Quick 5-day trip advice for a wedding in Marrakech?

[ralphiealbert]

So here's the situation my cousin is getting married in Marrakech next month and I'm tacking on a few extra days to actually see something beyond the wedding venue. I'll have basically five full days after the celebrations wrap up and I'm trying to figure out if it's worth trying to leave the city or if I should just soak in Marrakech itself. Part of me wants to rush down to the desert but everyone keeps saying that's too ambitious and I'd spend the whole time on a bus. I found this really practical breakdown of a Morocco itinerary 5 days that focuses on Marrakech plus a couple of day trips to places like the Atlas Mountains and Essaouira which seems way more doable than trying to reach the Sahara. Has anyone done something similar? I'm traveling solo and a bit nervous about navigating everything on my own but also excited to just wander and see where the trip takes me. Also any recommendations for riads that aren't too touristy but still comfortable would be amazing because I'd love to experience that traditional vibe without the party hostel atmosphere.