12 Days Morocco Family Tour: Sahara Desert, UNESCO Medina & Coastal Escape

Welcome to Morocco! Upon your arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, our local team will be waiting at the arrivals hall to warmly greet you.

(Traveler Tip: The airport is located about 30 km south of the city center. The drive to the downtown area takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.)

Once downtown, you will dive straight into an immersive half-day city tour, uncovering the best of Casablanca:

Hassan II Mosque: Your exploration begins at this magnificent 20th-century engineering marvel. Approaching from the coastal promenade, you will catch your first breathtaking view of its exterior—one-third of this massive structure is built directly over the Atlantic Ocean bed, with its 210-meter minaret towering into the sky. You will then step inside the grand prayer hall with your guide to admire the retractable roof, delicate mosaic tilework, and colossal chandeliers up close.

Old Medina: From the mosque, a short drive brings you to Casablanca's historic heart. Encircled by 18th-century defensive walls, this vibrant quarter is a living labyrinth of narrow alleys. You will spend time walking through its buzzing traditional souks, artisan stalls, and open-air food markets, catching an authentic glimpse of daily Moroccan life.

Rick’s Café Photo Stop: Just a few minutes from the Medina walls sits Rick’s Café. For anyone who loves classic cinema, this is the ultimate pitstop—a beautiful recreation of the saloon from the legendary Hollywood film Casablanca. We will stop here to capture a photo outside its iconic facade, soaking in the vintage, romantic atmosphere.

The Habous Quarter: Next, move on to this elegant neighborhood, affectionately known as the "New Medina." Built by French architects in the 1920s, it features orderly archways, clean cobblestone streets, and exquisite Moorish design. (Tip: This is the perfect place to pause for a classic Moroccan tea break, unwinding just like a local with a fresh, hot glass of sweet mint tea.)

Mohammed V Square: A short drive leads you to the civic heart of Casablanca, famously nicknamed "Pigeon Square" by travelers. This grand plaza is surrounded by beautiful 1920s government buildings showcasing a unique mix of Moorish and French Art Deco architecture. Take a moment to relax by the central fountain and watch the flocks of pigeons weave between the historic facades.

The Central Market (Marché Central): Continue your sensory journey by dipping into this historic marketplace. Built in 1917, this beautiful Neo-Moorish market is Casablanca’s premier melting pot for fresh seafood, exotic spices, and local ingredients. Spend about 20 minutes exploring its lively lanes, watching locals shop, and taking in the rich aromas of the spice pyramids.

Optional Experience (Depending on Your Flight Schedule):

Ain Diab & La Corniche: If time permits, head to the vibrant coastal district of Ain Diab. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the palm-lined promenade of La Corniche, watching the dramatic, wild Atlantic waves crash against the rocks. To elevate your evening, you can choose to enjoy oceanfront dining at a premium seafood or French-Moroccan restaurant perched right on the cliffside.

After the tour, be transferred to your hotel in Casablanca for a relaxing evening.

After breakfast, leave Casablanca behind for a smooth, 1-hour drive north to Rabat, Morocco’s elegant coastal capital and a UNESCO-listed treasure.

Begin your exploration at the iconic Hassan Tower. Stand in awe before this majestic 12th-century red sandstone minaret, surrounded by a spectacular forest of ancient stone pillars that hint at what was meant to be the largest mosque in the world. Just across the grand marble plaza, step inside the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Feel the quiet reverence of this modern royal masterpiece, marveling at its pure white marble exterior, intricate Zellige tilework, and the stoic Royal Guards standing watch in their striking traditional uniforms.

Next, a short drive brings you to the Kasbah of the Udayas, a breathtaking 12th-century fortress perched right where the Bou Regreg River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Pass through the monumental stone gateway of Bab El-Kebir and stroll past its vibrant blue-and-white houses. Head to the panoramic upper terraces to breathe in the sea air and take in sweeping, dramatic views of the river mouth and the crashing ocean waves below.

In this afternoon, you will have 4-hour drive inland (335 km). Watch the landscapes shift from flat Atlantic plains into the rugged, rolling green peaks of the Rif Mountains.

Arrive in the fairy-tale mountain town of Chefchaouen by late afternoon. Stay in hotel or riad in Chefchaouen.

Today, slow down and immerse yourself in the dreamy, sapphire-hued streets of Chefchaouen, uncovering its rich Andalusian heritage and laid-back mountain culture.

The Heart of the Medina: Begin your walking tour at Outa el-Hammam Square, the lively cobblestone heart of the old town. Soak in the relaxed atmosphere as you look out at the grand Tarik Ben Ziad Mosque, marveling at its unique octagonal minaret inspired by Seville's famous Torre del Oro.

The Historic Kasbah & Gardens: Just a few steps across the plaza, step inside the majestic walls of the 15th-century Kasbah fortress. Stroll through its lush, shady Andalusian gardens, climb its defensive stone towers for beautiful panoramic views of the blue rooftops, and explore the small ethnographic museum housed inside a former historic dungeon.

Wander the Sapphire Labyrinth: From the fortress, dive deep into the maze-like alleys of the ancient Medina. Pass by the elegant facade of El Makhzan Palace as you weave through hidden corners draped in colorful flower pots, vibrant hand-woven rugs, and local artisan workshops. Your expert guide will lead you down the most photogenic, blue-washed steps, sharing the fascinating history behind why this town was painted in shades of sky and sea.

Overnight in Chefchaouen.

After breakfast, drive from Chefchaouen to Volubilis, an incredible UNESCO site that stands as Morocco’s most important Roman ruin. This ancient capital gives you a great look at classic Roman city planning. As you walk down the historic stone paths, you will see the massive Arch of Caracalla, the grand Basilica, and beautifully preserved mosaic floors.

Then, on your way to Meknes, you will see Moulay Idriss Zerhoun (Distant View), Morocco’s holiest town, located just 4 km north of Volubilis. Founded in 788 by a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, this beautiful “Little Medina” holds the famous green-domed Mausoleum of Idriss I. We will stop at a higher viewpoint for great photos of the white houses spreading across the olive-covered hills.

Next, visit Bab Mansour, an incredible monument built in 1732 to protect the imperial palace. This famous Meknes landmark is known for its grand Almohad arches, beautiful green Zellij tilework, and massive, highly detailed stone structures.

Then, discover the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismaïl, the tomb of the famous ruler called “Morocco’s Louis XIV.” It is one of the few royal shrines that non-Muslims can enter. Inside, you can see beautiful Zellij tilework, carved plaster, and quiet courtyards around the central marble tomb.

Overnight in Fes.

Today, spend the day exploring Fes, Morocco's oldest imperial city and a famous UNESCO medieval museum. Enjoy walking through its completely car-free medina, a massive maze of 9,000 winding streets and ancient market souks.

Begin your journey at Bab Boujloud, the city's most famous gateway. Take a moment to admire its classic Moorish design and iconic tilework—blue representing Fes and green honoring Islam—before stepping directly into the vibrant, bustling main market streets.

Next, visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, widely considered Fes’s most spectacular Islamic college. This architectural masterpiece seamlessly blends Berber and Andalusian styles. Step into its serene courtyard to admire the pinnacle of Moroccan craftsmanship, showcasing intricate plasterwork, masterfully carved cedarwood, and vibrant Zellige mosaics.

Next, discover Al-Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 and revered as the world’s oldest continuously operating university. Long celebrated as a legendary intellectual hub, it welcomes non-Muslim visitors to glimpse through its grand doorways to admire the striking emerald-green roofs and beautifully preserved, historic Zellige courtyard.

Then, discover the historic Chouara Tannery, which has been operating continuously since the 11th century. Holding a fresh sprig of mint to mask the intense aromas, you can look down from above at the vibrant, multicolored stone dye vats where local craftsmen still preserve ancient, traditional methods.

Afterward, ascend to the 14th-century Marinid Tombs for the ultimate panoramic view of Fes. Perched on a high northern hill, these ancient royal ruins are entirely unfenced, allowing you to wander freely, capture stunning photos, and watch a spectacular sunset cast its golden glow over the massive historic medina below.

Overnight in Fes.

Optional: Moroccan brass engraving

Starting at 9:30 AM, this three-hour session is completely hands-on. You will get to practice geometric layouts yourself, using a compass and ruler to draw circles and map out exact sections. The instructions are very clear, so you can easily follow along even if you've never done it before.

Depart Fes and ascend into the Middle Atlas mountains to experience Morocco's greener side. Your first stop is Ifrane, a town famous for its clean, alpine architecture that has earned it the nickname "the Switzerland of Morocco." Just a short drive away, you will pass through ancient cedar forests where wild Barbary macaques still roam freely.

After a lunch stop in Midelt, watch the mountain landscapes gradually melt away into vast desert horizons. By late afternoon, you will arrive in Merzouga—the majestic golden gateway where the paved roads finally end and the massive Erg Chebbi sand dunes begin.

Your desert adventure begins the moment you swap vehicles to head out into the dunes. You can choose between an exhilarating 30-minute 4x4 off-road drive straight to your camp, or a peaceful 1 to 2-hour camel trek across the rolling golden sands as the sun sets.

End your evening at a comfortable desert camp, complete with private tents and modern bathrooms. Here, you will savor a traditional tagine dinner before gathering around a crackling bonfire to enjoy live Berber drumming under a spectacular canopy of stars.

Optional Upgrades:

• Visit Khamlia Village to experience traditional Gnawa music.
• Upgrade to a luxury desert camp featuring a swimming pool among the dunes.

You can choose to wake up early this morning to watch a optional Sahara sunrise over the dunes and try some optional sandboarding.

After leaving the desert, you will head to Rissani, the historic cradle of Morocco's ruling dynasty. If you are traveling on a market day (Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday), you will get to explore its vibrant, traditional donkey and spice markets.

Next, drive toward Tinejdad to see the Khettara, an impressive underground irrigation system built centuries ago. Nearby, you will explore Ksar El Khorbat, a beautifully preserved 19th-century mud-brick village that has been recognized as a UN Best Tourism Village. Take some time to browse its fascinating Oasis Museum before breaking for lunch.

In the afternoon, head into the breathtaking Todra Gorges, where massive limestone canyon walls rise 300 meters straight up. From there, continue into the Dades Gorges to admire the famous serpentine hairpin roads and see local children playing in the cool mountain streams.

To avoid the noise and vendors of the busier town center, you will head straight to Boumalne Dades. Here, you will check into a boutique hotel or a Kasbah-style guesthouse perched high on the cliffs, where you can enjoy a quiet sunset dinner with panoramic views over the valley.

Depart Boumalne Dades and travel through Kelaa Megouna in the fragrant Valley of the Roses. If you are traveling in spring (April–May), you can optionally visit a local rose distillery or catch the annual Rose Festival. Afterward, take a brief, relaxing break in the lush Skoura Oasis to see the famous Kasbah Amridil.

Next, arrive in Ouarzazate to tour the legendary film studios where famous productions like Gladiator and Game of Thrones were filmed. You will also get to see the historic Kasbah Taourirt, which was once the palatial residence of the powerful Glaoui family.

From Ouarzazate, head to Aït Ben Haddou, a spectacular, UNESCO-listed earthen citadel. Spend some time wandering through its clay labyrinth of streets and climb up to the summit for a beautiful, panoramic view over the ancient valley.

In the afternoon, navigate the dramatic, winding roads of the High Atlas Mountains via the famous Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m), passing by traditional red-earth Berber villages along the way.

You will arrive at your hotel or Riad in Marrakech by early evening, typically between 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM.

Please Note: Occasional maintenance on the mountain roads may cause brief, temporary travel pauses.

Your day begins at the Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech's celebrated blue oasis. This beautiful botanical garden showcases over 400 plant species, guiding you past towering cacti and quiet bamboo groves. It offers a wonderful blend of light, sound, and color, centered around the iconic vibrant Majorelle Blue villa that anchors the property.

Next, visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa in the heart of the Marrakech Medina. Built in the 16th century, this historic site showcases the very best of Islamic artistry. After admiring its magnificent central courtyard, you can wander through the 130 historic student rooms for a fascinating look back at ancient university life.

Take a walk through The Souks, the largest and most iconic traditional market network in North Africa. This bustling medieval labyrinth is filled with the aromas of exotic spices, beautifully hand-woven carpets, glittering lanterns, and an incredible variety of traditional Moroccan crafts.

Next, visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech's iconic 12th-century spiritual landmark. The mosque's famous 77-meter minaret is historically significant, having served as the architectural blueprint for Seville's Giralda Tower. Made from local red sandstone, the site showcases elegant geometric windows and grand arches, all surrounded by beautiful public gardens perfect for photography.

After that, head to Jemaa el-Fnaa, Marrakech's famous UNESCO-listed central square. The daytime brings out colorful snake charmers and fresh juice stalls, while the evening completely changes the space into a huge open-air night market. We recommend visiting at sunset to catch the live folklore music and experience the incredible energy of the square.

Optional Activity: Calèche Ride

experience a classic ride in a Calèche, Marrakech’s iconic horse-drawn green carriage. These carriages have been touring the city for over 150 years, and today they are still driven by licensed local families. It is a wonderfully nostalgic and romantic way to explore the streets of the Red City from an open-air perspective.

our private driver will pick you up from your hotel in Marrakech at 8:00 AM. The drive from Marrakech to Essaouira takes about 3 hours (177 KM).

As we leave the vibrant energy of the city behind, we’ll head west across the Houaz Plains toward the village of Sidi Lmokhtar. We’ll pass through the unique landscape of Argan tree forests. Keep your camera ready - you might just spot the famous local goats climbing the trees to snack on Argan nuts, a truly rare and unforgettable sight.

We’ll make a stop at a local Argan oil cooperative to see how this "liquid gold" is made. You’ll learn about the traditional extraction methods that have made this oil famous for its culinary and cosmetic benefits.

Optional: If you enjoy fine wine, we can detour to the Val d’Argan vineyard. Established by a French winemaker, it’s a beautiful spot to enjoy a glass of locally produced wine before we reach the coast.

Afternoon: Exploring Essaouira

Upon arrival, you’ll have a walking tour of this historic port city. You’ll wander through the winding alleys of the ancient Medina—a UNESCO World Heritage site—where the souks and artisan workshops offer a more relaxed pace than Marrakech.

We’ll explore the Mellah (the old Jewish quarter) and climb the historic Kasbah, a military bastion that offers sweeping, panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Later, we’ll head down to the bustling fishermen’s port, where the iconic blue boats line the shore and the catch of the day is brought in fresh.

After that, relax at Place Moulay Hassan. Relax in the main square with a mint tea or visit a rooftop cafe for sunset views.

Stay overnight in Essaouira.

Essaouira, known as the “Wind City of Africa,” is a world-class destination for water sports. On this day, you will head to Essaouira Beach and choose activities that fit your style and your family.

Option 1: Water Activities:

• Kitesurfing & WindsurfingThe bay is shaped like a wide half-moon, while Mogador Islandand the offshore shallows help block the strongest waves. That means you get the best of both worlds: strong, steady wind with a much calmer sea surface—perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
• SurfingIf you’re looking for classic surfing(more wave-focused, less wind-dependent), head to the south end of the beach, toward the west side near Sidi Kaouki.

Option 2: Beach Activities

• Camel Trekking on the Atlantic SandThis isn’t like the red dunes of the Sahara. Here, you’ll ride along a deep-blue Atlantic backdrop, withold fortress ruins visible in the distance.
• Horse Riding by the SeaFor something truly special, try a beach ride. Gallop along the shoreline as the horses run through the Atlantic waves- it feels energetic, free, and very “Essaouira.”

Option 3: Relax at the Beach

After your activities, slow down and enjoy the atmosphere. Watch the kites, take a relaxed walk, feel the fine sand under your feet, and breathe in the cool sea breeze. Order a cocktail or Moroccan mint tea, and simply listen to the ocean.

In the afternoon, drive back to Marrakech (about 3 hours). Arrive in Marrakech and stay overnight in the city.

Today, we will transfer you to Marrakech Menara Airport for your flight home, bringing your 12 Days Morocco Family Tour to a close.

If you are planning to extend your travels into Africa, just let our team know - we would be happy to help you arrange your next adventure.