10 days in Morocco itinerary — 3 great ideas

If you’ve been there, done that in the US and Caribbean — and have seen plenty of Europe — consider adding Morocco to your travel wish-list. Serving a diversity of landscapes, cultures and experiences — from exploring souks in Marrakech, to discovering the Sahara desert — it’s a destination that delivers for pretty much every type of traveler. Foodies will love it here, and so too will outdoor adventurers and history buffs. Intrigued? Keep reading. Each Morocco itinerary for 10 days presented below will help you make the most of your stay in this enchanting North African land.

Is 10 days in Morocco enough?

Before we dive into three great ways to spend ten days in Morocco, given the diversity of experiences touched on above, you may well be wondering if that’s enough time.

The good news is, taking a ten-day vacation in Morocco will enable you to discover many of the country’s top attractions. 

That said, to cut down on transfer time — thereby giving you more time to explore — it’s advisable to plan your itinerary carefully, perhaps focussing on a handful of places you really want to visit. 

Not a fan of planning? Browse our customizable Morocco itineraries and let our Morocco travel experts handle curating your perfect trip.

Koutoubia mosque in Marrakech, Morocco © Migel/Shutterstock

 Consider including Marrakech in your Morocco itinerary for 10 days © Migel/Shutterstock

Places to visit on a 10-day Morocco itinerary

Here are some exceptional places to consider including in your Morocco itinerary for 10 days.

Marrakech

Known as the Red City, thanks to the natural red ocher pigment that bedecks its walls and buildings, Marrakech is a place of two halves.

Its ancient walled Medina, founded by Sultan Youssef Ben Tachfine in the Middle Ages, sits in contrast to the colonial Ville Nouvelle that was built by the French in the mid-twentieth century. 

As such, it’s a richly rewarding destination for travelers who love history. Picture yourself splitting your time between exploring the Medina with its ancient palaces and mansions and souks, and the pavement cafés, boutiques and boulevards of Ville Nouvelle. In a word, Marrakech is magic.

Atlas Mountains

If you’re into adventure, or sublime scenery, be sure to include the Atlas Mountains in your Morocco itinerary for 10 days.

The mountains provide a majestic backdrop for a vacation that could combine hiking trails with visiting Berber villages to learn about traditional ways of life.

Find even more ideas for your Moroccan adventure with our 7-day itineraries in Morocco.

Fez tanneries, Morocco © Shutterstock

Fez — the culinary capital of Morocco © Shutterstock

Fez

Boasting a UNESCO-listed labyrinth of narrow alleys, secret courtyards, and lively souks, Fez is a timeless city that makes it easy to immerse yourself in history.

With its mosques, medersas and fondouks, and a mile-long stretch of souks, there are enough sights in Fez el Bali (Old Fez) to fill three or four days.

Fez also boasts Morocca's most beautiful example of a Merenid monument in the form of the magnificently ornate Medersa Bou Inania.

If that wasn't enough, it’s also Morocco’s culinary capital, which — to our mind — makes it a highlight of any itinerary. 

Chefchaouen

Known for its charming blue-painted streets, the mountain town of Chefchaouen offers something of a tranquil oasis in comparison with Marrakech and Fez.

Given that visiting Chefchaouen requires venturing into the rugged Rif mountains, it was, for some time, mainly visited by intrepid backpackers. 

These days, however, it’s easy to include in vacation itineraries, though it retains a serene vibe, and also happens to be home to what might be Morocco’s prettiest medina.

Editor’s tip: read up on the best things to do in Morocco as you plan your trip.

Street in the blue city of Chefchaouen in Morocco © Delpixel/Shutterstock

Chefchaouen — Morocco's Blue City © Shutterstock

Itinerary 1: Moroccan Cities and Ultimate Sahara

Our first suggested Morocco itinerary for 10 days will take you from Casablanca to Marrakech, via Fez and the Sahara, on an unforgettable Morocco cities and ultimate Sahara experience.

Itinerary overview

This Moroccan adventure begins in Casablanca, where you'll settle into your hotel on day one.

Come day two, you’ll tour Hassan II Mosque before moving to Rabat, which has been Morocco's capital city since 1921.

Day three presents an opportunity to explore the blue-hued streets of Chefchaouen, with Fez beckoning on day four. On arrival, take time to wander the souks and narrow streets of Fes el Bali.

You have a few options on day five — either look to book a food-tasting tour, or embark on a day trip to Meknes and Volubilis — ahead of your scenic transfer to Merzouga on day six.

The Sahara Desert awaits on day seven, when you’ll enjoy a scenic camel trek and an overnight stay in a luxury desert camp before transferring to Marrakech on day eight

Next, day nine is dedicated to exploring the Red City before you bid farewell to Morocco and head to the airport on day ten.

The Hassan II Mosque or Grande Mosquée Hassan II is a mosque in Casablanca © Shutterstock

Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca © Shutterstock

Here’s a detailed day-by-day breakdown of this unforgettable Moroccan Cities and Ultimate Sahara itinerary.

Day 1

  • Arrive in Casablanca
  • Evening leisure time
  • Overnight in Casablanca

Day 2

  • Morning visit to Hassan II Mosque
  • Tour Rabat
  • Transfer to Chefchaouen

Day 3

  • Explore Chefchaouen
  • Overnight in Chefchaouen

Day 4

  • Morning departure to Fez
  • Explore Fez el-Bali and visit the Karaouine, Nejjarine Square and Royal Palace
  • Overnight in Fez

Day 5

  • Free time in Fez, or day trip to Meknes and Volubilis to see Roman ruins
  • Overnight in Fez

Day 6

  • Transfer to Merzouga, crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains and seeing the Ziz Valley Oasis and Erg Chebbi dunes
  • Dinner and campfire in the Sahara Desert
  • Overnight stay in a luxury desert camp

Day 7

  • Sahara dunes photography session at sunrise
  • Camel caravan journey with Berber guides
  • Picnic lunch in the desert
  • Trip to Dayet Sirji Lake or Rissani
  • Evening campfire with music and entertainment

Day 8

  • Depart the desert towards the Sarhro volcanic mountains
  • Explore Nekob, Draa Valley and Agdz; stop at the Ksar of Ait Ben-Haddou UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Cross the High Atlas Mountains
  • Overnight in Marrakech

Day 9

  • Explore Marrakech, including the Medina, Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Minaret and Djemaa el-Fna square
  • Overnight in Marrakech

Day 10

  • Depart from Marrakech or Casablanca airport

Ready to pack your bags? Book this trip now.

Don't have 10 days? You might be interested in 5 days in Morocco.

A local man leaves the tomb of Moulay Ismail in Meknes, Morocco

Tomb of Moulay Ismail, Meknes, Morocco © Shutterstock

Itinerary 2: Imperial Cities of Morocco

If you’re into history, this next Morocco itinerary for 10 days has your name all over it.

Presenting an unforgettable deep dive into Morocco's imperial cities, it takes you Casablanca to Essaouira via Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fez and Marrakech.

Itinerary overview

After arriving in Casablanca and getting settled in Morocco’s largest city on day oneday two will see you explore its top attractions, among them Mohammed V Square and Hassan II Mosque. 

You’ll transfer to Rabat in the afternoon, with time to take a tour of the city on the morning of day three before you move to Chefchaouen. 

Come day four, you’ll explore charming Chefchaouen ahead of travelling to Fez, with day five devoted to discovering Fes el Bali, the city’s stunning ancient heart.

You’ll have spare time on Fez on day six — why not look to book a food-themed tour, or take a cooking class?

Next, you’ll transfer to Marrakech on day seven, with the chance to stop off in Meknes, a magnificent place that’s often referred to as the Versailles of Morocco.

After dedicating day eight to seeing the marvels of Marrakech, day nine heralds a full-day excursion to Essaouira.

Located on Morocco’s Atlantic west coast, this walled town has a laidback bohemian vibe, and feels a world away from Marrakech. 

Come day ten, you’ll return to the airport laden with memories that are likely to last a lifetime. 

Jewish quarter of Mellah in Essaouira © Shutterstock

 Essaouira, Morocco © Shutterstock

Here’s day-by-detail on this 10-day Morocco itinerary.

Day 1

  • Arrive in Casablanca airport and transfer to your hotel
  • Overnight in Casablanca

Day 2

  • Tour Casablanca 
  • Transfer to Rabat 
  • Overnight in Rabat

Day 3

  • Morning of leisure in Rabat
  • Transfer to Chefchaouen
  • Overnight in Chefchaouen

Day 4

  • Tour Chefchaouen and transfer to Fez
  • Overnight in Fez

Day 5

  • Full-day guided tour of Fez 
  • Overnight in Fez

Day 6

  • Free Day in Fez
  • Overnight in Fez

Day 7

  • Transfer to Marrakech via Meknes
  • Overnight in Marrakech

Day 8

  • Explore Marrakech 
  • Overnight in Marrakech

Day 9

  • Day trip to Essaouira
  • Overnight in Marrakech

Day 10

  • Depart Morocco

Like the sound of this itinerary? Book it now.

Merzouga, Morocco © Shutterstock

 Merzouga, Morocco © Shutterstock

Itinerary 3: Luxurious Morocco

With a focus on fine food and first-class accommodation, this 10-day Luxurious Morocco itinerary features fabulous culture-oriented stays in Rabat, Fes and Chefchaouen, along with a luxury desert camp in Merzouga. 

Itinerary overview

After arriving in Casablanca on day one, you’ll get to visit Hassan II Mosque before transferring to Rabat, with day two devoted to exploring the grandeur of Morocco's capital on an expert-guided tour. 

Come day three, you’ll take a private transfer to Fez, where you’ll discover the city on a fascinating walking tour.

Meanwhile, a day trip to charming Chefchaouen awaits on day four. Known for its blue and white buildings and Andalusian connections, you’ll also visit the Ras-el-Ma to see where the city’s freshwater springs from the mountains. 

Day five will see you enjoy a free day in Fez, with day six presenting an opportunity to discover exactly why this is Morocco’s capital of cuisine when you take a cookery class.

On day seven, you’ll journey to the desert town of Merzouga in the Middle Atlas Mountains, with day eight and day nine devoted to exploring the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi, along with camel caravanning and exploring the Sahara.

After dark, you’ll dine beneath a canopy of sparkling stars before bedding down in your luxury tent.

On day ten, you’ll be transferred to Errachidia Airport to connect with major airports in Marrakech, Rabat or Casablanca for your international return flight.

Morocco, Erg Chebbi dunes, shadows in the desert sand

Morocco's Erg Chebbi dunes © Shutterstock

Here’s detail on this luxurious 10-day Morocco itinerary.

Day 1

  • Arrive in Casablanca and transfer to Rabat
  • Overnight in Rabat

Day 2

  • City tour of Rabat 
  • Overnight in Rabat

Day 3

  • Transfer to Fez
  • Overnight in Fez

Day 4

  • Walking tour of Fez
  • Overnight in Fez

Day 5

  • Day trip to Chefchaouen
  • Overnight in Fez

Day 6

  • Free day in Fez
  • Overnight in Fez

Day 7

  • Cooking class in Fez
  • Overnight in Fez

Day 8

  • Transfer to Merzouga
  • Overnight in Merzouga

Day 9

  • Explore Erg Chebbi dunes
  • Overnight in Merzouga

Day 10

  • Depart Morocco

Love the sound of this luxury trip? Why not book it now?

Short on time? Here’s how to spend 5 days in Morocco, and suggested 7-day itineraries.

Want more ideas? Get yourself The Rough Guide to Morocco, and browse our customizable Morocco itineraries

Joanne Owen

written by
Joanne Owen

updated 19.07.2024

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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