Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip

The Atlas Mountains to Essaouira
An Alternative Family Holiday to Morocco

Morocco - Atlas - Essaouira

MOROCCO WITH ALL THE FAMILY

Starting from between £1,950 to £3,110 per person for 8 days depending on the time of year, type of accomodation and activities

Itinerary Highlights

  • Atlas Mountains, Berber villages and the Atlantic coast: travelling through Morocco with your family


  • Comfortable and family-friendly accommodation: a mud house in the country, an elegant riad in the city


  • Riding, hiking through argan trees and a cooking workshop: all included


  • Direct flights & fast track on arrival at Marrakech, private transfers and a local Concierge: all reasons to travel with us
From the Atlas to the Atlantic coast, this trip reveals two sides to Morocco. You arrive at the foot of the High Atlas mountains first, where there is a startling change of scenery. From almost desert highlands to green valleys and Berber villages where you are immediately made welcome - a truly authentic experience, far from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. Then move away from these inland areas towards Essaouira, a fortified town on the Atlantic coast. A city where Arab, African and European civilisations meet, before becoming a haven of peace cradled by the ocean: surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing are all practiced here along with less active seaside pursuits.

Ideal for the whole family, your trip combines the outdoors, walks and workshops together, along with relaxing moments for everyone - on the terrace, at the poolside or in the hammam. And since meals are also part of the journey you can all sit down together to share a tagine or enjoy a mint tea. Lighthearted moments to relax and soak up the Moroccan way of life and traditions.



YOUR JOURNEY



We have selected family-friendly accommodation: in the foothills of the High Atlas, you will spend time in the wilderness, where large comfortable tents and eco-lodges await you. There, water is recycled, waste is processed and meals are made from local produce: these eco-friendly approaches are important for the owners. In Essaouira, you'll sleep in a riad nestled in the heart of the medina, simple and elegant. Behind an imposing blue door, the two patios reveal corridors decorated with wrought-iron balconies, followed by spacious rooms, decorated in the country's colours. Throughout the journey, neither adults nor children will have a moment to be bored. Included in the itinerary: a hike through argan trees with a specialist guide from the Essaouira region, a pastry class run by a women's association and a ride. Simplicity being the watchword of this family getaway, everything is included - direct outbound and return flights, private transfers, half board in one or other of your hotels and assistance from our local Concierge when needed.
Villa Morocco - Essaouira - Morocco © Marion Osmont
Villa Morocco - Essaouira - Morocco © Marion Osmont
Essaouira - Morocco © Marion Osmont
Essaouira - Morocco © Marion Osmont
Essaouira - Morocco © Marion Osmont
Essaouira - Morocco © Marion Osmont
Terre d'Amanar - Tahnaout - South Morocco - Morocco © Emilie de Beaumont
Terre d'Amanar - Tahnaout - South Morocco - Morocco © Emilie de Beaumont
Terre d'Amanar - Tahnaout - South Morocco - Morocco © Emilie de Beaumont
Terre d'Amanar - Tahnaout - South Morocco - Morocco © Emilie de Beaumont
Terre d'Amanar - Tahnaout - South Morocco - Morocco © Emilie de Beaumont
Terre d'Amanar - Tahnaout - South Morocco - Morocco © Emilie de Beaumont
Region of Marrakech - Morocco © Armand Lagrange
Region of Marrakech - Morocco © Armand Lagrange

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

Private transfer to Tahanaout and three nights' accommodation on an eco-estate, 40 minutes from Marrakesh, nestled in the countryside at 4,000ft. There are mountains, valleys, untouched nature and farmland all around… The scene is set. The estate offers comfortable tents and eco-lodges. It is the result of a sustainable project designed by, with and for the local population, with the greatest respect for the environment and Berber traditions.

Optional - You can organise what you want to do once you've arrived. If you're a thrill-seeker you can opt for the aerial route between the trees, the zip line - Africa's longest - or the impressive rope bridge. The less daring can opt for hiking or mountain biking, climbing or archery... And relaxation is guaranteed, from the pool to the children's playground, from introductory courses in pottery to traditional cuisine.

Private transfer to Essaouira and accommodation for four nights in the heart of the medina, in a riad that owes its elegance to the simplicity of its facilities. The rooms overlook the patios, the terraces towards the blue sky. The garden's produce is the mainstay of the meals. The riad also has a hammam steam room and offers a selection of massages and body treatments.

Throughout the year, sea air sweeps across the port of Essaouira, making it a particularly pleasant stop, even in the middle of summer. Its bohemian side and the charm of its enclosed alleyways give the ancient Mogador the feel of a village where the sea dictates the pace of life.
Included in the itinerary - An accompanied hike through mythical argan woodland, in a small group. During the walk, you will explore the argan forest, a true emblem of the Essaouira region. The visit ends at an argan oil cooperative, an opportunity to observe the meticulous work needed to extract the precious oil, used for its antioxidant and moisturising properties. You will then attend a private pastry workshop in a women's association. The El Khir Women's Welfare Association (A.F.B.K), active since 1998, helps women by combating illiteracy, providing legal information and thus promoting their economic power. Take part in a workshop given by Moroccan women to discover the secrets of how gazelle horns or ghoribas are made. Finally, you set off on a horse ride, in a small group. The equestrian centre is run by a Franco-Moroccan couple passionate about horses and riding, who love nature and the outdoors. The Arabian Barb horses there adapt easily to different riders and are very docile with children and beginners alike. Starting at Diabat, the walk passes through a sandy forest of eucalyptus and mimosa, then on to Essaouira beach.

Transfer to the airport and your flight home.

Suggestions

Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included

TAHANAOUT, ACTIVITIES IN THE ESTATE



The fearless can opt for one of the six circuits in the trees, zip lines, the rope or hanging bridge for a unique sense of freedom unless they want to try their hand at mountain biking either on the initiation course or the trails. For the little ones, trampolines, swings, and slides are available in a supervised play area. The estate is also an ideal base for hiking tours where a guide can take you on a tour of the area. Alternatively, you can visit the permanent craft village which gives you an insight into the Berber community - pottery, zellige tiles, painted glass, a tea ceremony, woodwork, leatherwork and bread-making during cookery workshops...

Why visit Morocco with Original Travel

Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.

ENQUIRE NOW

A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Morocco

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Airport lounge access
  • Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

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A rough idea of the price

Depending on the time of year, type of accommodation and activities

The estimated cost for this trip starts from £1,950 to £3,110 per person. A fixed price would not make sense for a bespoke journey. The final cost will vary according to several factors, including the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be provided on your personalised quote. The average cost for this trip is £2,485 per person.
Included in this suggestion

  • Flight to Marrakech and return from Essaouira with a scheduled airline


  • Airline taxes and fuel surcharge


  • Priority clearance through immigration in Marrakech


  • Private airport/hotel transfers as detailed in the itinerary


  • Three-night stay in Tahanaout in a two-bedroom lodge with half board


  • Four nights in Essaouira in a family suite, half board


  • Hiking in Essaouira, in a small group


  • Private pastry workshop at a women's association


  • Riding, in a small group


  • Our local Concierge service


100% tailor-made holidays

Understanding Your Needs

Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday

Personalisation

We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities

Our Services

All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges