16 Days in Morocco - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Grand Tour of Morocco: Cities, Desert & Mountains

This comprehensive grand tour of Morocco begins and ends in Casablanca and loops around the country. Get lost in the passageways of the "Blue City" of Chefchaouen, cross the desert dunes of Merzouga, see the ancient fortified village of Aït Benhaddou, experience the energy of bustling Marrakesh, and unwind on the beaches of Essaouira. Highlights include guided city tours, camel rides, a sunrise hot-air balloon adventure, food tours, and a traditional hammam experience. 

Your grand Moroccan adventure starts in the bustling city of Casablanca with a guided tour of the Hassan II Mosque. From there, you'll head to Rabat, Morocco's capital, to explore the medieval Chellah Necropolis and the Andalusian Gardens. In the picturesque "Blue City" of Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif mountains, you can take scenic hikes to nearby waterfalls and explore the city's blue-washed streets. Next, wander amid the historic ruined city of Volubilis en route to buzzing Fes, where you'll stroll along the winding streets of the world's oldest medina and marvel at the intricate tilework of the 14th-century school of Al Attarine Madrasa.

After two days, you're on your way to Merzouga for a camel ride through the Sahara to sleep under the stars (in a Bedouin-style tent). Then you'll have a night in Aït Benhaddou, where you'll get to tour its famous ksar (fortified village) before stopping in Marrakesh the next day to visit Jemaa el-Fna, a lively square. You'll have three nights to explore the UNESCO-designated Old Medina and its beautiful gardens and enjoy a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the city. Last, you'll visit an argan oil cooperative and a traditional hammam (bathhouse), go horseback riding, and take a cooking class in coastal Essaouira, ending your tour back in Casablanca. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Coastal Morocco Tour: From the Mediterranean to the Atlantic

This relaxed coastal tour focuses on seaside towns and beaches of Morocco's north from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, with inland stops to hit the larger must-see cities (Fes and Marrakesh). Perfect for travelers wanting a blend of leisure time and guided excursions, you'll explore the charming towns of Asilah and Chefchaouen, visit the ancient Roman site of Volubilis near Fes, and enjoy beaches, wine tasting, and later, a seaside stroll on the Atlantic coast in Essaouira.

From Casablanca, transfer to the coastal capital, Rabat, for a guided tour and an overnight. Day 2 sees you wandering the ramparts of the fortified town of Asilah, where the next day, you'll drive farther up the coast to Tangier, stopping first to check out the northernmost point in Africa at Cape Spartel and its famous lighthouse. The following day, see Tangier at your own pace and venture to the old kasbah (fortress) for sea views. Enjoy two days in Chefchaouen before heading north through the Laou River Gorge, lunching in the port town of El Jebha, and past the mountain coastline of Al Hoceima National Park for two of beach and fresh-caught fish at Al Hoceima.

Break up the southern drive to Fes on Day 9 with lunch in the cliffside medina of Taza. Then, you'll have four days to experience its UNESCO-designated medina, souks (markets), the 11th-century Chouara Tannery, and a relaxing soak in a hammam. There's even time for fun day trips to historic Volubilis and the Guerrouane region for a private tasting of Moroccan wines. Your final stop is Marrakesh, where, over three days, you'll take a cooking class, a day trip to the fishing village of laid-back Essaouira on the Atlantic coast, and conclude with an early morning hot-air balloon ride over Marrakesh. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Southern Morocco Adventure: Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains & Atlantic Ocean

Spend your time exploring the Sahara Desert, the Atlas mountains, and near the Atlantic on this fast-paced adventure through southern Morocco. This itinerary is perfect for travelers wanting a mix of cultural experiences and outdoor activities, with diverse landscapes that include the dunes of Erg Chebbi, the dusty and red-orange rocks of the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, and the palm-filled Draa Valley. Highlights include souvenir shopping in Rissani's Maison Tuareg for carpets, jewelry, and leather goods, a hike in Toubkal National Park and lunch with a Berber family, and guided insight into the fossils found near and around Zagora.

You'll start in Marrakesh with a traditional Moroccan dinner with locals and spot landmarks like the Koutoubia Mosque. Then, spend the next two days in Imlil village in the High Atlas mountains, where your guided trek in Toubkal National Park begins. Enjoy views of Mount Toubkal en route to the historic Ksar of Aït Benhaddou and a guided walk between Berber villages in the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. Spend two nights in Merzouga, stopping to explore Tinghir, a town along the river, Todra Gorge's red limestones, and the desert towns of Erfoud and Rissani. 

Next, you'll ride a camel to your camp in the Sahara and climb the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Here, you'll experience local life, sandboarding, and join a quad ATV tour. Afterward, head to the palm-filled Draa Valley and discover important fossils in Zagora. On Day 11, see the cinematic town of Ouarzazate and local Berber women weave carpets. Next, shop in Taroudant's lively souks or visit Agadir Tasguent, an easy hike to an old fortress. You'll hit the coast for two days in Essaouira, a prime destination for surfing, before ending the adventure with a return to Marrakesh for a food tour through the medina and a visit to Majorelle Gardens. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Morocco's History & Jewish Heritage Tour

History buffs and culture seekers will enjoy this 16-day circuit that hits the highlights and offers a deep dive into Morocco's history and Jewish heritage. Starting with Casablanca, visit Jewish religious sites and historic Jewish quarters (or mellahs) in Fes, Marakesh, and Essaouira. In addition to hitting Casablanca, Chefchaouan, Fes, Marrakesh, and Essaouira, you'll discover Jewish history in the mountain town of Sefrou, the dramatic landscape of the Setti Fatima region in the Ourika Valley, beautiful Ifrane National Park, and a holy pilgrimage site in Ouazzane.

In Casablanca, tour the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, originally a Jewish orphanage, and Temple Beth-El, a refurbished synagogue with an ornate interior and colorful windows. Before arriving in Chefchouen, you'll stop in Rabat and Ouazzane, a pilgrimage site and holy city for Moroccan Jews. Once in Fes, you'll join a guide to visit the medina's old Jewish mellah, followed by a day trip to the Jewish city of Sefrou to check out the impressive whitewashed cemetery, where two influential rabbis are buried. On Day 7, you'll head south to Azrou, a village in the High Atlas, first passing through "Little Switzerland" and the cedar trees of Ifrane National Park and Azrou.

After a camel ride and night in the desert, stop in Errachidia to visit the Lalla Mimouna natural spring, named after a Muslim saint celebrated by Moroccan Jews. Next, you'll get to wander Tinghir's old Jewish quarter after a film studio tour in Ouarzazate. You'll have three nights in Marrakesh with time to explore its mellah and enjoy a day trip to the Ourika Valley in the Atlas foothills. Here, you'll get to hike to waterfalls amid more lush surroundings. With two days in Essaouira, you'll see one of Morocco's best-preserved Jewish quarters and a Jewish culture center, the new Bayt Dakira. You'll then return to Casablanca, stopping in picturesque cities along the Atlantic coast. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Adventures in Spain & Morocco

Perfect for those seeking a blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and a touch of adventure, this far-reaching Spain and Morocco itinerary takes you from the cafés of Madrid's famous tapas culture to Marrakesh's lively medina. You'll explore the best of Spain and Morocco's beaches, ancient fortresses, and museums along the way. Spend time adventuring by walking the bridges of Caminito del Rey, taking a Segway tour in Madrid, hiking in Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, visiting waterfalls, and doing desert activities like camel riding and sandboarding in the Sahara. 

Your adventure begins in Madrid, Spain, where you'll savor local flavors on a tapas tour and admire the city's art scene at the Prado Museum. Start your next day with a sunrise hot-air balloon ride before delving into the city's history on a Segway tour. Then, lace up your shoes for a hike in Sierra de Guadarrama National Park and see the seaside city of Málaga. Here, you can lie out on the sand of Playa de La Malagueta and switch up the vibe with a visit to the Picasso Museum. On Day 5 (and your last day in Málaga), hike the walkways of Caminito del Rey with views of the gorge below and enjoy a sunset cruise along the Costa del Sol.

Next, the Moroccan portion of your trip commences with a ferry ride to Tangier to discover its small kasbah and 15th-century Portuguese fortifications. The following day, drive to Fes to tour the medina's mosque and university. Visit the town of Sefrou's Aggay Waterfalls on a day trip before heading to Midelt in the High Atlas. Afterward, ride a camel through the Sahara to your desert camp in Merzouga. Explore the massive dunes via Jeep and sandboarding in Erg Chebbi, and travel the Dadès Valley, home to the country's rose fields. Afterward, enjoy a guided tour of Le Jardin Secret and peruse a handicraft center in Marrakesh. Learn more

More Great Morocco Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Morocco? Check out these other Morocco itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.