Souks & Sand in Morocco: Family Trip to Marrakesh & Essaouira

Enjoy morning meal on your sun-filled terrace this morning before embarking on a day exploring the sights and sounds of Marrakech with the kids. This morning's activity offers the perfect way for little ones to uncover the city's gems through a guided tour and interactive treasure hunt. Discover the beautiful architecture of the Ben Youssef Madrasa, stroll through the colorful souks, and hear about local traditions as the surroundings spark the kids' imagination and they discover this fascinating and welcoming city.

Stop for a cool drink and a bite to eat in the medina before heading to the Majorelle Gardens. Designed by the french artist Jacques Majorelle and owned by Yves Saint Laurent, the 2-acre (1 ha) grounds burst with color. Set the kids off in search of the giant water lilies and lotus flowers as you stroll among the bamboo and cacti and listen to the sounds of some 15 bird species native to North Africa.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. Enjoy some downtime in your riad, take a dip in the plunge pool, or head to Jemaa el-Fna. As the sun starts to set, the square comes alive with snake charmers, storytellers, and fragrant food stalls. Watch the sunset from one of the child-friendly cafés as you and the kids listen out for the evocative sounds of the evening call to prayer. Then, head to the medina for a delicious meal before turning in for the night.

Spend a leisurely morning strolling the medina with the kids and practicing your bartering techniques with the local stallholders. If all the wonderful smells and tantalizing delicacies on display make small tummies rumble, then today's private food tour is the perfect solution.

Spend the next few hours tasting traditional delicacies, ranging from Morocco's unique sweets to an authentic and savory tajine, as you and your family take a private food tour through the city. Open the kids' eyes to a whole new host of flavors and an incredible sensory experience as you stroll from one local foodie hot spot to the next. Learn about the country's essential ingredients, cooking techniques, and culinary culture as you meander the picturesque alleyways, creating memories to savor.

This morning it's time to swap the heady atmosphere of Marrakech for the laid-back port city of Essaouira. Task the kids with spotting the goats that like to dine on the local argan fruit as your private driver transfers you to Morocco's west coast. Drive through rolling plains and argan tree forests before taking a detour to a local women's argan oil cooperative. The argan trees in the area produce small green fruit, similar to olives, whose oil has been used in Morocco cooking for centuries and has recently become a highly prized beauty treatment.

Spend a relaxing hour touring the cooperative (and coming away with some of the much sought-after oil) and watching the women as they extract oil from the fruits before continuing on to Essaouira. Check in to your accommodation for a quick refresh before heading out with the kids to explore. Your first stop should be the Skala de la Kasbah, the city's 18th-century seafront ramparts. Old brass cannons line the walls, and it's a terrific place to enjoy unparalleled views across the Atlantic and for little ones to unleash their inner pirate.

The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure. Head to the UNESCO-listed medina before making your way to the windswept beach, where the kids can play to their heart's content. Essaouira has some superb dining options, so in the evening, head to one of the many restaurants (children are warmly welcomed everywhere) and dine on freshly caught seafood before returning to the ramparts to catch the spectacular sunset

Wake to the sound of the sea and the gulls, and enjoy a delicious morning feast of fresh fruits, pastries, and yogurts before heading out with the kids to explore Essaouira and the local beaches. If the little ones enjoyed their treasure hunt discovery tour in Marrakech, then armed with a parchment of eight riddles, a map of the medina, and a logbook, uncover the historical past of Essaouira in a similar fashion—pirates feature heavily!

Afterward, you have several options. Either spend the day at Essaouira's main beach, where you'll find all the usual watersports, beachfront bars, and plenty of child-friendly activities. Venture farther afield to the beach of Cap Sim, located south of Essaouira, and you'll be rewarded with 12 miles (20 km) of beautiful dunes. Take a picnic, hike the dunes, or just relax and watch the windsurfers. Alternatively, your driver will take you to the remote beach of Diabat, where the kids can have a blast exploring the ruins of the 18th-century Borj el Baroud Castle.

It's almost impossible to spend time in Essaouira without seeing the colorfully adorned camels along the beach. If the kids haven't already been clamoring for their camel ride, today's their opportunity! On this morning's two-hour guided camel ride, you and your family will ride across beaches, dunes, and forests as you take in the beautiful scenery and magnificent views of the Atlantic coast while getting to know these serene and gentle animals.

If you and the kids prefer a more traditional mount, opt for a horseback riding excursion along the beach. Spend a leisurely couple of hours trotting along Essaouira's beautiful sandy stretch as you leave behind the hustle and bustle and your guide leads you to the quieter areas. Afterward, seek out one of the sea-fronted restaurants and recount your favorite moments of the trip

It's time to bid farewell to Morocco. With hearts full of memories to last a lifetime, your driver will transfer you to the airport in Marrakech for your onward flight. Safe travels!