10 Days Family Morocco Tour: Marrakech, Merzouga Desert & Essaouira

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your family-friendly riad or hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax, recover from your travels, and take a first dip in the pool. This calm introduction allows everyone to adjust to the energy of Morocco at their own pace.

Day 2: Discovering the Magic of Marrakech

After breakfast, meet your expert local guide for a family-focused tour of Marrakech. We’ll visit the serene and colourful Majorelle Garden, a botanical oasis that captivates all ages. Explore the history and intricate architecture of the Bahia Palace. To give little legs a rest, enjoy a fun horse-drawn carriage (caleche) ride around the ancient city walls. Experience the unforgettable spectacle of Jemaa el-Fnaa square from the relaxed vantage point of a rooftop café.

Day 3: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Valley

Your desert adventure begins! We depart Marrakech and cross the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Passthrough the High Atlas Mountains, with photo stops along the way. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified village that kids will love exploring as a “real-life castle.” We then drive through the Dades Valley, past stunning “Monkey Fingers” rock formations, to your hotel for the night.

Day 4: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, we drive to the breathtaking Todra Gorge, where the family can take a gentle walk along the river—a perfect natural playground. Continue towards the Sahara, with the first glimpse of the golden Erg Chebbi dunes being a moment of pure magic. In the late afternoon, embark on a sunset camel trek into the heart of the dunes (one camel per child). Arrive at your luxury desert camp for an evening of sandboarding, a campfire dinner, and incredible stargazing.

Day 5: Merzouga Desert Exploration

A flexible day dedicated to the wonders of the desert. Options include a fun 4×4 desert safari to visit a nomadic family and a fossil site, or simply relaxing and swimming at your desert auberge’s pool. This day is all about immersion and relaxation without any rush, allowing the family to choose their own adventure.

Day 6: Merzouga – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

After a final desert breakfast, we begin our return journey to Marrakech via a different, scenic route through the stunning Draa Valley, lined with endless palm groves. We stop in Ouarzazate, where film-loving families can opt to visit the Atlas Film Studios. We then cross the High Atlas Mountains once more, arriving back in Marrakech in the evening.

Day 7: Free Day in Marrakech

A full free day to enjoy at your family’s pace. Options are endless: relax by the pool, go back to the souks for more shopping, visit a museum, or take a fun cooking class to learn the secrets of Moroccan tagine. This day allows everyone to choose their own adventure or simply recharge.

Day 8: Marrakech to the Coastal Charm of Essaouira

Trade the city heat for the fresh Atlantic breeze. We drive west to the fortified port city of Essaouira. The journey is scenic, often passing through argan tree forests where you might see goats climbing the trees! Upon arrival, the rest of the day is free to explore the relaxed medina, walk the historic ramparts, and breathe in the ocean air.

Day 9: Free Day in Essaouira

Enjoy a full free day in this windswept paradise. Families can walk along the vast beach (perfect for kite-flying and camel rides along the shore), explore the fishing port where boats unload their daily catch, shop for unique thuya wood crafts, or simply enjoy fresh seafood at a port-side grill.

Day 10: Essaouira to Marrakech Airport – Departure

Savour one last breakfast by the sea. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be driven back to Marrakech Menara Airport for your departure, bidding farewell to Morocco with a camera full of photos and a heart full of incredible family memories.

Every family is unique. If this itinerary doesn’t perfectly fit your dreams, dates, or your children’s ages and interests, please just contact us.

We specialize in crafting 100% customized journeys. Whether you want to add more days, include a cooking class, stay in a specific type of accommodation, or adjust the pace, we will work with you to create the perfect Moroccan adventure for your family.

Let’s build your dream trip together!