The Ultimate 10-Day Morocco Itinerary

A 10-day Morocco itinerary, designed to guide you through the very best places of this colorful and exotic country, no matter where your plane lands.

Blessed with diverse geography, Morocco is one of the few places in the world where you can go sandboarding and snowboarding in the same day, a country offering you majestic beach landscapes, and dazzling mountain hikes. A country with fascinating Arabic-Berber-European mix of culture, more unique than anything you’ve ever seen.

I have to warn you, With only 10 days in Morocco, you won’t be able to explore all the hidden treasures in the country. Even though it’s smaller than the state of Texas, Morocco is a bit hard to explore.

The medieval medinas, designed like a giant human-size labyrinth, would get you lost in no time and require days to be properly enjoyed. Hiking the Atlas mountains would take you weeks and don’t even let me start with the Sahara desert.

This 10-day Morocco itinerary, however, is enough to scratch the surface of the country. Enough to teach you more about the local culture, amaze you with some of the best architecture on the globe, guide you through one-of-a-kind places and leave you stargazing in the Sahara desert.

Ten days in Morocco are more than enough to make you fall in love with the country of the free people!

Ten Days in Morocco – Itinerary Destinations

Since we have four major destinations to explore (and a few along the way), you have to prepare for 10 hectic days! Here is something more about each of them:

Marrakech

Known as The Red City, Marrakech is the most famous city in Morocco. While the place certainly has its charm and there is a ton of history and mysticism behind its walls, It felt way too touristy to me.

Nevertheless, just as you can’t visit Rome and not see the Colosseum, you can’t visit Morocco and skip Marrakech.

What to see in Marrakech:

Jemaa el-Fnaa

The Jemaa el-Fnaa square is the most emblematic place in Marrakech. Being also an entry point to the medina, during the day, this legendary square serves as a stage to snake charmers, fortune tellers, henna artists, and monkey tamers (avoid those). When the sun comes down, Jemaa el-Fnaa comes to life and transforms into the biggest restaurant you’ve ever seen. Numerous stalls offering Moroccan cuisine, fruit juices, and Marrakesh cookies are run by charming owners that always give you “the best deal in Morocco”.

Castaway Tip
 Enjoy the views but skip dinner on the square (unless you want to risk your vacation with food poisoning). 

Medina of Marrakech

The old part of the city is a giant pink labyrinth that will have you lost more than once. It’s divided into different souks (markets) where you can find everything Morocco is famous for. Spices, dyes, carpets, leather goods, lamps, and various souvenirs await the hungry shopaholics.

Castaway Tip
 Have in mind that in Morocco, it’s a normal thing to haggle. Never accept the overinflated initial price! 

The Bahia Palace



A 19th-century palace built to be the greatest of its times. The name Bahia can be translated to “brilliance”, and the name suits the palace well.
One of the masterpieces of Moroccan architecture, the Bahia Palace, and its gardens are among the most popular attraction in Marrakech.

Working Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: 70 MAD / 7 USD

Castaway Tip
 Get there as early in the morning as possible. The palace is extremely popular, and even in the winter, there is a hefty amount of tourist.

Le Jardin Majorelle



Located outside the medina, in the modern part of Marrakesh, the gardens are the former home of the designer Yves Saint Laurent. Not a bad place but the hordes of tourists kind of ruin its charm. Being ranked number one in TripAdvisor, I expected some grand gardens and a top-notch museum, but in reality, the place was just meh. Not only that but Le Jardin Majorelle is quite expensive too! Since you have only 10 days in Morocco, your time in Marrakech is limited, and you may not be able to check all the spotlights in town. If this is the case, I suggest skipping Le Jardin Majorelle.

Working Hours:
Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fees: 
Jardine Majorelle – 150 MAD / 15 USD
Gardens + Berber Museum – 200 MAD / 20 USD
YSL Museum – 130 MAD / 13 USD
Combined ticket (all 3) – 300 MAD / 30 USD

Psst! Explore everything Marrakech is famous for!

Where to Stay in Marrakech

Riad Dreams

Located in the Medina district of Marrakech, Riad Dreams offer a luxurious experience with an indoor pool, stylish rooms, and lick-your-finger-good traditional Moroccan breakfast. It’s one of the most stylish places I’ve visited anywhere in the world, and I highly recommend it!
Check out the latest prices

Fes

If Marrakech is the Red City, Fes is the Yellow city. It is also my favorite city in Morocco. The vendors are not as pushy as the ones in Marrakesh, and the prices are way better. Combine that with the sandstone colored medina and the medieval tanneries, and you see that Fes has authenticity written all over it! 

What to see in Fes:

Chouara Tannery

Fes is famous for its craftsmanship and leather products. What’s curious is that they use the same techniques their ancestors used. It’s not a surprise that the biggest attraction of the city is the Chouara Tannery – a thousand years old leather tannery with dozens of wells, filled with natural dyes or nasty pigeon poop/cow piss mix (to soften the leather).

The Chouara Tannery may sound nasty, but it’s also an incredible sight, rare to be seen anywhere else in the world. Seeing the tanneries is possible only from one of the leather shops around them which may lead to annoying experience with the owner who would either try to sell you something overpriced or would ask for a large tip. Check out how to handle the situation.

Castaway Tip
 The Chouara tannery has this awful prudent smell of carcass. That’s why the shopkeepers offer a struck of mint to hold under your nose. Have in mind, that they may request another “tip” for their kindness.

Al Attarine Madrasa

Probably the most beautiful madrasa in Morocco (at least until the Ben Youseff one in Marrakesh is still under restoration), Al Attarine Madrasa is a must-see spot in Fes. Named after the famous perfume souq (market) that is located nearby, the madrasa is a prime example of a 14th century Marinid architecture.

Working Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee – 20 MAD / 2 USD

The Royal Palace of Fes

The Royal Palace of Fes is still an acting palace that the King of Morocco uses when he visits the city. It’s not open for visitations, and there is no way to explore its riches, but it’s still one of the most popular attractions in Fes. That’s because it has the most beautiful and picturesque doors in the country.

The large heavy ornamented brass doors have become a top place to get a new Instagram profile pic so make sure you get there early. A definite must-have on your 10-day Morocco itinerary!

Where to Stay in Fes

Riad Dar Mansoura

Located near the famous Blue Gate of Fes, this colorful riad will offer you an authentic Morrocan experience. The lovely rooftop terrace and tasty breakfast will make your stay a memorable one.
Check out the latest prices

Chefchaouen

What to see in Chefchaouen

The whole town is the attraction here. The tiny mountain settlement keeps on gaining more and more popularity due to the baby-blue color of its medina. Honestly, Chefchaouen is one of the most picturesque places I’ve been to, and I promise you that you won’t regret having on in your 10 days Morocco itinerary. If you have more time to spend in the country, Chefchaouen is perfect for a 2-3 day rest.

Where to Stay in Chefchaouen

Dar Echchaouen Maison d’Hôtes & Riad

If you want your blue town fairytale to be complete, Dar Echchaouen is the one for you. This incredible riad is opulently decorated to give you the feeling you’re part of Scheherazade’s greatest stories.
It’s situated just a few minutes outside the medina but away from the tourist crowds. It also features an outside pool that is a dream-come-true if your visit happens to be in the summer.
Check out the latest prices

   See Also:  The Best Photo Spots in Chefchaouen

Sahara Desert

The most emblematic desert in the world, Sahara is the largest hot desert on the globe (as big as the whole US). It spreads over more than 10 countries, but not all of them are safe enough for a visit.

Morocco, however, is one of the best places to go and explore the dunes of Sahara. You can learn sandboarding, go for a 4×4 exploration tour or (the one I suggest in this guide) take a camel ride and camp under the million desert stars. No matter what you do there, Sahara will be the highlight of your journey.

With only 10 days in Morocco, the Sahara trip may look like the one highlight you can skip. That would be a tremendous mistake. The desert is one of the most enigmatic places in the world and should be the cornerstone of your itinerary.

What else is on the Sahara tour:

Ait-Ben-Haddou

The medieval town used to be a stop for the Timbuktu traders going to Marrakesh. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site today and a popular set for various movies and shows ( Game of Thrones and Gladiator been the most famous ones). It’s included in every Sahara tour, either on your first or on your last day.

Castaway Tip
 After checking the city, your guides will take you to lunch in a very overpriced restaurant. It’s ok to leave and find a regular one, just make sure you are not late for the departure.

Todra Gorge

A spectacular series of limestone river canyons, in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, near the town of Tinerhir. Your tour will have a stop there so you can enjoy a short walk inside one of the canyons. You’ll also learn more about Berbers’ life in the mountains. The accommodation for one of the nights on your tour is in the nearby Dades Valley.

Casablanca

Made famous by the Ingrid Bergman / Humphry Bogart movie from the 40s, Casablanca today has nothing in common with the charming romantic town in the film. It’s actually a modern metropolis – the largest city in Morocco and the economic and business center of the country.

It’s in my 10 days Morocco itinerary only because it has the biggest international airport and the chances are high you begin your journey from Casablanca.

 What to see in Casablanca:

Hassan II Mosque

The largest mosque in Africa, the 5th largest in the world, and the only place in Casablanca worth your time. The Hassan II Mosque is the pride of the Moroccan people and the only mosque in the country that can be visited by non-muslims.

Everything inside, but the Venetian chandeliers, is made in Morocco. Artisans recruited from all cities of the kingdom had carved 53,000 m2 of wood and assembled more than 10,000 m2 of zellige (typical Moroccan ceramics) for this grand place of worship. This titan among Mosques can gather together 105 000 worshippers at the same time! 25 000 in the prayer room and 80 000 in the yard outside. Its minaret stands 210 meters long, making it the highest religious building in the world. It also has a laser directed towards Mecca.

Last but not least, the Hassan II Mosque is incredibly picturesque and offers vast amounts of opportunities for amateur and professional photographers.

Rick’s Caffee
If you’re a fan of the movie, you already know Rick’s Caffee. It’s decorated just like the “original” one, and it’s a nice place to spend the afternoon

Where to Stay in Casablanca

Melliber Appart Hotel

Situated just 200 meters away from Hassan II Mosque, this 4-star hotel is perfect for short and long visits. It has free parking, great breakfast, air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV, kitchenette, and even grocery delivery.
Check out the latest prices

The Ultimate 10-Day Morocco Itinerary

A ten days itinerary is kind of a short one, and your starting point is essential thus making it impossible to create only one ultimate route.
I realize most of you have already purchased your tickets, that’s why my 10 day-Morocco itinerary has five different variations.

10 Days in Morocco Starting From Fes

Day 1-3: Fes
Spend your first day just acclimatizing to Morocco and its way of life. In the next two days, you should have enough time to check all of Fes’ highlights and sort out the small details of your trip like exchanging money, buying a local sim card, etc. 

 Start day number 2 form the Chouarra Tannery (the wells are most colorful in the morning) and day number 3 from the Royal Palace (less people in the morning) 

 Day 4: Day trip to Chefchaouen

Fes is a popular starting point for a day trip to the Blue City of Chefchaouen. Sadly in this 10 day Morocco itinerary route, you’d have time only a quick visit to the Blue City. Chefchaouen, however, is not a big place, and if you go prepared you can check all the best spots in the city.

Day 5: Sahara Tour  – Travel to Merzouga
We’re halfway through our 10 days in Morocco, and It’s about time to head down south to the highlight of your journey – the Sahara Desert. Since you have limited time, I suggest getting an organized tour from Fes to Merzouga, that ends in Marrakesh. It’s just not worth it to organize the journey to Merzouga yourself, find a Camel tour and then arrange another travel up to Marrakesh.

The first day of the tours is traveling through the beautiful Atlas mountains, seeing a cedar forest full of Barbary Apes, and ending the day with camel ride at sunset and camping under the stars.

Day 6: Sahara Tour Second Day – Camels and Gorges
This day will start early with a camel ride back to Merzouga. After breakfast, you’ll start the journey to Marrakesh. Different tours have different itineraries for this day, but it’s usually a stops to the Rissani Market and exploring the Todra Gorge. You spend the night at the nearby Dadès valley.

Day 7: Last Day of the Sahara Tour – Travel to Marrakech
Continue the travel to Marrakech with a stop at the UNESCO recognized Kasbah – Ait Ben Haddou. After a guided tour of the town and lunch, the journey continues through the high Atlas Mountains with various stops for photos.

You’ll arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon/evening. Try to arrange a meet up with your riad, since finding it in the medina is a hefty task, especially after dusk.

Day 8 – 9: Exploring Marrakech
You can visit all the highlights in the city in two days. Watch out with the food on the Jemaa el-Fna square, I know it’s an experience to get a bite there, but agree with me that having stomach problems that close to your flight back would be a nightmare. My best advice is to get a food tour that will can guarantee safe and tasty street food experience
If your flight back is from Fes and not Marrakesh, take the bus/train on the ninth day.

Day 10: – Fly back home

10-Day Morocco Itinerary Starting From Tanger

Day 1: Arriving at Tanger
Another popular entry point, Tangier could be reached by a short flight or ferry from Spain. There is nothing worth your time in the city so make your way straight to Chefchaouen. If you arrive in the morning, you can use the CTM bus (booking bus tickets outside Morocco is impossible, the site is quite handy to check out timetables and prices though). If you arrive later, your only option is to get a taxi.
More Info about Taxis in Morocco

Day 2: Chefchaouen
Enjoy a whole day of wander around the blue streets of Chefchaouen. Get up early to avoid the crowds and take amazing photos.

Day 3: Fes

Take the CTM bus to Fes. You should arrive sometime in the afternoon and have enough time to check one or 2 of the smaller highlights (the Blue Gate and Rainbow Street for example). You can get a guided medina tour and save some time (by not getting lost all the time).

Day 4: Fes
A full day in the old capital of Morocco. Start with the Chouara tannery and make your way to one of the madrasas and the Royal Palace (if you are on a photo-hunt, start the day at the royal palace to avoid the crowds).

Day 5 – 10: Same as the previous itinerary ( starting from Fes)

Note: For this one, it’s quite important that your way back home is not from Tanger. If you have to go back there, you’ll spend way too much time on unnecessary travel between cities.  

   See Also:  Morocco in The Winter: All You Need to Know

Casablanca has the biggest international airport in the country hence if you’re coming from afar, chances are high you’re going to start your journey from the White City. You can choose from two itineraries, one heading north and one south.

10 Days in Morocco Itinerary Starting from Casablanca: North

Day 1: Arrive at Casablanca
If you arrive in the morning, you may have enough time to check the Hassan II Mosque later in the day. If not, go for dinner at Rick’s Caffee and leave it for day two.

Day 2: Casablanca + Fes
If you haven’t seen it already, check the Hasan II Mosque in the morning and take the CTM bus or the train to Fes after that. If you’ve visited the mosque on day one, go straight to Fes.
You should arrive sometime in the afternoon and have enough time to check one or two of the smaller highlights (the Blue Gate and Rainbow Street for example).

Day 3: Fes
A full day in the old capital of Morocco. Start with the Chouara tannery and make your way to one of the madrasas and the royal palace (if you are on a photo-hunt, start the day at the royal palace to avoid the crowds). You can get a guided medina tour and save some time (by not getting lost all the time).

Day 4: Day-trip to Chefchaouen

Fes is a popular starting point for a day trip to the Blue City of Chefchaouen. Sadly in this 10-day Morocco itinerary route, you’d have time only a quick visit to the Blue City. Chefchaouen, however, is not a big place, and if you go prepared you can check all the best spots in the city.

Day 5 – 10: Same as the previous itinerary (starting from Fes)

10-Day Morocco Itinerary Starting from Casablanca: South

Day 1: Arrive at Casablanca
If you arrive in the morning, you may have enough time to check the Hassan II Mosque later in the day. If not, go for dinner at Rick’s Caffee and leave it for day two.

Day 2: Casablanca + Marrakech
If you haven’t seen it already, check the Hasan II Mosque in the morning and take the CTM bus or the train to Marrakech. If you’ve visited the mosque on day one, go straight to Marrakech and use the afternoon to explore the medina and the Jemaa el-Fna square.

Day 3 – 4: Marrakech
Two full days in Marrakech should be enough to visit all the highlights of the city. Go to the Bahia palace on the first morning, follow with the Saadian tombs, and some of the medina museums (the photography one is my favorite). If you want to visit Marrakech’s biggest attraction – Le Jardin Majorelle, go there the next morning, as early as possible.

In the afternoon, have a seat at one of the restaurants/ cafes (the Grand Balcon du Cafe Glacier was my choice) with a view to the Jemaa el-Fna. Watching the transformation of the square towards its night version is one of the best shows in Marrakech.

Psst! I have a post revealing all the tourist traps in Marrakech. Check it out!

Day 5: Sahara tour – Travel to Merzouga
Time to start your journey south to the Sahara Desert. I suggest using an organized tour for this one. Organizing a trip down to Merzouga, a camel ride and a trip to Fes afterward is way too much hassle.

The first day will begin very early for you, and you’ll navigate your way down through the magnificent Atlas Mountains. The highlight of the day would be the tour around ancient UNESCO recognized Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. The night will be spent in a Dades valley hotel (picked by your tour).

Day 6: Sahara tour – Welcome to the Desert
On the second day, you continue your journey through the mountains. You’ll have a stop at the fantastic Todra Gorge where you’d have a short walk around the canyon and learn more about the Berber farm methods.
In the afternoon, you’ll arrive at Merzouga and go for a camel ride into the desert. The night will be spent in a Berber tent under the countless Sahara stars

Day 7: Sahara Tour End – Travel to Fes
You start the day with a camel ride at sunrise, followed by breakfast in Merzouga and the 8-hour journey through the middle Atlas mountains. There are multiple spots for photo ops along the way and an overpriced lunch stop.
In the afternoon, you arrive in Fes. You can check some of the minor highlights of the city like the Rainbow Street or the Blue Gate or just unwind in your hotel/ riad.

Day 8: Fes
A full day in the old capital of Morocco. Start with the Chouara tannery and make your way to one of the madrasas and the royal palace (if you are on a photo-hunt, start the day at the royal palace to avoid the crowds).

   See Also:  Best Way to Spend 2 Days in Fes

Day 9: Joker
There are a few options for day nine. You can spend another day in Fes and explore everything the city has to offer, or you may take a day trip to Chefchaouen and explore the Blue Pearl of Morroco. If your flight back home is from Casablanca, you may have to spend the day traveling back there.

Day 10: Fly back home from Fes or Casablanca

10 Days in Morocco Starting from Marrakech

Marrakech is the most touristic centered city in Morocco and another popular entry point to the country.
The 10-day Morocco itinerary starting from Marrakesh is the same as the one from Casablanca: South.

The only difference is that you skip Casablanca completely, and you have an extra day in Fes.

Morocco FAQ

When to visit Morocco?

Morocco is a fantastic year-round destination. Spring (mid-March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the high seasons while winter (December – February)  is the low one.

Having said that, if you’re not afraid of temperatures around in the range of 10C (50F) – 18C (64F) and you want to enjoy the Morrocan sun but skip the crowds – winter is your time. Just pack enough clothes for the Sahara desert trip and the High Atlas Mountains.

Is Morocco safe?

Morocco is a developing country, and while I didn’t encounter any troubles, it’s a place you should always have your travel smarts with you. From food poisoning to pickpocketing monkey tamers, various things may go wrong and ruin your vacation.

I currently use HeyMondo for my travels because they have proven themselves to me more than once over the years. The link above will give you a 5% discount, but If you have another favorite provider, that’s ok. Just make sure you have one because you never know what may happen.

How to travel around Morocco?

The most convenient way (most people use) is to rent a car, of course. You can skip all the public transport research and go straight to your hotel. To find the best offers in the country, check the Discover Cars tool, which will compare all the providers in the country.

Public transport is also well-developed in Morocco. The national rail company ONCF connects most of the large cities and is a popular choice. Offering the best balance between price and comfort are the city buses – CTM and SupraTour. If you’re in a hurry, the domestic flights are not that expensive either. Some of the airports, however, are not that close to the medinas.

There are also the petit and grand taxis. The petite are the normal ones you use around the city, while the grand taxis are minivans running between cities.

Money In Morocco

The Moroccan currency is the Dirham. Ten dirhams is a little bit more than 1 USD (a bit less than 1 EUR). Credit cards are largely accepted around big cities and ATMs are not hard to find. You can pay with EUR in most of the hotels and restaurants, some of them accept USD too. 
See the latest dirham rates

Wi-Fi in Morocco

I was surprised by the speed of the internet in Morocco. It’s way better than most of the European countries. Wi-Fi was available in every riad I stayed in and in every restaurant. I do recommend getting a local SIM card. They are pretty cheap and reliable. I found Inwi to have the best offers.
All Inwi shops in Morocco

Communication in Morocco

Arabic is the official language, but French is something like a second official one. Due to the proximity, Spanish is widely spoken too (especially in the north parts of the country). English comes fourth, but the good thing is, while it’s not the strong side of the locals, everybody working in the tourist industry (at least everybody I had contact with) speak it fluently.  

Morocco Tours

–The Small Desert One: If you don’t want to spend 3 days and numerous hours just to reach Sahara desert, this half-day tour next to Marrakech would offer camels, 4×4 ride, and a little bit of a desert experience.

– The Big Desert One: The classical Sahara trip. It takes a ton of time, riding the camel is uncomfortable as hell, but this is the ultimate Moroccan experience. An experience that will stay with you forever!

– The Mountain One: Morocco is famous not only for its deserts but also for its mountains. Whit this tour, you’ll visit a village situated high up the Atlas Mountains. You’ll learn more about the Berber culture, and witness incredible panoramic views.

–The Waterfall One: An inexpensive day-trip that will take you to Morocco’s most beautiful waterfall. Explore Ouzoud Waterfall via boat and meet the monkeys in the area.

– The Foodie One: Morocco has a world-famous cuisine. Get out of the hustle of Marrakech and learn how to cook an authentic Tajine like a Berber.

More than 10 Days in Morocco?

If a 10-day Morocco itinerary is not enough for you, here are some extra destinations to explore:

• Essaouira
  A small resort town on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Unlike the other cities in the country, Essaouira is a very relaxed, perfect to unwind from the city mayhem.
  
• The Atlas Mountains 
  The Atlas Mountains are among the most impressive mountains I’ve seen! If hiking is your idea of a perfect trip, you won’t be disappointed. Reaching Mount Toubkal (4,167 m) – the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco, North Africa, and the Arab World should be a bucket-list-adventure for every mountain enthusiast.
  
• Tamri
  Small surfing town on the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by sand dunes and goat trees (Argan trees which goats love to climb, look hilarious) it’s another excellent place for a chill vacation.
  
• Meknes
  A big city with some impressive Babs (gates) a mausoleum and even a Royal Palace. Not as remarkable as Fes but not as touristy too.

That’s all from me, I hope you enjoy your 10 days in Morocco!
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If you haven’t planned your trip there yet, find out how I plan my trips!
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I have 14 bucket list ideas for Morocco. See my impossible bucket list of 1700+ adventures!

Is Morocco on your bucket list?

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