How many days are enough for a trip to Morocco?

While you can get a taste of Morocco in 5 days, a 10-day itinerary is ideal for a comprehensive experience. This allows you to explore major cities like Marrakech and Fes, spend a night in the Sahara Desert, and journey through the Atlas Mountains without feeling rushed. A 14-day trip is even better for including northern gems like Chefchaouen.

What is the best 10-day Morocco itinerary?

A classic 10-day Morocco itinerary often starts in Casablanca, moves to Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes, then crosses the Atlas Mountains to the Merzouga desert for a camel trek and overnight stay, before finishing in Marrakech. This route covers the Imperial Cities, the mountains, and the iconic Sahara Desert.

Is it better to start a Morocco tour in Casablanca or Marrakech?

Both are great starting points with international airports. Starting in Casablanca is excellent for a comprehensive loop that includes the capital, Rabat, and the northern cities. Starting in Marrakech is perfect if your primary interests are the souks, the Atlas Mountains, and a direct route to the Sahara Desert. Your choice depends on your priorities and flight availability.

What is included in a Morocco tour package?

Most Morocco tour packages include private transportation with a driver/guide, accommodation in hotels or traditional riads, specified meals (often breakfast and dinner), and guided tours in major cities. Activities like a Sahara camel trek are almost always included. Always check the specific itinerary for a detailed list of inclusions and exclusions.

Travel Planning Guide

The Perfect Morocco Itinerary: Plans for 5, 7, 10 & 14 Days

A map of Morocco laid out with a compass, camera, and travel items, illustrating the planning of a Morocco itinerary.

Planning a trip to Morocco is an exciting endeavor, filled with visions of bustling souks, vast Saharan landscapes, and ancient kasbahs. But with so many incredible Moroccan cities and diverse regions, crafting the perfect Morocco itinerary can feel overwhelming. How many days do you truly need? Is it better to start in Marrakech or Casablanca? Can you fit in the blue city of Chefchaouen and a desert adventure?

This comprehensive guide is here to help. We've designed several sample itineraries—from a quick 5 days in Morocco to an immersive 2 weeks in Morocco—to help you build your dream vacation. Whether you're looking for a whirlwind tour or a deep cultural dive, these plans offer a roadmap to experiencing the best of this captivating country.

Planning Your Trip: Key Considerations

Before diving into the day-by-day plans, consider a few key factors that will shape your journey:

Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather for exploring cities and desert alike. Summer can be intensely hot, especially in the interior, while winter can be cold in the Atlas Mountains.
Getting Around: Morocco is a large country. While you can use trains and buses between major cities, travel times can be long. For the most efficient and comfortable experience, especially for reaching the Sahara Desert and Atlas Mountains, booking a Morocco tour package with a private driver is highly recommended.
Pacing: Don't try to cram too much in. The magic of Morocco is often found in slowing down, sipping a mint tea in a hidden courtyard, or getting lost in a medina. Our itineraries are designed to be comprehensive but enjoyable.

The Express Tour: A 5-Day Morocco Itinerary

Perfect for a short break, this fast-paced itinerary focuses on Marrakech and its stunning surroundings. It’s a fantastic introduction to the sights, sounds, and flavors of the country.

Highlights of a 5-Day Trip:

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech. Settle into your riad and dive into the electric atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna square at night.
Day 2: Exploring Marrakech. A guided tour of the medina, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and the Jardin Majorelle.
Day 3: Atlas Mountains Day Trip. Journey into the High Atlas Mountains to visit Berber villages and enjoy breathtaking scenery.
Day 4: Agafay Desert Experience. Head to the nearby Agafay Desert for a sunset camel ride and dinner under the stars in a luxury camp.
Day 5: Last-minute souk shopping and departure from Marrakech.

A Week of Wonders: The 7-Day Morocco Itinerary

With a full week, you can delve deeper. This 7-day Morocco itinerary allows for a proper Sahara Desert experience, a journey that is a highlight for many travelers.

Highlights of a One Week Trip:

Days 1-2: Explore Marrakech as per the 5-day itinerary.
Day 3: Across the Atlas to Ait Ben Haddou. Drive over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou kasbah, and stay overnight in the Dades Valley.
Day 4: Todra Gorge & into the Sahara. See the magnificent Todra Gorge before arriving in Merzouga, where you'll take a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Day 5: Sahara Sunrise & Journey Back. Wake up for a stunning desert sunrise, then begin the journey back towards Marrakech, breaking it up with an overnight stay in the Ouarzazate area.
Day 6: Return to Marrakech. Enjoy a final evening in the city.
Day 7: Departure from Marrakech.

The Classic Journey: A 10-Day Morocco Itinerary

This is the classic 10 days in Morocco trip, allowing you to experience the famous Imperial Cities and the Sahara without feeling rushed. This is one of the best Morocco tours for first-time visitors.

Highlights of a 10-Day Trip:

Day 1: Arrive in Casablanca, visit the Hassan II Mosque.
Day 2: Travel to Rabat (the capital) and explore, then continue to the blue city of Chefchaouen.
Day 3: Morning in Chefchaouen, then travel to Fes.
Day 4: Full-day guided tour of Fes, exploring its ancient medina, tanneries, and souks.
Day 5: Journey south, crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains to the Ziz Valley.
Day 6: Explore the region and head to Merzouga for your Sahara camel trek and desert camp overnight.
Day 7: Sunrise in the desert, then travel through the Todra Gorge and Dades Valley.
Day 8: Visit Ait Ben Haddou and cross the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech.
Day 9: Full day exploring the vibrant city of Marrakech.
Day 10: Departure from Marrakech.

The Deep Dive: An Epic 14-Day (2 Weeks) Morocco Itinerary

For those with more time, a 2 weeks in Morocco itinerary allows for a truly immersive experience. You can cover the highlights of the 10-day trip while adding coastal towns and spending more time in each location.

Highlights of a Two-Week Trip:

Days 1-5: Follow the 10-day itinerary from Casablanca to Fes.
Day 6: Enjoy a second full day in Fes for deeper exploration or a cooking class.
Days 7-9: Journey to the Sahara, enjoying the desert camp experience and the scenic drive through the gorges and kasbahs.
Days 10-11: Full exploration of Marrakech, including time for a relaxing hammam experience.
Day 12: Day trip to the coastal town of Essaouira, known for its relaxed vibe, art galleries, and fresh seafood.
Day 13: Return to Marrakech for final souvenir shopping or explore the Atlas Mountains.
Day 14: Departure from Marrakech or Casablanca.

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