A Romantic 5-Day Morocco Itinerary from New Delhi: Casablanca & Marrakech with Desert Magic
Few places blend romance, history, and sensory overload like Morocco. From ocean-sprayed boulevards in Casablanca to Marrakech’s maze of souks, you’ll trace legacies from Berber dynasties to French Art Deco and Yves Saint Laurent’s garden muse. Spices perfume the air, brass lamps glint in the sun, and dinner can be a rooftop under a sherbet-pink sky.
In just five days, focus on two cities to maximize time: cosmopolitan Casablanca and culture-rich Marrakech, with an optional desert evening on the lunar landscapes of Agafay. Expect ornate mosques, tiled palaces, date-sweetened tagines, and café terraces serving mint tea strong enough to stop time.
Practical notes: Indian passport holders typically require a Morocco visa; some may qualify for an e-visa depending on eligibility—confirm current rules before booking. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the best weather; Ramadan can mean adjusted hours but is beautiful to experience. Use Moroccan dirhams (MAD), dress modestly in religious sites, and plan to walk—ancient medinas are best explored on foot.
Casablanca
Casablanca is Morocco’s modern heart—Atlantic breezes, grand boulevards, and one of the world’s largest mosques rising above the surf. It’s a great soft landing after a long-haul flight, with fresh seafood, classic pâtisseries, and Art Deco facades peeking above palm-lined streets.
- Top sights: Hassan II Mosque (oceanfront masterpiece), La Corniche promenade, Habous quarter (traditional shops), central market.
- Dining to try: La Sqala in an old fort for tagines and pastilla; La Taverne du Dauphin for grilled catch of the day; Pâtisserie Bennis Habous for almond “gazelle horns.”
- Fun fact: The mosque’s retractable roof and glass floor reveal waves below at low tide—a breathtaking blend of faith and engineering.
Where to stay (Casablanca): Browse well-located hotels and apartments near the Corniche or city center: Casablanca hotels on Hotels.com | Casablanca vacation rentals on VRBO
Marrakech
Marrakech is an embrace of color—ochre walls, cobalt courtyards, palm gardens, and spice-scented souks. Palaces whisper of sultans; rooftop kitchens clatter with tagines; storytellers carry on a centuries-old tradition in Jemaa el-Fnaa.
- Top sights: Jemaa el-Fnaa square, Koutoubia (exterior), Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Jardin Majorelle & Berber Museum.
- Food & drink: Al Fassia (Gueliz) for slow-cooked lamb mechoui; Nomad and L’Mida for modern Moroccan on scenic rooftops; Bacha Coffee Room & Museum for single-origin brews with a Belle Époque flourish; Amal Women’s Training Center for feel-good, home-style lunches.
- Nightlife: Comptoir Darna’s live music and dance; Baromètre for craft cocktails; Jemaa el-Fnaa food stalls for smoky grills and snail soup.
Where to stay (Marrakech): For a romantic feel, choose a riad in the medina or a calm base in Gueliz/Hivernage: Marrakech hotels on Hotels.com | Marrakech vacation rentals on VRBO
Club Mahindra note: Club Mahindra does not currently operate resorts in Morocco. If you’re a member, check with Club Mahindra/RCI for any temporary exchange inventory in Marrakech. Otherwise, the above Hotels.com/VRBO options provide riads and resorts with a similar relaxed, resort-like stay.
Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca (Afternoon Arrival)
Getting there from New Delhi: Book a multi-airline route via Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or Istanbul to Casablanca (CMN). Typical total travel time is ~12–16 hours with one connection; round-trip or multi-city fares usually start around INR 60,000–80,000 per person in economy when booked early. Search flexible dates on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com flights.
Afternoon: Check in and refresh, then head straight to the Atlantic for sea air along the Corniche. If energy allows, visit the Habous quarter for traditional bakeries and bookshops, then a coffee at Bondi Coffee Kitchen or a flaky msemen with mint tea at La Sqala’s garden.
Evening: Explore the masterpiece you came for with a guided visit to Hassan II Mosque (interior tours are time-slotted; dress modestly). This option includes entry ticket access: Private Tour of Casablanca with Hassan II Mosque Entry Ticket.
Day 2: Casablanca to Marrakech + First Taste of the Medina
Morning: Take the ONCF train from Casa Voyageurs to Marrakech. It’s about 2h 45m–3h and costs roughly MAD 120–180 per person in 2nd/1st class. Trains run frequently; aim for a departure around 8–9 am. Prefer to fly? Check Kiwi.com for Casablanca–Marrakech flights (usually 50–60 minutes, though trains are typically more convenient).
Afternoon: Check in, then lunch at Amal Women’s Training Center (Gueliz) for tender chicken lemon tagine and zaalouk, supporting a local social enterprise. Start exploring with the Koutoubia (exterior) and gardens, then weave into the souks for brass lamps, leather babouches, and argan oil at cooperative stalls.
Evening: Classic rooftop dinner: Nomad (spiced cauliflower, lamb shoulder) or L’Mida (charmoula octopus, pistachio pastilla) as the medina turns golden. Wander Jemaa el-Fnaa for acrobats, storytellers, and sizzling brochettes; end with fresh orange juice at a stall and almond briouat from a nearby pâtisserie.
Day 3: Jardin Majorelle, Bahia Palace, and Medina Heritage
Morning: Beat the crowds at Jardin Majorelle, the cobalt-blue oasis revived by Yves Saint Laurent. Secure access with this ticket: Marrakech Majorel garden entry ticket.
Afternoon: Tour Bahia Palace’s painted cedar ceilings and mosaic courtyards, then the Saadian Tombs—rediscovered in 1917 and now one of Marrakech’s gems. Stop for a light lunch at Henna Café (simple couscous, salads) or Café des Épices overlooking the spice square.
Evening: Dinner at Al Fassia (Gueliz), famous for being run by women—try the slow-braised lamb shoulder and zaalouk. For a lively night, book a late table at Comptoir Darna with gnawa musicians and belly dance performances, or slide into Baromètre for craft cocktails and a speakeasy mood.
Day 4: Sunrise Balloon Option + Agafay Desert Sunset Dinner
Morning: Optional bucket-list moment: float above Marrakech’s palm groves and the Atlas foothills at sunrise—followed by a traditional Berber breakfast. Book here: Hot Air Balloon Flight over Marrakech with Traditional Breakfast.
Afternoon: Spa time. Book a traditional hammam and argan-oil massage in the medina or Hivernage. Afterward, browse more souks—seek out cooperatives for rugs (beni ouarain), pottery, and metalwork. Grab a simple lunch at Naranj (Levantine-Moroccan—try the chicken tawook wrap).
Evening: Head to the lunar-like Agafay Desert (about 45–60 minutes from the city) for quad biking, a sunset camel ride, and a candlelit dinner with live show under a sky full of stars: Agafay Desert: Dinner + Show with Sunset Camel Ride.
Day 5: Easy Morning in Marrakech + Departure
Morning: Final coffee and fresh msemen at Café des Épices or a sit-down pancake-and-eggs breakfast at L’Adresse Jemaa el-Fnaa overlooking the square. Last-minute shopping for rose water, ras el hanout spices, and handwoven baskets.
Afternoon: Fly out of Marrakech (RAK) with a connection via Dubai/Doha/Abu Dhabi/Istanbul back to New Delhi. Search multi-city fares (DEL–CMN, RAK–DEL) on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. A taxi to the airport takes 20–25 minutes from Gueliz/Hivernage in light traffic.
How to Get Around & Travel Logistics
- International flights: New Delhi to Casablanca or Marrakech with one stop via major Middle Eastern or Turkish hubs. Use Trip.com or Kiwi.com to compare multi-city tickets (DEL–CMN, RAK–DEL).
- Casablanca–Marrakech: ONCF train ~2h45m–3h; MAD 120–180 per person. Alternatively, a short flight is sometimes available—check Kiwi.com.
- In-city transport: Taxis are plentiful; agree on fares or request the meter. Many Marrakech sights are walkable if you’re staying near the medina/Gueliz.
Estimated Trip Costs for 2 Adults (4 Nights / 5 Days)
- International flights (economy): INR 120,000–160,000 total (USD ~1,450–1,900) for 2, depending on dates/sales.
- Hotels/Riads (midrange–upper midrange): USD 520–720 total for 4 nights (Casablanca 1 night ~USD 100–160; Marrakech 3 nights ~USD 120–200 per night). Book via Hotels.com (Casablanca), Hotels.com (Marrakech), or VRBO for apartments: VRBO Casablanca | VRBO Marrakech.
- Tours & tickets (for 2):
- Hassan II Mosque tour: ~USD 35–60
- Jardin Majorelle entry ticket: ~USD 25–35
- Hot air balloon with breakfast (optional): ~USD 180–250 per person
- Agafay Desert dinner + camel ride/show: ~USD 80–120 per person
- City transfers & train: Taxis + train ~USD 80–120 total.
- Meals: USD 60–80 per day for 2 if mixing casual lunches and nice dinners; ~USD 300–400 total.
Grand total for 2: With balloon: ~USD 3,000–3,900 (INR ~252,000–327,000). Without balloon: ~USD 2,650–3,400 (INR ~223,000–286,000). Estimates vary by season and how early you book.
Best Time to Travel from New Delhi
- March–May: Warm days, cool nights, flowers in bloom—ideal for sightseeing and the desert. Note Ramadan (dates shift annually; expect adjusted hours and a lovely evening ambiance).
- Mid-September–November: Post-summer comfort, clear Atlas views, excellent for rooftop dinners and day trips.
- Avoid peak heat: June–August can be hot, especially for medina walks and desert activities.
Dining short list you’ll love: Casablanca: La Sqala (fort setting), La Taverne du Dauphin (seafood), Bennis Habous (sweets). Marrakech: Al Fassia (classic), Nomad/L’Mida (modern rooftops), Amal Center (social enterprise lunch), Bacha Coffee (all-day coffee and pastries), Comptoir Darna (dinner + show).
Optional swaps if you want more guided culture: Replace Day 3 morning free time with a concise medina tour: Marrakech Historical and Cultural Tour – Half Day.
In five days, you’ll taste the essence of Morocco—ocean and oasis, mosaics and medinas, sunrise skies and lantern-lit dinners. This itinerary balances big-ticket sights with slow pleasures, perfect for a couple’s romantic escape.