I f exotic lands intrigue you... if spectacular mountain trails make your hiking boots dance for joy... if you hope to introduce your kids to the timeless traditions of cultures vastly different from their own...then Morocco is just the ticket to an ultimately memorable family vacation.

Marrakesh, our starting point, is the perfect introduction—or should we say immersion!—into Moroccan culture. Wander down labyrinthine alleyways and discover an ancient souk, the centerpiece of Moroccan daily life. Explore the gorgeous architecture of a former Koranic school. And listen for the alluring melodies of a wooden flute...is that a cobra being charmed out of its basket? As we dive into this energetic, colorful, full-of-surprises world, you’re sure to catch that sparkle of wonder in the eyes of your children.

In the High Atlas Mountains everyone’s inner child thrills to a ride by mule-back along thread-like trails that reach for the sky. Work up an appetite as you trek through authentic Berber villages and through groves of lemons and oranges. And savor a delicious snack of bread and honey in the traditional Berber home of new friends. At the end of the day, the whole family enjoys the fine amenities at our beautiful hotels—gorgeous swimming pools, indulgent spas, and blooming rose gardens.

Triple Discount: $300 for child under 12 sharing with 2 adults

Alumni Discount: if you are a returning Thomson guest, please subtract $500 per family from these prices

Large Group Discount, if the departure you choose has six or more travelers (including your family) the following discounts will apply.

$150 per person for 6 or more travelers

Price includes: All entrance fees, accommodations based on two to a room, land transportation, private tri-lingual guide throughout, area specialists, all meals, bottled water & snacks in the vehicle, Comprehensive Travel Insurance.

Don't see your travel dates?

Call us, we can customize any trip to meet your travel needs! 

Days 1 and 2 – Depart home / Arrive Marrakesh

Welcome to Morocco! Your journey through this fascinating land is a feast of sensory and cultural delights—the memories are sure to make this a family adventure of a lifetime.

Day 3 – Marrakesh

Back-dropped by the stunning Atlas Mountains and once a key city of trade on the ancient caravan routes, Marrakesh retains its fascinating blend of Arab, African and European influences. The kaleidoscope of colorful architecture and the incredible spectacle of Djemma el-Fna have entertained centuries of visitors from far and wide—think peddlers of copper and cure-alls, henna artists and fortune-tellers and yes, snake charmers!

Tour the medina Explore this vibrant city on foot, beginning with a tour of the medina—the walled, ancient city center. Visit a medersa Discover the phenomenal architecture, inside and out, of this traditional Koranic boarding school. Explore the souks Wind your way through the colorful markets that make up the fabled souks—culturally the most important place in daily Moroccan life. Djemma el-Fna—a feast for the senses! In this energetic marketplace, peddlers of copper and cure-alls, henna artists and fortune-tellers, fakirs and—if we’re lucky—real live snake charmers will dazzle and tempt visitors of all ages!

Days 4 to 7 –High Atlas Mountains

The breathtaking Ouirgane Valley cuts through an ever-changing landscape. Grab your backpack, your camera and spirit of adventure and get ready to take on the trails.

Drive into the High Atlas Mountains A scenic 90-minute drive brings us into the High Atlas Mountains and to the lovely village of Imlil. Free afternoon in Imlil Enjoy the charming Berber farming village of Imlil, the amenities at your resort, or one of the guided hikes available in the area. Trek to the Shrine of Sidi Chamharouch As we hike into the Aremd Valley join pilgrims and mountain-trekkers on the way to the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, a local Berber saint. Free afternoon Enjoy an afternoon of relaxation at the beautiful La Rosaraie Resort and Spa. Hike the Ouirgane Valley Pass through villages unchanged by modern life and hike through fields where sheep and goats happily graze. Enjoy lunch next to an open pit salt mine, operating continuously for more than a thousand years. Village hike Enjoy an easy-paced hike from the hotel through the village and farmlands of Ouirgane. Visit with a local family Today’s hike ends at the home of a lovely couple who welcome us into their home with freshly baked bread served with honey and mint tea—a favorite Moroccan snack. This is a wonderful opportunity to talk with local people about their life, traditions, and family history here in this serene setting.

Days 8 and 9 – Essaouira

Founded in the 1760s Essaouira is a fishing port that ships its catch all over the world. It’s also one of the only cities in Morocco laid out on a grid pattern, an innovation of its architect—a Frenchman who was the prisoner of the sultan.

Drive to Essaouira Leaving the High Atlas mountain environment behind, drive to the Atlantic coast to the fishing port of Essaouira. Tour a fishing pier Essaouira’s bustling fishing pier is the perfect chance to immerse in local culture. Veiled women watch their husbands unload fish and the day’s catch is noisily auctioned off so it can be shipped all over the world. Free day Explore the bustling marketplace, relax on the beach or, simply, enjoy your hotel.

Day 10 – Marrakesh

In Marrakesh the amazing Majorelle Gardens are known for paths that wind through bamboo, banana and coconut groves and the many species of birds found only in this area of North Africa.

Tour Majorelle Gardens Admire the vivid hues of Majorelle Gardens, designed by expatriate French artist Jacques Majorelle in 1924. Stroll through bamboo forests and coconut palms, and try to spot the more than 15 bird species only found in this area of North Africa.

Day 11 – Depart Marrakesh / Arrive home

Please Note:   Thomson Family Adventures will attempt to adhere to this itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or availability) may necessitate changes in the accommodations.

Why Morocco?

Magical kingdom of exotic sights, sounds and cultures Morocco—a magical kingdom of sights, sounds and cultures is an experience that lasts a lifetime. Your teens will rise to the challenge of “roughing it,”  trekking along narrow mule paths, and visit magical cities where they’ll experience very different cultures through colorful markets, exotic foods and time-honored traditions. This is one of the most rewarding family adventures you will ever experience! Marrakesh Known as the “red city,” Marrakesh is the second largest city in Morocco after Casablanca. Founded in 1062 as the capital of the Almoravid dynasty, Marrakesh is a fascinating mix of Arab, African and European influences. The sights and sounds of Djemaa el-Fna—the world’s greatest open-air gathering spot, will dazzle your senses. Acrobats, drummers, pipe musicians, dancers, storytellers, and vendors of everything under the Moroccan sun are all part of the lively and eclectic mix that’s sure to enthrall even the most seasoned traveler—especially watching a real snake charmer! Essaouira Experience an authentic—and very photogenic—slice of coastal culture in the lively village of Essaouira. Nestled amidst old Berber, French and Portuguese military fortifications, Essaouira is a fishing port that ships its catch all over the world, and you’ll see veiled women greeting their husbands as they return home with their boat-loads of fish. Warm, welcoming, engaging people and culture Morocco is the third most populous Arab country, after Egypt and Sudan, and most Moroccans are Sunni Muslims of Arab, Berber, or mixed Arab-Berber descent. In fact, approximately 80% of the world’s Berber population lives in Morocco. As we explore the cities and villages, from mountains to the coast, you’ll discover that this is a richly diverse country whose people love music, dance and fine cuisine. A long history of social traditions, religious and ethnic tolerance, and the longest running Monarchy in the world all contribute to the fascinating fabric of this modern-day magical kingdom. You and your family will have the opportunity to meet Moroccans and learn about their ancient cultures and customs in a highly personal way.
From visiting with Berber tribesmen and villagers to our terrific local guides, your youngsters and teens will long remember this family vacation for the hospitable warmth of the Moroccan people. Proximity to Europe Although Morocco is a North African Arab nation, with 99% of the population being faithful Muslims, it is located just south of Spain and has had a tremendous influence from European countries. Darija, or Moroccan Arabic, a few dialects of Berber, and French are spoken throughout Morocco, and many of its villages are annual tourist locations for French, Spanish, and Portuguese families. It is a fascinatingly exotic nation, but much closer than it would seem, and still with many elements of Western familiarity. The Hand of Fatima You’ll fall in love with the hamsa – or “Hand of Fatima” – and what it represents. This symbol is ever-present in Morocco, on jewelry, clothing, walls, souvenirs, and anything else you can imagine. The hamsa is a hand with an eye in the middle; the five fingers represent the five pillars of Islam. It is a symbol of power, strength, and blessings and a perfect demonstration of the gentle, well-wishing Moroccan people. The hand can be depicted in many ways, for different purposes: when the fingers are spread apart, it serves to ward off evil; when they are closed together, the hamsa serves to bring good luck.

Why Morocco with Thomson?

Trek off the beaten path in the Atlas Mountains with your kids Imagine hiking high in the Atlas Mountains, a 1,500-mile range that stretches across northern Africa through Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Rising dramatically in the west along the Atlantic Ocean and extending to the Moroccan-Algerian border, your family will enjoy the amazing beauty, from soaring peaks to herds of goats in fertile fields, and delightful villages where smiles know no borders. Berber village of Ouirgane Now that the hard work of hiking is done, it’s time to reward yourself and your kids with stays in luxurious hotels outfitted with a wide range of pampering amenities as we visit peaceful Ouirgane. In this Berber village, enjoy the hospitality of a local couple who treat you to fresh baked bread served with honey and mint tea, a favorite Moroccan snack. Visit the Majorelle Gardens in Marrakesh You’ll be inspired by 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 its buildings, is named after him—“Marjorelle 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 Marrakech, whose collection includes North African textiles as well as ceramics, jewelry, and paintings by Majorelle. Explore a medersa Your family will love exploring the phenomenal Moorish architecture—both inside and out —of a medersa, a traditional Moroccan boarding school. Relax—You’re with Thomson! From the moment you arrive until the day you depart, our dedicated Thomson team is behind the scenes taking care of every last detail. Our amazing local guides, drivers, and staff are there to ensure your family’s safety and comfort every step of the way. Your only job is to show up and have a great family vacation! Wonderful guides There are so many tremendous experiences to be had in Morocco, and our highly capable guides will see to it that your family gets the most out of all of them. Take a family tour through colorful walled medinas with complete confidence that you’re seeing all there is to see and that you’re totally safe. Hike through the Atlas Mountains, knowing that you’re being exposed to all the best scenery and going to all the best spots. Traveling with our guides, you can be assured that everything will be just right, and your family won’t miss out on anything Morocco has to offer.