5-Day Morocco Highlights

This compact itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors with limited time. Experience Morocco's most iconic destinations: the vibrant souks of Marrakech, the stunning Atlas Mountains, and the charming coastal town of Essaouira.

Quick Overview

• Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
• Difficulty: Easy - suitable for all fitness levels
• Best Time: Year-round (Spring and Fall are ideal)
• Starting Point: Marrakech
• Ending Point: Marrakech
• Transportation: Private driver/rental car for day trips
• Estimated Budget: $500-800 per person (mid-range)

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

Morning/Afternoon:

• Arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport
• Check into your riad in the medina
• Relax and recover from travel
• Light lunch at a nearby cafe

Afternoon:

• Explore Jardin Majorelle and YSL Museum
• Visit the Berber Museum
• Stroll through the new town (Gueliz)

Evening:

• Watch sunset from a rooftop terrace
• Head to Jemaa el-Fnaa square
• Experience the evening spectacle: snake charmers, musicians, storytellers
• Dinner at the food stalls or a nearby restaurant

Accommodation: Riad in Marrakech medina

Day 2: Marrakech Medina Discovery

Morning:

• Breakfast at your riad
• Visit Bahia Palace - stunning 19th-century palace
• Explore Saadian Tombs
• Walk through the mellah (Jewish Quarter)

Lunch:

• Traditional Moroccan lunch in the medina

Afternoon:

• Get lost in the souks (markets):
  • Souk Semmarine (main souk)
  • Souk des Teinturiers (dyers' souk)
  • Souk Cherratine (leather workers)
• Visit Ben Youssef Madrasa (Quranic school)
• See the Almoravid Koubba

Evening:

• Hammam experience (traditional Moroccan bath)
• Dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking Koutoubia Mosque
• Optional: Chez Ali fantasía dinner show

Accommodation: Riad in Marrakech medina

Day 3: Atlas Mountains & Berber Villages

Full Day Trip (depart 8:00 AM):

• Drive through the stunning Ourika Valley
• Stop at traditional Berber villages
• Visit a local family's home for tea
• Hike to Setti Fatma waterfalls (1-2 hours, moderate)
• Lunch at a riverside restaurant

Alternative Option:

• Visit the three valleys: Ourika, Oukaimeden, and Setti Fatma
• Or take a day trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls (2.5 hours away)

Evening:

• Return to Marrakech around 6:00 PM
• Relaxed dinner at your riad or local restaurant
• Evening stroll through lit-up medina

Accommodation: Riad in Marrakech medina

Day 4: Essaouira - The Windy City

Morning:

• Early departure to Essaouira (2.5-3 hours drive)
• Stop at argan oil cooperative en route
• Possible goat-tree photo opportunity

Afternoon:

• Arrive in Essaouira around 11:00 AM
• Check into your riad
• Explore the UNESCO-listed medina
• Walk along Skala de la Ville (sea ramparts)
• Fresh seafood lunch at the port

Afternoon:

• Beach walk
• Visit art galleries and artisan workshops
• Explore the mellah (Jewish quarter)
• Moulay Hassan Square for people-watching

Evening:

• Sunset from the ramparts
• Dinner at a rooftop restaurant
• Optional: Live Gnaoua music performance

Accommodation: Riad in Essaouira medina

Day 5: Essaouira Morning & Return to Marrakech

Morning:

• Sunrise walk on the beach
• Visit the port when fishermen return with catch
• Final medina exploration and souvenir shopping
• Brunch at a café

Afternoon:

• Depart Essaouira around 1:00 PM
• Return to Marrakech (2.5-3 hours)
• Last-minute shopping in Marrakech if time permits
• Late afternoon: Transfer to airport for departure
• Or extend stay in Marrakech if flight is next day

End of Trip

What's Included

✓ Accommodations (4 nights in traditional riads) ✓ Daily breakfast ✓ Transportation for day trips ✓ English-speaking driver/guide for Atlas Mountains trip

What's Not Included

✗ International flights ✗ Lunches and dinners ✗ Entrance fees to monuments (approx. $30 total) ✗ Tips and personal expenses ✗ Travel insurance

Budget Breakdown (per person)

Budget Option ($500-600):

• Accommodation: $25-35/night
• Meals: $15-20/day
• Transportation: $100-150
• Activities: $30-50

Mid-Range ($600-800):

• Accommodation: $50-70/night
• Meals: $25-35/day
• Transportation: $150-200
• Activities: $50-80

Luxury ($1,200-1,800):

• Accommodation: $150-250/night
• Meals: $50-80/day
• Transportation: $250-350
• Activities: $100-150

Packing Essentials

• Comfortable walking shoes (medinas have uneven surfaces)
• Light layers (temperature varies)
• Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered for religious sites)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Camera
• Reusable water bottle
• Small daypack
• Travel adapter (European two-pin)

Best Time to Go

• Spring (March-May): Perfect weather, wildflowers in bloom
• Fall (September-November): Comfortable temperatures, harvest season
• Summer (June-August): Hot in Marrakech, pleasant in Essaouira
• Winter (December-February): Cool evenings, possible rain, fewer tourists

Travel Tips

1. Money: Withdraw dirhams at ATM in airport or city (better rates than exchange bureaus)
2. Bargaining: Expected in souks - start at 30-40% of asking price
3. Tipping: 10% in restaurants, 10-20 dirhams for drivers/guides
4. SIM Card: Buy at airport for data/maps (approximately $10 for 10GB)
5. Safety: Morocco is very safe for tourists. Use common sense in crowded areas
6. Photography: Ask permission before photographing people
7. Dress Code: Modest clothing recommended, especially for women
8. Ramadan: Restaurants may be closed during day; plan accordingly

Optional Add-Ons

Extend to 7 Days:

• Add 2 nights in Sahara Desert (Merzouga)
• Overnight camel trek with desert camp

Alternative Day Trips:

• Replace Atlas Mountains with Ouzoud Waterfalls
• Add Ait Benhaddou kasbah (3 hours from Marrakech)
• Visit Ouarzazate and Atlas Film Studios

Food Highlights

Must-Try Dishes:

• Tagine (slow-cooked stew)
• Couscous (Friday specialty)
• Pastilla (sweet and savory pie)
• Harira (hearty soup)
• Fresh seafood in Essaouira
• Mint tea (Moroccan whiskey)
• Msemen (Moroccan pancakes)

Cultural Etiquette

• Remove shoes before entering homes and some restaurants
• Use right hand for eating and greeting
• Decline politely if not interested in purchasing
• Dress modestly in religious areas
• Learn basic Arabic/French phrases (appreciated by locals)

Sample Phrases

• Hello: Salam alaikum
• Thank you: Shukran
• How much?: Bshhal?
• No thank you: La, shukran
• Beautiful: Zwin/Zwina
• Please: Afak

Who This Trip Is For

✓ First-time visitors to Morocco ✓ Travelers with 5 days available ✓ Those wanting a mix of city, culture, and coast ✓ Couples, solo travelers, or small groups ✓ Anyone seeking an introduction to Moroccan culture

Important Notes

• Book riads 2-3 months in advance for peak season
• Consider hiring a local guide in Marrakech medina (first day)
• Friday is prayer day - some sites may have limited hours
• Ramadan affects restaurant hours and atmosphere
• Travel insurance recommended

This itinerary provides a perfect introduction to Morocco, combining iconic sights with authentic experiences, all at a comfortable pace perfect for first-time visitors.