Exploring Morocco With My Family: A Traveler’s Honest Story
As a lifelong Real Madrid fan, Morocco first came onto my radar thanks to Achraf Hakimi. Watching him rise from Morocco to Madrid made me curious about his homeland—the colors, the culture, the energy. Since 2019, Morocco has been sitting at the top of my bucket list, and I had planned to treat myself to a graduation trip there in 2020. But then the pandemic happened, and like so many dreams, mine had to wait.
Fast forward to 2024: I was scrolling through Instagram when I saw one of my followers on a trip to Egypt with a company called Memphis Tours. Out of curiosity, I checked their page and realized they also designed Morocco Travel Packages. At that moment, I knew it was time. I wasn’t just traveling solo anymore; I had a wife by my side and a nine-month-old baby girl in my arms. This wasn’t just about checking off a bucket-list destination; it was about sharing an experience as a family. Here’s how our Moroccan journey unfolded: real, raw, and straight to the point.
The Planning Phase
One thing I appreciated from the start was how smooth the planning phase felt. Once I reached out to Memphis Tours, I was connected with a sales representative who walked me through every detail of what would become our 8-day, 7-night private tour across Morocco called “ Best Morocco Imperial Cities Tour Package” We talked about the five cities we’d cover: Rabat, Fez, Meknes, Marrakech, and Casablanca, and how each destination offered its own unique flavor of culture and history.
Because we were traveling with a nine-month-old, I was upfront about my concerns: hotel comfort, car transfers, downtime for the baby, and not overloading our schedule. The representative listened carefully and adjusted the plan to fit our family perfectly. That gave me confidence before even boarding the plane. It felt like we weren’t just booking a trip, we were building a journey that was personal to us. By the time the itinerary was finalized, I knew we were in good hands.
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Plan Your TripDay 1: First Impressions of Morocco
The moment we stepped off the plane in Casablanca, I felt that mix of excitement and exhaustion that only comes with long-haul travel. But any nerves quickly faded when we spotted our driver waiting right outside the Gate with a smile and a sign. Traveling with a baby can be unpredictable, and having someone there to guide us from the very first moment was a huge relief.
Instead of lingering in Casablanca, we headed straight north toward Rabat, Morocco’s capital city. The drive itself felt like an introduction to the country: flat stretches of land, flashes of the Atlantic coast, and cityscapes giving way to calmer views. My wife and I took turns pointing out the scenery while our daughter dozed off in her car seat, which the team had arranged ahead of time. That little detail alone told me they had thought of everything.
Arriving in Rabat, we checked into our hotel for the night: We had chosen the Diwan Hotel. After the long journey, the comfort of settling into a quiet room was exactly what we needed. It wasn’t about rushing into sightseeing on the first day; it was about landing gently, letting Morocco introduce itself, and preparing for the days of adventure ahead.
Day 2: From Rabat’s History to the Roman Ruins of Volubilis and Onward to Fez
After a good night’s sleep, we woke up refreshed and ready for our first full day in Morocco. Breakfast at the hotel gave us the energy we needed, and soon we were off with our guide to explore Rabat. What struck me most about the city was how it blends calm elegance with history. Walking through the Chellah, surrounded by crumbling Roman and Islamic ruins, I felt like we had stepped into another era. Our daughter loved the open spaces, and we appreciated how stroller-friendly Rabat turned out to be.
The Kasbah of the Oudayas was another highlight: blue and white walls, narrow lanes, and views that made me stop more than once to snap a photo. We wrapped up the morning at Café Maure, perched along the Bouregreg River. Sitting with a glass of fresh mint tea and tasting Moroccan pastries like Kaab Ghazal (which literally translates to “gazelle horns”) and Ghariba, I felt my first true connection to Moroccan hospitality.
From there, we drove inland toward Fez with two unforgettable stops along the way. At Volubilis, our specialized guide walked us through the Roman ruins, where ancient mosaics still glimmer under the sun. It was surreal to stand among columns that had seen centuries pass. Then, in Meknes, the grandeur of Bab El Mansour and the elegance of Moulay Ismail’s legacy showed us why this city was once called the “Versailles of Morocco.”
By evening, we arrived in Fez, tired but buzzing with impressions. This was just the second day, yet it already felt like Morocco was unfolding layer by layer, with something new at every turn.
Day 3: Discovering the Magic of Fez
Fez felt like stepping straight into history. After breakfast, we met our guide and set off to explore the old Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest cities in the world. The maze of narrow alleys, bustling souks, and centuries-old architecture was unlike anything I had ever seen. Knowing this was once Morocco’s capital and home to the world’s oldest university gave me a sense of just how important this city has been through time.
We wandered past the Bou-Inania and Attarin Medersas, paused to watch the tanners at work, and stopped in lively squares like Ess-Seffarine and El-Nejjarine, each with its own rhythm. The Mellah, Fez’s historic Jewish quarter, added another layer of culture and history. A highlight of the day, especially for my wife, was joining a pottery workshop with a local master, which I also wanted to enjoy, but the baby was in her screaming session, so it was my turn to babysit her.
After a hearty lunch at a local restaurant, we had the option to return to the hotel or lose ourselves in the Medina’s labyrinth. We chose the latter, and with every turn, Fez revealed more of its magic.
Day 4: From Fez to Marrakech – A Journey Through Morocco’s Heart
After breakfast, we left Fez and began the long but scenic drive toward Marrakech, passing through small towns like Imouzar and Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine-style houses and crisp air. The road then took us through Beni Mellal, one of Morocco’s major agricultural hubs, where endless olive groves and farmlands stretched out on either side, offering a glimpse into the country’s rural life. Though traveling with a baby meant extra stops and a slower pace, the ever-changing landscapes kept the journey enjoyable. By evening, we finally arrived in Marrakech, checked into our hotel, and ended the day with quiet anticipation for the adventures waiting in the Red City.
Day 5: Discovering Marrakech
Waking up in Marrakech felt like a dream come true. After breakfast, we set off with our local guide to explore the city’s most iconic sights. We began at the colorful Majorelle Garden, a masterpiece once created by French painter Jacques Majorelle, before moving on to Menara with its peaceful pavilion, orchards, and olive groves. The Koutoubia Mosque came next, standing tall as the city’s most recognizable landmark, followed by a walk through the historic Jewish quarter, Mellah.
After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, the day ended in the most enchanting way—with a horse-drawn carriage ride, or “Koutchi,” leading us straight into the lively heart of Jamaa El Fnaa Square. The sounds, colors, and energy of Marrakech made it clear why so many call this the Ochre City of dreams.
“ You can definitely see what travelling with a 9-month-old can look like” - Michael Carter
Day 6: Marrakech at Your Own Pace
After breakfast, the day was free to explore Marrakech on our own terms. Wandering through the lively streets, meeting locals, and stumbling upon storytellers and snake charmers made the city feel even more magical. No need to mention that my wife did some amazing shopping bargains and got us souvenirs for our family and friends.
Day 7: From Marrakech to Casablanca
After breakfast, we left Marrakech and made our way to Casablanca. Upon arrival, we met our local guide and visited the stunning Hassan II Mosque, a true architectural masterpiece overlooking the Atlantic. The tour continued through the city, with stops at the corniche, the Habous quarters, and an exterior view of the Royal Palace before settling in for the night.
Day 8: Farewell, Morocco
Our final morning in Casablanca was bittersweet. After breakfast, we had a little free time to take in the city one last time before heading to the airport for our flight home. Saying goodbye wasn’t easy—after eight days of unforgettable memories, breathtaking cities, and warm Moroccan hospitality, it felt like we were leaving a piece of our hearts behind.
Practical Travel Tips
1. Best Time to Visit Morocco
We chose to travel in early autumn, when the summer crowds had thinned and the weather was warm but not overwhelming. It turned out to be the perfect decision—cool mornings for sightseeing, sunny afternoons for wandering medinas, and comfortable evenings to relax as a family. If we had visited in the height of summer, the heat might have made it difficult with a baby, so this timing felt just right.
2. Packing Essentials for Morocco with Kids
Before leaving, we overthought the packing list, but a few items proved invaluable. A baby carrier helped us navigate Fez’s narrow alleys, while a lightweight stroller was perfect for smoother streets in Rabat and Casablanca. Layers of clothing were essential since mornings could be crisp, but afternoons often warmed up quickly. And of course, hats, sunscreen, and plenty of snacks kept both us and our little one happy throughout the trip.
3. Booking Tips for a Seamless Morocco Family Trip
If I’m honest, the idea of planning every detail in a new country while juggling a nine-month-old felt daunting. This is where Memphis Tours came in and completely eased the process. From arranging airport pick-ups to guiding us through Morocco’s bustling cities, they took the stress out of the trip. Instead of worrying about logistics, we got to enjoy the adventure simply: something I’d recommend to any family traveling here. What makes it even better is their Encore Rewards program. I’ve already started thinking about my next trip, and knowing I can use my points toward another destination makes me even more excited to plan.
4. What I Would Change If Going Back in Time
Looking back, the only thing I would change would be adding one more day in Marrakech. The city’s energy is unlike anywhere else, and while we saw so much, I found myself wishing for just a little more time to linger in its gardens and lose track of time in Jamaa El Fnaa. Morocco rewards slow travel, and that’s the lesson I’d carry into a second visit.
My Accommodation Highlights
Traveling with a 12-month-old meant we needed comfort and convenience, and Memphis Tours delivered. Each hotel we stayed at was family-friendly, with cribs provided on request and staff always ready to help with baby needs. What stood out most was the peace of mind — from quiet rooms to easy meal options, it made our trip smoother than I imagined. They had different hotel options, but we decided on these hotels;
- Adam Park Hotel & Spa in Marrakech
- Diwan Hotel in Rabat
- Movenpick Hotel in Casablanca
- Palais Medina & Spa Hotel in Fez
I know I might have spoken a little too much, but that’s only because I wanted to give a real, honest review of my journey. Before I came to Morocco, I wished I could have read something like this: a story from someone who had been there with their family, not just a brochure. If Morocco has been on your bucket list, this is your sign. Memphis Tours turned my dream into reality, and they can do the same for you.
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