Morocco Family Journey: Ancient Souks to the Sahara

Starting in Marrakech, this tour winds through the celebrated medina with its spice shops and historic sites, including the Saadian Tombs and Bahia Palace. Next, the journey takes in the fortified village of Aït Ben Haddou, a labyrinth of narrow alleys that hint at its cinematic fame and centuries-old architecture. The pace is lively—a reminder that Morocco rewards the curious who are prepared for early starts and long drives.

Venturing further, the tour reaches the vast Sahara around Merzouga, where dune-climbing and cultural encounters with Amazigh musicians unfold under desert skies. There's time to learn local cooking techniques with a tagine class in Aït Ben Haddou, adding flavour to the experience. Led by National Geographic Expedition Leaders and local guides, the group maintains a steady rhythm between activity and depth, and travellers should pack layers to counter the desert's shifting temperatures.

Accommodation spans a range of hotels with some quirks typical of the region, such as occasional cold showers and stairs without lifts. The tour balances cultural insight with the practicalities of Moroccan travel, emphasising respectful interaction and the occasional challenge to one’s comfort.

New to Morocco? Our Morocco guide has the practical essentials: money, plugs, visas and when to go.