10 Days in Morocco: The Perfect First-Timer Morocco Itinerary
Are you planning a trip to Morocco and wondering how to plan the perfect 10 days in Morocco?
Morocco had been high on my bucket list for a long time, but I’ll be honest — it also felt a little intimidating. The culture, the chaos, the desert distances, the medinas… it all felt exciting and overwhelming at the same time. After traveling to many countries before, I was craving something completely different, and Morocco delivered in every possible way.
From the buzzing souks of Marrakesh to sleeping under the stars in the Sahara Desert, wandering the ancient streets of Fes, and ending the trip in coastal Casablanca, this journey felt like stepping into a world that constantly surprised me.
I spent a little over a week in Morocco, and based on that experience, I truly believe 10 days is the sweet spot. It gives you enough time to see the highlights without rushing from place to place. Every day felt different: colorful markets, long scenic drives, quiet riads, camel rides, and some of the most memorable sunsets I’ve ever seen.
This itinerary is designed especially for travelers visiting Morocco for the first time. It focuses on iconic experiences while keeping travel days realistic and manageable.
While this Morocco itinerary works year-round, our trip was paced to avoid burnout and allow time to actually enjoy each place not just check boxes. If you’re short on time, you can trim a day. If you have more, I’ll also share ideas on where to slow down.
By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident planning your own 10 days in Morocco, knowing exactly what to expect and how to make the most of your time in this incredible country. Before diving into the itinerary, I recommend reading my Morocco travel guide, which covers everything you need to know before planning your trip.
Let’s get into the itinerary!
10 Days in Morocco: The Ultimate First-Timer Itinerary
To help you make the most of your time, I’ve put together a 10 days in Morocco itinerary that focuses on the country’s must-see highlights while still allowing room to slow down and enjoy the experience.
Below, I’m sharing exactly how to spend 10 days in Morocco. Everyone’s travel style is different, so feel free to adjust the plan to fit what excites you the most.
Day 1–3: Marrakesh
If it’s your first time in Morocco, starting in Marrakesh makes perfect sense. It’s busy, colorful, and a little overwhelming at first, but that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.
After landing at Marrakesh Menara Airport, head straight to your riad in the medina. I highly recommend pre-booking an airport transfer. The medina is a maze, and after a long flight, this makes the arrival so much easier.
Spent the afternoon wandering aimlessly through the medina, letting Marrakesh slowly reveal itself — narrow alleys, vibrant souks, scooters zipping past, and the constant buzz of city life. At sunset, make your way to Jemaa el-Fnaa. The square completely comes alive in the evening with food stalls, music, and nonstop energy. If street food feels intimidating on your first night, watching it all unfold from a rooftop restaurant is a great alternative.
Day two was all about Marrakesh’s highlights. Start with Bahia Palace, then visit El Badi Palace, followed by the Saadian Tombs. In the afternoon, explore Ben Youssef Madrasa and the Secret Garden, both offering a quieter escape from the busy streets. If you’re interested, you can also visit Jardin Majorelle, but be sure to book tickets in advance. Later, spend time exploring the souks, shopping for lanterns, ceramics, and spices. Bargaining is expected here, so take your time and don’t be afraid to walk away.
You can also join a guided historical tour of Marrakesh if you want to learn more about the city’s history without having to plan everything yourself for the day.
After two busy days, we slowed things down. We enjoyed a relaxed breakfast at our riad and booked a traditional hammam, which ended up being one of my favorite experiences in Marrakesh. It’s the perfect reset before the long journey ahead. In the evening, a food tour is a great way to try local dishes and experience the city in a more guided, stress-free way.
For where to stay, I highly recommend staying inside the medina in a riad. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and makes Marrakesh feel even more magical.
To know more about Marrakesh, including where to stay and what to see, you can read my full Marrakesh travel guide here.
If you have extra time or want to switch things up, here are a few great day trips from Marrakesh to consider:
Ouarzazate & Aït Ben Haddou – A perfect option if you’re not doing a Sahara desert tour but still want to visit the famous Aït Ben Haddou kasbah.
Essaouira & Skala de la Kasbah – A laid-back coastal escape known for its sea breeze, historic ramparts, and fresh seafood.
Ouzoud Waterfalls – One of Morocco’s most beautiful natural sights, ideal for a day surrounded by nature.
Casablanca – A good alternative if you’re unable to include it elsewhere in your itinerary, especially to visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque.
Day 4–6: Marrakesh → Sahara Desert → Fes
These three days were the most adventurous part of our 10 days in Morocco. Long drives, changing landscapes, and the unforgettable experience of sleeping in the desert — this journey is what makes a Morocco itinerary truly special.
We booked a shared desert tour from Marrakesh to Fes, which made logistics simple and stress-free.
We left Marrakesh early and began crossing the Atlas Mountains. The scenery changed quickly — snow-capped peaks, winding roads, and remote villages.
One of the main stops was Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed clay village you’ve probably seen in movies and TV shows.
By evening, we reached the Dades Valley, where we stayed overnight and rested up for the desert ahead.
Day five was the highlight of the entire trip. We drove through palm-filled valleys and small desert towns before reaching Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. From there, we hopped on camels and rode into the dunes at sunset — easily one of the most surreal moments of the trip.
That night, we stayed at a desert camp, enjoyed a traditional dinner, music under the stars, and a sky so clear it felt unreal.
We woke up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes — absolutely worth it. After breakfast, we began the long but scenic drive toward Fes, passing through the lush Ziz Valley along the way.
By evening, we arrived in Fes, tired but excited to explore Morocco’s cultural capital next.
If you’re curious about what the desert tour is really like, I’ve shared all the details in my Sahara Desert tour guide here.
When it comes to where to stay in Fes, I’d highly recommend staying inside the medina, ideally in a riad or dar, for the most authentic experience. Based on my experience, this is the best way to truly feel the rhythm of the city.
If you do choose to stay inside the medina or plan on renting a car to visit Fes, make sure to reach out to your host ahead of time for directions for the stay as well as parking instructions. The medina isn’t car-friendly at all, and having that information beforehand makes arrival much smoother and far less stressful.
Day 7: Day Trip to Chefchaouen (The Blue City)
Chefchaouen was one of the places I was most excited to see during our 10 days in Morocco, and it absolutely lived up to the hype.
Known as the “Blue City,” Chefchaouen is famous for its blue-washed streets, quiet corners, and relaxed mountain vibe. It feels completely different from Marrakesh or Fes — calmer, slower, and incredibly photogenic.
We visited Chefchaouen as a day trip from Fes, which makes for a long day but is totally doable with an early start.
Once there, we spent our time simply wandering. Every street felt Instagram-worthy, and there’s no real agenda needed here. We explored the medina, relaxed at Plaza Uta el-Hammam, and stopped often for photos and mint tea.
Is a day trip worth it? Yes — especially if you’re short on time. But if you can, spending one night here would let you enjoy the town without the crowds. If you’re deciding whether it’s worth it, I’ve shared all the details in my Day Trip to Chefchaouen from Fes guide here.
Day 8: Explore Fes
After a long travel day and a busy day trip, Day 8 was all about slowing down and exploring Fes.
Fes feels noticeably more traditional and intense than Marrakech, and its medina is one of the largest and oldest continuously inhabited medieval cities in the world. Based on my experience, hiring a licensed local guide here is absolutely worth it.
The streets are incredibly maze-like, and without proper context, it’s easy to miss the history, craftsmanship, and cultural significance that make this place so special. I strongly recommend booking a guided tour to truly understand and appreciate one of the world’s oldest medinas.
Some highlights:
- Chouara Tannery – iconic views and centuries-old leather-making
- Al Attarine Madrasa
- Mosque and University Karaouiyne
- Walking past madrasas, mosques, and hidden courtyards
By afternoon, we were ready for a break and enjoyed a relaxed lunch overlooking the medina before wrapping up the day early.
Day 9: Fes to Casablanca
On Day 9, you can get to Casablanca by train or private transfer but I would recommend to chose the train since it’s comfortable, affordable, and easy. The journey takes around 4–5 hours, making it a good day to relax after several busy days.
Once we arrived, Casablanca immediately felt different — more modern, less chaotic, and very European compared to the older imperial cities.
If you have energy, the one must-see here is the Hassan II Mosque. Sitting right on the Atlantic Ocean, it’s one of the largest mosques in the world and incredibly impressive, especially at sunset.
End the day with a relaxed walk along the Corniche, enjoying ocean views and a slower pace before our final day in Morocco.
For where to stay in Casablanca, I highly recommend staying inside the medina in a riad or dar for the central area near Place des Nations Unies.
Day 10: Fly Home from Casablanca or Return to Marrakesh
If your international flight departs from Casablanca, this is the easiest option. Mohammed V International Airport is well-connected and easy to reach from the city.
If your return flight is from Marrakesh, you can take an early train from Casablanca (runs every hour) or flight or train back the night before from Fes . Trains are affordable and reliable, but flights save time if you’re on a tight schedule.
Either way, this final day is best kept simple — no rushing, no squeezing in extra sightseeing. After busy cities, desert adventures, and long travel days, ending the trip calmly feels just right.
Things to Know Before You Plan a Trip to Morocco
Before planning your 10 days in Morocco, it’s helpful to understand what kind of trip you’re signing up for. Morocco is exciting, beautiful, and full of contrasts — but it can feel intense at first. Cities like Marrakesh and Fes are loud and fast-paced, with busy medinas, narrow alleys, and scooters weaving through crowds. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed on day one, but once you stop rushing and let the rhythm of the city guide you, everything starts to click. Getting lost will happen, and more often than not, that’s when you discover the most memorable spots (confidently use google maps).
Most travelers from the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia do not need a visa to visit Morocco for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Always double-check entry requirements before you go, especially if your passport is from a different country.
If you’re traveling on an Indian passport (like me), Morocco does require a visa. I applied for my Morocco e-visa online about a week before my trip, and the process was straightforward.
The best time to visit Morocco is during spring (March–May) and fall (September–November), when the weather is warm but comfortable. Summers can be extremely hot, particularly in Marrakesh and the Sahara Desert, while winters are mild in cities but can get cold at night in the desert and mountains. If you’re planning a desert tour, layering is essential regardless of the season.
The official language is Arabic, with French widely spoken, especially in cities and tourist areas. English is becoming more common, but learning a few basic phrases goes a long way. The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), and cash is used far more often than credit cards. ATMs are easy to find in major cities, but you’ll want to carry cash for souks, taxis, and smaller towns.
Dressing modestly isn’t required, but it’s practical and respectful. Loose-fitting clothing that covers shoulders and knees will help you feel more comfortable, especially in traditional areas.
Bargaining is a normal part of shopping culture, and prices are rarely fixed, so negotiate politely and don’t be afraid to walk away.
Food is one of the highlights of any Morocco itinerary — think tagines, couscous, fresh bread, and mint tea — but if you’re not used to street food, ease into it and stick to bottled water.
Finally, booking riads and Sahara desert tours in advance will save you time, money, and stress, especially during peak travel seasons.
FAQ: Planning 10 Days in Morocco
Is 10 days in Morocco enough?
Yes — 10 days in Morocco is a great amount of time for first-time visitors. It allows you to experience cities, the desert, and cultural highlights without rushing too much.
Is Morocco safe for tourists?
Overall, yes. Morocco is a popular tourist destination. Like anywhere, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid flashing valuables, and book reputable tours and accommodations.
Do I need a guide in Morocco?
Not everywhere, but I highly recommend a local guide in Fes and for the Sahara desert tour. It adds context and makes navigating much easier.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re here for the buzzing medinas, desert sunsets, or slow mornings in a riad, Morocco delivers the kind of trip that stays with you long after you’re home.
Between the chaos of Marrakesh, camel rides through the Sahara, blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen, and the deep history of Fes, this 10 days in Morocco itinerary strikes the perfect balance between adventure and culture. Every stop feels different, and that contrast is what makes the journey so special.
I hope this Morocco itinerary has helped you feel more prepare, and more excited to plan your trip. And if you have extra time, consider slowing things down even more. Adding a night in Chefchaouen or spending extra time in the desert can completely change the pace of your trip or visit Rabat or Essaouira.
If Morocco has been on your bucket list, take this as your sign — it’s absolutely worth it
