The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Morocco Itinerary: 7 to 21 Days of Adventure

![Morocco landscape with ancient city and mountains]

Introduction

The sun sets behind the ancient walls of Ait Benhaddou, casting a golden glow across the desert landscape. A cup of mint tea steams in your hand as the call to prayer echoes through narrow medina streets. This is Morocco—a sensory feast where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with natural wonders.

Planning the perfect Morocco itinerary can seem overwhelming with so many incredible experiences on offer. From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the serene blue streets of Chefchaouen, from camel treks across Saharan dunes to the majestic Atlas Mountains—Morocco offers a diversity of experiences that few destinations can match.

This comprehensive guide will help you craft your ideal Morocco itinerary, whether you have 7 days for a quick taste of this North African gem or three weeks to explore its many treasures. We’ll cover everything you need to know before you go, detailed day-by-day plans, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Planning Your Morocco Trip (Before You Go)

Best Time to Visit

Morocco experiences distinct seasons with varying conditions across its diverse regions:

Season	Months	Weather	Crowds	Benefits
Spring	Mar-May	15-25°C, occasional rain	Moderate	Comfortable temperatures, blooming landscapes
Summer	Jun-Aug	25-40°C, hot and dry	High	Perfect for coastal areas, summer festivals
Fall	Sep-Nov	15-30°C, mild	Moderate	Pleasant weather, harvest season
Winter	Dec-Feb	5-20°C, cold in mountains	Low (except holidays)	Snow in Atlas, fewer tourists, lower prices

Festival Highlights:

• Almond Blossom Festival (February, Tafraoute)
• Fes Festival of World Sacred Music (June)
• Imilchil Marriage Festival (September)
• Erfoud Date Festival (October)

For the most balanced experience, plan your Morocco itinerary during spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) when temperatures are pleasant throughout the country.

Visas and Entry Requirements

Many visitors (including those from the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia) can enter Morocco without a visa for stays up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date.

Pro Tip: Always check the latest entry requirements on the Moroccan Consulate website before planning your Morocco itinerary, as requirements can change.

Currency and Budgeting

The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the official currency. As of 2025, 1 USD ≈ 10 MAD.

Daily Budget Guidelines:

• Budget: 300-500 MAD ($30-50) per day
• Mid-range: 500-1000 MAD ($50-100) per day
• Luxury: 1000+ MAD ($100+) per day

Money-saving tips:

• Withdraw cash from ATMs rather than exchanging at hotels
• Bargain at souks (aim for 50-70% of the initial price)
• Use collective taxis and public transport
• Eat where locals eat (look for busy restaurants)

What to Pack

• Clothing: Lightweight, breathable fabrics; long pants/skirts; shirts covering shoulders; light jacket for evenings
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes, sandals
• Accessories: Scarf (for women to cover hair when visiting religious sites), sunglasses, hat
• Toiletries: Sunscreen, hand sanitizer, wet wipes
• Technology: Universal adapter, portable charger
• Medicines: Personal medications, basic first aid

Cultural Note: Pack modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, especially for women. This shows respect for local customs and helps avoid unwanted attention.

Getting Around Morocco

Transportation	Pros	Cons	Cost
Trains	Comfortable, reliable between major cities	Limited network	80-300 MAD depending on class and distance
CTM/Supratours Buses	Extensive network, air-conditioned	Can be crowded	50-150 MAD for long distances
Grand Taxis	Reach small towns, flexible	Often crowded, need to negotiate	20-300 MAD depending on distance
Rental Car	Freedom to explore	Chaotic driving conditions	250-500 MAD per day
Private Driver	Convenience, local knowledge	Expensive	800-1500 MAD per day

Booking Information:

• Train tickets: ONCF
• CTM buses: CTM
• Supratours buses: Supratours

Culture and Etiquette

• Greetings: Handshakes are common. “As-salaam alaikum” (peace be upon you) is a respectful greeting.
• Religion: Morocco is predominantly Muslim. Respect prayer times and dress modestly.
• Photography: Always ask before photographing people.
• Tipping: 10% at restaurants; small amounts for service providers.
• Ramadan: If visiting during Ramadan, be respectful by not eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.

Safety and Health

Morocco is generally safe for tourists, but take standard precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid isolated areas at night
• Use official guides
• Drink bottled water
• Consider travel insurance with medical coverage

Recommended Vaccinations:

• Routine vaccines (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, etc.)
• Hepatitis A and B
• Typhoid

Language

Arabic and Berber are official languages, but French is widely spoken in tourist areas. English is increasingly common in major cities and tourist destinations.

Useful Arabic Phrases:

• “Shukran” – Thank you
• “La shukran” – No, thank you
• “Sabah al-khair” – Good morning
• “Massa al-khair” – Good evening
• “Kam?” – How much?

Morocco Itineraries (Detailed Day-by-Day Plans)

7-Day Morocco Itinerary: Highlights Tour

Perfect for first-time visitors, this Morocco itinerary focuses on must-see destinations.

Day 1: Marrakech Arrival

• Arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport
• Check into your riad in the medina
• Evening visit to Djemaa el-Fna square
• Dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the square

Day 2: Marrakech Exploration

• Morning: Visit Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs
• Lunch at Nomad restaurant
• Afternoon: Explore the souks and Koutoubia Mosque
• Evening: Traditional hammam experience

Day 3: Marrakech to Sahara Desert

• Early departure for the Sahara (long drive)
• Stop at Ait Benhaddou UNESCO site
• Cross the Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka pass
• Arrive in Merzouga for overnight desert camp

Day 4: Sahara Desert Experience

• Sunrise camel trek
• Return to Merzouga for breakfast
• Drive to Dades Gorge with stops in Todra Gorge
• Overnight in Dades Valley

Day 5: Dades to Fes

• Full day traveling to Fes
• Scenic drive through Middle Atlas mountains
• Stop in cedar forests near Azrou (watch for Barbary macaques)
• Evening arrival in Fes

Day 6: Fes Exploration

• Full day tour of Fes el Bali (ancient medina)
• Visit the famous tanneries, Al-Qarawiyyin University
• Lunch at traditional restaurant in the medina
• Artisan workshops: pottery, woodwork, textiles

Day 7: Fes and Departure

• Morning: Visit Bou Inania Madrasa and Royal Palace
• Depart from Fes-Saïs Airport

Accommodations:

• Marrakech: Riad Yasmine ($80-150) or Riad BE ($50-80)
• Desert: Luxury Desert Camp ($120-200) or Auberge Cafe du Sud ($60-100)
• Dades: Kasbah Panorama ($70-120)
• Fes: Riad Rcif ($80-150) or Dar Hafsa ($60-100)

Transportation: Private tour or driver recommended for this fast-paced Morocco itinerary ($100-150 per day)

Estimated Daily Cost: 800-1500 MAD ($80-150) per person per day

10-Day Morocco Itinerary: Balanced Experience

This extended Morocco itinerary adds the blue city of Chefchaouen and coastal Essaouira.

Days 1-2: Marrakech (same as 7-day itinerary)

Day 3: Marrakech to Essaouira

• Morning departure to Essaouira (2.5 hours)
• Visit argan oil cooperatives en route
• Afternoon: Explore the medina and port
• Sunset walk along the ramparts
• Fresh seafood dinner

Day 4: Essaouira

• Morning: Beach time or water sports
• Lunch at the fish market stalls
• Afternoon: Art galleries and shopping
• Evening: Music performance (Essaouira is known for Gnawa music)

Day 5-8: Desert Circuit (similar to days 3-5 in 7-day itinerary, but with additional time in each location)

Day 9-10: Fes (same as days 6-7 in 7-day itinerary)

Additional Accommodation:

• Essaouira: Riad Chbanate ($80-140) or Dar Adul ($60-100)

Estimated Daily Cost: 700-1400 MAD ($70-140) per person per day

14-Day Morocco Itinerary: In-Depth Discovery

This comprehensive Morocco itinerary adds the imperial city of Meknes, the Roman ruins at Volubilis, and the blue city of Chefchaouen.

Days 1-4: Follow the 10-day itinerary

Day 5: Essaouira to Atlas Mountains

• Morning departure to the High Atlas
• Lunch in a Berber village
• Afternoon hiking (2-3 hours)
• Traditional dinner and overnight in mountain lodge

Days 6-9: Desert Circuit (as in 10-day itinerary)

Day 10: Fes

• Full day exploring Fes el Bali
• Evening food tour

Day 11: Fes to Chefchaouen

• Day trip to Meknes and Volubilis
• Explore Roman ruins and imperial city
• Evening arrival in Chefchaouen

Days 12-13: Chefchaouen

• Explore the blue medina
• Hike to the Spanish Mosque for sunset
• Day trip to Akchour Waterfalls

Day 14: Return to Tangier or Casablanca for Departure

Additional Accommodations:

• Atlas Mountains: Kasbah du Toubkal ($150-250) or Dar Imlil ($70-120)
• Chefchaouen: Lina Ryad ($80-150) or Dar Echchaouen ($60-100)

Estimated Daily Cost: 700-1400 MAD ($70-140) per person per day

21-Day Morocco Itinerary: Complete Experience

For those with three weeks, this comprehensive Morocco itinerary adds coastal cities, more desert exploration, and deeper cultural experiences.

Days 1-14: Follow the 14-day itinerary

Days 15-16: Atlantic Coast

• Visit Asilah, a whitewashed coastal town
• Explore Rabat, Morocco’s capital
• Visit Hassan Tower and Kasbah des Oudaias

Days 17-18: Casablanca and Surroundings

• Visit Hassan II Mosque
• Art deco architecture tour
• Day trip to El Jadida (Portuguese cistern)

Days 19-21: Return to Marrakech

• Relax at a luxury resort
• Day trips to Ourika Valley or Ouzoud Falls
• Final shopping and hammam experience

Estimated Daily Cost: 600-1200 MAD ($60-120) per person per day as you’ll be moving at a more relaxed pace

Things to Do in Morocco

Marrakech Highlights

• Djemaa el-Fna Square: The heart of Marrakech transforms from a daytime market to an evening carnival of storytellers, musicians, and food stalls.
• Bahia Palace: Intricate 19th-century palace showcasing Moroccan craftsmanship.
• Majorelle Garden: Stunning botanical garden once owned by Yves Saint Laurent.
• Koutoubia Mosque: The city’s most prominent landmark (non-Muslims cannot enter but can admire from outside).
• Medina Shopping: Navigate the labyrinthine souks for everything from spices to handcrafted lamps.
• Museums: Yves Saint Laurent Museum, Photography Museum, Museum of Marrakech.

Fes Must-Sees

• Fes el Bali: The world’s largest car-free urban area and UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Chouara Tanneries: Ancient leather-making process visible from surrounding shops.
• Al-Attarine Madrasa: 14th-century Islamic school with stunning mosaics.
• Bou Inania Madrasa: One of few religious sites open to non-Muslims.
• Al-Qarawiyyin: World’s oldest continuously operating university.

Sahara Desert Experiences

• Camel Trekking: Classic sunset or sunrise rides into the dunes.
• Overnight Camping: Sleep under stars in Berber-style tents.
• Sandboarding: Surf the dunes on a rented board.
• 4×4 Desert Tours: Faster-paced desert exploration.
• Stargazing: The desert’s lack of light pollution offers incredible nighttime views.

Coastal Delights

• Essaouira: Windy city perfect for water sports, art galleries, and fresh seafood.
• Agadir: Modern resort city with wide beaches and seaside promenade.
• Asilah: Whitewashed town with Portuguese influences and an annual arts festival.

Food & Drink in Morocco

Must-Try Dishes

• Tagine: Slow-cooked stew named after the conical clay pot it’s cooked in. Try lamb with prunes or chicken with preserved lemon.
• Couscous: Traditionally served on Fridays, topped with vegetables and meat.
• Pastilla: Sweet-savory pie with layers of thin pastry, typically filled with pigeon or chicken, almonds, and spices.
• Harira: Hearty soup of tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and meat, especially popular during Ramadan.
• Moroccan Mint Tea: The national drink, sweet mint tea poured from height to create a frothy top.

Dining Experiences

• Street Food: Try msemen (flatbread), sfenj (donuts), or b’ssara (bean soup) from street vendors.
• Riads: Many traditional guesthouses offer home-cooked meals.
• Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare authentic dishes in Marrakech, Fes, or Essaouira.
• Food Tours: Guided tastings of local specialties.

Tips for Responsible Travel in Morocco

• Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites
• Ask permission before photographing people
• Learn basic Arabic or French phrases
• Support women’s cooperatives and fair-trade artisans
• Conserve water, a precious resource in Morocco
• Use reusable water bottles with purification methods
• Bargain fairly—vendor livelihoods depend on fair prices

Conclusion

From the vibrant souks of Marrakech to the tranquil dunes of the Sahara, from ancient medinas to majestic mountains, a well-planned Morocco itinerary promises unforgettable experiences at every turn. Whether you have 7 days or 3 weeks to explore, Morocco rewards travelers with rich cultural encounters, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality.

The perfect Morocco itinerary balances must-see highlights with off-the-beaten-path discoveries, allowing time for both adventure and relaxation. Consider your interests, travel style, and the season when planning, and don’t be afraid to adjust your plans to embrace serendipitous moments.

Ready to experience the magic of Morocco? Download our free Morocco itinerary planner to start organizing your dream trip today!