Ultimate 10-Day Morocco Itinerary: How to Plan the Perfect Trip

Dreaming of Morocco desert tours that take you from bustling medinas to golden sand dunes? This comprehensive 10-day Morocco itinerary is designed specifically for travelers from the UK, US, and Europe seeking an unforgettable Marrakech to Sahara Desert adventure.

With over 13 million tourists visiting Morocco annually, this North African gem has become one of Europe’s most accessible exotic destinations. Whether you’re searching for “things to do in Morocco” or “best Morocco tours 2025,” this guide covers everything you need to know.

Why This Morocco Itinerary Is Perfect for International Travelers

Proximity to Europe: Only 3.5 hours from London, 3 hours from Paris No Visa Required: UK, US, and EU passport holders get 90 days visa-free Budget-Friendly: 50-70% cheaper than Western European destinations Year-Round Travel: Perfect weather 8-10 months per year English Widely Spoken: Especially in tourist areas and cities

Day 1-2: Marrakech – Gateway to Your Morocco Adventure

Getting to Marrakech: Flights from UK, US & Europe

From United Kingdom:

• Direct flights: London (LHR, LGW, STN, LTN) to Marrakech (RAK)
• Airlines: easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways, Royal Air Maroc
• Flight time: 3.5 hours
• Cost: £40-180 return (book 2-3 months ahead)
• Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh also offer direct routes

From United States:

• Direct: New York JFK to Casablanca (RAM) – 7.5 hours
• Connect: Via London, Paris, Madrid, or Amsterdam
• Total journey: 10-14 hours
• Cost: $500-1,200 (book 3-6 months ahead)
• Popular US departure cities: NYC, Boston, Washington DC

From Europe:

• Paris (CDG/ORY): 3 hours, €50-150
• Madrid (MAD): 1.5 hours, €40-120
• Amsterdam (AMS): 3.5 hours, €60-180
• Frankfurt (FRA): 3.5 hours, €70-200
• Barcelona (BCN): 2 hours, €35-100

💡 Pro Booking Tip: Use Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kiwi.com. Tuesday-Wednesday departures are typically 15-20% cheaper.

What to Do in Marrakech: Top Attractions & Activities

Marrakech, Morocco’s “Red City,” is where ancient meets modern. The Marrakech medina (UNESCO World Heritage site) is one of the world’s most vibrant old cities.

Day 1 in Marrakech:

Morning (9am-1pm):

• Explore Jemaa el-Fna Square – The heart of Marrakech
• Visit Koutoubia Mosque (exterior) – Morocco’s largest minaret
• Navigate the Marrakech souks – pottery, carpets, spices, leather
• Haggling tip: Start at 40-50% of asking price

Afternoon (2pm-6pm):

• Tour Bahia Palace (70 MAD/$7/£5.50) – Stunning 19th-century architecture
• Discover Ben Youssef Madrasa (50 MAD) – Ancient Islamic college
• Relax at Le Jardin Secret – Peaceful gardens in the medina

Evening:

• Sunset at rooftop café overlooking Jemaa el-Fna
• Dinner at Le Jardin or Nomad (budget €15-30 per person)
• Watch street performers, musicians, and snake charmers

Day 2 in Marrakech:

Morning:

• Jardin Majorelle & YSL Museum (150 MAD combined) – Iconic blue garden
• Arrive at 9am opening to avoid crowds
• Budget 2-3 hours for photos and museum

Afternoon:

• Saadian Tombs (70 MAD) – 16th-century royal necropolis
• Traditional Moroccan Hammam experience (200-500 MAD)
• Recommended: Hammam de la Rose, Les Bains de Marrakech

Evening:

• Dinner at Dar Yacout (splurge) or Café Clock (budget-friendly https://daryacout.com/)
• Optional: Chez Ali dinner show with horses and belly dancing

Where to Stay in Marrakech

Budget (€25-50/night):

• Hostel Riad Marrakech Rouge
• Equity Point Marrakech
• Waka Waka Hostel

Mid-Range (€60-120/night):

• Riad Kheirredine
• Riad Dar Zaman
• Riad Laaroussa

Luxury (€150-400+/night):

• La Mamounia
• Royal Mansour Marrakech
• Riad Kniza

💡 Booking Tip: Stay in a traditional riad (Moroccan house with interior courtyard) for authentic experience.

Day 3: Marrakech to Dades Valley – The High Atlas Mountains

Morocco’s Most Scenic Drive (330km, 6-7 hours)

This is where your Morocco road trip truly begins. The journey crosses the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m/7,415ft).

Route Highlights:

Stop 1: Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2 hours from Marrakech)

• Morocco’s highest road pass
• Panoramic mountain views
• Argan oil cooperatives (optional stop)
• Roadside mint tea vendors

Stop 2: Ait Benhaddou (3.5 hours from Marrakech)

• UNESCO World Heritage Site – Morocco’s most famous kasbah
• Film location: Game of Thrones, Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia
• Guided tour: 100-150 MAD (optional but recommended)
• Climb to the top for breathtaking views
• Budget 1.5-2 hours here
• Lunch at panoramic restaurant overlooking the kasbah

Stop 3: Ouarzazate (30 minutes from Ait Benhaddou)

• “Hollywood of Morocco”
• Optional: Atlas Film Studios tour (80 MAD)
• Taourirt Kasbah visit

Final Destination: Dades Valley (evening arrival)

• Dramatic rock formations
• “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs”
• Sunset over Dades Gorge

Transportation Options:

Private Driver/Tour (Recommended):

• Cost: €150-250 for car + driver
• Benefits: Flexible stops, comfort, local knowledge
• Book through: GetYourGuide, Viator, or Marrakech hotels

Rental Car:

• Cost: €25-50/day
• Requirements: International Driving Permit, credit card
• Companies: Hertz, Avis, Budget at Marrakech airport
• Note: Mountain roads can be challenging for nervous drivers

Organized Tour:

• Cost: €80-150 per person (group tour)
• All-inclusive: transport, guide, sometimes meals

Where to Stay in Dades Valley

• Dar Blues (€40-60) – Excellent views, traditional meals
• Hotel Xaluca Dades (€70-100) – Swimming pool, comfortable
• Kasbah Tizzarouine (€50-80) – Family-run, authentic

Day 4: Dades Valley to Merzouga – Journey to the Sahara Desert

The Road to Morocco’s Golden Dunes (280km, 4-5 hours)

Today you’ll reach the highlight of many Morocco desert tours: the Sahara Desert at Merzouga.

Route & Stops:

Morning: Todra Gorge (1 hour from Dades)

• Limestone canyon with 300m/984ft cliffs
• Walk through the gorge (30-45 minutes)
• Rock climbing spot for adventurers
• Fresh orange juice vendors
• Free to visit

Midday: Erfoud

• “Gateway to the Desert”
• Fossil workshops and factories
• Lunch stop (€8-15)
• Last proper town before Merzouga

Afternoon: Arrival in Merzouga

• First sight of Erg Chebbi dunes
• Check into desert camp hotel
• Prepare for camel trek

Sahara Desert Experience – Camel Trek & Desert Camp

This is the moment you’ve been waiting for: spending a night in the Sahara Desert Morocco.

What’s Included in Desert Tours:

Standard Package (€40-60 per person):

• 1-hour camel ride to camp at sunset
• Basic Berber tent accommodation
• Dinner and breakfast
• Campfire with drum music
• Sunrise camel ride back

Comfort Package (€80-120 per person):

• Private tent with proper beds
• Private bathroom facilities
• Better food quality
• Warmer blankets and amenities

Luxury Package (€150-300 per person):

• Luxury desert camps (Luxury Camp Chegaga, Sahara Dream Luxury Camp)
• En-suite bathrooms with hot water
• Gourmet meals
• Additional activities (sandboarding, stargazing equipment)

The Experience:

5:00 PM: Depart on camels from Merzouga 6:30 PM: Reach camp as sun sets over dunes 7:30 PM: Traditional Moroccan dinner (tagine, salads, fruit) 8:30 PM: Berber music around campfire under stars 10:00 PM: Sleep in traditional nomad tent 5:30 AM: Wake for spectacular desert sunrise 7:00 AM: Breakfast at camp 8:00 AM: Camel ride back to Merzouga

Essential Sahara Desert Packing Tips

✅ Light layers (desert is HOT by day, COLD at night) ✅ Headscarf/bandana for sand protection ✅ Sunscreen SPF 50+ ✅ Sunglasses ✅ Warm jacket (winter: 0-5°C at night) ✅ Phone/camera with full battery (no charging in basic camps) ✅ Small backpack for overnight essentials ✅ Wet wipes (limited water in desert)

🚫 Don’t bring large luggage to camp (leave in Merzouga hotel)

Day 5: Merzouga – Exploring the Sahara & Desert Activities

Full Day in the Sahara Region

After your magical night under the stars, spend a full day experiencing more of Morocco’s desert culture.

Morning Activities:

Option 1: Sleep In & Relax

• Recover from early sunrise
• Swim in hotel pool
• Enjoy Moroccan breakfast

Option 2: Visit Khamlia Village (7km from Merzouga)

• Home of Gnawa people (descendants of sub-Saharan slaves)
• Traditional Gnawa music performance (50-100 MAD tip)
• Mint tea with local families
• Authentic cultural exchange

Option 3: 4×4 Desert Tour

• Explore around Erg Chebbi dunes
• Visit nomad families still living in desert
• See desert oases and fossils
• Cost: €40-70 per vehicle (2-4 people)

Afternoon Activities:

Sandboarding on the Dunes

• Rent board in Merzouga (50-100 MAD)
• Climb big dunes and slide down
• Great for adventure seekers and families

Quad Biking/ATV Tours

• 1-hour tours: €30-50 per person
• 2-hour sunset tours: €50-80 per person
• Thrilling way to explore desert

Photography at Dunes

• Golden hour (4-7pm) is magical
• Climb Erg Chebbi’s highest dune
• Sunset views over endless sand sea

Evening:

• Optional: Second night in desert camp (different experience)
• Or: Hotel in Merzouga with hot shower and comfortable bed

Where to Stay in Merzouga

Budget (€20-40):

• Auberge Café du Sud
• Desert Luxury Camp
• Kasbah Mohayut

Mid-Range (€50-90):

• Riad Madu
• Merzouga Luxury Desert Camps
• Kasbah Hotel Tombouctou

Luxury (€100-200+):

• Dar Hassan
• Riad Marhaba
• Luxury Desert Camp with private tents

Day 6: Merzouga to Fes – Through the Ziz Valley (470km, 7-8 hours)

Morocco’s Longest Driving Day – But Worth Every Kilometer

This full day of travel takes you from the Sahara to Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital: Fes.

Route Breakdown:

7:00 AM: Depart Merzouga 9:30 AM: Ziz Valley – “Valley of 1,000 Kasbahs”

• Dramatic palm groves
• Photo stop at panoramic viewpoint
• Ancient fortified villages

12:00 PM: Midelt – Lunch Stop

• “Apple Capital of Morocco”
• Mountain town between Middle and High Atlas
• Restaurant recommendations: Restaurant Kasbah Asmaa (€10-15)

2:30 PM: Azrou Cedar Forest

• Home to Barbary macaque monkeys
• Buy peanuts to feed them (20-30 MAD)
• 30-minute stop for photos
• Ancient cedar trees

4:00 PM: Ifrane

• “Morocco’s Switzerland”
• European-style architecture
• Photo with famous lion statue
• Clean, alpine atmosphere
• 20-minute stop

7:00 PM: Arrive in Fes

Transportation Options:

Shared Desert Tour (Most Popular):

• Pre-booked 3-4 day tour from Marrakech
• Includes transport, guide, desert camp, some meals
• Cost: €180-350 per person
• Returns to Marrakech OR continues to Fes

Private Driver:

• Cost: €200-300 for this route
• More flexible timing and stops

CTM Bus (Budget Option):

• Not direct – requires multiple connections
• Very long journey (12+ hours)
• Cost: €25-35
• Not recommended unless very tight budget

Day 7-8: Fes – Morocco’s Spiritual Heart & Oldest Imperial City

Why Fes Is a Highlight of Any Morocco Itinerary

Fes (also spelled Fez) is Morocco’s best-preserved medieval city. Founded in 789 AD, it’s home to the world’s largest car-free urban zone and the oldest continuously operating university.

Fes vs Marrakech:

• Fes is more authentic and less touristy
• Better for history and culture lovers
• More challenging to navigate (hire a guide!)
• Traditional crafts are more authentic

Day 7: Exploring Fes El-Bali (Old Medina)

Morning (9am-1pm) – Guided Medina Tour

🚨 IMPORTANT: Hire an official guide for your first day in Fes medina. It’s a labyrinth of 9,400+ alleyways where even GPS doesn’t work.

Official Guides:

• Book through hotel or Fes tourist office
• Cost: 250-400 MAD (€25-40) for half day
• Worth every dirham for orientation

Must-See Sites in Fes Medina:

1. Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate)
   • Main entrance to old medina
   • Perfect photo spot
   • Start here with your guide
2. Chouara Tannery
   • Morocco’s most famous leather tannery (1,000+ years old)
   • View from surrounding shop terraces
   • Warning: Strong smell! (mint leaves offered)
   • Don’t buy leather here (overpriced)
3. Al-Qarawiyyin University & Mosque
   • Founded 859 AD – World’s oldest university
   • Non-Muslims can’t enter, but can see entrance
   • UNESCO World Heritage site
4. Bou Inania Madrasa
   • 14th-century Islamic school
   • Stunning zellij tilework and wood carving
   • Entry: 20 MAD
   • Non-Muslims CAN enter this mosque
5. Nejjarine Square & Museum
   • Beautiful fountain square
   • Museum of Wooden Arts (20 MAD)
   • Excellent rooftop café: Café Clock

Afternoon: Fes Souks & Shopping

Unlike Marrakech, Fes souks are organized by craft:

• Leather goods in Souk Dabbaghin
• Carpets in Souk Attarine
• Pottery in ceramic quarter (Fes pottery is blue/white)
• Metalwork near Place Seffarine

Shopping Tips:

• Prices 20-30% lower than Marrakech
• Start haggling at 30-40% of asking price
• Quality carpets: 1,500-5,000 MAD
• Leather bags: 200-600 MAD
• Pottery: 50-300 MAD

Evening:

• Dinner at Café Clock (famous camel burger, €10-15)
• Or Restaurant Dar Hatim (traditional Moroccan, €15-25)
• Night walk in Bab Bou Jeloud area

Day 8: Fes El-Jdid & Beyond the Medina

Morning:

1. Royal Palace (Dar el-Makhzen)
   • Can’t enter (still used by King)
   • Famous for huge ornate bronze doors
   • 10-minute photo stop
2. Mellah (Jewish Quarter)
   • Historic Jewish neighborhood
   • Ibn Danan Synagogue (small entry fee)
   • Interesting architectural contrast
   • Jewish cemetery (modest dress required)
3. Fes Pottery Quarter
   • See artisans creating famous blue pottery
   • Watch pottery wheels in action
   • Cooperative prices (fixed, fair)
   • Location: Route d’Ain Chkef

Afternoon Options:

Option A: Cooking Class

• Learn to make Moroccan tagine
• Visit local market with chef
• Cost: €50-80 per person
• Duration: 4 hours
• Book: Café Clock or Fes Cooking School

Option B: Traditional Hammam

• Les Bains Amani (luxury, €40-80)
• Hammam Moulay Yacoub (traditional, 150 MAD)
• Full treatment: scrub, massage, mint tea

Option C: Merenid Tombs Sunset

• 15-minute taxi ride (30-50 MAD)
• Ruins of 14th-century tombs
• Best panoramic views of Fes
• Perfect for sunset photos
• Be cautious after dark

Evening:

• Dinner at The Ruined Garden (romantic, €20-30)
• Or street food near Bab Bou Jeloud (€3-8)
• Try Fes specialties: pastilla (sweet pigeon pie), harira soup

Where to Stay in Fes

Budget (€25-50):

• Riad Verus
• Dar Lalla Kenza
• Pension Kawtar

Mid-Range (€60-120):

• Riad Fes Maya Suite & Spa
• Dar Seffarine
• Riad Laaroussa Fes

Luxury (€150-400+):

• Palais Amani
• Riad Fes – Relais & Châteaux
• Karawan Riad

Day 9: Fes to Chefchaouen – The Blue Pearl (200km, 4 hours)

Journey to Morocco’s Most Photogenic City

Leave Fes and head north through the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen (also: Chaouen, Xauen), Morocco’s famous blue city.

Route Highlights:

Drive Through Rif Mountains:

• Lush green landscapes (contrast to desert)
• Mountain villages
• Cannabis fields visible in area (legal for government use)

Stop: Ouezzane (Optional)

• Holy city with white buildings
• Traditional mountain town
• Coffee break spot

Arrive Chefchaouen (Early Afternoon):

• Park outside medina (100-150 MAD/day)
• Most hotels/riads are car-free zone

Why Chefchaouen Is Essential for Your Morocco Itinerary

This small mountain town has become one of Morocco’s most visited destinations for good reason:

Instagram Fame: Nearly every building is painted in shades of blue Laid-Back Vibe: Most relaxed city in Morocco Perfect for: Photography, hiking, shopping, unwinding

What to Do in Chefchaouen

Afternoon (2pm-7pm):

1. Get Lost in the Blue Medina
   • No map needed – it’s small and safe
   • Every corner is photo-worthy
   • Most famous spots: Rue Chourafaa, Rue Zagdoud
2. Plaza Uta el-Hammam
   • Main square with cafés
   • Great for people-watching
   • Grand Mosque with octagonal minaret
3. Kasbah Museum
   • Entry: 60 MAD
   • Art gallery and ethnographic museum
   • Beautiful garden inside
   • Andalusian architecture
4. Ras el-Maa Waterfall
   • 10-minute walk from medina
   • Locals wash clothes here
   • Cafés alongside river
   • Peaceful escape

Best Photography Spots:

• Early morning (7-9am): Soft light, empty streets
• Blue alleyways near Rue Targuist
• Plaza Uta el-Hammam with mosque backdrop
• Steps leading up medina

Shopping in Chefchaouen:

• Handwoven blankets (250-800 MAD)
• Leather bags (cheaper than Fes/Marrakech)
• Wool garments and djellabas
• Natural soaps and oils

Evening:

Spanish Mosque Hike for Sunset

• 30-minute uphill walk from medina
• Best panoramic views of Chefchaouen
• Perfect timing: Start 1 hour before sunset
• Free entrance
• Bring water
• Can be crowded at sunset

Dinner Options:

• Aladdin (best views, rooftop, €12-20)
• Sofia Restaurant (traditional Moroccan, €10-18)
• Bab Ssour (excellent tagines, €8-15)

Where to Stay in Chefchaouen

Budget (€20-45):

• Hostel Souika
• Dar Antonio
• Pension La Castellana

Mid-Range (€50-90):

• Lina Ryad & Spa
• Casa Sabila
• Dar Meziana

Luxury (€100-180):

• Lina Ryad & Spa (Deluxe rooms)
• Dar Echchaouen
• Casa Perleta

💡 Tip: Book in advance during high season (Mar-May, Sep-Oct) – Chefchaouen is very popular!

Day 10: Chefchaouen to Departure City

Three Route Options for Your Final Day

Your departure route depends on where you’re flying out of:

Option A: Chefchaouen to Casablanca (330km, 4.5 hours)

Best For: Flights from Casablanca Mohammed V Airport (most international connections)

Route: Chefchaouen → Ouezzane → Rabat (optional stop) → Casablanca

What to Do in Casablanca (If Time Permits):

1. Hassan II Mosque (Morocco’s largest mosque)
   • Entry: 130 MAD (one of few mosques non-Muslims can enter)
   • Guided tours: 10am, 11am, 2pm, 3pm
   • Stunning architecture on Atlantic Ocean
   • Budget 1.5 hours
2. Corniche & Ain Diab Beach
   • Seaside promenade
   • Beach clubs and cafés
   • Nice for lunch before flight
3. Rick’s Café (if you’re a Casablanca movie fan)
   • Recreated bar from classic film
   • Expensive but nostalgic
   • Lunch/dinner: €30-50 per person

Airport: Mohammed V International (CMN)

• 30km from city center
• Train to airport: 43 MAD, 45 minutes
• Taxi: 250-300 MAD
• Arrive 3 hours before international flights

Option B: Chefchaouen to Tangier (110km, 2 hours)

Best For: Ferry to Spain or flights to Europe

Route: Chefchaouen → Tetouan → Tangier

What to Do in Tangier:

1. Kasbah Museum
   • Tangier’s old fortress
   • Ocean views
   • Moroccan art collection
2. Hercules Caves
   • 14km from Tangier
   • Cave opening shaped like Africa
   • Atlantic Ocean views
   • Entry: 60 MAD
3. Medina of Tangier
   • Less chaotic than other Moroccan medinas
   • Grand Socco and Petit Socco squares
   • European influence visible

Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG):

• 15km from city
• Taxi: 150-200 MAD
• Mainly European destinations

Ferry to Spain:

• Tangier to Tarifa: 1 hour, €35-50
• Tangier to Algeciras: 1.5 hours, €40-60
• Multiple daily departures

Option C: Chefchaouen to Marrakech (560km, 8-9 hours)

Best For: Flights from Marrakech (completing the circle)

Route Options:

Scenic Route: Chefchaouen → Meknes → Ifrane → Beni Mellal → Marrakech

• Stop at Meknes (4th Imperial city)
• Longer but more interesting

Direct Route: Chefchaouen → Fes → Beni Mellal → Marrakech

• Via highways (autoroutes)
• Faster but less scenic

Realistic Timing:

• Leave Chefchaouen by 6-7am
• Brief stops only
• Arrive Marrakech 3-4pm
• Only if your flight is next morning

💡 Better Option: Stay an extra night in Chefchaouen or Casablanca if your flight is Day 10 evening.