Original Travels | 2023
Designed by YKDesigner
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn | Days: 10 | Level: easy
Discover the hospitality of Morocco's coastal cities, with their ancient medinas and a mix of architectural heritages. Start in Tangier, visit the Museum of the Kasbah of Mediterranean Cultures and Hafa café. Then head to the capital city of Rabat, and Oualidia, an authentic seaside resort. End in Essaouira, with its bohemian spirit and charm. Along the way, visit Asilah and El Jadida, fishing and navigator cities with preserved charm. Enjoy the trip with a planned itinerary and accommodation in traditional riads and intimate guesthouses.Â
Arrive in Tangier by flight or ferry, and as soon as you disembark, you'll be greeted by the warm Moroccan hospitality of your driver, who will escort you to your accommodation. Take a moment to relax and freshen up before embarking on an exploration of this charming coastal city. Tangier is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, which has attracted writers, artists, and musicians from around the world. Admire the views of the Mediterranean Sea from the Kasbah or wander through the colorful souks and markets to discover local handicrafts and taste delicious Moroccan delicacies.
Tangier is a fascinating city to explore with your family, offering a unique blend of Moroccan, European, and African cultures. You can start by taking a walk through the winding alleys of the old Medina, where you will find a bustling market, lively street performers, and colorful architecture. Kids will love the sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. For a more relaxed experience, you can head to the picturesque Petit Socco square, a popular meeting spot for locals, where you can sip on mint tea and people-watch. For a touch of history, visit the Kasbah Museum, housed in the Dar el-Makhzen palace, to learn about the city's past. Tangier also has some fantastic beaches, including the popular Plage de Tanger, where you can swim, sunbathe, and even go camel riding. Another great family activity is taking a stroll along the Corniche, a scenic promenade that runs along the coast.
Leaving the bustling city of Tangier behind, embark on a scenic drive towards the Moroccan capital of Rabat. The journey takes you along the picturesque coastal road, with stunning views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea on one side and the rolling hills and lush green fields on the other. As you make your way towards Rabat, make a stop at the charming town of Asilah. This beautiful seaside town boasts an enchanting walled medina, where you can wander through narrow streets and alleyways, taking in the stunning architecture and vibrant colors. Admire the beautiful murals and street art that adorn the walls of the medina and enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the local cafes. After exploring Asilah, continue your drive towards Rabat, passing through quaint villages and towns along the way. As you approach Rabat, you'll catch glimpses of the magnificent Hassan Tower, an iconic landmark that dates back to the 12th century. Upon arrival in Rabat, take some time to settle into your accommodations and explore the city at your own pace. Rabat is a beautiful city with a fascinating history, blending traditional Moroccan architecture with a modern vibe. From the bustling markets of the old medina to the grand monuments and impressive museums, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Rabat is a fascinating city to explore with kids. Start your day by visiting the Kasbah of the Udayas, an ancient fortress that has been standing since the 12th century. The kids will love exploring the fortress and its walls, as well as the beautiful Andalusian gardens located nearby. After the Kasbah, take a walk down to the beach, where the kids can play in the sand, splash in the waves, and build sandcastles. The beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery, with plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby for refreshments. In the afternoon, head to the Hassan Tower, a minaret of an incomplete mosque that was built in the 12th century. The tower offers panoramic views of the city, and kids will be fascinated by the history of the mosque and the tower itself. Next to the tower, you can also visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a grand and impressive building that houses the tombs of the late King Mohammed V and his two sons, King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah. Finish your day by exploring the old medina, with its bustling markets and vibrant atmosphere. The medina is full of interesting sights and sounds, with its maze of narrow alleys, souks, and street vendors selling everything from spices to traditional Moroccan clothing.Â
Leaving Rabat, the journey takes you southward along the Atlantic coast. On the way to Essaouira, you'll stop at Casablanca, where you can visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. This architectural marvel is perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, and its minaret is the tallest in the world, standing at 210 meters tall. After admiring the mosque, you'll continue southwards, passing through picturesque landscapes and charming small towns, until you reach the coastal city of El Jadida. Here, you can explore the Portuguese Cistern, a historic underground water reservoir that is famous for its magnificent vaulted ceilings and rows of columns. From El Jadida, the journey continues along the coastline, passing through rolling hills and sweeping vistas until you reach the beautiful coastal town of Essaouira, where you'll be greeted by the sound of the crashing waves and the smell of the salt air.
Your driver-guide has planned an exciting day of family-friendly activities for you in Essaouira! First up, you'll explore the old medina, where the fortified walls and narrow alleyways offer a treat for the senses. Kids will love the bustling atmosphere and maze-like streets. Don't miss the Skala de la Ville, a fortification that offers stunning views over the city and the ocean. Next, it's time to hit the beach! Essaouira is known for its long stretches of golden sand and refreshing Atlantic breeze, making it a great spot for building sandcastles, playing beach games, or simply soaking up the sun. For the more adventurous families, there are opportunities for water sports such as windsurfing and kite surfing. Finally, a horse or camel ride along the beach is a unique and exciting way to experience the coastline and see some stunning natural scenery. It's a great way to make unforgettable memories with your family in Essaouira.
After a fun-filled stay in Essaouira, your journey continues with a drive to Marrakech. On the way, your driver-guide will stop to show you the famous argan trees and the playful goats that climb their branches. You'll have the chance to take some amazing photos and to learn about the traditional process of making argan oil.
Once you arrive in Marrakech, you'll have some free time to relax and explore the city on your own.
 Your guide will take you on an adventure to explore the vibrant city of Marrakech with your kids. First on the list is the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech, which offers a stunning view of the city. Don't miss the chance to visit Bahia Palace, an ornate 19th-century palace with lush gardens and intricate tilework. Another must-see is the Saadian Tombs, a mausoleum that houses the tombs of the Saadian dynasty. It's a fascinating place to learn about the history of Marrakech and the Moroccan culture. For a unique and memorable experience, visit the Jardin Majorelle, a lush garden that was once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. Kids will love the vibrant colors and exotic plants, and parents will appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. After a day of exploring, head to the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, a bustling hub of activity in the heart of the old city. Here you'll find musicians, snake charmers, and food stalls offering a variety of local delicacies. It's a great place to relax and take in the vibrant culture of Marrakech.
Start your second day in Marrakech with a magical hot air balloon ride over the Atlas Mountains. It's a unique and unforgettable way to experience the beauty of Morocco's landscape, and kids will love the excitement of floating through the sky. Next, head to a cooking class where you and your family can learn how to make some of Morocco's most famous dishes. You'll visit a local market to pick up fresh ingredients, and then learn how to prepare traditional Tagines and couscous dishes. It's a great way to get a taste of the local culture and to bring some new recipes home with you. End your day with a Hammam experience, a traditional Moroccan spa treatment that is both relaxing and rejuvenating. Your family will be pampered with a steam bath, exfoliating scrub, and massage, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
As you leave Morocco, take with you the memories of your wonderful family adventure exploring this vibrant and fascinating country. The sights, sounds, and tastes of Morocco will stay with you forever, and we hope that you have had an unforgettable experience that has brought you closer as a family. We wish you a safe and comfortable journey home and hope to see you again on another adventure in the future.