Planning a trip to Morocco can be overwhelming with so much to see and do. This 10-day itinerary is designed to give you the perfect taste of the country's incredible diversity, covering the highlights from the modern coast and imperial cities to the majestic Sahara Desert. This route is a classic for a reason—it's an unforgettable journey through the heart of Morocco.
Itinerary Overview
This tour is designed as a one-way trip, starting in Casablanca and ending in Marrakech, which is an efficient way to see a large part of the country without backtracking. It involves a significant amount of driving, so be prepared for some long but scenic days on the road.
Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca & Travel to Rabat
Arrive at Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) in Casablanca. Visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims. Afterward, take a short drive or train ride up the coast to Rabat, the nation's capital, and settle in for the night.
Day 2: Rabat Exploration & Chefchaouen
Spend the morning exploring Rabat's key sights, including the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas and the historic Hassan Tower. In the afternoon, begin the scenic drive north into the Rif Mountains to reach the magical "Blue City" of Chefchaouen.
Day 3: Volubilis, Meknes & Arrival in Fes
After a morning wandering the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen, travel towards Fes. En route, stop at the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Make a brief stop in the imperial city of Meknes to see the grand Bab Mansour gate before arriving in Fes for the evening.
Day 4: Exploring Fes
Dedicate the full day to exploring Fes, Morocco's spiritual and cultural heart. Hire a local guide to navigate the labyrinthine Fes el-Bali medina, visit the famous Chouara Tannery, see the Bou Inania Medersa, and admire the gates of the Royal Palace.
Day 5: Journey to the Sahara
This is a long but beautiful travel day. Drive south from Fes, crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains. Pass through Ifrane (the "Switzerland of Morocco") and the cedar forests famous for their Barbary macaque monkeys, before descending towards the Ziz Valley and the edge of the Sahara Desert. Arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sahara Desert Experience
Experience the magic of the Sahara. In the late afternoon, embark on a camel trek into the towering Erg Chebbi dunes. Watch a spectacular sunset over the sand, then enjoy a traditional Berber dinner and music at your desert camp before sleeping under a blanket of brilliant stars.
Day 7: Gorges and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
Wake up early for a desert sunrise. After breakfast, begin the journey west towards Marrakech. The route takes you through the stunning Todra and Dadès Gorges and along the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs." You'll spend the night in a hotel in the Dadès Valley or Ouarzazate.
Day 8: Ait Benhaddou & Arrival in Marrakech
Visit the iconic Aït Benhaddou, a fortified village (ksar) and UNESCO site that has served as the backdrop for countless films and TV shows. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass, arriving in the vibrant city of Marrakech in the evening. Dive straight into the spectacle of Jemaa el-Fnaa square at night.
Day 9: Discovering Marrakech
Spend the day exploring the "Red City." Get lost in the souks, visit the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs, and find a peaceful escape in the Jardin Majorelle. Enjoy a final farewell dinner at one of the city's fantastic restaurants.
Day 10: Departure
Enjoy a final Moroccan breakfast before heading to Marrakech-Menara Airport (RAK) for your departure.