8 DAYS FAMILY MARRAKECH, ATLAS MOUNTAINS & ESSAOUIRA ADVENTURE

Suggested Itinerary: Marrakech – Atlas – Essaouira (8 days)

Overview

This 8-day family-friendly journey combines the vibrant city life of Marrakech, gentle walking through the foothills of the the High Atlas, and a relaxing coastal stay in Essaouira / Sidi Kaouki. Expect moderate pace, comfortable lodging, cultural experiences, and flexibility for free time.

Highlights:

• Explore the medina of Marrakech
• Cooking tajine with a Berber family
• Walks in Atlas foothills
• Camel ride and surfing by the Atlantic
• Relaxed beach time + coastal village charm

Included Meals & Accommodations Snapshot:

• Breakfast: 7
• Lunch: 3
• Accommodation types: comfortable hotels, simple stays, riads
• Transport: minibus, walking

Group size & pace:
Small group (approx. 2–18) with a “Moderate” pace, meaning most days are active but not overly strenuous.

Detailed Day-by-Day Program

Day 1 — Arrival in Marrakech

• Arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK).
• Transfer (optional) to your hotel in Marrakech (about 20 minutes).
• No formal activities scheduled today — time to relax, explore nearby on your own, or rest.
• Around 18:00 — meet in hotel reception with your tour leader for welcome briefing.
• Optional group dinner.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Marrakech (Comfortable class)
• Meals: None included

Day 2 — Marrakech → Atlas foothills / Marigha → Ouirgane

• After breakfast, depart Marrakech and cross the Haouz Plain.
• Stop in Asni, then continue into the foothills of the Toubkal Massif.
• Arrive in the village of Marigha — short walk through village.
• Cooking demonstration & lunch: learn how to prepare a traditional tajine (with meat or vegetarian version).
• Continue through the Oued Rhirhaia Valley toward Ouirgane.
• Evening at leisure, soaking in mountain views.
• Accommodation: Ecolodge in Ouirgane (Comfortable)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 — Walking in Atlas foothills + lunch with a Berber family

• After breakfast, start a scenic walk in the foothills around Ouirgane.
  • The route passes through juniper / fir forests, along streams, through terraced fields, orchards and valley scenery.
  • The walk is approx. 4 hours (adjustable).
• Lunch hosted by a local Berber family, enjoying home-cooked fare and local hospitality.
• Afternoon: return to lodge and relax (pool, gardens, views).
• Accommodation: Same ecolodge (Ouirgane)
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 — Ouirgane → Argan oil stop → Vineyard lunch → Sidi Kaouki (coast)

• Depart early toward the Atlantic coast.
• En route, visit an argan oil cooperative to learn about local production and perhaps purchase argan oil.
• Continue to Le Domaine du Val d’Argan (Ounagha): southernmost winery in Morocco.
• Enjoy lunch on the vineyard terrace, with salads, bread, local produce, meats or fish, and wine.
• Continue drive (~5 hours total with stops) to Sidi Kaouki, a quieter coastal village just south of Essaouira.
• After check-in, take a sunset walk on the beach.
• Accommodation: Simple hotel / lodge near Sidi Kaouki
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 — Camel ride, beach time, transfer to Essaouira + medina walk

• Morning: camel ride along the beach.
• Free time for morning beach / surf (or just relax).
• After lunch, drive to Essaouira.
• Check in to a riad in the old town.
• Afternoon guided exploration of Essaouira’s medina and port: stroll alleys, visit crafts stalls, ascend ramparts.
• Accommodation: Riad in Essaouira (Comfortable)
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 — Full day in Essaouira – surfing lesson & free time

• Morning: surf lesson with qualified instructor.
• Afternoon: free time for exploring medina, shopping, enjoying cafés, revisiting the harbour area, or relaxing on the beach.
• Accommodation: Same riad
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 — Return to Marrakech + city walk & attractions

• After breakfast, depart Essaouira for Marrakech (approx. 3 hours drive, with stops).
• After arrival and check in, enjoy lunch together.
• Afternoon guided walking tour of Marrakech:
  • Visit Koutoubia Mosque (exterior), Bahia Palace, stroll through medina, visit souks, a spice shop, and end at Jemaa el-Fna.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Marrakech (Comfortable)
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 — Departure from Marrakech

• After breakfast, the tour ends.
• Luggage storage may be available if your departure is later in the day.
• Optional airport transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport.
• Meals: Breakfast

Practical & Additional Information

Trip information & tips

• Summer can get very hot; itinerary may adjust to avoid mid-day heat.
• During winter, nights (especially in mountains) can be very cold, so warm clothes are needed.
• Some hotel heating may be limited.
• Dress modestly out of respect for local culture (cover shoulders, knees).
• Footwear: sturdy walking shoes, sandals for relaxing.
• Luggage: typically 20 kg max; carry your own in/out of vehicles.
• Bring: sun protection (hat, sunscreen), insect repellent, water bottle, flashlight, light rain jacket, warm layers.
• Tipping:
  • Tour leader: suggest ~£20–25 pp per week
  • Local staff: optional, via group kitty or direct small tips
• Optional activities: Surfing (≈ 650 MAD), other local experiences arranged locally.
• Local currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
• Languages: Arabic, Berber, French.
• Time zone: GMT+0
• Electrical plugs: 2-pin round (European style)