10 days Morocco itinerary & Desert Tour

Overview

Prepare to be swept off your feet by Morocco’s magic! This Morocco itinerary 10 days will take you from imperial cities to the heart of the Sahara, all while you uncover Morocco’s treasures like never before! This grand tour begins with the cities of Marrakech and Essaouira, then takes you across the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Along the way, you’ll explore the historic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah and the cinematic city of Ouarzazate. Continue through the Skoura Oasis to visit the beautifully preserved Amridil Kasbah, before heading to the dramatic Dades Valley and the towering Todra Gorges. The journey then leads to the golden dunes of Merzouga in the Sahara Desert, where you’ll enjoy a camel ride, witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and spend a magical night in a desert camp. A 4×4 excursion will also let you explore the surrounding dunes and villages.From there, visit the traditional market of Rissani and the fossil-rich town of Erfoud. The tour continues north to Ifrane—known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” and the cedar forests inhabited by Barbary macaques.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1. 01

   Arrival to Marrakech

   The Morocco itinerary 10 days begins with your arrival in Marrakech, where you'll be picked up from the airport. After a brief introductory tour of the city, you'll be transferred to your accommodation. Enjoy an overnight stay in a traditional riad.

2. 02

   Marrakech → Essaouira

   After breakfast, we head west toward the coastal city of Essaouira. Along the way, we’ll stop to see the famous goats climbing Argan trees and enjoy some scenic viewpoints. Upon arrival in Essaouira — formerly known as Mogador we’ll explore its fishing port, historic ramparts lined with old cannons, and the charming old medina.

3. 03

   Essaouira → Marrakech

   After breakfast, we head back to Marrakech for a guided tour of the city's main highlights. As one of Morocco’s imperial cities, Marrakech is rich in history and culture. Our visit includes stops at the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the Ben Youssef Quranic School. We’ll also stroll through the largest traditional souk in the country. You’ll have free time for lunch near the lively Jemaa El-Fna square. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Koutoubia Mosque — the largest in Marrakech — followed by a walk through the beautiful Majorelle Garden. At the end of the day, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation. You’re welcome to explore Jemaa El-Fna square at your leisure in the evening.

4. 04

   Marrakech → High Atlas mountains → Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah → Ouarzazate

   We'll pick you up from your accommodation in Marrakech early in the morning and begin our journey through the stunning High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi-N-Tichka pass. Along the way, we’ll make several stops to take in the panoramic views of the dramatic landscapes. Our first visit is to the Telouet Kasbah. We then continue to the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most famous fortified villages. This historic site has served as a filming location for numerous movies such as Gladiator, Alexander, The Mummy, and the popular TV series Game of Thrones. After exploring Ait Ben Haddou, we head to Ouarzazate, known as “The Gateway to the Desert,” where we’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a hotel.

5. 05

   Ouarzazate → Skoura → Rose valley → Dades Gorges → Tinghir → Merzouga → Luxury camp

   After breakfast, we begin the day with a visit to the famous Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate, where numerous international films were shot. We also explore the historic Taourirt Kasbah before heading southeast to Skoura to visit the Amridil Kasbah, beautifully set among lush palm groves. Our journey continues through the Rose Valley, known for its annual Rose Festival held in May, where locals showcase a variety of rose-based products. We then drive along the scenic Dades Valley, stopping to admire the dramatic rock formations of the Dades Gorges. Next, we travel to the Todra Gorges, where the Todra River has carved a deep canyon through the red mountains — a stunning sight. You’ll have free time to enjoy lunch and explore the gorges at your own pace. In the afternoon, we arrive in the Sahara Desert near Merzouga. Here, you’ll switch to camels and ride across the golden dunes. We'll pause on a high dune to witness the magical desert sunset before continuing to your desert camp. In the evening, enjoy traditional Berber drum music around the campfire under a sky full of stars. Dinner and overnight at the camp.

6. 06

   Merzouga → Nomads → Merzouga lake → palm grove

   Waking up early is essential to witness the breathtaking sunrise in the heart of the desert, a truly unforgettable experience. After some free time for breakfast, you’ll ride camels back to Merzouga, where your driver will be waiting. Today is dedicated to exploring the fascinating Merzouga region, known for its stunning sand dunes, seasonal wild lake, mineral mines, fossil fields, and lush oases perfect for a variety of outdoor adventures. We begin our off-road journey with a visit to an old kohl (eyeliner) mine, followed by a stop to meet nomadic families living in traditional handwoven tents. You’ll get a glimpse into their way of life while enjoying a cup of Berber tea. Next, we head to Khamlia village, where you’ll experience the Gnaoua music and dance, performed by locals whose roots trace back to Mali, Sudan, and Niger. After free time for lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll take a peaceful walk through a grove of palm trees. We’ll then drive a short distance to visit the wild lake of Merzouga, also known as the Flamingos’ Lake.

7. 07

   Merzouga → Erfoud → Midelt → Ifrane → Fes

   After breakfast, we depart from the desert and head toward Rissani, the former capital of the Tafilalet region. Rissani remains an important trading hub, known for its bustling and authentic souk. After a short stroll through the market, we continue to Erfoud, where we’ll visit a workshop specializing in fossilized marble. Our journey then follows the scenic Ziz River, with a stop to take in a panoramic view of the lush valley. We break for lunch in the town of Midelt, before continuing on to the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains — home to the famous Barbary macaques. You’ll have the opportunity to walk among the trees and even feed the monkeys if you wish. Next, we visit Ifrane, known for its cool climate, snowy winters, and Swiss-inspired architecture — earning it the nickname “the Switzerland of Morocco.” Finally, we arrive in Fes, where you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation for the night.

8. 08

   Full day in Fes

   After breakfast, we pick you up from your accommodation in Fes to begin a full-day exploration of the city. Fes is one of Morocco’s imperial cities and is widely regarded as the cultural and spiritual heart of the country. We start by visiting the gates of the Royal Palace, followed by a guided tour of the well-preserved medieval Medina — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll enter through Bab Boujloud, the iconic Blue Gate, and explore the labyrinthine streets of the old Medina with a local guide. Highlights include the Bou Inania Madrasa, the historic Najjarine Fountain, the colorful tanneries, and the University of Al Quaraouiyine — recognized as the oldest existing university in the world. Afterwards, we head to the Jewish quarter, known as the Mellah, before driving to a nearby fortress for a panoramic view of the Medina and the city. The day concludes with your return to the riad.

9. 09

   Fes → Meknes → Volubilis ruins → Chefchaouen

   After breakfast, we depart for Meknes, known as the Ismaili capital and one of Morocco’s imperial cities. Our visit includes several key landmarks: Bab Al-Mansour, Sahrij Souani Basin, the Royal Stables, the Granary, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. You will have free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure. We then continue about 30 kilometers from Meknes to explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a remarkably well-preserved archaeological site recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site is renowned for its impressive mosaics, ancient columns, and monumental arches. After wandering through the ruins, we drive north via Ouazzane to reach Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains. Known as the Blue City, Chefchaouen is famous for its striking blue-painted streets and buildings. Overnight stay at a hotel.

10. 10

    Transfer to Tangier airport

    After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will have some free time to wander through the picturesque alleyways of the Blue City. We then drive through the Rif Mountains to Tangier airport. This marks the end of your Morocco itinerary 10 days.

Highlights

• Visit the Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and Jemaa El-Fna Square.
• Explore the coastal city's port and old medina.
• Camel ride across golden dunes and a night under the stars.
• Visit the picturesque Amridil Kasbah surrounded by palm groves.
• Walk through dramatic canyon landscapes and admire the river.
• Stroll through the blue-painted streets of this charming Rif Mountain town.

Frequently Asked Questions