10 Days in Morocco - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Casablanca to Marrakesh: Imperial Cities, Hiking & Desert

Balancing culture, history, and adventure, this popular itinerary covers a lot of ground. It takes you to all four of Morocco's imperial cities, the Sahara desert and surroundings, and the Atlas mountains. 

From Casablanca, you'll tour the striking Hassan II Mosque before moving to Rabat. You'll have time to visit Roman and Islamic ruins, the 20th-century Andalusian Gardens, and Hassan Tower, a 12th-century minaret. On Day 2, you're off to the picturesque "Blue City" of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains. Wander through the boldly-hued medina and stop for a mint tea on Plaza Outa el-Hammam. Next, discover Volubilis and Meknes, ending the day in Fes. Explore both medina quarters, Fes el Bali and Fes el Jdid with a guide, people watch on Talâa Kebira, walk through the old souks (markets), and visit the Chouara Tannery.

On Day 5, venture into the desert. In Erfoud, known for fossil mining, you can meet local artisans before continuing onto Erg Chebbi, an extensive dune complex that shifts and travels depending on the changing wind. When you reach Merzouga, it's time for a camel ride through the dunes and camping under the stars before a day at Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site from the 11th century. You'll descend to the "Red City" of Marrakesh. As the sun goes down, you'll want to be near Jemaa el-Fna as it comes alive with musicians, performers, snake charmers, and food vendors. 

On your last full day, day trip into the foothills of the High Atlas mountains, hiking past Berber villages around Amizmiz and stopping for lunch with a local family before returning to Marrakesh. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Grand Morocco Tour: North to South

Skipping over Casablanca and Rabat, this epic 10-day tour begins in the northern city of Tangier, a port city with easy access to Spain, and spends more time in the desert and a day and night on the west coast of the country in laid-back Essaouria. This itinerary is ideal for travelers arriving by ferry from Spain and departing by plane out of Marrakesh. 

In Tangier enjoy a visit to the seaside medina, walk along the waterfront, and have a mint tea in Zoco Chico. Then you're off to Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains, opting for the scenic route you can stop along the way for a refreshing hike to the Cascades d'Akchou. Next, you'll visit the Roman ruins at Volubilis and the impressive imperial architecture in nearby Meknes on your way to Fes. After a day in the city, venture into the Middle Atlas mountains, passing apple orchards and palm tree clusters to Erfoud.

The sea of dunes known as Erg Chebbi is next. Outside Merzouga, enjoy a sunset camel ride, star-gazing, and traditional Berber music around a campfire before sleeping in a conventional tent. Spend the next day hiking the Todra Gorge, visiting Morocco's most famous kasbah, Aït Benhaddou, and visiting a rose collective in the Dades Valley. Continue on to Ouarzazate and take a studio tour to learn about how the region's landscapes have been used in films and TV series like "Gladiator" and "Game of Thrones."

Continue to Marrakesh for a day, making a side trip to the west coast for relaxation in the laid-back port city of Essaouira. Highlights include strolling along the Skala de la Kasbah (the 18th-century seafront ramparts), exploring the UNESCO-protected medina, dining on freshly caught seafood, and relaxing on the beach. The next day, you'll return to Marrakesh to catch a flight out of Morocco. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Marrakesh, Grand Desert Tour, Hiking & the Coast

If you'd rather focus your time and energy on one region of Morocco, this is the itinerary for you. Starting and ending in Marrakesh, this trip plan involves more time hiking in the Atlas foothills and enjoying the outdoor excursions: Erg Chebbi, Todra Gorge, and Amizmiz, to name a few—and less time in transit. Plus, you'll lunch in the often-overlooked desert town of Alnif.

Opt for a tour of Marrakesh covering highlights in a short time, like Ben Youssef Madrasa, the souks, and the Dar Di Said Museum. Leave the city behind and head into the High Atlas mountains, where you might spot Mount Toubkal from the car window. You'll pass Berber villages and stop to visit a local argan oil cooperative before reaching the film location hot spot of Ouarzazate. The trip continues through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, Kelâat M'Gouna, Todra Gorge, and the market town of Rissani before reaching the awe-inspiring dune sea of Erg Chebbi—a standout highlight for many travelers. 

Wake up early for a desert sunrise before renting a sandboard or joining an ATV tour. You'll have the chance to visit the traditional Saharan village of Khemliya before continuing through the Draa Valley, known for growing dates. 

After visiting Aït Benhaddou, return to Marrakesh to get your fill of fine dining and sightseeing before leaving the city to venture into the foothills of the High Atlas and the small town of Amizmiz for a guided hike. Your guide will arrange for lunch with a local—or overnight with one if you like. You'll pass through Marrakesh once more on your way to the historic beach town of Essaouira, where you can feast on seafood, hang out on the seafront ramparts, and shop in the souks of the old medina. It's an ideal place to wrap up 10 days of outdoor adventures in Morocco. Return to Marrakesh to catch a flight out. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Morocco Grand Tour: Cities, Desert & the Coast

Circle out from Casablanca with this grand tour of Morocco to some of the African country's premier attractions, including the imperial cities of Meknes, Fes, and Marrakesh, desert towns and kasbahs, and Essaouira and the Atlantic coast.

From Casablanca, you'll head to the markets of Meknes and its grand Bab al-Mansour gate, followed by the Roman ruins at Volubilis. Your destination for the evening is Fes, where you'll hear the evening call to prayer as you look out over the city from the Merenid Tombs. Meet your guide the following day for your tour of the medina and its many merchants and historical attractions, along with the pungent Chouara Tannery. Head into the desert through the palm-filled Ziz Valley, with a stop at an artisan collective to learn about area fossils in Erfoud, and eventually reach the dunes of Erg Chebbi to camp for the night.

Visit traditional Saharan villages and market towns as you explore the sandy expanse, traveling through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs to Ouarzazate, a gateway to the Sahara Desert made popular by the film industry. Spend the night, then head to Aït Benhaddou as you make your way to Marrakesh. Switch gears and travel to seaside Essaouira, driving through argan groves to reach this coastal spot that's a hippie favorite. Check out the ocean from the city ramparts or hit the beach and watch the kiteboarders before returning to Casablanca. You'll have one final night in the city before you head home. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Desert Adventure From Fes to Marrakesh

For a unique route, this adventure takes you into the dunes of the Sahara from Fes, stopping in Aït Bouguemez, Ouzoud—for Morocco's tallest waterfalls—and Demnate before ending in Marrakesh.

Start your journey by doing some shopping in Fes, where your guide will lead you through the craft-filled streets of the historical medina and tannery. Then it's into the desert you go, traveling through the Middle and High Atlas mountains (keeping one eye out for the Atlas monkeys along the way) to reach your camp at Erg Chebbi. After a night on the dunes, you'll travel through the Dades River Valley to see the Dades Gorge and hang out with a Moroccan family in the Valley of Roses. 

Tie on your hiking shoes under the foot of the M'Goun Mountain before you offroad into the High Atlas. Once amid their heights, you'll do some more hiking and stop for a carpet-weaving workshop to learn about this popular regional craft. Find refreshment with a swim or boat ride under the waterfalls at Ouzoud, some of the highest in Morocco, before you make it to Marrakesh in the evening. A guide will lead you through the city's hotspots as you toast to your trip from a balcony over Jemaa el-Fna Square on your last day. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Nature and Culture in Southern Morocco

This southern Morocco itinerary combines a traditional route with a more off-the-beaten path on the second leg. Go from city to sand and back, venturing to lesser-known Agdz and nearby Taroudant, and spending time laying out on Tifnit beach. 

Start in the colorful oasis city of Marrakesh, where you'll follow your guide through the conical spice piles of the markets and landmarks like the Koutoubia Mosque. Then it's time to head into the countryside and Dades Valley, stopping at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Benhaddou along the way. Head to evocatively named destinations like the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs and Valley of Roses for insight into Moroccan life. Hop onto a camel for your trek at Merzouga to the dunes of Erg Chebbi in the Sahara. 

After a night under the stars and an early morning to see the sunrise, you'll take it easy with a stop at the musician's village of Khemliya, a village comprised entirely of Gnaoua musicians, where you'll be treated to a short private concert. Spend the night at the oasis town of Agdz at Kasbah Tamnougalt. The following day, you'll stop at the easygoing markets of Taroudant on your way to Tifnit Beach. Lounge along the ocean with a full beach day, then keep the surfer vibes going in Essaouira. Linger into the evening in Mulay El-Hassan Square before you make your way to Casablanca to catch your flight home. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Morocco Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Morocco? Check out these other 10-day Morocco itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.