Active trips revolve around multi-sport activities that keep your family outside and having fun! Your family will spend more time interacting with the elements and exploring than sitting on a beach or inside of a museum. These activities are not always physically demanding but they can be and do require a basic level of fitness.
- Hotels