18-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Morocco
Morocco is a sensory playground that offers families a unique blend of history, vibrant colors, and warm hospitality. This 18-day epic journey is meticulously designed for those traveling with children, prioritizing stroller-accessible routes where possible, relaxed travel days, and engaging activities that will captivate both toddlers and teens.
By utilizing the efficient Al Boraq high-speed train and comfortable private transfers, we've removed the stress of logistics. Your family will explore ancient medinas, sleep under the stars in the Sahara, and relax in coastal gardens, all while staying within a budget that allows for genuine local experiences and high-quality comfort.
Day 1: Casablanca, Morocco - Arrival and Atlantic Breezes
Arrival at Mohammed V International Airport
Complete immigration and collect your luggage. The airport is spacious and stroller-friendly, with modern facilities for families.
Check-in at Hotel Barcelo Casablanca
Located in the heart of the city, this hotel offers family suites and easy access to the tramway system.
Stroll Along the Corniche
Walk the paved promenade by the ocean. It is perfectly flat for strollers and offers plenty of ice cream stalls for the kids.
Dinner at Rick's Café
Enjoy a relaxed meal in this famous themed restaurant. While upscale, they are very welcoming to families during early dinner hours.
Day 2: Casablanca to Rabat - Grand Mosques and Modern Rails
Hassan II Mosque Tour
Visit one of the few mosques open to non-Muslims. The vast outdoor plaza is perfect for children to run around before the guided tour.
Lunch at Gauthier District
A quiet, leafy neighborhood with many French-style bakeries and cafes that serve kid-friendly pasta and sandwiches.
Train to Rabat
Take the comfortable ONCF train. The journey is only one hour, making it an easy transition for young travelers.
Explore Rabat City Center
Rabat is the greenest city in Morocco, featuring wide sidewalks that are excellent for evening family walks.
Day 3: Rabat, Morocco - Ancient Ruins and Exotic Gardens
Chellah Necropolis
Explore these Roman and Islamic ruins. The site is full of storks nesting on old walls, which is a massive hit with children.
Lunch near Hassan Tower
Enjoy a traditional tagine in one of the restaurants overlooking the unfinished minaret and the Bou Regreg river.
Andalusian Gardens
Located inside the Kasbah of the Udayas, these gardens offer shade, beautiful flowers, and a calm atmosphere away from the city noise.
Kasbah des Oudayas
Wander the blue and white streets. While there are some stairs, the main paths are manageable with a compact stroller.
Day 4: Rabat to Chefchaouen - Journey to the Blue City
Private Transfer to Chefchaouen
A 4-hour drive through the Rif Mountains. Hiring a private driver allows for flexible bathroom and snack breaks.
Lunch at Plaza Uta el-Hammam
The main square is the heart of the city. Sit at a terrace and watch the world go by while enjoying fresh bread and lentils.
Check-in at a Traditional Guesthouse
Stay in a blue-painted home. Most have rooftops with incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
Sunset Walk to the Spanish Mosque
A gentle uphill hike. It might be challenging for strollers, so a baby carrier is recommended for this specific activity.
Day 5: Chefchaouen, Morocco - The Blue Maze
Medina Photography Tour
Explore the photogenic alleys. Early morning is best to avoid crowds and get the best lighting for family photos.
Ras El Maa Waterfall
A short walk from the medina where locals wash rugs. Kids will love playing near the cold mountain water streams.
Kasbah Museum Visit
Visit the small fortress in the center. It has a beautiful garden and a tower with panoramic views of the blue city.
Shopping for Local Crafts
Chefchaouen is known for wool blankets and goat cheese. The vendors here are generally more relaxed than in Fes or Marrakech.
Day 6: Chefchaouen, Morocco - Relaxation and Local Life
Family Breakfast on the Terrace
Enjoy local honey, olives, and fresh orange juice—a staple of the Moroccan morning experience.
Bread Baking Workshop
Many local riads can arrange for kids to take their dough to the community oven (faran) to watch it bake.
Park Al Haouz
A local park where Moroccan families gather. It has simple play equipment and plenty of space for kids to socialize.
Dinner at Restaurant Beldi Bab Ssour
Famous for its authentic home cooking and very affordable prices, perfect for a family budget.
Day 7: Chefchaouen to Fes - Entering the Imperial Heart
Transfer to Fes via Volubilis
Break up the 4-hour drive with a stop at the ancient Roman ruins. The site is expansive and great for kids to explore.
Picnic Lunch at Volubilis
Enjoy a packed lunch among the mosaics of the Roman villas before finishing the drive to Fes.
Check-in at Fes Medina
The Fes medina is car-free. Your riad will usually send a porter with a cart to help with luggage and strollers.
Relaxed Riad Dinner
After a long travel day, dining at your accommodation is often the easiest choice for tired children.
Day 8: Fes, Morocco - Artisans and History
Fes El Bali Guided Tour
Navigate the 9,000 alleys with a guide. They will help you find the stroller-accessible routes and the most interesting artisan stalls.
The Tannery Viewpoint
Watch the leather dyeing process from a balcony. Most shops provide mint leaves to mask the strong smell—a fun novelty for kids.
Bou Inania Madrasa
Admire the stunning tilework and wood carvings in this 14th-century educational building.
Jnan Sbil Gardens
Just outside the medina walls, these gardens are a paradise of palms and fountains, fully accessible for strollers.
Day 9: Fes to Merzouga - The Gateway to the Sahara
Scenic Drive to Ifrane
Stop in 'Little Switzerland' to see the alpine architecture and the famous stone lion statue.
Ceder Forest Monkeys
Stop near Azrou to see the Barbary macaque monkeys in the wild. They are very friendly and a highlight for children.
Ziz Valley Overlook
Marvel at the thousands of palm trees in the valley below as you descend toward the desert.
Arrival in Merzouga
Check into a desert hotel on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes for your first night in the Sahara.
Day 10: Sahara Desert, Morocco - Dunes and Camel Treks
Gnawa Music in Khamlia
Visit the village of Khamlia to hear traditional desert music. The rhythmic drumming is very engaging for children.
Medfouna (Berber Pizza) Lunch
Try the local specialty, a stuffed flatbread that is delicious and easy for kids to eat.
Camel Trek into the Dunes
Ride into the sunset to reach your luxury desert camp. Small children can ride with an adult for safety.
Stargazing and Campfire
Enjoy a traditional dinner followed by Berber drums under the clearest night sky you'll ever see.
Day 11: Merzouga to Tinghir - Gorges and Palms
Sunrise over the Dunes
A quiet, magical moment. The sand is cool and perfect for kids to roll down the dunes before breakfast.
Departure from the Camp
Take a 4x4 back to the village and begin the drive west toward the mountains.
Todra Gorge Exploration
Walk between the massive 300-meter-high limestone cliffs. The path is flat and very easy for strollers.
Tinghir Palmery Walk
A gentle walk through the irrigated gardens where families grow dates, figs, and almonds.
Day 12: Tinghir to Ouarzazate - The Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs
Drive through Rose Valley
Famous for its rose water production. Stop at a local cooperative to see how perfumes are made.
Skoura Oasis Visit
Explore the hidden Kasbah Amridil, a living museum that shows how desert families lived for centuries.
Atlas Film Studios
Known as the 'Hollywood of Morocco.' Kids will love seeing the sets from movies like Gladiator and Star Wars.
Check-in at Ouarzazate
A quiet city with wide, modern streets and plenty of family-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating.
Day 13: Ouarzazate to Marrakech - Across the High Atlas
Aït Benhaddou Visit
Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site. While the climb is steep, the lower levels are manageable and full of history.
Lunch with a View
Eat at one of the terraces overlooking the ancient mud-brick city before tackling the mountain pass.
Tizi n'Tichka Pass
The highest road in North Africa. The views are spectacular, but be prepared with motion sickness remedies for the winding roads.
Arrival in Marrakech
Enter the 'Red City' and settle into your riad in the Medina or a resort in the Palmerie area.
Day 14: Marrakech, Morocco - Palaces and Hidden Gems
Bahia Palace
A sprawling palace with beautiful courtyards. Most of the ground floor is stroller-accessible and offers plenty of shade.
Lunch at Zwin Zwin Café
A colorful rooftop café that serves healthy wraps and juices, with a great view of the Koutoubia Mosque.
Le Jardin Secret
An elegant garden in the middle of the medina. It’s much quieter than the souks and perfect for a mid-afternoon break.
Jemaa el-Fnaa at Sunset
Watch the square transform into a giant open-air kitchen. Stay for the atmosphere but pick a seated restaurant for the kids.
Day 15: Marrakech, Morocco - Gardens and Horse Carriages
Jardin Majorelle
Arrive early to enjoy the electric blue architecture and exotic plants before the midday heat and crowds.
Calèche (Horse Carriage) Ride
A classic Marrakech experience. It’s a fun way for kids to see the city walls and the Agdal Gardens without walking.
Lunch in the New City (Gueliz)
Gueliz offers modern amenities, high chairs, and international food options if the kids need a break from tagine.
Cyber Parc Arsat Moulay Abdeslam
A free, modern park with fountains and free Wi-Fi. It's a popular spot for local families and very safe for kids.
Day 16: Marrakech, Morocco - Family Cooking and Souks
Family Cooking Class
Many riads offer workshops where kids can help make Moroccan cookies or simple salads. It’s a great hands-on activity.
Eat Your Creation
Enjoy the lunch your family helped prepare in the quiet courtyard of your riad.
Souk Exploration
Visit the souks with a focus on toy-making or carpet weaving. The 'Spice Square' (Place des Épices) is less chaotic for families.
Traditional Hammam Experience
Many spas offer 'parent and child' sessions where kids can enjoy a gentle bubble wash in the warm marble rooms.
Day 17: Marrakech, Morocco - Relaxation and Palmerie
Day Trip to the Palmerie
A short drive from the center, this palm grove offers camel rides and quad biking (for older children).
Poolside Lunch
Spend the afternoon at a resort pool. Many hotels offer 'day passes' that include lunch and pool access.
Menara Gardens
Join the locals for a late afternoon stroll. The large reflecting pool with the Atlas Mountains in the background is iconic.
Farewell Moroccan Feast
Celebrate your final night with a grand dinner featuring live traditional music and belly dancing.
Day 18: Marrakech, Morocco - Final Souvenirs and Departure
Last Minute Souvenir Shopping
Grab some argan oil, leather slippers (babouche), or local spices to take the flavors of Morocco home.
Brunch at Amal Women's Training Center
A fantastic non-profit restaurant that serves incredible food and supports local women. It has a lovely outdoor patio.
Transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport
The airport is only 15-20 minutes from the city center. It is one of the most beautiful airport terminals in the world.
Departure
Board your flight home, carrying memories of an epic 18-day family adventure through Morocco.
Best Time to Visit Morocco
The best time for a family trip to Morocco is during the Spring (March to May) or Autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm but not scorching, making long walks in the medinas manageable for children. The Sahara is also much more comfortable at night during these shoulder seasons. Avoid mid-summer (July-August) when temperatures in Marrakech and the desert can exceed 40°C (104°F).
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). While high-end hotels and restaurants in Marrakech and Casablanca accept credit cards, Morocco remains a cash-heavy society, especially in the souks and smaller towns like Chefchaouen. Tipping is customary; 5-10% in restaurants and a few dirhams for small services is appreciated. Always carry small change for public restrooms and street snacks.
Getting Around Morocco
Intercity travel in Morocco is surprisingly efficient. The Al Boraq high-speed train connects Casablanca and Rabat in under an hour. For the northern route to Chefchaouen and the southern route to the Sahara, private transfers or car rentals are the most comfortable options for families, allowing for much-needed flexibility. Within cities, 'Petit Taxis' are cheap and plentiful, but ensure the meter is running or agree on a price beforehand.
