Introduction – Why Morocco Deserves 10 Days of Your Travel

Morocco is a land of contrasts – where the Sahara meets the Atlas Mountains, and bustling medinas open into peaceful riads. A 10 Day Morocco Itinerary here is perfect because it allows you to balance city exploration, desert adventures, mountain escapes, and coastal relaxation. In this itinerary, you’ll travel through Casablanca, Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fez, the Sahara Desert, Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains, and Essaouira.

Now, let’s dive day by day.

Day 1 – Arrival in Casablanca & Explore Rabat

• Land in Casablanca at Mohammed V International Airport.

• Visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, partly built over the Atlantic Ocean. Entry ~130 MAD.

• Walk along the Corniche, try seafood at local cafes.

• Afternoon train to Rabat (1–1.5 hrs).

• Explore Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, and the Royal Mausoleum.

• Stay in a riad in Rabat (Budget: Riad Meftaha, Luxury: Hotel La Tour Hassan).

Tip: If your flight arrives late, overnight in Casablanca.

Day 2 – Rabat to Chefchaouen (The Blue Pearl)

• Morning: 4–5 hr bus/taxi to Chefchaouen, a town painted in shades of blue.

• Afternoon: Wander the blue alleys, shop in the medina, and relax in Plaza Uta el-Hammam.

• Visit Kasbah Museum for local history.

• Evening: Hike to the Spanish Mosque for sunset views over the blue town.

• Stay overnight in Chefchaouen (Budget: Hotel Souika, Luxury: Lina Ryad & Spa).

Food to try: Local goat cheese and fresh tagine.

Day 3 – Chefchaouen to Fez

• Morning: Travel to Fez (~4 hrs by taxi or bus).

• Afternoon: Explore Fez el-Bali Medina – a UNESCO site with 9,000 narrow streets.

• Visit the Chouara Tannery, where leather is dyed in vibrant colors.

• Stop at Bou Inania Madrasa, a 14th-century Islamic school with stunning tilework.

• Evening: Sunset at Borj Nord Fortress for panoramic views of the city.

• Overnight in Fez (Budget: Dar Rabha, Luxury: Palais Faraj).

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes – Fez medina is like a maze!

Day 4 – Full Day in Fez

• Morning: Visit the University of Al Quaraouiyine, the world’s oldest university.

• Explore Dar Batha Museum & Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts.

• Try traditional hammam (Moroccan bath) for relaxation.

• Afternoon: Explore artisan workshops – pottery, carpets, and brassware.

• Evening: Dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the medina.

Food to try: Pastilla (a savory-sweet pie with chicken/pigeon, almonds, and cinnamon sugar).

Day 5 – Fez to Sahara Desert (Merzouga)

This is the longest travel day (~8–9 hrs) but the most rewarding.

• Drive from Fez through the Middle Atlas Mountains.

• Stop at Ifrane, nicknamed “Little Switzerland of Morocco.”

• Pass through Cedar Forests of Azrou – see Barbary macaque monkeys.

• Afternoon: Reach Merzouga Desert (Erg Chebbi dunes).

• Camel trek into the desert, watch sunset over the dunes.

• Night: Stay in a luxury desert camp – enjoy Berber music, dance around a bonfire, and stargaze.

Cost: Camel trek + camp ~ $60–$100 per person (meals included).

Day 6 – Sahara Desert to Dades Valley

• Morning: Wake up early for sunrise in the desert – magical golden dunes.

• Breakfast at camp.

• Drive towards Todra Gorge, a canyon with cliffs reaching 400m – perfect for short hikes and photography.

• Continue to Dades Valley, famous for winding roads and rock formations (“Monkey Fingers”).

• Overnight in a guesthouse with views of the valley (Budget: Hotel Timzzillite Chez La Famille, Luxury: Chez Pierre).

Tip: Carry snacks and water – it’s a long but scenic drive.

Day 7 – Dades Valley to Marrakech via Ait Benhaddou

• Morning: Drive through Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco” – movies like Gladiator & Game of Thrones were filmed here.

• Visit Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site with mud-brick houses. Entry ~20 MAD.

• Afternoon: Cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka pass – winding roads but breathtaking views.

• Evening: Arrive in Marrakech. Stay in a riad near the medina (Budget: Riad Dia, Luxury: Riad Kniza).

Day 8 – Full Day in Marrakech

• Morning: Visit Jemaa el-Fnaa Square – snake charmers, henna artists, food stalls.

• Explore Koutoubia Mosque (outside only).

• Wander through the Bahia Palace & the Saadian Tombs.

• Afternoon: Relax in Majorelle Garden & Yves Saint Laurent Museum (~70 MAD entry).

• Evening: Return to Jemaa el-Fnaa for food – try snail soup, fresh orange juice, grilled kebabs.

Food to try: Tangia (slow-cooked lamb dish unique to Marrakech).

Day 9 – Atlas Mountains Day Trip or Essaouira

You can choose based on your interest:

Option 1: Atlas Mountains

• Visit Ourika Valley or Imlil Village (gateway to Mount Toubkal).

• Short hikes, waterfalls, and Berber villages.

• Lunch with a Berber family.

Option 2: Essaouira (Coastal Escape)

• 2.5 hr drive to Essaouira, a seaside town with Portuguese influence.

• Walk the medina, relax on beaches, and eat fresh seafood.

• Return to Marrakech by evening.

Day 10 – Departure from Marrakech or Casablanca

• Morning: Last shopping in Marrakech souks – carpets, spices, lanterns.

• If flying from Marrakech, Menara Airport is just 20 mins away.

• If flying from Casablanca, 2.5–3 hr train/car from Marrakech.

Souvenir Tip: Buy argan oil, leather goods, handwoven carpets, and Moroccan tea sets.

Final Thoughts – Is 10 Days Enough in Morocco?

Yes, 10 days gives you a balanced Morocco experience – the historic medinas of Fez & Marrakech, the calm blues of Chefchaouen, the golden Sahara dunes, and the vibrant coastal town of Essaouira. While you’ll want to return, this itinerary ensures you don’t miss Morocco’s highlights.