See the Best of Morocco: 10 Day Family Trip

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Morocco is a country filled with unforgotten sights, smells and sounds. It is one of those special places that has left a permanent mark on us. Our daughter still brings up the camels, the cats roaming the streets, the sand and the orange juice (it’s seriously the best!)

In this 10 day itinerary you’ll explore the best of Morocco including coastal cities of Casablanca and Essaouira, the ancient medina of Fes, the incredible colorful city of Chefchaouen, a 3-day desert tour with driving through the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, Todgha Gorge, Dades Valley, and ending in the magical city of Marrakech.

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10 Day Best of Morocco Itinerary Snapshot

In this Article:
Best Time to Travel to Morocco
What to Pack for Morocco
Is Morocco Kid Friendly?
Casablanca
Fes
Chefchaouen
Sahara Desert Tour
Essaouira/Marrakech
Marrakech
Marrakech/Casablanca
Head back home

When to Go to Morocco

The best time to travel to Morocco depends on what type of experience you want, but we find that Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November) is most ideal. Our particular trip was end of March through early April and we found it to be much less crowded then. Weather was also perfect, never too hot or too cold which made walking around and our time in the desert tolerable.

For a rich and unique experience, going during Ramadan might interest you. This is typically during May and early June. According to locals, summer is quite hot and it’s hard to do much. So this means end of June through August isn’t the best time to go. If you do happen to go during this time consider visiting the coastal cities instead. Moroccans usually flock to these areas for relief from the heat.

What to Pack for Morocco

Backpacks

We like to travel as light as possible to avoid checking baggage, so we bought a backpack that is compact and can still fit a large amount of stuff. The Osprey Porter 30 is our go-to for traveling light, and this size is guaranteed to be accepted as a carry-on. It fit almost all of our clothes, aside from a few items. We love how it opens just like a suitcase, so there’s no inconvenience of trying to pry stuff from the bottom. There are also straps that snap around your waist for better support and it’s super comfortable to wear. I have back issues and still did ok with this. We used it along with our regular backpack for all three of us during this trip.

Sandals and Comfy Sneakers

I switched between these the entire trip. Sandals are highly recommended for the desert if you want to avoid getting sand stuck in your shoes. I made this mistake and still have bits of the Sahara in my sneakers. These Superga sneakers are so comfy and I walked for hours in them. For sandals I always love my Birkenstocks.

Clothing Layers

The weather in Morocco fluctuates from morning to night. Depending on when you’re there, during the day can be hot, and then at night fairly chilly. So I made sure to pack layers of clothes like t-shirts and cardigans, along with a light jacket.

Kimono and Scarf

As I woman I wanted to be respectful of the culture, so I packed a scarf and kimono to cover my shoulders. It went perfectly with my attire and also fit in well with the vibe.

Medicine

Meds are a must-have for those worst case scenarios. This includes Tylenol, cold medicine, cough drops and any stomach meds. I also pack activated charcoal in case of food sickness and electrolytes to help keep hydrated and healthy. As a fail-safe, I also bring a prescription of antibiotics just to have. If you’re traveling with kids, pack the same for them as well.

Sunblock/Sunglasses

The sun gets quite strong at times, so having both of these will help with that.

Snacks

During the desert tour you may be driving for long periods without stopping, so packing some snacks will help curb any hunger.

Pocket-Wifi

We didn’t find wifi to be available much in Morocco except for hotels and it was quite slow. We’re glad we rented a pocket wifi to help stay connected with our friends and family. We rented ours from Tep Wireless and had a great experience.

Is Morocco Kid-Friendly?

Is it safe to bring kids to Morocco? The answer is yes! We were pleasantly surprised by how kid-friendly Morocco is. There were always available food options anywhere we ate. The locals adored our daughter and she received gifts from some of the shop owners. We weren’t as pressured to buy stuff in the souks. She was showered with attention everywhere we went, I think she must have felt like a princess the whole time. Cats were everywhere roaming the streets, she was in heaven! And the best part is, these are memories she will never forget for years to come.

So if you’re wondering how to spend ten days in Morocco with kids, you’ve come to the right place! This itinerary was created DIY style to suit our taste and desire to see more of the country. There’s a mix of both economical and splurge options, however it can easily be altered to your budget and personal style as well.

Day 1: Casablanca

Our flight had us arriving in Casablanca in the evening. Instead of siteseeing, we opted for just dinner and early sleep to get a great start the next day. If you arrive in the morning we recommend to check out the Hassan II Mosque, we did not see it this trip, but it was highly recommended by locals.

Where to Stay

For lodging we kept it budget and simple since Casablanca was just a means to enter and exit Morocco. We stayed at Hotel Les Saisons. The room itself was very basic, but it provided what we needed for the night. The location was conveniently close to the Casa Port station which connects to Casa Voyageurs, the main hub to travel elsewhere in Morocco.

Dinner:

Nearby the hotel was Casa Jose, a lively and delicious option for dinner. We had the paella and a few tapas, all of which did not disappoint. Cost of dinner was around $50 for all 3 of us, including wine. There was music and a mix of locals and tourists, an overall nice and relaxing introduction to Morocco after a long flight.

Day 2: Fes

Breakfast

Our stay included a decent breakfast buffet with a variety of options; fruit, pastries, meats, breads, and some Moroccan salads. We then headed to the train station to buy our tickets for Fes. We purchased them a few hours before departure and had no issues getting first class seats. You’ll definitely want to have first class tickets for a more comfortable trip, especially since the ride to Fes is a bit over 3 hours. If you have some extra time, the train to Fes stops at Rabat, another city worth checking out.

Finally we made it to Fes around 1pm and luckily our riad offered a transfer from the station. Since it’s located within the old medina, it would have taken us awhile to navigate the winding maze to get there.

The path to our riad

The entrance of Le Jardin des Biehn

Where to Stay

We booked 2 nights at Le Jardin des Biehn and it was simply incredible. It’s priced around $200 per night depending on the room. The grounds were like a dreamy magical garden, lit up so beautifully at night with Moroccan lanterns. I chose the African room, which had it’s own private garden area, a balcony, another indoor sitting room and the feeling of being it’s own little villa.

Guided Tour

After relaxing and sipping on some mint tea, our guide arrived to give us a 4.5 hour tour of the old Fes medina. I booked it ahead of time through the riad, cost was around $40 including tips. He took us through a significant part of the medina, as well as some shops we had requested to visit towards the end. To see more about this tour (and interesting carpet shop story) please see our list of reasons to visit Fes.

Shops in Fes medina

Beautiful door in Fes

Dinner:

Le Jardin des Biehn has an excellent restaurant called Fez Cafe. We chose a few dishes to split and they were delicious, a more modern twist on traditional Moroccan food. The wait was quite long since it was busy, but they allowed us to wait in our room since it was only a few steps away. Overall ambiance of the restaurant was divine, it felt like a quiet retreat amongst the busy chaos of the medina. It was beautifully lit and the scent of the fresh garden air was all around, a wonderful way to end our first night in Fes.

Day 3: Chefchaouen

Before I even planned the Morocco trip, I knew that we definitely had to see Chefchaouen aka the Blue City, even if it meant spending less time in Fes. It’s almost a 4 hour drive from Fes, so it didn’t leave us much time to spend there. However the short time we spent was absolutely unforgettable. If you have the chance, I highly recommend spending at least one night here and just let yourself wander around and explore.

Private Day Excursion

I booked a private day trip to Chefchaouen through Fez Guide. The cost was around $170 total. Our driver picked us up around 8:30am to get an early start. Driving through the landscape allowed us to see deeper into the country. It was very eye-opening to see how people survive in more remote areas of the country and inspired us to perhaps explore these areas more the next time we are here.

Panorama of Chefchaouen, Morocco

Upon arriving to Chefchaouen, we stopped to take some panoramic photos. There’s also a blue door where you can pose, take photos, and dress up in traditional clothes. Seeing the Blue City from afar was truly amazing.

Lunch

The guide took us to Restaurant Hicham for lunch. It was very busy when we arrived and the wait for the food was quite long, but we got a nice table by the window with a beautiful view. The food was excellent and definitely worth the wait if you have time. They were also nice to give a generous discount for the inconvenience. With that being said, if you’re only here for the day, I’d recommend perhaps exploring quicker food options on your own while walking around the city.

Exploring Chefchaouen

Post lunch we explored the city on our own. Everything really was incredibly blue and there was so much color outside the shops on the streets. It really left me with a feeling of awe. Terra had a blast chasing the cats around through the alleyways. The vibe was very laid-back and we must have been lucky to be there during a low season with less people around.

For more details read more on ourday trip to Chefchaouen.

Doorway in the Blue City

Terra sitting on the famous steps in the Blue City

Walking through an alleyway

Colorful textiles and poufs outside the shops

Dinner

Since we arrived back so late, we decided to eat at the riad again. We chose the Moroccan salad, some asparagus, and seafood entrees. It was definitely one of the meal highlights of our entire trip. This was our last night here, and it was quite sad to leave and continue on our journey. We highly recommend staying at Le Jardin des Biehn during your time in Fes.

Moroccan salad at Fez Cafe


Day 4-6: Sahara Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech

Camping in the Sahara desert is a must-do bucket list item. Upon searching on Tripadvisor, I booked the desert tour ahead of time through Marrakech Camel Trips. The owner, Brahid, was very responsive and helpful from beginning to end. You can book these tours once you’re in Morocco, but we liked the peace of mind of having it all planned out ahead of time.

Drive to Erg Chebbi from Fes

To start the tour, our driver Ali picked us up from the riad around 8am. The total drive to Merzouga takes about 9 hours, so be prepared for a long car trip. Traveling with a private driver made all the difference having a toddler with us. Fortunately we had plenty of snacks and toys to keep our daughter busy during the trip. You can also request stops for photos along the way.

Family Travel Tip
Make sure to bring along a lot of snacks and entertainment for your kids in the car. Some stops are in very small villages with not many conveniences available.

Middle Atlas

The drive takes you through Azrou, where you may see and feed the barbarian apes. You’ll also stop at Ifrane, a small town in the Middle Atlas mountains also known as “Little Switzerland” with the chalet architecture and surrounding ski slopes. Due to timing you won’t spend much time during these stops, but enough to get a glimpse and some photos.

Lunch:

Halfway into the journey we stopped for lunch at Le Petit Jardin in Midelt. The guide had already picked a place so we did not get to choose, but the food was very good. The service was not the best, there were a few menu items that they forgot to bring out. But overall, it was a quick and easy option for lunch. We sat in the little outdoor garden area in the back. There are some cats roaming around as you eat, which adds to the unique experience.

Sandstorm on the road to Merzouga

Approaching the Sahara Desert

After lunch we drove through the Ziz Valley and continued our journey to the Sahara. Along the way you’ll see the landscape continually changing from mountain to desert and finally the dunes. You’ll pass through small villages and see the true heart of Morocco, a vast contrast from the larger cities.

Approaching the Sahara dunes

Camels walking through Merzouga

Sahara Desert Camp

We opted for the luxury option which included the upgraded tent and hotel with a total cost around $900 for 2 people. This was definitely worth it and it’s not often you get to camp overnight in the Sahara! The trip also includes a private driver, breakfast and dinner, and we were even provided a car seat for Terra as well.

Posing in front of the Sahara camp

Camel Trek

As we arrived to the dunes there was a slight sandstorm, so be prepared for unpredictable weather. The camel guide will help wrap your turban and get you situated on the camel. Our guide Said was very enthusiastic and stopped to take several photos of us. He also talked about local life in his village nearby, which was very insightful.

Read more about our overnight glamping in the Sahara Desert.

Desert Tour Tip
If you have more time in Morocco, we highly recommend extending this tour for another night to spend more time in the dunes. You could also stay in a nomad camp as well, where you’ll dive deeper into the local Berber culture of the Sahara.

Sahara dunes at sunset

Sahara camp at sunset

Drive to Dades Valley from Merzouga

After spending the night camping in the desert we woke up early the next morning to watch sunrise over the dunes. We highly recommend doing this as it’s a different experience from sunset. Breakfast is also served in the main tent. We departed camp on our camels around 8:30am and had one last experience trekking through the desert. The driver will pick you up from a meeting spot right at the edge of the dunes. You’ll then begin your journey to the Dades Valley to spend the night.

Roadside fossil shop along the way

Lunch

Our driver stopped for lunch after a few hours of driving and picked a place along the route. We ate at Cafe Restaurant Sahara and overall it was one of our least dining experiences in Morocco. Not sure if we chose the wrong dishes, but our food was not fully cooked. The Morocco salad, bread and olives were all great though. Also, they did waive our bill due to the inconvenience, so their customer service in the end was admirable.

Ouarzazate from a distance

Driving through the Dades Valley

Colorful building on the way to Todgha Gorge

Todgha Gorge

Due to short timing, we had to head out on our way to make it to the Dades Valley by early evening. Along the way there are some scenic spots to take pics as you approach Ouarzazate. As we got closer to our final destination, our driver asked if we wanted to stop in Todgha Gorge. With this being on my list of places to see, we agreed to spend some time here.

Optional Extra Night
If you have an extra day, I highly recommend staying overnight in Todgha Gorge. There are many cute hotels right along the gorge, and many activities around here as well.

Inside the Todgha Gorge

He’s looking like a natural in that turban

It was her turn to try one too!

Along the water in Todgha Gorge

Where to Stay

Next on our journey was our final stop, Dades Valley. We arrived at Ksar Sultan Dades around 5:30pm, just in time to relax before dinner. A long winding deserted dirt road leads up to it, so it was quite a pleasant surprise once we got there. There’s a beautiful garden as you enter and it’s situated high up on a mountain, leaving a beautiful view of below. The outdoor area has a pool to refresh yourself in after a long day. The staff was very attentive and served mint tea with snacks upon arrival.

Garden area around Ksar Sultan Dades

Overlooking the pool area

Dinner

Because there aren’t many rooms here, the whole experience feels very private. You’ll have a few hours of leisure here before dinner. Around 8:00PM we went to the restaurant for dinner, which was a four-course meal. It was presented very nicely and had a refreshing twist on Moroccan food. During dinner you may hear the echoes of the various dogs barking from the surrounding homes. The howls, slight chill in the air, and the eerie silence of the desert darkness surrounding made for quite the experience.

Nighttime view of pool area

Post-Dinner Celebration

The day before was Seikai’s birthday, so they held a celebration with cake and music. I had prearranged this with the driver as a surprise. It made for a wonderful ending to our night there. Our whole stay here we felt very well taken care of by staff almost as if we were welcomed into their home. Although this hotel was part of the tour package, I would definitely book this on my own again.

Drive from Dades Valley to Marrakech

Our final day started bright and early again to make it to Marrakech by evening. Therefore, if you have longer than 9 days in Morocco I highly recommend extending your desert tour to allow for more time in each area. On the journey to Marrakech we drove through the High Atlas Mountains, along windy and scary mountain roads. There were many photo op stops along the way, including Ouarzazate, Studio Cinema and Cinema Museum in Ouarzazate, and finally Ait Ben Haddou. The views driving through the High Atlas were incredible, and you’ll definitely want to explore this area deeper in a separate trip.

View of High Atlas Mountains from the road

Driving through the High Atlas Mountains

Optional Day Trip
You can book a tour to the High Atlas from Marrakech to spend more time here. Visit Berber villages, have lunch and tea or ride a mule to a kasbah.

Lunch

Right before Tizi n’Tichka pass we stopped at Argan Tichka Restaurant for lunch. The service here was great, very quick and food was delicious. We chose the kebab platter and lemon chicken tagine, although there was so much to choose from. You’ll definitely love the argan oil, almond, and honey dips provided with the bread. Cost was around $20 for the 3 of us. There’s a small shop across the street where you can easily bargain and pickup a few souvenirs for much cheaper.

Finally we arrived in Marrakech in early evening, which concludes our desert tour. The driver dropped us off straight to our riad which was such a big help. Although each day consists of around 8 hours of driving, the changing landscape made it the highlight of our trip. We highly recommend booking a desert tour with your visit to Morocco.

Day 6: Marrakech

Our first impression of Marrakech was that it seemed a lot more busy than Fes. Shop owners were definitely more aggressive than other parts, but overall not bad since we had Terra with us. By the time we arrived here we were used to bargaining and ignoring any aggressive sale tactics. I even received the highest compliment by Moroccan standards; that I bargained like a “Berber.”

Where to Stay: Budget Option

For lodging in Marrakech, I decided to split it up between budget and splurge, so we ended up staying in two different riads. The first one, Riad La Terrasse Des Oliviers was located in the Bab Doukkala area of the Medina. Cost was around $80 for the night and included breakfast.

This riad far exceeded my expectations, and is an amazing value. The experience is on par with pricier riads in Marrakech, and it has a unique, cozy feel to it since it’s smaller. The staff will treat you like family and you’ll feel right at home. Breakfast is served when you request it, instead of only certain hours allowing you more freedom with your schedule. The manager was very friendly and showed us a detailed map of Marrakech so we were familiar before venturing out.

Leisure time

As soon as we got settled in our room and had some welcome mint tea with cookies, we went back out for a few hours before dinner to explore. Some of the landmarks nearby worth checking out are Jardin Majorelle, Jemaa el-Fnaa, and Medersa Ben Youssef (closed until 2020 due to renovations.)

Because our dinner was reserved at a certain time, we couldn’t venture too far. We did explore the area around the riad and even met a bag shop owner who we were hoping to revisit another day.

Donkey cart in Marrakech medina

Wandering the Marrakech medina

Posing with the bag shop owner

Dinner

Knowing we would be quite exhausted from the desert tour, we decided to keep it simple and have dinner at the riad. This is always recommended for at least one of the nights. I had reserved the dinner at the time of the booking, and cost was around $45 for two people. This included starters, entrees and dessert as well as mineral water. The food was incredible and one of our favorite meals the entire trip. The dining experience was very private and intimate with beautiful lighting all around.

After dinner we relaxed on the terrace. There were lounging areas in various sections. At night, the riad felt extra special. It was personable, magical and it made me wish we had booked more nights. If you’re looking for a place that feels more like a boutique hotel and won’t break the bank, this is the perfect choice!

The courtyard lit up at night

Day 7: Essaouira/Marrakech

The following morning we had another packed day of adventure. In order to not be rushed in the morning, we had paid for our room the night before, and also pre-arranged the breakfast time. Our driver picked us up around 9am for our day trip to Essaouira.

This excursion was booked through the second riad we were staying for the next few nights. The cost was around $120 for all of us. Driving to Essaouira from Marrakech takes about 2.5 hours.

Tree-climbing goats along the way

Posing with a baby goat

Along the drive you may get lucky to get a glimpse of the tree-climbing goats. I’m not sure if they were setup or not, but there was a man there holding baby goats and allowing you to take pictures with them for a small fee. Of course we couldn’t resist!

Lunch

As soon as we arrived to Essaouira it was time for lunch. Our guide recommended Le Chalet de la Plage for seafood, which is a must try here. Our table had a beautiful view of the beach and port area. We wanted to eat light as to not be too full for dinner so we split a grilled fish and seafood soup entree. The fish was prepared very simple and reminded me of Mediterranean style fare. The food was fresh and delicious, a perfect light lunch for exploring.

Optional Add-On
If you have more time in Morocco we highly recommend staying in Essaouira overnight. We truly wish we had more time to explore and not just get a taste of the city.

Exploring Essaouira

After finishing lunch we started walking around to explore. The restaurant was located very close to the ramparts and famous blue boats so we walked over there first.

We continued to keep exploring as much of the town as we could in the short time we had. The vibe was very chill which meant it was easier to bargain in the shops. It truly is a beautiful town with gorgeous sand washed buildings accented in blues and golds.

See more Essaouira One Day Guide.

Where to stay

Because of our day trip we still hadn’t checked into our second accommodation, Riad L’Orangeraie. Our driver dropped us off and the riad arranged transfer to pick us up at the gate of the medina.

The staff at Riad L’Orangeraie gave us a warm and generous welcome with mint tea and sweets. The riad left no detail out in its decor and service. Still to this day we will consider it like a second home anytime we go back to Morocco. Our room, “The Nutmeg” opened right up to the beautiful courtyard. The riad is located in the gorgeous Mouassine district, just steps away from the souks and main square, a perfect location!

Riad ‘L Orangeraie courtyard

The dining area on the terrace

There are gardens, a pool and a terrace to wind down in after a day out exploring, however because our days were packed with activities we spent most of our time in the riad at night. Our room was beautiful and such a delight to come back to at the end of the day.

The pool area from above

The Nutmeg room sleeping area

The courtyard lit up at night by Moroccan lanterns

Dinner

Again we booked dinner at the riad, especially since some of our best meals in Morocco have been at the riads. We were served Moroccan salad with Lemon Chicken tagine and couscous, with fruit salad for dessert. All of the food tasted like a home-cooked family meal and was absolutely delicious. During dinner we also got to hear the call to prayer, which made it extra special.


Day 8: Marrakech

Guided tours are a great way to get familiar with a place while also learning some history. With a search on Tripadvisor, I found one guide named Abdul who seemed to stand out from the rest. You can book a tour at Marrakech Guided Tours. Since he fills up fast, I immediately booked a combined souks + sites tour for a total around $110. The tour lasted around 8 hours total, from 9am until 5:30pm.

He started by giving some brief background of the area our riad is located in, as well as the Old Jewish Quarter. We then visited some main sites including Koutoubia Mosque, Le Jardin Secret, Dar el Bacha, the souks, and ending in Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Marrakech is just so magical, it’s a must-see experience at least once in your life!

Walking in the Jewish Quarter of the medina

Koutoubia Mosque

View of Le Jardin Secret from the cafe terrace

Inside Dar El Bacha Musee des Confluences

Lunch

We asked the guide to take us to a more local spot for lunch. The place was so local I don’t even have the name, but if you book a tour with him you can ask him to take you. We only saw locals eating there. The tagine was cooked on coals and the restaurant is family-owned. It was a small hole-in-the-wall place, but the food was like none other we had in Morocco. Everything was incredible and cheap! Total lunch cost was around $12.

The Souks

While visiting the souks Adbul helped take us to the best places for purchasing certain items. This was a big help, especially in avoiding more aggressive shops or getting scammed with less authentic stuff. He also wasn’t pushy into bringing us to certain shops, only to the places depending on what we were looking for. You’ll definitely want this peace of mind when shopping in Marrakech.

Read more on what to do in Marrakech with kids.

Leisure time

After the guided tour you’ll have some free time before dinner. We opted to spend some more time in Jemaa el-Fnaa square. It was definitely the most aggressive part of Marrakech. We had to ignore a lot of pushy food stalls and street performers. However, we did pay to take photos with a monkey since Terra kept asking to.

Jemaa el-Fnaa

We highly recommend heading to Le Grand Balcon Cafe Glacier for a better view of the square at sunset. We took the stairs to the balcony, and they only require you to buy one drink each to sit there. It allowed us to get a bird eye view, and nice photos of all the performers and street artists without paying the fee.

Food Stalls
We recommend trying the harira soup at food stall #75. Cheap and delicious meal!

On our walk back to the riad, we stopped at food stall #75 for some harira soup. The stall had mostly locals eating there and they only served the soup. It was definitely worth the stop and a nice street food experience. I’ve also read that stalls #14 and #1 are good as well if you’re looking for a full dinner.

Great view over Jemaa el-Fnaa at sunset

Dinner

Since we ate at the riad the night before, we asked for a recommendation for dinner. Cyril, the owner, recommended Dar Cherifa, a short 5 minute walk away. He booked us a reservation last minute and walked us over. The inside was splendid and the food tasted like it was crafted with love. We tried a few juice drinks, along with ginger chicken and a tagine sampler with a mix of some popular dishes. Everything was filled with flavor and perfectly spiced. Afterwards we walked up to the terrace for some beautiful views. We highly recommend trying a meal here at least once during your visit.


Day 9: Marrakech/Casablanca

We ate our last breakfast at the riad and started the day off early. We wanted to see Jardin Majorelle before leaving Marrakech. Since we were heading back to Casablanca later in the day, we bought our tickets first at the train station so we had first class seats. Then headed over to Jardin Majorelle.

Jardin Majorelle and YSL Museum

Because it was raining that morning we got lucky with a shorter line with a 15 minute wait. Apparently it’s also faster if you head to YSL museum first and buy the combined ticket, and you can avoid the long line. When we first arrived it wasn’t to crowded, but that quickly changed as the rain stopped. The garden was so peaceful and colorful, we definitely recommend to see at least once. The crowds made it hard to get nice shots, so going super early might be better. After strolling the gardens we ate at the cafe there which had decent food.

We also took a brief look at the Berber Museum and YSL Museums, included in the combined ticket cost. If you’re into history, these might be worth it, but overall they weren’t that interesting.

Before picking up our luggage at the riad we took one last stroll through the souks on our own to buy a few last minute souvenirs. We went back to that leather bag shop owner and grabbed a few bags for family members. Then it was time to big farewell to our riad and head to Casablanca. We truly enjoyed seeing all the best of Morocco in one trip.

Train to Casablanca

After spending most of the day in Marrakech we took an early evening train back to Casablanca where we would stay the night. The trip took around 3.5 hours total. We bought first class tickets in the morning ahead of time.

Optional Extra Day Trips
If you have an extra night in Marrakech, consider taking a day trip to Ourika Valley to see the waterfalls, or a trek in the High Atlas Mountains for a nature experience.

Where to Stay

With convenience being the highest priority, I booked the night at Al Walid hotel, located right across from the Casa Voyageurs station. You can get to the airport by train from there, but because our flight was early we arranged for a transfer through the hotel. This hotel is not fancy by any means, but is good enough to spend the night before you head back.

Day 10: Head Back Home

Depending on when your flight leaves you may be able to spend more time in Casablanca. Ours left in the morning so this day was merely traveling home.

In conclusion, we hope you enjoyed our itinerary for a taste of the best of Morocco. As you can see, traveling to Morocco with kids is an amazing experience and one they will always remember! This post will hopefully inspire you to bring your kids along no matter where your adventures take you!

Useful Tips Before You Go
1. For all train travel, buy first class tickets a few hours before departure
2. BMCE/BMCI bank ATM’s did not have extra fees
3. Always haggle down prices in the souks, start out by offering 1/4 of what they ask
4. Drink and brush teeth with bottled water that has been sealed
5. Pack a health kit in case of stomach issues (Activated charcoal worked well!)
6. Eat where the locals are eating
7. Work out a price with taxis before getting in
8. Use petit taxis for travel within a city, and grand taxis for long distance
9. If you’re traveling with kids we recommend hiring private drivers for long drives
10. Be respectful when taking photos, always ask before taking closeups
11. ATMs only allow you to withdraw 2,000 dirhams at a time, so you’ll need to repeat transactions for more.
12. For the ladies: dressing conservatively is highly recommended out of respect.
13. Consider hiring a guide for the souks of Marrakech

Have you been to Morocco with your kids? If so what did you do?

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8 comments

Wendy White April 2, 2020 - 3:30 am
This itinerary sounds perfect. I've saved it to use when we eventually go there. So many amazing experiences to look forward to.
Christie April 5, 2020 - 5:29 pm
Thanks Wendy! It was one of our most memorable trips yet. Such a gorgeous country and perfect for families :)
Stephanie April 10, 2020 - 9:51 pm
Hi! Great details - Thanks for sharing! Traveling to Morocco in February 2021. Our son will be a few weeks shy of 4 years old. How old was your daughter on this trip? How did she do on the camel? Did she keep her turban on? What did you do about protecting her during sand storms? Thanks for your help :)
Christie April 14, 2020 - 7:49 pm
Thanks for stopping by :) Our daughter was only 3 when we went, and she had a blast. She was fine on the camel, she rode in front of one of us, although didn't keep on the turban. We used the turban like a scarf mask to cover her face and mouth during the storm. But she handled it like a champ. It was so much more of a family-friendly country than we expected, you'll love it! Hope you have an awesome time!
Stephanie April 23, 2020 - 5:22 pm
Wonderful! And thank you for the response. I have been in contact with Brahim from http://www.Marrakech-Camel-trips.com via email about our trip. Two questions - Did you wire/PayPal a deposit of 100 Euros to book? I have only seen one other review online that required the same deposit, so I'm just checking for my own safety :) Also, which hotel did you stay at/leave your luggage in Merzouga? Brahim offered "Riad nezha or *riad Madou or similar". We are going to stay an extra night before our departure to the desert and an extra night returning from the desert, so I wanted to check which accommodation you preferred.
Christie April 24, 2020 - 10:29 pm
Hi Stephanie! Yes we did pay a deposit of 100 Euros through Paypal, so that's legit. Then we paid the rest in cash in person. We had a wonderful experience with Brahim and our tour through them. And this post isn't sponsored or anything, just pure honesty :) We didn't stay overnight in Merzouga. We actually did the 3 day tour from Fez to Marrakech with a stop overnight in the desert. So I can't say much about hotels there. But I will say we enjoyed all the hotels we stayed at through this tour, so I think you'd be fine with any of their recommendations. We are dying to go back to Morocco again soon, hope you have a wonderful time. And feel free to ask any additional questions :)
Fred Trueman November 11, 2022 - 5:14 pm
Morocco is a great place for a family trip.
Christie November 17, 2022 - 12:13 am
Yes it definitely was! Can't wait to go back :)
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