Ready to plan a getaway to Morocco? We’ve got you covered. We sent people all over the country to research destinations. We interviewed experts, analyzed real trips, and did in-depth interviews with travelers. Then we factored in how much time travelers to Morocco typically have—and what they’re most interested in seeing. The result: our top recommendations for itineraries of 5, 7, 10, and 14 days.
## Embark on an Unforgettable Moroccan Adventure: Tailored Itineraries for Every Traveler
Morocco, a land of vibrant colors, captivating sounds, and intoxicating aromas, beckons travelers with its promise of adventure and discovery. Imagine yourself wandering through bustling souks overflowing with exotic spices and handcrafted treasures, navigating the labyrinthine alleyways of ancient medinas, and marveling at the grandeur of majestic casbahs. Picture yourself riding a camel across the undulating dunes of the Sahara Desert, the world’s driest desert, under a canopy of a million stars. It’s easy to see why Morocco has become a coveted destination for those seeking a rich tapestry of history, culture, and unparalleled natural beauty.
To help you craft the perfect Moroccan escape, we’ve curated a selection of meticulously planned itineraries designed to maximize your time and immerse you in the magic of this extraordinary country. Whether you have a brief five days or a luxurious two weeks, our itineraries offer a seamless blend of cultural immersion and exhilarating outdoor experiences. We’ll take care of the logistical details so you can focus on creating memories that will last a lifetime.
For those with five days to spare, we recommend a dynamic itinerary that combines the thrill of exploring the Sahara Desert with the cultural richness of Marrakech, where your Moroccan adventure begins and ends. This itinerary includes venturing into sun-baked desert towns, trying your hand at sandboarding on the towering dunes, and traversing the breathtaking landscapes of the High Atlas mountains.
If you have seven days to explore, you can expand your horizons by incorporating visits to the imperial cities of Fes, Casablanca, and Meknes. Each of these cities boasts a unique character and a wealth of historical landmarks waiting to be discovered. Our suggested seven-day itinerary also includes a fascinating detour to the ancient Roman ruins at Volubilis, offering a glimpse into Morocco’s rich and diverse past.
With ten days at your disposal, you can indulge in all the experiences offered by the seven-day itinerary, while also enjoying a more leisurely pace and additional opportunities for exploration. Spend more time basking in the vastness of the Sahara Desert, dedicate an extra day to uncovering the secrets of Marrakech, and embark on a side trip to the enchanting “Blue City” of Chefchaouen, a photographer’s paradise.
If you’re fortunate enough to have two weeks to dedicate to your Moroccan journey, our recommended 14-day itinerary encompasses all the highlights mentioned above, along with several enriching additions. Enjoy an extra day in Casablanca, allowing you to delve deeper into the city’s vibrant culture. Escape to the seaside retreat of Essaouira for a day and a night, where you can soak up the Atlantic breeze and savor fresh seafood. And for a truly unforgettable experience, embark on a hiking adventure in the High Atlas mountains and spend a night with a local family in a traditional Berber village, gaining firsthand insight into their way of life.
## A Five-Day Immersion: Classic Marrakech & Sahara Desert Tour
Imagine yourself embarking on a captivating journey through the heart of Morocco, where the vibrant hues of Marrakech seamlessly blend with the mesmerizing landscapes of the Sahara Desert. This five-day itinerary is meticulously crafted to provide an immersive experience, allowing you to discover the beauty of both worlds.
The itinerary invites you to experience the awe-inspiring Sahara Desert, with its majestic sand dunes, towering peaks of the High Atlas mountains, historic kasbahs, and charming desert towns. Alongside this adventure, you’ll find yourself exploring the medieval city of Marrakech, your starting and ending point.
Your adventure begins with a day dedicated to exploring Marrakech, affectionately known as the “Red City” due to the distinctive rosy pigment of the sandstone used to construct its walls. Wander through Jemaa el-Fna, the busiest square in Africa, where you’ll be mesmerized by storytellers, musicians, and food vendors. Immerse yourself in the sensory overload of the souks in the medina, where you can haggle for unique souvenirs and treasures. Visit the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, a symbol of Marrakech, and marvel at the intricate details of the 16th-century Ben Youssef Madrasa Islamic school. Step back in time as you explore the 19th-century Bahia Palace, one of the city’s most opulent palaces, showcasing the grandeur of Moroccan architecture.
Leaving the city behind, you’ll embark on a scenic drive through the High Atlas mountains, where you’ll catch glimpses of the towering Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Along the way, you’ll visit an argan oil cooperative, learning about the traditional methods used to extract this precious oil. Continue your journey through the picturesque Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs and the fragrant Kela’a M’gouna, also known as the “Valley of the Roses,” where you’ll be captivated by the vibrant colors and sweet scents.
On the third day, you’ll arrive at Todra Gorge, a breathtaking deep ravine carved by the Todra River. You’ll then make a stop in the desert town of Erfoud, renowned for its figs and fossils. Experience the unique atmosphere of the “donkey parking lot” and witness the lively livestock auction in the market town of Rissani. Finally, you’ll venture into the mesmerizing sand sea of Erg Chebbi, where you’ll reach Merzouga, the gateway to the desert. Here, you’ll embark on a camel ride to your campsite, where you’ll spend the night under the stars, surrounded by the tranquility of the Sahara.
Awake to a spectacular sunrise over the desert, painting the dunes in a kaleidoscope of colors. Embrace the adventurous spirit by trying sandboarding or embarking on an ATV desert tour. Immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to a traditional Saharan village, where you can taste locally grown dates in the Draa Valley. Continue your journey to Ouarzazate, a renowned filming location for Hollywood movies and television series like *Game of Thrones*. Explore the medieval Aït Benhaddou, the most famous kasbah in Morocco, where you’ll spend the night, surrounded by history and intrigue. On the final day, you’ll travel back to Marrakech, soaking in the panoramic views of the mountains and desert along the way. Before catching your flight home, squeeze in one last delectable meal and some final souvenir shopping in the bustling souks, cherishing the memories of your Moroccan adventure.
## Extend Your Stay: A Seven-Day Exploration Including Fes, Casablanca, and Volubilis
Embark on a captivating week-long adventure that unveils the iconic landmarks of Morocco, including the grandeur of imperial cities, the mesmerizing Sahara Desert, and the historical allure of Volubilis. Building upon the five-day itinerary, this tour grants you more time for cultural immersion and the thrill of navigating the intricate medina of Fes, the cultural heart of Morocco.
Your journey commences in Casablanca, where you’ll have an afternoon to wander along the scenic Boulevard de la Corniche, reminiscent of Miami’s vibrant waterfront. The second day unveils the architectural masterpiece of Hassan II Mosque, boasting the world’s tallest minaret. Then, journey onward from Casablanca to Meknes, an imperial city steeped in history, and the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
On day three, venture to Fes, where you’ll explore the medieval medina, Fes el Bali, on foot. Discover captivating attractions such as the Chouara Tannery, an ancient dyeing hub dating back to the 11th century. Enjoy an authentic Moroccan dinner before commencing an early journey the next day, ascending over 7,000 feet to the Col du Zad Pass and the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas mountains. From here, the itinerary mirrors the captivating five-day adventure.
Observe the playful Barbary macaque monkeys amidst the trees as you descend into the Ziz Valley, celebrated for its lush oases and towering palm trees. Engage in a craft workshop in the vibrant market town of Erfoud before reaching the mesmerizing Erg Chebbi dunes for a sunset camel ride. Relish an unforgettable dinner under the stars at your desert campsite. Embrace the thrill of sandboarding on the dunes on day five, and then explore the depths of Todra Gorge, offering invigorating hikes and refreshing dips in the river.
Continue through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs and the cinematic landscapes of Ouarzazate. Immerse yourself in the history of Aït Benhaddou Kasbah and traverse the majestic High Atlas mountains before concluding the day in Marrakech. Time your visit to the bustling Jemaa el-Fna Square at sunset, where musicians, snake charmers, and food vendors transform the plaza into a spectacle. On the final day, enjoy morning sightseeing in the city before your departure.
## Ten Days of Discovery: Unveiling Chefchaouen and the Sahara’s Secrets
Explore the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert, the imperial cities of Rabat, Meknes, and Fes, and the captivating “Blue City” of Chefchaouen on this colorful ten-day loop around Morocco. Building on the seven-day journey, you’ll enjoy an extra day in Marrakech and an additional day in the desert, offering a more relaxed pace.
Commence your adventure in Casablanca, touring notable landmarks including the Hassan II Mosque. On day two, venture north to the imperial city of Rabat, where you’ll explore the 20th-century Andalusian Gardens and Hassan Tower. Continue through the Rif Mountains to the “Blue City” of Chefchaouen, where you’ll have ample time to explore the picturesque medina.
On day three, explore the Roman ruins at Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes before arriving in Fes in the evening. Devote the next day to wandering through the medieval medina of Fes before venturing onward to the Sahara Desert.
The itinerary for the subsequent days mirrors the five- and seven-day itineraries, traversing the Middle Atlas mountains to Erfoud and Merzouga, and then stopping in verdant oases and the impressive Todra Gorge, followed by visits to Dades Valley, Ouarzazate, and Aït Benhaddou. With an extra day to enjoy, the pace is more relaxed and unhurried. Your journey concludes in Marrakech, where you’ll enjoy two nights, providing ample time for sightseeing, souk shopping, and experiencing the magic of Jemaa el-Fna Square at dusk.
## Two Weeks of Moroccan Grandeur: High Atlas and Essaouira Await
This grand tour of Morocco allows you to experience the country’s most treasured highlights, including imperial cities, the Sahara Desert, and various cultural attractions and outdoor pursuits. With a full two weeks, you can add the seaside charm of Essaouira to your itinerary, along with an overnight stay in a Berber home and hiking adventures in the mountains.
The trip commences with the same schedule as the 10-day itinerary, including stops in Casablanca, Rabat, Chefchaouen, and the Roman ruins of Volubilis before arriving in Fes, where you’ll spend two nights. On day five, you’ll journey onward to the Sahara Desert, visiting Erfoud, Merzouga, Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, and Aït Benhaddou.
By day eight, you’ll arrive in Marrakech, where you’ll have a full day and two nights for sightseeing and shopping. Then, venture south to the small town of Amizmiz in the foothills of the High Atlas mountains. Guided by a local expert, you’ll trek between Berber villages, enjoy lunch with a local family, learn about their traditional bread-baking techniques, and stay overnight at a homestay in one of the villages.
After returning to Marrakech for a day, you’ll travel onward to Essaouira, a beach town on the Atlantic coast, for sightseeing in the UNESCO-protected medina and dining on fresh seafood. From there, you’ll head back to Casablanca for a final day in Morocco before departing.
Are you ready to plan your ultimate trip to Morocco?
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