Ultimate 10 Day Morocco Travel Itinerary for
First Time Visitors
Planning your first trip to Morocco can feel overwhelming. The country is rich in culture, landscapes, food, and history so choosing what to see in just 10 days becomes a real challenge. This itinerary solves that for you. It’s crafted specifically for first time travelers who want a smooth, balanced, and unforgettable Moroccan adventure covering Marrakech, the Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains, imperial cities, blue towns, and coastal beauty.
Below is a complete day by day guide, including top sights, travel tips, cultural insights, recommended experiences, and ways to make your journey more meaningful.
Why This 10 Day Morocco Itinerary Works
Many visitors make the mistake of trying to see everything at once. This itinerary avoids rushed travel and focuses on the perfect mix of:
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Cities (Marrakech, Fes, Chefchaouen, Casablanca)
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Nature (Atlas Mountains, valleys, gorges)
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Adventure (Sahara Desert camel trek and desert camp)
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Culture (medinas, souks, crafts, food, local life)
It offers a smooth loop across Morocco while minimizing long travel days and maximizing your time for exploration.
Quick Summary of the 10 Day Route
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Day 1-2: Marrakech
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Day 3: Atlas Mountains → Ouarzazate
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Day 4-5: Sahara Desert (Merzouga)
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Day 6: Tinghir → Dades Valley → Ait Benhaddou
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Day 7-8: Fes
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Day 9: Chefchaouen
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Day 10: Casablanca or Tangier (Departure)
Day 1 / Welcome to Marrakech
Your Moroccan journey begins in Marrakech the city that captures the country’s soul. The moment you arrive, the atmosphere hits you: warm colors, the scent of spices, the energy of the medina, and the sound of the call to prayer echoing across ancient rooftops.
Top Things to Do on Your First Day
1. Explore Jemaa el Fnaa
The main square is a world of its own. Expect storytellers, musicians, fresh juice stalls, and traditional food vendors.
2. Wander the Souks
Lose yourself in labyrinths filled with lanterns, carpets, ceramics, spices, and leatherwork. Getting lost is part of the experience.
3. Sunset on a Rooftop Café
End your day with Moroccan mint tea overlooking the bustling square while the skies turn gold.
*Exploring Marrakech with a certified local guide helps you avoid tourist traps and discover hidden markets, rooftop views, and artisan workshops that most travelers miss.
↪Book your Marrakech Guided Tour here↩
Day 2 / Gardens, Palaces and Hidden Corners of Marrakech
Today you dive deeper into the city’s history and artistry.
1. Majorelle Garden
A botanical masterpiece owned by Yves Saint Laurent, where cobalt blue walls and exotic plants create a peaceful escape.
2. Bahia Palace
A stunning 19th century palace filled with carved cedar ceilings, mosaics, and ornate courtyards.
3. Koutoubia Mosque
Admire the iconic minaret at sunset one of Marrakech’s most recognizable symbols.
4. Traditional Hammam Experience
Relax with steam rituals, black soap scrubs, and warm marble floors a restorative Moroccan tradition.
*Evening Tip
Dine at a rooftop riad for a peaceful break from the medina’s bustle.
*Exploring Marrakech with a certified local guide helps you avoid tourist traps and discover hidden markets, rooftop views, and artisan workshops that most travelers miss.
↪Book your Marrakech Guided Tour here↩
Day 3 / Into the Atlas Mountains
Leaving Marrakech behind, the scenery changes dramatically. The road winds through valleys, waterfalls, orchards, and Berber villages.
Top Stops
• Ourika Valley
Green landscapes, flowing rivers, and easy hikes.
• Imlil
The gateway to Mount Toubkal, with breathtaking mountain views and authentic Berber charm.
• Berber Village Experience
Sip mint tea with a local family and learn about life in the High Atlas.
*Where to Stay
Spend the night in the mountains or continue toward Ouarzazate (“the Hollywood of Africa”).
*For travelers looking to explore Berber villages, waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain scenery, this Atlas Mountains day trip is an unforgettable addition to any Morocco itinerary.
↪Reserve your Atlas Mountains Day Trip here↩
Day 4 / Road to the Sahara Desert
The desert journey begins. As you travel east, the landscapes turn cinematic.
*Ouarzazate
Home to famous film studios and ancient kasbahs.
*Skoura Oasis
Palm groves and adobe buildings surrounded by desert scenery.
*Boumalne Dades
A dramatic region with red cliffs and winding roads.
*Arrival in Merzouga
By evening, you arrive at the gateway to the Sahara Desert.
If you want to experience the Sahara Desert exactly like travelers describe it camel trekking, luxury tents, starlit skies, and Berber drumming this 3/day tour from Marrakech is the top rated option. Transportation, dinner, and camping are all included.
⇉ "Book your Sahara Desert Tour here"⇇
Day 5 / Sahara Desert: The Highlight of Every Morocco Trip
Today is the moment most travelers dream of.
1. Camel Trek into Erg Chebbi
Golden dunes rise like mountains, creating the perfect backdrop for photographs.
2. Sunset in the Desert
Watch the sun drop behind the dunes in a spectacular burst of color.
3. Night in a Desert Camp
Enjoy:
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Traditional music
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A Berber dinner
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Stargazing without city lights
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Sandboarding (optional)
It’s a soul touching experience that many visitors call the best part of their Morocco trip.
If you want to experience the Sahara Desert exactly like travelers describe it camel trekking, luxury tents, starlit skies, and Berber drumming this 3/day tour from Marrakech is the top rated option. Transportation, dinner, and camping are all included.
⇉ "Book your Sahara Desert Tour here"⇇
Day 6 / Ait Benhaddou and Dades Valley
Leaving the desert, you pass through some of Morocco’s most iconic landscapes.
Tinghir and Todra Gorge
Towering cliffs, palm filled valleys, and river paths.
Dades Valley
Known for its winding roads and dramatic rock formations.
Ait Benhaddou
A UNESCO kasbah village that looks frozen in time. Many films were shot here (Gladiator, Game of Thrones, etc.)
Overnight
Stay in Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, or continue toward Fes.
Day 7 / Arrival in Fes
Fes is Morocco’s spiritual and intellectual center.
1. Fes el Bali
The world’s largest car free urban area a maze of artisans, workshops, food stalls, and historic sites.
2. Al Quaraouiyine University
The oldest continually operating university in the world.
3. Chouara Tanneries
A colorful but pungent sight where leather is dyed using ancient techniques.
4. Medieval Architecture
Madrassas, mosques, spice souks, and traditional homes.
*Read More About ↛ "Must Do Experiences in Morocco"
Day 8 / More of Fes
Dive deeper into the city:
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Pottery workshops
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Metalwork studios
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Traditional markets
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Home cooked meals in family run riads
Fes is intense, authentic, and deeply cultural.
Day 9 / Chefchaouen: Morocco’s Blue Heaven
From Fes, head north to the famous blue city.
*Why Travelers Love Chefchaouen
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Peaceful atmosphere
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Blue-painted walls everywhere
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Beautiful mountain views
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Gentle pace of life
*Top Experiences
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Wandering the medina
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Shopping for handicrafts
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Watching the sunset from the Spanish Mosque
It’s one of the most photogenic places in Morocco.
*If you're short on time but don’t want to miss Morocco’s Blue Pearl, this day trip to Chefchaouen is comfortable, scenic, and highly recommended.
↦Book your Chefchaouen Day Trip here↤
Day 10 / Casablanca or Tangier (Departure)
Depending on your flight:
*Casablanca
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Visit the Hassan II Mosque (a masterpiece)
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Walk the Corniche
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Enjoy a final Moroccan meal
*Tangier
A coastal city with cafés, ocean views, and Mediterranean vibes.
Your Moroccan adventure ends here but the memories stay forever.
Estimated Budget for a 10 Day Morocco Trip
*Accommodation:
$30/$80 per night (mid range)
*Food:
$10/$25 per day
*Transport:
$150/$300 (trains + buses + desert tour)
*Desert Tour (3 days):
$90/$150
*Entrance fees & activities:
$30/$80
Total estimated budget: $700/$1,200
What to Pack
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Lightweight clothes for the day
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Warm layers for desert nights
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Comfortable shoes
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Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
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Power bank and charging cables
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Scarf for sand protection
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Reusable water bottle
Essential Travel Tips
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Morocco’s weather varies dramatically pack layers.
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Buy a local SIM card for cheap internet.
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In medinas, follow the signs or hire a guide.
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Always confirm taxi fares before riding.
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Book trusted desert operators.
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Avoid eating in empty restaurants.
Final Thoughts
A 10 day trip in Morocco is enough to experience the country’s heart its culture, landscapes, traditions, and warm hospitality. Each city brings a new rhythm, from Marrakech’s buzz to the Sahara’s silence, and each moment becomes a story you’ll carry home.
This itinerary isn’t just a guide it’s a journey built to inspire, relax, and amaze you at every step.
*Want to make your Morocco trip smoother and stress free? Here’s a curated list of the best rated tours across the country from desert adventures and city tours to food experiences and cultural trips. Every activity is reviewed by real travelers.
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