Child Ages: 7+

Family Marrakech, Atlas & Essaouira Adventure

Morocco - Trip code FMA Family
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353Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
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Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

An action packed family adventure combining Marrakech, the foothills of the stunning Atlas mountains, Taroudant a former capital of Morocco and free time at the end of the trip to enjoy Essaouira's expansive Atlantic beaches. Explore the alleyways of Marrakech, feast of freshly caught seafood overlooking Essaouira's charming harbour and learn to cook a tagine with a local family in the oasis town of Tiout.

Why we love this trip
  • Marrakech - The atmosphere in Djemaa el Fna square and the bustling souks of the Red City, hear the call to prayer and try haggling at the local markets.
  • Atlas Mountains - Take a gentle walk through the foothills of North Africa's greatest mountain range.
  • Essaouira - Ride a camel on the beach, try your hand at surfing and explore the craft markets in the old town.

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 7

    Lunch: 2

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

  • Transport

    Minibus

    On Foot

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    Accommodation

    4 nights comfortable hotel

    3 nights comfortable riad

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    Trip pace:

    Moderate

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    Group Size:

    14 - 20

Itinerary

Day 1 - Trip starts in Marrakech

Our tour of Morocco starts in the Red City. With its dusty rooftops, maze-like streets and bustling souks, Marrakech encompasses the essence of Morocco. Head to the medina and people watch while you sip a mint tea in Jemaa el-Fna (the main square) or visit the Jardin Majorelle, just a short walk from our hotel.

There are no activities planned for today, so you're free to arrive at any time and explore the city or relax by the hotel pool. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), which is around a 20-minute drive from our hotel. Our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting and then an optional dinner. If you arrive later, they'll catch you up as soon as possible.

Accommodation:

Hotel Bleu Sea Le Printemps (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Marrakech walking tour and drive to Ouirgane

Today we dive straight into the heady delights of Marrakech with a guided walking tour. We'll pass by the rose-coloured Koutoubia (booksellers) Mosque on the way to Bahia Palace, an open-air museum that's famous for its decorated stucco walls and marble floors.

We'll fuel up on fresh pastries from a traditional bakery before continuing to the medina on foot. There, we'll be guided through the labyrinth of spice-scented souks, passing by craftsmen selling rugs, leather goods and crockery before dropping by a spice shop to sample ripe dates and almonds. Finally, we'll navigate our way out into the energetic Jemaa el-Fna Square.

Leaving the city behind, this afternoon, we'll drive south towards the craggy peaks and the plunging valleys of the Toubkal Massif in the High Atlas. Crossing the Haouz Plain, we'll pass through the town of Asni, from where we'll begin to climb toward the foothills of the Massif.

Below us, the valley of the Oued Rhirhaia stretches out before us and small villages cling to the sides of the steep hills as we meander our way towards Ouirgane. The High Atlas is North Africa's greatest mountain range and has been a barrier between the northern plains and the pre-Sahara for centuries. Up here in their mountain stronghold, the fiercely independent Berbers - the Lords of the Atlas - live by their own traditions. The Berber way of life is unique and lost to most of North Africa - here, music, dance, language, and religion are far removed from the rest of the Arab world.

Accommodation:

Ouirgane Ecolodge (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Walk in the Atlas foothills and lunch with a Berber family

After a leisurely start to today, we'll head out for a walk in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains to take in the natural scenery and surrounding villages.

For lunch, we'll visit a local Berber family and learn about their unique lifestyle before walking back to our hotel via a different, panoramic route.

Today's walk will last around four hours and can be adapted to meet the needs of the group, local areas of interest and weather conditions. The rest of the afternoon will be free to spend by the hotel pool or relaxing in the gardens overlooked by the mountains.

Accommodation:

Ouirgane Ecolodge (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4 - Drive the Tizi n'Test pass to Taroudant

Heading south today we'll drive across the Tizi n'Test pass down into the region of the High Atlas where we'll have sweeping scenery across the Toubkal Massif and down into the Souss Valley. We'll journey on down the exhilarating 1600-metre descent before driving past the orange grove-lined roads that lead us to Taroudant, the old capital of the Souss region. Our property tonight is located some way out of Taroudant, surrounded by landscaped gardens. We'll arrive in plenty of time to relax in the hotel pool.

Accommodation:

Riad Hida (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Riad

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Tajine cookery class and visit to the kasbah in Tiout before driving to Essaouira

This morning, we'll drive to the oasis town of Tiout on the edge of the Anti-Atlas. There, we'll meet with a local family and learn how to cook a traditional tagine of meat, poultry, or fish with mixed vegetables. We'll also take a walk across the town to visit an oasis that treats us to panoramic views of the local village and old kasbah.

After lunch, we'll carry on our drive across the High Atlas towards Chichaoua and join the new road to Essaouira. We'll stop by an argan oil cooperative and learn about how women from different villages work together to produce the precious oil.

Finally, we'll arrive in Essaouira, a resort town and mecca for water sports. The port town is lively yet relaxed with its whitewashed houses and traditional fishing boats. British, French, Arab and Jewish influences from the 18th and 19th centuries are still reflected in the architecture and town's layout today.

Accommodation:

Riad Al Madina (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Riad

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 6 - Discover Essaouira with sunset camel ride

Today, we'll explore the old medina of Essaouira and its vibrant fishing port with a local guide. Walk through the narrow alleyways lined with traditional craft stalls and finish up on the historic ramparts for panoramic views of the old town and surrounding coastline.

The afternoon is free to enjoy as you wish. There are a range of water sports to try out, including surfing, or you might like to wander back into the medina to shop for souvenirs. Alternatively, there are the galleries and cafes of the souk or the fresh fish stalls of the harbour front to explore.

At the end of the day, we'll come back together for a camel ride along the beach as the sun sinks into the Atlantic Ocean.

Accommodation:

Riad Al Madina (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Riad

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Return to Marrakech and explore the city

Today, we'll drive back to the Red City of Marrakech. This afternoon will be free to explore at your own pace before we toast to an adventurous trip for our final evening. There's also an optional trip to a local hammam - a true Moroccan experience.

Accommodation:

Hotel Bleu Sea Le Printemps (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Trip ends in Marrakech

Our tour of Morocco ends at our hotel in Marrakech.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer, you need to depart from Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK).

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Morocco

Climate

The climate is both Mediterranean and Atlantic. The dry, hot season is from May to October when summer temperatures can reach 38°C and above (if sight seeing is included we will do our best to avoid the heat of the day during this period). Temperatures may drop significantly at times during the night as the day's heat rapidly diminishes. From December to January snow can be expected on mountain passes and it can be wet. In winter, day temperatures will probably be around 18-25°C, dropping to perhaps 0-5°C.

Time difference to GMT

0

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Islam

Language

Arabic, Berber, French.

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Essaouira - Surfing lesson 350 Moroccan Dirham per person

Clothing

Morocco is a Muslim country and it is important to dress with respect for local customs. People may be offended by shorts or revealing dresses, which can attract unwelcome attention. We advise that in general both men and women should cover shoulders, upper arms and knees. Transparent, plunging necklines and tightfitting clothes should be avoided. Women and older girls should also cover their heads when entering a sanctuary, though in general, mosques are forbidden to non-Muslims. While cycling it is no problem for you to wear your regular cycling gear, tight fitting or not.

Summer: Clothing should be lightweight. However, a warm jumper is also advisable, as the desert can sometimes get cold at nights, even in the summer.

Winter: Warm days but much thicker clothing is essential for cold nights (between November and March). It is advisable to take warm clothing (eg. track suit or thermal underwear) to sleep in, as the quality of heating in Moroccan hotel rooms can be variable. A waterproof jacket, jumper trousers and fleece are recommended between December and March.

Footwear

Lightweight trail boots or robust trainers with good traction soles and sandals.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of baggage and daypack. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.

Equipment

We recommend a sunhat, high factor sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent and a water bottle.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £20 to £25 per person per week as a guideline.
Local crew
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, your leader may organise a group's tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.

Accordingly, you should allow £20.00 per person for group tipping, so for a family of 4 we would recommend budgeting £80.


For all non-included services and meals on your trip please tip independently at your discretion.

Morocco

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£8.00 - 12.00
Dinner price
£12.00 - 20.00
Beer price
£3.50
Water price
£1.00
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
Recommended Currency For Exchange
US Dollars, Sterling and Euros are readily exchangeable at banks and currency exchanges found in all towns and cities. We recommend you take a mixture of cash and credit cards. Scottish and Northern Ireland issued bank notes are sometimes not accepted.
Where To Exchange
Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you.
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available in all the main towns and cities, although some only accept cards issued in Morocco
Credit Card Acceptance
Not all places.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Minibus, On Foot

Accommodation notes

Few destinations give you as warm a welcome as Morocco and our accommodation has been chosen to reflect that. We choose our accommodation based on location, quality, and traditional style to give you a real taste of life in the country.
Our hotel in Marrakech is located in the new city centre. The hotel's amenities include a swimming pool, restaurant, and air conditioning in the rooms.
Moving on to Ouirgane, our hotel is situated in the middle of olive groves in an isolated location and has a swimming pool and gardens, making it perfect for relaxing after a long day.
In Taruodant, we'll stay in a riad in the middle of a beautiful farm surrounded by flowers and orange trees. There's a pool to unwind by and soak up the rural ambiance.
Finally, in the coastal town of Essaouira, we'll stay in a hotel in the old medina. This has been chosen for its excellent location but might seem a little more basic than our other accommodations. There's a roof terrace for breakfast and the beach is just a short walk away. Note, there's no pool at our hotel in Essaouira.

Family swimming

There is a swimming pool at all the hotels on this adventure except in Essaouira

Morocco

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Morocco: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

UK passport holders are requested to have at least 3 months validity from the date of entry into Morocco. All other nationalities please check with your nearest embassy for requirements of passport validity.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Ability to swim

Whether in swimming pools, rivers, lakes, the sea or the ocean, participation requires that you are able to swim unaided for your safe enjoyment

Morocco

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Family information
Join us on a spell bounding 8 day journey encompassing vibrant cities, majestic mountains and expansive beaches. This trip combines the best of Marrakech, walks in the Atlas Mountains and time to relax in Essaouira where we can take a camel ride at sunset along the Atlantic coast and feast on freshly caught fish cooked right in front of you on the waterfront.

Direct flights: With a direct flying time between London and Marrakesh of just 3 hours 20 minutes, Morocco is an easy going country to travel to with children of all ages without the trials of a long haul flight. There are several direct flight options from the UK including Essy Jet, Ryan Air and British Airways arriving in the afternoon. There are also alternative options including Royal Air Maroc  via Casablanca arriving late at night.
 
Triple Rooms: This trip allows the option for a limited amount of triple rooms to be included within the booking on all nights of the holiday. If you would like this option please ask our Sales team for further information.

Average Age: As a guide we have identified the actual average age of the children who have travelled on this trip over the last 5 years, to help you decide whether it's the right one for your family. The average age on this trip is 13 years old.

Minimum age: This trip is ideal for children of all ages over 7 and is an ideal introduction to small group family adventures for younger families. 
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