The Ultimate 10-Day MOROCCO Travel Guide
Morocco is one of those destinations that feels like multiple trips in one. In just 11 days, you can go from the coast of Casablanca to the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the ancient medina of Fes, the golden dunes of the Sahara, the film-set landscapes of Ouarzazate, and finally end in the colorful chaos of Marrakech.
This is the kind of trip that is absolutely worth planning well. There are long drive days, popular restaurants, guided tours, desert camp logistics, riads, rooftop reservations, and a lot of small details that can completely change the experience.
So, if Morocco is on your travel list, save this 11-day itinerary. It gives you the perfect mix of culture, adventure, shopping, food, rooftops, architecture, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Before You Go: Morocco Travel Tips
Morocco is best explored with a plan, but not a minute-by-minute schedule. You want enough structure to make the long travel days work, but enough flexibility to wander the medinas, stop for photos, shop in the souks, and enjoy the little moments.
A few quick tips:
Stay in riads where possible for a more traditional Moroccan experience.
Book private transfers or a trusted driver for longer travel days.
Use local guides in places like Fes, Chefchaouen, and Marrakech.
Bring cash for markets, tips, taxis, and smaller purchases.
Pack comfortable shoes because you will walk a lot.
Book popular restaurants, rooftops, and garden tickets in advance when possible.
Be ready to negotiate in the souks.
Keep your camera ready because Morocco is one of the most photogenic places I have ever visited.
Consider using a travel advisor for hotels, riads, transfers, desert camps, guides, restaurants, and experiences because Morocco is one of those destinations where the details really matter.
DAY 1: Casablanca
Start your Morocco trip in Casablanca, the country’s biggest city and a great entry point if you are flying internationally. Casablanca does not always get as much attention as Marrakech or Fes, but it is still worth spending a day here to ease into the trip, enjoy the coast, and get your first taste of Moroccan food and architecture.
Walk through the Old Medina of Casablanca: Start your day with a quick walk through the Old Medina of Casablanca. It is not as famous as the medinas in Fes or Marrakech, but it is a good first glimpse into the energy, markets, and street life you will experience throughout the rest of the trip.
Lunch at Dar Dada: Dar Dada, a beautiful restaurant that gives you a great first introduction to Moroccan flavors and design. This is a perfect first meal because it feels atmospheric without being too overwhelming right after travel.
Explore La Corniche Ain Diab: After lunch, head toward La Corniche Ain Diab, Casablanca’s coastal area. This is a nice change of pace before diving into Morocco’s busier medinas later in the trip. Take a walk, enjoy the ocean views, and give yourself time to adjust after traveling.
Dinner at La Sqala: For dinner, book La Sqala, one of Casablanca’s most charming restaurant settings. It is a great first-night dinner spot because it has Moroccan atmosphere, a beautiful courtyard feel, and a menu that lets you ease into the cuisine.
Rooftop drinks at Royal Mansour Casablanca: End the night with rooftop drinks at Royal Mansour Casablanca, especially if you are staying nearby. It is a beautiful way to start the trip and gives you that first “I’m really in Morocco” feeling as you look over the city.
DAY 2: Casablanca to Chefchaouen
Day 2 is where the trip really starts to pick up. You will begin with one of Casablanca’s most iconic landmarks, stop in Rabat, and then make your way to the blue city of Chefchaouen.
Visit Hassan II Mosque: Start your morning with a guided visit to Hassan II Mosque. This is one of the most impressive sites in Casablanca and one of the few mosques in Morocco that non-Muslim visitors can enter on a guided tour. The official visitor page lists guided tour times that vary by season, including morning tours and afternoon tour slots, so check the current schedule before you go. The mosque is absolutely stunning, with detailed Moroccan craftsmanship including zellige tilework, carved wood, plasterwork, marble, and copper. The official visit also includes the prayer hall, minaret hall, and ablution hall. Make sure to cover your shoulders, knees, and women need to cover their hair.
Stop in Rabat: After the mosque, continue toward Rabat, Morocco’s capital city. This makes a great stop between Casablanca and Chefchaouen because it breaks up the drive and gives you another perspective on the country. Depending on timing, you can visit or drive by some of Rabat’s most well-known landmarks, grab lunch, and stretch your legs before continuing north.
Drive to Chefchaouen: After lunch, continue the drive to Chefchaouen, one of the most beautiful and photogenic cities in Morocco. Chefchaouen is famous for its blue-washed streets, mountain setting, and slower pace. After the busier energy of Casablanca, arriving here feels like a complete shift.
Dinner at Triana: Once you arrive, keep the evening easy. Check into your riad, wander a little if you have energy, and have dinner at Triana.
DAY 3: Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is one of those places that feels almost unreal. Blue doors, blue steps, blue alleyways, mountain views, and photo spots around every corner. But the best way to experience Chefchaouen is not to rush it. Give yourself time to wander, get a little lost, shop slowly, and soak in the relaxed mountain-town vibe.
Wander and Take Photos: Spend the morning exploring the Blue City before the crowds get crazy at all of the incredible photo spots.
Afternoon Medina Tour: After, do a tour of the medina. This is the best way to understand the city beyond the photos. A local guide can help you find the prettiest streets, explain the history of the city, and show you corners you would probably miss on your own.
Lunch in Chefchaouen: After the tour, grab lunch in the medina. This is a great place to slow down, sit somewhere with a view, and enjoy a tagine, couscous, or Moroccan salad.
Sunset Hike to the Spanish Mosque: In the evening, hike up to the Spanish Mosque for sunset. This is one of the best views over Chefchaouen and a must-do if you want to see the blue city from above. Wear comfortable shoes and give yourself enough time to get there before sunset.
Dinner in Chefchaouen: End the night with dinner back in town. After sunset, the medina feels quieter and more relaxed, which makes it a really nice final evening in Chefchaouen.
DAY 4: Chefchaouen to Fes
Day 4 is a travel day from Chefchaouen to Fes, one of Morocco’s most historic and culturally rich cities. Fes is known for its ancient medina, traditional crafts, tanneries, historic architecture, and maze-like streets. It can feel intense at first, but it is also one of the most fascinating stops in Morocco.
Drive to Fes: Start the morning with the drive from Chefchaouen to Fes. This is a good day to have snacks, water, and a downloaded playlist or podcast ready. Once you arrive, check into your riad and give yourself a little time to settle in.
Lunch in Fes: After the drive, grab lunch and get your first taste of Fes. I would keep this part of the day relaxed because the next day includes a deeper guided tour of the medina.
Rooftop Drinks at Riad Fes Relais & Châteaux: In the late afternoon or early evening, head to Riad Fes Relais & Châteaux for rooftop drinks. This is one of those moments that makes the trip feel extra special. Fes from above is beautiful, especially as the light starts to soften over the city.
Dinner at Sama: End the day with dinner at Sama. After a travel day, having a dinner reservation planned makes the evening feel much easier and more seamless.
DAY 5: Fes
Fes is a city where I highly recommend having a guide. The medina is incredible, but it is also one of the easiest places to get lost. A guided tour helps you understand what you are seeing, navigate the alleys, visit the best artisan stops, and experience the city in a more meaningful way.
Morning Tour Around Fes: Start with a private guided tour of the Fes Medina. This is the heart of the city and one of the most memorable parts of the trip. You can visit historic landmarks, wander through vibrant souks, see artisan workshops, and stop by the famous tanneries. Fes is known for craftsmanship, so this is a great place to shop for ceramics, leather goods, textiles, and other handmade pieces.
Chouara Tannery: The Chouara is one of the oldest and most famous leather tanneries in the world, dating back nearly 1,000 years and is still operated using many of the same traditional methods used centuries ago. The tannery is made up of large stone vats filled with different liquids, and natural dyes where workers treat animal hides. What a lot of people don’t talk about is the smell. It is HORRIBLE because part of the mixture being used is pigeon poop! So they give you some mint to basically shove up your nose to mask the smell.
Lunch at Café Clock: For lunch, stop at Café Clock. This is a popular and easy lunch spot in Fes, especially if you want something casual in between sightseeing.
Afternoon at Your Own Pace: In the afternoon, either keep exploring or opt into a traditional cooking class if you want a more hands-on cultural experience. This is also a good time to revisit shops you liked during the morning tour or spend some time relaxing at your riad.
Rooftop Flying Carpet Tea Time: Later in the day, head to Palais de Fes Hotel for the rooftop flying carpet tea experience. This is one of those fun, only-in-Morocco experiences that makes for a great travel memory and great photos.
DAY 6: Fes to the Sahara Desert
Day 6 is one of the longest travel days, but also one of the most unforgettable. You will leave Fes and make your way toward the Sahara Desert, eventually arriving near Merzouga for desert adventures and an overnight stay in a Sahara camp.
Scenic Drive from Fes to the Sahara: Start early because this is a big travel day. The drive is long, but the landscapes change so much along the way that it becomes part of the experience. You will pass through mountain scenery, smaller towns, and desert landscapes as you make your way toward the dunes.
Stop to See the Monkeys: On the way, make a stop to see the monkeys at Monkey Kingdom. This is a fun break in the drive and a good chance to stretch your legs before continuing toward the desert. Please be careful though as they are very aggressive. Do not bring anything out of the car with you or they will steal it.
ATV Adventure in the Desert: Once you arrive near the Sahara, head out for an ATV experience on the way to your camp. This is such a fun way to experience the dunes and adds a little adventure before your overnight stay.
Overnight in a Sahara Camp: Spend the night in a Sahara desert camp. This is one of the biggest bucket-list moments of the trip. Expect golden dunes, a traditional dinner, music, and a night under the stars. This is exactly the kind of experience that makes Morocco feel so special.
DAY 7: Sahara Desert to Marrakech
Wake up early for sunrise in the desert. Even if you are not normally a morning person, this is worth it. Watching the sun come up over the Sahara is one of those travel moments you will never forget.
Sunrise in the desert: Start the day with another desert activity, like a morning hike up the dunes to watch the sunrise and try sandboarding.
Camel ride out of the desert: After the sunrises, hop on some camels back to your car for your next adventure.
Drive Toward Ouarzazate: Begin the journey toward Ouarzazate, often used as a gateway between the desert and Marrakech. This drive gives you more of Morocco’s dramatic desert and mountain landscapes, so keep your camera close.
Visit Atlas Film Studios: If time allows, stop by Atlas Film Studios near Ouarzazate. This area is known for its cinematic landscapes and film history, so it is a fun addition to the itinerary if you love movies, photography, or unique travel stops.
Visit Ait Ben Haddou: Make time to visit Ait Ben Haddou, one of the most iconic stops in Morocco. UNESCO describes the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou as a traditional pre-Saharan habitat made up of earthen buildings surrounded by defensive walls, and it is considered a striking example of southern Moroccan architecture. This is also a famous filming location in shows like Game of Thrones, so it may feel familiar even if it is your first time visiting.
Travel Through the Atlas Mountains: After the stops, make your way toward Marrakech. The mountain views are beautiful, and depending on your route and timing, there may be opportunities to stop for photos along the way.
Arrive in Marrakech: Once you arrive in Marrakech, check into your riad or hotel and take the evening slowly. Marrakech is colorful, busy, exciting, and a little overwhelming, especially after several travel-heavy days. I would not over-schedule this first evening. Take a short walk, have a relaxed dinner, and get ready for three full days in one of Morocco’s most iconic cities.
DAY 8:
Start with breakfast at Bacha Coffee: Begin your Marrakech trip at the iconic Bacha Coffee. It is one of the most popular coffee experiences in the city, and for good reason. The space is gorgeous, the coffee menu is huge, and it feels like a full travel moment instead of just a breakfast stop. Bacha Coffee’s official site lists Marrakech opening hours as Tuesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM, and reservations are not available, so arriving early is key. I would get there no later than 8:30 AM if this is a must-do for you because waits can get very long.
Visit Le Jardin Secret: After breakfast, head to Le Jardin Secret, a restored garden and palace complex tucked inside the medina. This is such a good stop because it gives you a peaceful break from the chaos of the souks while still keeping you right in the heart of Marrakech. Expect beautiful courtyards, greenery, tilework, fountains, and quiet corners that are perfect for photos. Le Jardin Secret Le Jardin Secret is open daily, but hours vary by season, so double-check before you go.
Get a custom engraved bracelet at Art Lourini: Right next to Le Jardin Secret, stop by Art Lourini for a custom engraved souvenir bracelet. I got my name engraved in Arabic, and it ended up being one of my favorite souvenirs from the trip.
Explore Madrasa Ben Youssef: Next, visit Madrasa Ben Youssef, one of the most beautiful historic sites in Marrakech. This former Islamic college is known for its carved cedar wood, zellige tilework, marble details, and peaceful courtyard. It is a must for anyone who loves architecture, history, or photography. The official site lists regular opening hours as 9 AM to 7 PM daily, with adjusted hours during Ramadan.
Dinner and drinks at Dar Dar Rooftop: End your first day with dinner and drinks at Dar Dar Rooftop. Marrakech rooftops are such a vibe, especially at sunset when the city starts to glow and the call to prayer echoes over the medina. This is the perfect first-night dinner because you get views, cocktails, Moroccan-inspired food, and that “okay, I’m really in Marrakech” feeling.
DAY 9:
Shop in the souks: Your second day is all about exploring the souks. This is where Marrakech really comes alive. You will find rugs, ceramics, leather bags, lanterns, spices, shoes, textiles, jewelry, and probably 100 things you did not know you needed. A few souk shopping tips:
Do not accept the first price.
Be friendly but confident when negotiating.
Take photos of shops you love so you can find your way back.
Bring cash in smaller bills.
Stop by Herboristerie Avicienne: While in the souks, visit the iconic Herboristerie Avicienne spice shop. This is one of those colorful Marrakech stops that is perfect for photos.
Visit the Annab Lamp Shop: If you love Moroccan lanterns, make time for Annab. The lamp shops in Marrakech are magical, and this is a great stop if you are looking for something special to ship home or just want to browse. Even if you do not buy anything, the lantern displays are so photogenic, but the shop owners may charge a small fee for photos.
Explore Jemaa el-Fnaa: In the afternoon or evening, head to Jemaa el-Fnaa, the famous main square of Marrakech. This is one of the busiest and most energetic places in the city. You will find food stalls, performers, snake charmers, juice stands, market vendors, and tons of movement. It can be chaotic, but it is also one of those places you should experience at least once. My tip: go with realistic expectations. Keep an eye on your belongings, ask before taking photos of performers, and do not feel pressured to engage with everyone who approaches you.
Dinner, drinks, and a party at Palais Dar Soukkar: For a fun night out, book dinner at Palais Dar Soukkar. This is more than dinner. It is a full experience with music, entertainment, drinks, and a party atmosphere. This is a great option if you want one night that feels lively and celebratory instead of a quiet dinner.
DAY 10:
Book an early morning visit to Jardin Majorelle: Start your final day with an early visit to Jardin Majorelle, one of the most famous places in Marrakech. The cobalt blue buildings, cacti, palms, and garden paths are stunning, but it gets crowded quickly. The official Jardin Majorelle site lists daily opening hours from 8 AM to 6:30 PM, with last entry at 6 PM. I would book the earliest time slot available so you can experience it before the bigger crowds arrive.
Book a hammam spa treatment: After a busy few days of walking, shopping, and sightseeing, schedule a hammam spa treatment. A hammam is a traditional Moroccan bathing ritual, and it is one of the best ways to slow down and actually relax during your trip. You can do a more local-style hammam or book a luxury spa version depending on your comfort level. If you are staying at a riad or hotel, this is something I would absolutely ask about in advance.
Dinner and drinks at El Fenn Rooftop: For your final night, book dinner and drinks at El Fenn rooftop. This is one of the dreamiest rooftops in Marrakech and such a good way to end the trip. Think sunset views, beautiful design, great atmosphere, and that perfect final-night travel feeling.
Want Help Planning Your Morocco Trip?
Morocco is magical, but it is also one of those destinations where the details really matter. The right riad, neighborhood, transfers, restaurant reservations, guides, desert camp, and timing can completely change your experience. I can help you choose the best hotels or riads, plan your route, book transfers, recommend restaurants, arrange guides, and build a trip that feels seamless instead of stressful.
So if Morocco is on your travel list, save this guide, send it to the person you want to go with, and reach out when you are ready to start planning.
Ready to plan your trip to Morocco? Fill out my trip inquiry form and we can start planning today!
