Where to go for the holidays: Morocco Family Adventure!

For expertly researched, custom-designed travel experiences, 

contact Melanie Tucker, owner and chief designer at Tough Love Travel (soon to debut as Rare Finds Travel Design)

Catherine and her family of 6 started in Casablanca, journeyed to Marrakech and down through the Atlas Mountains, then drove around to Fez, ending in a camp under the stars of the Sahara.

photo compliments of Davide Marcesini Fotografo

HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED FOR THIS ITINERARY?
Catherine's family itinerary spanned 2 weeks, but you need at least 10 days to cover the entire route.

WHAT'S THE IDEAL AGE FOR MY KIDS?
Catherine's kids ran from 10-22.  If you kid will try new foods, ride a camel, and hike in the mountains, he's ready for Morocco!


WHAT'S ONE SPECIAL THING TO DO MARRAKECH?
In Catherine's words: 
"Maison Arabe is FANTASTIC.  We have stayed at a long list of the the best hotels in the world and we have nominated this hotel into the top five."

IN CASABLANCA?

Likely you'll be arriving into Morocco via the Casablanca airport, but before you tour the Hassan II seafront 25,000-person mosque with filagreed, retracting rooftop, or sip a Sourb Jdid at Rick's Cafe -- go first to a hammam.  These communal baths will get all the airplane soreness out, and I recommend  Hammam Ziani!

For 360 dirhams (or about $45), you'll get "parts of your body scrubbed that you didn't even know existed!" - exfoliation, steam, seaweed wraps, and massage, all in the camaraderie of 30 other women from ages 8 to 80.

IN FEZ?
The Fez medina is a candy-store of metalworking, leather crafts, food markets, and stunning architecture.   (Fez even has the oldest University in the world! University of Al-Karaouine has been operating continuously since 859AD!)

But my favorite remains the cooking in Fez!
Cafe Clock offers a bread-making class, where you actually carry your hand-kneaded product through the crowded kasbah to the storefront with the wood-fired oven where, for a few dirham, the baker will slide your cookies alongside your neighbor's khobz. 

WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE IN DECEMBER?
It's quite cold and snowy up in the mountains and, in fact, impassable for driving along some routes. 
But Fez will be in the 50s and near the coast, you'll be even a bit warmer. 

WHAT'S IT LIKE IN THE MOROCCAN DESERT?

For starters, take a drive through the mountains, then 4-wheel drive into the desert, until you meet the camels for the final leg!
Camps can run from modest canvas tents to regal, fully-concierge-d communities fit for a sheikh. 

Expect dazzling sunsets, entertainment-worthy bread-baking ceremonies right in the coals, and skies so full of stars that they look like powdered sugar! 

WHAT'S SPECIAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS IN MOROCCO?
You can enjoy High Tea at the Al Mounia (watch the dress code, though!)...

Or book a unique Christmas diffa, or feast, featuring mechoui (roast lamb) prepared with herbs and spices...

Or meet my guide Abedellatif for a custom-designed family bonding event.

photo compliments of Davide Marcesini, professional photographer

To get your holiday travel off the ground this year, schedule a call to chat with expert travel designer, Melanie Tucker.

Schedule a call here.