Planning a first visit to Morocco? With 10 days in Morocco, you have an infinite number of possibilities for coming up with your ‘perfect’ itinerary! Morocco is full of incredible destinations, history, sites and culture.
Do you want to ride a camel and see the sunset in the Sahara Desert? Would you rather see the historic imperial cities? Or would you rather coastal hop and see the Atlantic beaches of Morocco?
There are an endless number of ways to plan a Morocco vacation!
In this article we list five ways to spend 10 days in Morocco including the highlights and suggestions to help pick the best Morocco itinerary.
- Why 10 days in Morocco?
- Getting there
- Transportation
- Best time to visit?
- Choosing a 10-day Morocco itinerary
- 10-DAY MOROCCO ITINERARY
#1 Marrakech to Merzouga
#2 Marrakech to Zagora
#3 Agadir to Marrakech
#4 Tangier to Marrakech
#5 Tangier to Casablanca - Pros and cons of each
- Which itinerary do we suggest?
- Other Morocco itineraries
- Accommodation in Morocco
Why do we suggest 10-days in Morocco as a first itinerary?
Morocco is a great first experience of North Africa. It is an amazing country rich in culture and history, well-connected to Europe and home to a plethora of incredible destinations.
With 10 days in Morocco there is enough time to tour multiple regions, experience some of the imperial cities, go surfing on the coast or witness sunset from a camel safari in the Sahara Desert.
Getting there
Most travellers begin and end their Morocco trip in Marrakech because of the large, international airport there. It is easy to find flights to Marrakech from all over the world with connections in Europe, Middle East and North America.
However, some of these Morocco itinerary options start in Tangier, Agadir or Casablanca.
These cities are also well connected with flights to Europe.
Getting to and arriving in Marrakech
Flights to Marrakech arrive at Menara Airport (RAK). There are daily flights connecting Marrakech with Europe, Middle East and North America.
From the airport you can transfer to the city by bus to Jmaa El-Fnaa Square, taxi or private transfer.
- Read about visiting Marrakech.
Transport for your Morocco itinerary
Logistically there are three options for transportation in Morocco:
- Rental car
- Tour
- Public transport (bus)
However, these options do vary by itinerary.
Renting a car in Morocco is a great way to see the country.
If you are confident driving (Morocco drives on the same side as Europe and US), this way gives you the most flexibility for independent travel.
There are multiple companies offering rental cars for Morocco from Marrakech or with one-way options from Tangier, Casablanca or Agadir.
If you would like the peace of mind and more relaxing option, it is an option to book one of these itineraries as a packaged or private tour.
Otherwise, travel in Morocco is (for the most part) doable by bus.
CTM and SupraTours are two of the main bus companies in Morocco.
For itineraries between the cities the bus is a comfortable and economical option. But to get to the desert (ITINERARY #2) the only other best option with public transport is the local bus.
Between the larger cities – Marrakech, Casablanca, Agadir, Essaouira and Fes – it is possible to book the bus online ahead of time.
Or if you are game for the local (very local) bus, you can book it through your accommodation as you travel.
- Read about driving in Morocco.
What is the best time of year for a trip to Morocco?
Generally the best time to visit Morocco is during the early spring (March-April) or autumn (September-November). This is when the climate is pleasant and summery throughout the country without being too hot for day-time exploration.
But Morocco really is a year-round destination.
In our experience we would also recommend the wintertime (December, January and February) as a perfect escape from the Northern-hemisphere to make the most of the sunshine and pleasant day-time temperature.
Winter is also a good time to explore the south and the Sahara fringes and further inland without overwhelming heat. Though do remember that even in the desert it can get bitterly cold during the night.
- Read about travel in Morocco during Ramadan.
Choosing a Morocco itinerary
Morocco is huge! It includes the Atlantic coast stretching lengthways and mountainous ranges inland to the Sahara Desert.
Size-wise it is a large country and has an incredibly varied landscape and culture. But one thing that is constant all over the country is the Moroccan culture and warm hospitality.
On the northern Atlantic coast the first cities that welcome any traveller are the coastal towns of Tangier and Asilah.
Inland, the famous imperial cities of Marrakesh and Fez do not disappoint. Marrakesh is more modern and popular as a starting point, but Fez is iconic and traditional and definitely worth adding to your Morocco itinerary.
Agadir, Rabat and Casablanca are Morocco’s other large cities and offer the coastline as well as street food and the famous Hassan II Mosque (the only mosque you can visit as a tourist in Morocco).
The Sahara Desert and historic hillside city of Ait Ben Haddou are iconic features of Morocco’s inland landscape. Or hidden away in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is arguably Morocco’s most iconic and prettiest town.
It really depends on what you are looking for with 10 days in Morocco.
Each of these 10-day Morocco itineraries has different highlights and with the varied directions of travel means there are choices to make to move between cities and where to start and end.
ITINERARY OPTION #1 – Marrakech to Sahara Desert, Fes, Rabat and Casablanca
- START: Marrakech
- END: Casablanca
- Marrakech – 2 nights
- Ait Benhaddou (Ouarzazate) – 1 night
- Tinghir – 1 night
- Merzouga (Sahara Desert) – 1 night
- Fes – 2 nights
- Rabat – 2 nights
- Casablanca – 1 night
This itinerary is for 10 nights and either 10 days in Morocco.
About Itinerary Option #1 – 10-days in Morocco
This is an awesome itinerary option that covers Marrakech, the Sahara Desert, rural Morocco and the most famous imperial cities. Plus, this also includes two nights in Rabat (which is the capital city of Morocco).
The itinerary is best done with a rental car so that you can travel at your own pace.
- Read about things to do in Marrakech, Fes, Rabat and Casablanca.
HIGHLIGHTS – OPTION #1
Highlights of this option for 10 days in Morocco itinerary includes:
- Marrakech Medina
- Jardin Majorelle YSL
- Jmaa El’Fnaa Square
- Bahia Palace
- Ait Ben Haddou
- Ouarzazate Atlas Film Studio
- Todra Gorge (Tinghir)
- Camel Safari
- Overnight in Sahara Desert
- Tanneries (Fes)
- Rabat Medina
- Boat ride to Sale (Rabat)
- Hassan II Mosque
- Moroccan Hammam
You can see a more detailed list in our articles about each Morocco destination.
PROS OF OPTION #1
This itinerary for 10 days in Morocco really maximises the sites and destinations covered in that time.
Starting in Marrakech and ending in Casablanca is ideal with both cities connecting with frequent flights to Europe and North America.
It also opens the possibility to get return flights to and from Marrakech as it is just a short bus ride or drive (less than 3 hours) from Casablanca.
ANY CHALLENGES WITH THIS ITINERARY?
The main downside is the distance covered with some long drives during the day, particularly from Merzouga to Fes.
However on the upside this does mean you visit a huge variety of cultural and natural wonders in Morocco!
Further options with ITINERARY #1 – 10-days in Morocco
The main addition to make this a more economical itinerary option for 10 days in Morocco is to continue back to Marrakech at the end.
The drive from Casablanca to Marrakech is around 3 hours. But this would mean the itinerary would be doable with return flights to and from Marrakech.
ITINERARY OPTION #2 – Marrakech to Zagora and M’hamid to Marrakech
- START: Marrakech
- END: Marrakech
- Marrakech – 2 nights
- Ait Benhaddou – 1 night
- Zagora – 1 night
- M’Hamid (Sahara) – 1 night
- Ouarzazate – 1 night
- Marrakech – 3 nights
This itinerary is for 9 nights and either 9 or 10 days in Morocco.
About Itinerary Option #2 – 10-days in Morocco
This 10-day Morocco itinerary takes you from the bustling souks of Marrakech to the historic hillside village of Ait Benhaddou and all the way to the fabulous dunes of the Sahara Desert from Zagora and M’hamid.
As there are two days in Marrakech at the start of the itinerary, if you are shorter on time, there is the option to do this 10-day Morocco itinerary as an 8- or 9-day schedule.
- Read the detailed 10-day Morocco itinerary from Marrakech to Zagora and M’Hamid (Sahara).
HIGHLIGHTS – OPTION #2
Highlights of this option for 10 days in Morocco itinerary includes:
- Marrakech Medina
- Jmaa El-Fnaa Square (Marrakech)
- Jardin Majorelle YSL Garden
- High Atlas Mountains
- Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Ait Ben Haddou (Ouarzazate)
- Atlas Film Studios (Ouarzazate)
- Draa Valley
- Agdez Village
- Zagora Town
- Towering Ochre Sand Dunes of Erg Chigaga
- Visiting & Meeting Artisan Women’s Argan Oil and Carpet Co-Operatives
- Visiting & Meeting Artisan Tamegroute Potters
- Tamegroute Village
- Bedouin Tent Camp
- Camel Ride in Chigaga Dunes
- Ourika Valley
You can see a more detailed list in our articles about each Morocco destination.
PROS OF OPTIONS #2
Option #2 is one of our favourite Morocco itinerary options. The distances of driving each day are manageable. It still includes an iconic overnight camel safari in Sahara Desert.
Plus, it starts and ends in Marrakech making it cheaper for flights to get there.
ANY CHALLENGES WITH THIS ITINERARY?
There are two main destinations within Morocco to see the Sahara Desert and have a camel ride and overnight experience: Merzouga and M’Hamid.
Merzouga is the more iconic and much-photographed sand dunes of the Moroccan Sahara. But it is also the most touristic desert town in Morocco.
Zagora and M’Hamid is the other gateway to the Sahara in Morocco. This is a less touristic option and while it has sand dunes it does not have the huge dunes of Erg Chebbi.
It really depends what you are after!
- Read the detailed version of this Morocco itinerary from Marrakech to Zagora and M’Hamid.
Further options with Itinerary #2 – 10-days in Morocco
This itinerary could easily be shortened if you have less than 10 days in Morocco. The last few days in Marrakech include a day trip to the Ourika Valley.
Though as there are already two days in Marrakech at the beginning of the itinerary, it would make sense to shorten it to 8 or 9 days.
- Read how to visit Ourika Valley as a day trip from Marrakech.
ITINERARY OPTION #3 – Agadir to Essaouira to Marrakech
- START: Agadir
- END: Marrakech
- Agadir – Arrival
- Taghazout – 2 nights
- Imsouane – 2 nights
- Essaouira – 2 nights
- Agafay Desert – 1 night
- Marrakech – 2 nights
This itinerary is for 9 nights and either 9 or 10 days in Morocco.
About Itinerary Option #3 – 10-days in Morocco
This is amazing coastal itinerary for 10 days in Morocco that really showcases the best of beaches, coastal culture and some of the famous, historic cities.
The itinerary starts in Agadir with a short drive to the nearby beach villages of Taghazout and Tamraght. These are popular surf destinations in Morocco. Though the next stop at Imsouane has the most famous surf wave in Africa!
The small fishing village of Imsouane is a boutique surf destination in Morocco. It is known for having the ‘longest surf wave in Africa’. The wave breaks for almost 1km along the shore! It is a great destination in Morocco to learn to surf.
Plus the itinerary also includes the historic coastal town of Essaouira, an overnight desert experience in Agafay as well as finishing in the bustling city of Marrakech.
- Read all about Agadir, Taghazout and Tamraght and the surfing village of Imsouane.
HIGHLIGHTS – OPTION #3
Highlights of this option for 10 days in Morocco itinerary includes:
- Souk El-Had (Agadir)
- Tamraght Village
- Banana Beach
- Taghazout Village
- Surfing
- Yoga
- Imsouane
- Essaouira Medina
- Skala Du Port (Essaouira)
- Agafay Desert
- Camel Ride
- Marrakech Medina
- Bahia Palace
- Jardin Majorelle YSL
- Saadian Tombs
- Hammam Mouassine
You can see a more detailed list in our articles about each Morocco destination.
PROS OF OPTIONS #3
If you love beaches and want to try surfing this is a perfect itinerary!
Coastal Morocco is a totally different vibe to the inland and desert culture. But one of the best things about this itinerary is that you get to experience both.
See the beaches and surf on the Atlantic Coast and experience the atmospheric bustle of historic Marrakech.
- Read detailed 2-day Marrakech itinerary.
ANY CHALLENGES WITH THIS ITINERARY?
Not really. It obviously suits someone who is a keen beach goer or surfer.
Or if you are wanting to try learning to surf this is a great place to do it!
Further options with ITINERARY #3 – 10-days in Morocco
The main option for adapting this itinerary for 10 days in Morocco is to alter the timing.
If you have a rental car and are travelling independently you could easily add extra days or make the itinerary shorter to fit your schedule.
With an extra day in Agadir you could also make a day trip inland to visit Taroudant. This is one of the historic inland towns that is often called ‘Mini-Marrakech’.
- Read about things to do in Taroudant.
ITINERARY OPTION #4 – Tangier to Marrakech
- START: Tangier
- END: Marrakech
- Tangier – 1 night
- Tetouan
- Chefchaouen – 2 nights
- Fes – 2 nights
- Meknes – 1 night
- Casablanca – 1 night
- Marrakech – 2 nights
This itinerary is for 9 nights and either 9 or 10 days in Morocco.
About Itinerary Option #4 – 10-days in Morocco
This is a great one-way itinerary for 10 days in Morocco starting at Tangier in the north of Morocco. There are regular flights to Tangier from Europe daily.
From Tangier this itinerary is easiest with a one-way rental car.
The itinerary covers Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes, Meknes, Casablanca and Marrakech with a stopover in Tetouan.
- Read the detailed itinerary for 10-days in Morocco from Tangier to Marrakech.
HIGHLIGHTS – OPTION #4
Highlights of this option for 10 days in Morocco itinerary includes:
- Café Hafa Tangier
- Tetouan Medina
- Self-guided Chefchaouen walking tour
- Spanish Mosque (Chefchaouen)
- Volubilis Roman city
- Tanneries (Fes)
- Hassan II Mosque (Casablanca)
- Jardin Majorelle YSL Garden
- Jmaa El-Fnaa Square
- Marrakech Medina
You can see a more detailed list in our articles about each Morocco destination.
PROS – OPTION #4
This 10-day Morocco itinerary is ideal to experience the very different cultures of Morocco’s Mediterranean coast, Atlantic and famous imperial cities.
There are daily flights to Tangier from Europe. Or take the ferry from Spain to reach Morocco in less than two hours to start!
ANY CHALLENGES WITH THIS ITINERARY?
Not particularly. The possible only downside is the changing of accommodation with so many stops.
If you would rather spend an extra night in Casablanca it is possible to visit Volubilis and Meknes as a daytime stopover en route.
- Read more about visiting Volubilis and things to do in Tangier, Chefchaouen and Fes.
- Read about driving in Morocco.
Further options with ITINERARY #4 – 10-days in Morocco
As above, if you would rather stay longer in each place it is feasible to visit Meknes and Volubilis as a day trip instead.
Or another option, if you have more time at the end of your trip, you could add a daytrip to Ourika Valley in the Atlas Mountains near Marrakech.
- Read how to visit Ourika Valley as a day trip from Marrakech.
ITINERARY OPTION #5 – Tangier to Casablanca
- START: Tangier
- END: Casablanca
- Tangier – 1 night
- Chefchaouen – 2 nights
- Fes – 2 nights
- Meknes – 2 nights
- Rabat – 2 nights
- Casablanca – 1 night
This itinerary is for 10 nights and 10 days in Morocco.
About Itinerary Option #5 – 10-days in Morocco
This is a one-way itinerary that starts in Tangier and ends in Casablanca. Both of these are large cities in the north of Morocco.
It does mean that if making this trip by rental car you will need to book a one-way rental from Tangier to Casablanca.
- Read about things to do in Tangier, Fes, Rabat and Casablanca.
HIGHLIGHTS – OPTION #5
Highlights of this option for 10 days in Morocco itinerary includes:
- Café Hafa Tangier
- Tetouan Medina
- Self-guided Chefchaouen walking tour
- Spanish Mosque (Chefchaouen)
- Volubilis Roman city
- Tanneries (Fes)
- Meknes Medina
- Rabat Medina
- Boat ride to Sale (Rabat)
- Hassan II Mosque
- Moroccan Hammam
You can see a more detailed list in our articles about each Morocco destination.
PROS OF OPTIONS #5
Personally I really like this itinerary. Tangier is an amazing city to experience in Morocco as it’s so vastly different from the inland cities of the Rif Mountains.
You will have time to stop and visit the Medina in Tetouan and see the Mediterranean beach at Martil. Plus you can make the most of the compact medina for a self-guided walking tour in Chefchaouen.
Fes is fascinating to explore and not far from the historic Roman city of Volubilis and the UNESCO sites of Meknes.
I think this itinerary covers some of the most beautiful cities in Morocco.
ANY CHALLENGES WITH THIS ITINERARY?
The only destination downside of this itinerary is that it doesn’t include Marrakech.
However, see below as it is an option to add Marrakech at the end.
Otherwise it is worth noting it will require a one-way car rental. Plus do check ahead and make sure it is economical to fly in to Tangier and depart from Casablanca.
Further options with ITINERARY #5 – 10-days in Morocco
If you have longer than 10 days in Morocco or want to opt out of one of the destinations on the itinerary you could add Marrakech at the end.
Marrakech is around 3 hours’ drive from Casablanca.
- Read about driving in Morocco.
Which option would we recommend?
If this is your first visit, we would recommend Option #1 or #2.
Both of these itineraries for 10 days in Morocco cover the highlights of Marrakech, Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate and the incredible Sahara Desert.
If you are visiting Morocco with kids, I would suggest Option #3.
This itinerary has shorter distances for driving and includes the chance for surfing and beach time in Essaouira as well as the Agafay Desert experience.
- Read all about planning a first visit to Morocco.
Other Morocco itinerary ideas and inspiration
Here are some other itinerary ideas for Morocco.
- 5x Itinerary options for 7-days in Morocco.
- Plan 2-days in Marrakech.
- 8-day Morocco itinerary: Marrakech to Zagora and M’Hamid.
- 10-day Morocco itinerary: Tangier to Fes, Chefcahouen and Marrakech.
See our detailed destination and city guides for more of Morocco.
- Read more about the things to do in Chefcahouen, Casablanca, Tangier, Tetouan, Agadir, Taghazout and Tamraght, Fes and Rabat.
Or if you are considering staying longer in Morocco or crossing south to Mauritania, see our travel guides for border crossings with Morocco.
- Read about crossing the Morocco Mauritania border from Dakhla.
- Read about crossing the border from F’nideq (Morocco) to Ceuta (Spain).
Where to stay in Marrakech
We highly recommend staying in a traditional Moroccan riad in the heart of the Medina in Marrakech. There are a range of options to suit all budgets.
Obviously, there are lot more destinations and accommodation options in Morocco to consider.
But here are some of the best rated riads in Marrakech to start with.
Budget riads in Marrakech:
Mid-range riads in Marrakech:
Luxury riads in Marrakech:
Overnight motorhome parking in Marrakech
There are a few campsites on the outskirts of Marrakech with motorhome parking and services.
But the best place to park with a motorhome close to all the things to do in Marrakech (walking distance) is in the guarded carpark near Koutoubia Mosque.
Parking Et Lavage La Koutoubia
- Location: Avenue Hommane Al Fatouaki
- Type: Paying Motorhome Area
- Park4Night: #29651
- Cost: 150 MAD 24hr
- Facilities: Toilets, Rubbish.
About: A private guarded parking lot in the heart of Marrakech. Campers are parked at the end of the car parking area with 24-hour security.
More about planning for travel in Morocco and beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before embarking on any of the 10 days in Morocco itinerary options!
