A practical 10-day Morocco itinerary with the imperial cities, the Sahara and the coast, with distances, tips and how to adapt it.
Written by the Highlights Morocco Tours team in Marrakech
The short answer
A 10-day Morocco itinerary can start in Marrakech with a day trip to the Atlas, cross the High Atlas to Ait Ben Haddou and the Dades Valley, spend a night in a Sahara desert camp at Merzouga, continue to Fes and Volubilis, and finish in Rabat, Tangier and Casablanca. It can be done as a private tour with a driver and a local guide, such as the tailor-made trips of Highlights Morocco Tours. The price is on request, with a free quote and no obligation.
Ten days lets you see Morocco at a calmer pace. You spend more time in Marrakech, you add a day trip to the mountains, you keep the night in the Sahara and you finish with Rabat, Tangier and Casablanca.
It is a typical route, not a fixed script. At Highlights Morocco Tours we build it around your dates and pace, with a private driver and a local guide, and we can add nights in the desert, change the cities or shorten the route.
The 10-day Morocco itinerary at a glance
| Day | Route | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Marrakech | Arrive in Marrakech and explore the medina, Jemaa el-Fnaa, the Koutoubia and the souks. Sleep in a riad. |
| Day 2 | Day trip from Marrakech | Spend the day in the Ourika Valley or at the Ouzoud Waterfalls, and return to Marrakech by the evening. |
| Day 3 | Marrakech to the Dades Valley | Cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass, visit Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, and sleep in the Dades Valley. |
| Day 4 | Todra Gorges to Merzouga | Visit the Todra Gorges and reach the Erg Chebbi dunes for a sunset camel ride and a night in a desert camp. |
| Day 5 | Merzouga to Fes | Watch the sunrise, then drive north through the Middle Atlas and its cedar forests to Fes. |
| Day 6 | Fes | Explore Fes el-Bali, the Chouara tanneries and the old madrasas with a local guide. |
| Day 7 | Fes to Rabat | Visit Volubilis and Meknes on the way, then arrive in Rabat for the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas. |
| Day 8 | Rabat to Tangier | Continue north to Tangier, the port city on the Strait of Gibraltar, and visit Cap Spartel. |
| Day 9 | Tangier | A relaxed day in Tangier, with its medina and kasbah, and time to rest. |
| Day 10 | Tangier to Casablanca | Travel south to Casablanca and visit the Hassan II Mosque before your flight. |
Want this 10-day itinerary as a private tour?
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We build the route around you and send a free quote.
Day by day
Day 1: Marrakech
Arrive in Marrakech and explore the medina, Jemaa el-Fnaa, the Koutoubia and the souks. Sleep in a riad. See more: Marrakech.
Day 2: Day trip from Marrakech
Spend the day in the Ourika Valley or at the Ouzoud Waterfalls, and return to Marrakech by the evening. See more: Day trip from Marrakech.
Day 3: Marrakech to the Dades Valley
Cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass, visit Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, and sleep in the Dades Valley. See more: Marrakech to the Dades Valley.
Day 4: Todra Gorges to Merzouga
Visit the Todra Gorges and reach the Erg Chebbi dunes for a sunset camel ride and a night in a desert camp. See more: Todra Gorges to Merzouga.
Day 5: Merzouga to Fes
Watch the sunrise, then drive north through the Middle Atlas and its cedar forests to Fes. See more: Merzouga to Fes.
Day 6: Fes
Explore Fes el-Bali, the Chouara tanneries and the old madrasas with a local guide. See more: Fes.
Day 7: Fes to Rabat
Visit Volubilis and Meknes on the way, then arrive in Rabat for the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas. See more: Fes to Rabat.
Day 8: Rabat to Tangier
Continue north to Tangier, the port city on the Strait of Gibraltar, and visit Cap Spartel. See more: Rabat to Tangier.
Day 9: Tangier
A relaxed day in Tangier, with its medina and kasbah, and time to rest. See more: Tangier.
Day 10: Tangier to Casablanca
Travel south to Casablanca and visit the Hassan II Mosque before your flight. See more: Tangier to Casablanca.
Best time to follow this itinerary
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | Warm days and mild nights. One of the best seasons for the whole route. |
| Summer (June to August) | Very hot in Marrakech, the desert and Fes. The coast is cooler. |
| Autumn (September to November) | Warm days, cooler nights, another very good season. |
| Winter (December to February) | Mild days, cold desert nights and possible snow in the Atlas. |
Ramadan dates change every year and can affect opening hours and transport. Tell us when you plan to travel and we adapt the plan.
Tips for this itinerary
- Distances are long. Plan the longest days for the road and keep museum visits for the shorter ones.
- Bring light layers and a warm jacket for the desert night, and modest clothes for villages and religious sites.
- Carry some dirham in cash for markets, drinks and tips.
- Stay in riads in the medinas: they are part of the experience.
- Tell us if you want to slow down: we can add nights or remove a city.
Ready to plan your Morocco trip?
Send us your dates and we reply with a free, no-obligation quote.
10-day Morocco itinerary: frequently asked questions
Is 10 days enough for Morocco?
Yes. Ten days is enough to see Marrakech, the Sahara, Fes and the north, at a comfortable pace. It also leaves time for a day trip from Marrakech and for a rest day.
What is the best 10-day Morocco itinerary?
A popular 10-day itinerary goes Marrakech, a day trip to the Atlas, Ait Ben Haddou, Dades Valley, Merzouga, Fes, Volubilis, Rabat, Tangier and Casablanca.
Does the 10-day itinerary include the Sahara?
Yes. It includes a night in a desert camp at Merzouga, with a camel ride at sunset in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Can I change the cities in the itinerary?
Yes. We tailor the route to your dates and interests. We organise tours from Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes, Rabat, Tangier and Errachidia.
How much driving is there on a 10-day Morocco tour?
Distances in Morocco are long, and the longest days are Marrakech to the Dades Valley, Merzouga to Fes and Tangier to Casablanca. We plan stops for lunch and rest, and we can add nights to slow down.
Is a private tour better for a 10-day trip?
A private tour with a driver and a local guide saves time on long distances and in the medinas, and you can change the route as you go.
How much does a 10-day Morocco tour cost?
The price depends on your dates, the number of travellers, the accommodation and the cities. We quote on request, and quotes are free and come with no obligation.
How do I book a 10-day Morocco itinerary with Highlights Morocco Tours?
Send us your dates and number of travellers with the contact form, by WhatsApp or by email. We reply with a free, no-obligation quote and, when you are happy with it, we confirm the booking.
Plan your Morocco itinerary with us
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you would like to see. We reply with a free, no-obligation quote.
