Which cities to choose in Morocco for 10 days?

Hi, I’m planning a 10-day trip to Morocco starting on 12/30 with my parents, and I’d love your thoughts on the itinerary. Since I’m traveling with my parents, who are 78, I’m trying to keep train rides between cities short. I’d like to start with 4 days in FES (with Meknès nearby), then head to Casablanca for 2 days, and finish with 4 days in Marrakech, including a day trip or overnight stay in Essaouira. Thanks for your input!

Hi,

I’d swap Casablanca for Rabat.

A day trip to Essaouira might be a bit much for your parents.

Fes – 3 nights Rabat – 2 nights Marrakech – 3 nights Essaouira – 2 nights

Thanks a lot, Agnès. There are more sights to visit in Rabat than in Casa—you're right. I’ll check it out.

Rabat is really nice—very open and airy. I loved this city so much.

Hi Lilia,

Attila’s itinerary is great. A few details that matter when traveling with parents in their late 70s: in Fez and Marrakech, book a riad close to a medina gate where taxis can stop (Bab Boujloud in Fez, for example), and ask for a ground-floor room. Riad staircases are often steep, and there’s almost never an elevator.

For trains, first class is worth it since seats are reserved: expect around 2 h 30 for Fez–Rabat and 4 h for Rabat–Marrakech. For Essaouira, the Supratours bus takes about 3 hours, but a private taxi will be more comfortable if your parents get tired.

In late December, nights are chilly: make sure the riad is well-heated, and book your New Year’s Eve dinner early.

Have a great trip, all three of you! Margherita

Thanks a lot! Have a good evening

Hi Lilia

Where will you be leaving from? Marrakech?

I agree with Attila’s suggested night distribution (just remember that 2 nights in one place only gives you one full day to visit) with one small change: I don’t think 2 nights in Essaouira are essential. If you leave Marrakech early in the morning, you’ll have half a day to explore (the medina), and the same the next day (the fish market and the port) before leaving in the late afternoon. The bus is convenient, and a taxi saves a little time but costs more (at least 80 €). I’d add the extra night either in Rabat to enjoy this beautiful city or in Fes to make a day trip to Meknes, as you’d like. The main attractions in these imperial cities are the medinas. Keep in mind that it’s tiring, you’ll need to walk a lot (in Fes, it’s uphill!), and it’s crowded…

If you feel it might be too much, skip Meknes and Essaouira. They’re both stunning places, but you don’t have much time either.

Hi there, Rabat is a gorgeous city!! I’d pick it over Casa—I went back in May for at least the 5th time!!!!

Good evening Kate, yes we’re leaving from Marrakech again. Thanks for your tips, have a good evening Senda