Morocco Family Journey: Ancient Souks To Sahara
National Geographic Family Journeys
Your family will be off on the road through Morocco on this exciting Morocco Family Journey: Ancient Souks To The Sahara. Travel from the red city, Marrakech to a film studio in Ouarzazate, the Sahara Desert's golden dunes, colorful Dades Gorge and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Ben Haddou. Along with wonderful scenery, enjoy the colors of and spice scented air in the souks, taste the flavors of traditional cuisine, and enjoy the music of this region.
From vibrant and bustling markets to the sandy dunes of the Sahara this thrilling family vacation will be filled with memorable moments to be cherished for a lifetime. Gnaoua musicians and Berber storytellers regale you with insight into their rich culture. A tagine cooking class is a fun and delicious learning opportunity. Explore the ramparts and maze-like streets of Aït Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified village. Get temporary henna tattoos on your hands. Hear the stirring sounds of the morning call to prayer. Stroll through Djemaa el Fna and various souks where you can pick up all sorts of gorgeous and hand-crafted souvenirs. Marvel at stunning scenery along Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains grand Erg Chebbi. See the incredible sets and props from favorite movies. Ride across the Sahara dunes in a 4x4 and witness fossils remaining from an ancient sea.
9 Days • fr. $1,611
Tour Highlights & Offers
Tour Includes
- JOURNEYS MOMENT: Sahara Dunes & Culture Excursion, Merzouga
- FAMILY JOURNEYS MOMENT: Atlas Film Studios Tour, Ouarzazate
- FAMILY JOURNEYS MOMENT: Marrakech Henna Art Café Experience
- FOODIE MOMENT: Tagine Cooking Class, Aït Ben Haddou
- VISIT Amazigh village and Amazigh pizza lunch
- GUIDED WALK Dades Gorge
- STROLL THROUGH Djemaa el Fna square
- GUIDED WALK: Marrakech medina
- WITNESS Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, souks and Jemaa el-Fnaa square
- EXPLORE maze of narrow alleys in walled village of Aït Ben Haddou
- EXPEDITION into the Sahara Desert
- EXPERIENCE colorful medina of Marrakech
Not Included
- Tips for personal services and to tour directors and drivers are not included in tour cost and left to your discretion.
- All items of a personal nature (room service, beverages, telephone charges, laundry, special food requests, etc.) and meals not specified on the tour itinerary are not included and must be paid by the client.
- All rates exclude airfare unless expressly noted.
Meal Inclusions
- 8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ: Allow USD$200-$260 for meals not included
Hotel Details
- Royal Mirage Deluxe Hotel in Marrakech, Morocco (3 nights)
- Berbere Palace in Ouarzazate, Morocco (1 night)
- Auberge du Sud in Merzouga, Morocco (2 nights)
- Hôtel Xaluca Dades in Atlas Mountains, Morocco (1 night)
- Riad Maktoub in Aït Benhaddou, Morocco (1 night)
Day 1
MARRAKECH Location Information Description
Marrakech, Morocco
Arrive in time to meet your fellow travelers for a welcome gathering this evening. Your arrival transfer is included. The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour.
Royal Mirage Deluxe Hotel
Day 2
MARRAKECH/OUARZAZATE Location Information Description
Ouarzazate, Morocco
Wind past red slopes and green terraces as you make your way south through the stunning valleys of Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains, stopping to enjoy a picnic lunch beside a sparkling river. Arrive in Ouarzazate, known as the “gateway to the Sahara,” and step behind the scenes at a film studio to see how the surrounding dunes have starred on the silver screen.
Breakfast, Lunch
Berbere Palace
Day 3
OUARZAZATE/MERZOUGA Location Information Description
Merzouga, Morocco
Today, travel between jagged peaks and palm oases toward the desert town of Merzouga. Settle into your hotel near the incredible Erg Chebbi, a sweeping sea of dunes formed by wind-blown sand. As the sun sets, savor a traditional Amazigh dinner, then spread a blanket on the sand for an evening of desert stargazing.
Breakfast, Dinner
Auberge du Sud
Day 4
MERZOUGA Location Information Description
Merzouga, Morocco
This morning, hop aboard a 4x4 and ride across the dunes to discover fossils left behind by an ancient sea, and be entranced by Gnaoua musicians in a local village.
Return to the hotel for free time to cool off in the pool, or opt to explore the desert in style, riding a camel across the sands as ancient travelers once did. Enjoy a tasty Amazigh dinner, then gather around a glowing bonfire for a storytelling session.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Auberge du Sud
Day 5
MERZOUGA/DADES GORGE Location Information Description
Dades Gorge, Morocco
Venture into the rugged landscape of the Dades Gorge, a dramatic and colorful valley carved by the waters of the Dades River. Visit a local village for lunch and enjoy a special dish—traditional Amazigh pizza!
Wind through the valley on a guided walk as you learn about the amazing geology behind the weird and wonderful rock formations of the Gorge. This evening, enjoy free time to relax at the hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch
Hôtel Xaluca Dades
Day 6
DADES GORGE/AÏT BEN HADDOU Location Information Description
Aït Ben Haddou, Morocco
Drive through the Ounila Valley to the ancient fortified village of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site where clay houses crowd together in a traditional ksar behind defensive walls.
Explore alleyways twisting between historic structures, and stand guard atop the clay brick ramparts, taking in views of the green oasis around this imposing fort. Entertain your taste buds at a hands-on tagine cooking class, followed by a delicious dinner.
Breakfast, Dinner
Riad Maktoub
Day 7
AÏT BEN HADDOU/MARRAKECH Location Information Description
Marrakech, Morocco
Journey through the mountains to Marrakech, known as the “red city” for its walls, houses, and many mosques built from red clay. After checking into your hotel and resting up, head to a local henna workshop to have your hands painted in this ancient temporary tattooing art.
Then, explore the lively Djemaa el Fna, an ancient marketplace still used as the main square in Marrakech. After, enjoy free time to discover more of Marrakech.
Breakfast
Royal Mirage Deluxe Hotel
Day 8
MARRAKECH Location Information Description
Marrakech, Morocco
Wake up as the call to prayer echoes across the city. After breakfast, set out on a guided walk through the narrow, maze-like streets of the medina, lined with colorful shops brimming with rugs, spices, and much more.
Spend the rest of the day exploring Marrakech on your own, or opt to explore the Marjorelle Garden. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner in a traditional riad, a grand house with an elegant interior courtyard.
Breakfast, Dinner
Royal Mirage Deluxe Hotel
Day 9
MARRAKECH Location Information Description
Marrakech, Morocco
Depart at any time.
Breakfast
Important information:
Important Information
- ALL guests must carefully verify the existing identification requirements for their particular travel situation DIRECTLY WITH THEIR LOCAL CONSULATES OR EMBASSIES or with a visa service, as these requirements may change. Guests without proper documentation may be denied entry and will not be entitled to a refund.
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- Cancellation received 30-59 days before departure of first product or service in relevant booking: Lifetime Deposit will be held by the Tour Operator in accordance with these Terms, an amount equal to 50% of the remainder of the payments made to the Tour Operator in respect of the cancelled Tour will be refunded.
- Cancellation less than 30 days before departure of first product or service in relevant booking: Lifetime Deposit will be held by the Tour Operator in accordance with these Terms, and no further refund will be payable.
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- Cancellation 60-89 days before first departure on relevant booking: Lifetime Deposit will be held by the Tour Operator in accordance with these Terms and an amount equal to 50% of the remainder of the payments made to the Tour Operation for the cancelled Tour will be refunded.
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- TRIP INSURANCE: The purchase of trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
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