A practical 8-day Morocco itinerary with the imperial cities, the Sahara and Marrakech, with distances, tips and how to adapt it.
Written by the Highlights Morocco Tours team in Marrakech
The short answer
An 8-day Morocco itinerary from Casablanca can include Rabat, Chefchaouen, Volubilis and Meknes, a guided day in Fes, a night in a Sahara desert camp at Merzouga, the Dades Valley, Ait Ben Haddou and a full day in Marrakech. Eight days is long enough to see the north, the desert and the south at a reasonable pace.
Eight days lets you add Volubilis and Meknes to the route and finish with a full day in Marrakech. It is the length most travellers choose for a first trip to Morocco.
It is a typical route, not a fixed script. We adapt it to your dates and pace, and we can reverse it. If you prefer more time in the desert, take a look at our 9-day itinerary.
The 8-day Morocco itinerary at a glance
| Day | Route | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Casablanca to Rabat and Chefchaouen | Start with the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, stop in Rabat and continue to Chefchaouen. |
| Day 2 | Chefchaouen to Fes via Volubilis and Meknes | Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes on the way to Fes. |
| Day 3 | Fes | A full guided day in Fes el-Bali, the tanneries and the madrasas. |
| Day 4 | Fes to Merzouga | Cross the Middle Atlas and the Ziz Valley to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Camel ride at sunset and a night in a desert camp. |
| Day 5 | Merzouga to the Dades Valley | Sunrise in the dunes, then the Todra Gorges and the Dades Valley. |
| Day 6 | Dades Valley to Marrakech | Visit Ait Ben Haddou, cross the High Atlas and arrive in Marrakech. |
| Day 7 | Marrakech | A guided day in the medina, the Koutoubia, the Bahia Palace and Jemaa el-Fnaa. |
| Day 8 | Marrakech: free morning and departure | Use your last hours for the souks, a hammam or a cooking class, then head to the airport. |
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Day by day
Day 1: Casablanca to Rabat and Chefchaouen
Start with the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, stop in Rabat and continue to Chefchaouen. See more: Casablanca to Rabat and Chefchaouen.
Day 2: Chefchaouen to Fes via Volubilis and Meknes
Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes on the way to Fes. See more: Chefchaouen to Fes via Volubilis and Meknes.
Day 3: Fes
A full guided day in Fes el-Bali, the tanneries and the madrasas. See more: Fes.
Day 4: Fes to Merzouga
Cross the Middle Atlas and the Ziz Valley to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Camel ride at sunset and a night in a desert camp. See more: Fes to Merzouga.
Day 5: Merzouga to the Dades Valley
Sunrise in the dunes, then the Todra Gorges and the Dades Valley. See more: Merzouga to the Dades Valley.
Day 6: Dades Valley to Marrakech
Visit Ait Ben Haddou, cross the High Atlas and arrive in Marrakech. See more: Dades Valley to Marrakech.
Day 7: Marrakech
A guided day in the medina, the Koutoubia, the Bahia Palace and Jemaa el-Fnaa. See more: Marrakech.
Day 8: Marrakech: free morning and departure
Use your last hours for the souks, a hammam or a cooking class, then head to the airport. See more: Marrakech: free morning and departure.
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 and the mountains are cooler. |
| Autumn (September to November) | Warm days, cooler nights, another very good season. |
| Winter (December to February) | Mild days, cold nights, especially in the desert. Quiet season with fewer crowds. |
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.
8-day Morocco itinerary: frequently asked questions
Is 8 days enough for Morocco?
Yes. Eight days is a good length for a first trip to Morocco. You see the imperial cities, the Sahara and Marrakech without rushing every day.
What is the best 8-day Morocco itinerary?
A popular 8-day itinerary goes Casablanca, Rabat, Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Fes, Merzouga, the Dades Valley, Ait Ben Haddou and Marrakech. It avoids repeating the same road and includes a night in the Sahara.
Does the 8-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 8-day Morocco tour?
Distances in Morocco are long. We plan stops for lunch and rest, and we can add nights to slow down.
Is a private tour better than a group tour?
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. We only run private tours.
How much does a 8-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 8-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.
