100% customisable travel idea
Marrakech, the Desert and Essaouira For a short holiday, all together in Morocco!
Morocco - Marrakech - Agafay - Essaouira
100% customisable travel idea
Morocco - Marrakech - Agafay - Essaouira
100% customisable for you
Private transfer to your accommodation, set outside the medina, where you will stay for two nights. Imagine a small village, with narrow streets shaded by trees, houses and riads, secluded in the heart of several hectares (acres) of lush gardens. A haven of freshness where, as you wander along the paths, you’ll discover rammed earth buildings, greenhouses, paths lined with cacti and bamboo, water lily ponds, a rose garden and even a vegetable patch. Your family suite is spacious and carefully arranged for a stay with children. For lunch or dinner, the restaurant serves Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes made with seasonal vegetables and fruit. You can sit down to eat either in a greenhouse or on the terrace, facing the vegetable garden and fruit trees, with the snow-capped Atlas mountains on the horizon. During the day, children have a vast playground to enjoy: six swimming pools (three heated in winter), a padel court in the gardens and a clay tennis court. Parents can enjoy some relaxation while the children are kept busy. A small douar is dedicated to relaxation and beauty, run by a team of experts in traditional methods. It features several massage rooms (indoor and outdoor), two traditional hammams, a large relaxation room and a solarium.
The medina of Marrakech, a fortified city almost a thousand years old and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the beating heart of Morocco’s former capital. The majestic minaret of the medieval Koutoubia Mosque and the remains of El Badi Palace, dating from the 16th century, are among the most illustrious examples of Islamic architecture here. Add to that dazzling traditional crafts, on-trend contemporary design and some of the best restaurants in North Africa, and you have a city that captivates all the senses.
Scheduled - Treasure hunt in the medina. This adventure takes young explorers through the maze of the medina, where they must solve puzzles, tackle a range of challenges and try to uncover the secrets of Marrakech. A fun and exciting quest to get to know the Red City!
Pick up your rental car, then drive to your accommodation in the Agafay Desert, about 1 hour from Marrakech. In the heart of a vast 10-hectare (25-acre) property, the camp is divided into two areas: the upper part, with its restaurant, and below, the bivouac, which preserves the privacy and tranquillity of the site. Your tent has enough space for children and parents to quickly find their bearings. The materials used, drawn from local Moroccan arts and crafts and repurposed everyday objects, add a charming touch of authenticity. On the horizon, the peaks of the Atlas Mountains appear, draped in their white coats. In the kitchen, the chef takes great pleasure in showcasing the region’s finest ingredients to delight the taste buds. Dinner is served in the “circle”, the camp’s communal living space, around the campfire, in a warm and friendly atmosphere where everyone shares stories from the day.
Scheduled - A pottery workshop. With the family, everyone lets their creativity run free to shape the object of their dreams. An opportunity to learn pottery wheel and modelling techniques while sharing a lovely moment. Next, as is customary in the desert, a camel ride is planned. To the slow, swaying rhythm of the camel’s movements, you’ll find yourself dreaming of a past when nomads travelled thousands of kilometres (miles) with their caravans, transporting precious cargo. Departing from the camp, the walk is led by a camel driver - enough to guide both children and adults through the enchanting desert landscapes.
Optional - Photo session in the Agafay Desert.
We’ll leave the desert in the rear-view mirror and head towards Essaouira. You’ll stay for three nights in a charming country residence, set among argan and thuja trees. Centred around a courtyard, this residence with traditional Moroccan architecture offers several living spaces, including a library. It also features 11 independent eco-domes, sustainably designed with local materials. For your family’s comfort, your rooms each have their own bathroom and are adjoining and connected via the living room. Space, privacy and convenience blend perfectly. During the day, the pool invites you to relax, depending on how mild the weather is. In the evening, the restaurant delights guests with a variety of Moroccan- and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Essaouira may not have the scale or renown of its sister city Casablanca. But that's precisely what gives it its charm - and makes it a perfect destination for a family trip. Quieter than Marrakech, this small port town facing the Atlantic is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting on the North African coast. The blue wooden fishing boats bring in the day's catch, followed up by seagulls and gulls that set the soundscape. The dromedaries stroll lazily along the beaches. At the end of the day, dusk lights up the crenellated ramparts and watchtowers - remnants of a time when the city defended itself against pirates - and today they stand firm against the sea spray. The trade winds that sweep along the coast make it an ideal spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing, attracting both daring beginners and experienced athletes.
Scheduled - The medina of Essaouira in private. A local guide will lead you through the colourful labyrinth of the medina, sharing the captivating stories that have shaped Essaouira. You can take the opportunity, while wandering down a side street, to enjoy amlou - a Berber spread made from freshly ground almonds, honey and argan oil - sip mint tea in the shade or pick up some local arts and crafts as souvenirs with the children.
Optional - Moroccan cooking workshop: the secrets of tajine.
Already planned - Hike through the argan forest with a small donkey. The trail winds among argan trees, an endemic species of south-western Morocco and a true symbol of the Essaouira region. It passes through a douar and the remains of a 16th-century sugar factory. Younger visitors can cover part of the route on donkeyback. A comforting stop with a Berber family to enjoy tea makes for a welcome break halfway through the journey. The hike ends with a visit to an argan oil cooperative, where you can learn more about the careful work needed to extract this precious liquid - an essential ingredient in the delicious amlou, among other things.
Drive to the airport. Return the rental car and direct return flight.
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
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