8 Days in Morocco - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Grand Tour of Morocco 

Tour the gems of Morocco with this comprehensive trip plan, which takes you to the country's famed urban centers and medinas, as well as unique picturesque towns, and the iconic Sahara desert. 

You'll arrive in Casablanca, where you'll spend your first morning taking in the sights, including the impressive contemporary Hassan II Mosque, one of the few mosques in the country open to non-Muslims. Later, you'll head to Meknes, an imperial city whose Medina is easier to navigate than those in Fes or Marrakesh. See Morocco's history firsthand the next day at Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Roman ruins await. Then drive to Chefchaouen, the "Blue City" known for its vibrant azure architecture. Be sure to visit the 16th-century Grand Mosque and the Kasbah, which has terrific panoramas of the city from its rooftop. 

The next afternoon you'll reach Fes, Morocco's oldest Imperial City. Start your exploration in Fes el Bali ("Old Fes"), where you can peruse the market stalls and view the Tanneries Chouara, where tanners treat and dye leather using the same techniques they have for centuries. 

On Day 5, you'll trade city streets for desert dunes when you travel over the Middle Atlas mountains toward the sand sea of Erg Chebbi, where dunes change depending on the time of day. You can take a camel ride near Merzouga to a Bedouin camp, where you'll dine under the stars, entertained by local musicians. The next morning you can surf the sand dunes, then travel along the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs en route to Ouarzazate in the Dadès Valley. 

Then, it's off to Aït Benhaddou, Morocco's most famous kasbah; explore the site and stop to take in sweeping mountain vistas as you continue on your drive. Once you make your way through Tizi n'Tichka Pass, you'll stop at an oil collective in Taddert to learn how olives are processed and pressed. End your day in the buzz of Marrakesh; in the evening, Jemaa el-Fna, the main square, comes alive with food stalls, performers, and live music. Depending on your departure flight time in the morning, you can dive into Marrakesh's medina and cultural highlights or relax with a sweet and one last mint tea as you wind down your trip. This article has some great spots to consider visiting. Learn more

Itinerary #2:  Moroccan Cities - Casablanca, Fes, Marrakesh

This trip plan takes you through Morocco's iconic cities. You'll see the world's tallest minaret in Casablanca, visit the nation's capital, see ancient ruins and imperial enclaves, and lose yourself in the buzz Fes and Marrakesh. 

Start your trip with two stellar cities: you'll land in Casablanca, where you'll have some time to see highlights like the towering Hassan II Mosque, a contemporary site that can house over 100,000 worshipers. Your next stop is Rabat, the modern-day capital with imperial roots. On Day 2, you'll travel to the Blue City of Chefchaouen, a mesmerizing town known for the gorgeous palette of its medina's architecture. You'll be welcomed by friendly locals, a tiny, laid-back medina, a fascinating kasbah, and a bevy of elevated sites (like the Spanish Mosque) where you can watch the sun dip behind the mountains beyond. 

The next day you'll tour three unique imperial cities, starting first with Meknes; you'll find gorgeous sights in the Ville Impériale, including the spectacular Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Your next stop is Volubilis, home to Roman ruins; this well-preserved city marked the furthest reach of the ancient Roman empire. You'll end your day in Fes, the oldest of Morocco's imperial cities and its best-preserved (thanks to the absence of colonial influence here). 

Dive into the medina here on Day 4 with the help of an expert guide; learn about the different neighborhoods, their histories, the marketplaces, and the Jewish community. You'll dig deeper the following day with a visit to the Batha Museum, which features mosaic tilework, carved wood, and a fantastic collection of local pottery. 

From Fes, you’ll travel west toward Marrakesh. Once you arrive in the "Red City," named for its rust-colored sandstone architecture, venture out to Jemaa el-Fna as evening settles and food vendors, snake charmers, and acrobats populate the bustling square. In the morning, you’ll visit the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque, the souks, and the exquisite Ben Youssef Madrasa, whose 16th-century architecture and mosaics are not to be missed.

Return to Casablanca, where you may have time to do some last-minute sightseeing before you head off to the airport for your departure flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Southern Morocco Luxury Tour 

If you're looking for a swoon-worthy trip plan full of luxury and glamor, consider this itinerary, which includes glamping in the desert, exploring a kasbah on an ATV, taking a gourmet cooking class, and floating over Morocco in a hot air balloon!

Your luxury tour of Morocco's stunning south begins in Marrakesh: you'll have plenty of time at the end of your trip to see the sites here, but first, the desert awaits. After you arrive at the airport, you'll be whisked off to Aït Benhaddou, a famous desert citadel (that Game of Thrones fans might recognize). Take a guided tour of this UNESCO Heritage fortress, then unwind at your gorgeous hotel. In the morning, you'll head back to the kasbah: this time on an ATV tour! Then it's off to Ouarzazate, a nearby town where you can tour a movie studio and a film museum as you snap pictures of the iconic desert backdrop from "Laurence of Arabia."

Inspired by glamorous Hollywood epics, you'll travel to the Sahara and will trek across the scenic sand dunes on a camel to reach tonight's destination: a luxurious glamping tent in the desert. Tuck into delicious cuisine al fresco as local musicians entertain you by the fire and the stars above sparkle. Watch the sunrise over the sandy expanse in the morning, then surf the dunes or enjoy some quiet out in nature. After, you’ll travel through the countryside, stopping for lunch in a charming Berber village before making your way to Marrakesh for the night.  

Enjoy breakfast this morning from the comfort of your luxury riad here in the "Red City," then meet your private expert guide for a full day of exploration in this storied, gorgeous town. See the iconic Koutoubia Mosque and its unmissable gardens, visit centuries-old palaces, and the Mellah (former Jewish quarter). Enjoy a leisurely, scenic lunch overlooking the spice markets, then do some retail therapy in Marrakesh's bustling souks before watching Djema El Fna Square come to life in the evening. 

The next day, you'll wander the verdant grounds of the striking Majorelle Gardens, followed by a visit to the Yves Saint-Laurent Museum, featuring works by the iconic fashion designer. Do some shopping in the upscale 33 Majorelle, then roll up your sleeves for a private cooking class, where you'll learn how to master a classic Moroccan feast. In the morning, take to the skies on an epic hot air balloon ride over the villages and palm oases beyond the city, then visit an Argan oil cooperative and lunch at a winery in Val D'Argan on your way to the coast. 

You’ll arrive in Essaouira, a gorgeous laid-back town on the Atlantic, in time to watch the sunset over the water. Then check in to your luxury accommodations and relax over dinner. In the morning, you'll explore the city with the help of a local guide; the souks and medina here, while small, are much more easy-going and approachable than others in Morocco, so consider some retail therapy in the afternoon before enjoying a dinner of spectacularly fresh seafood. After breakfast the next day, you'll head back to Casablanca's airport for your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Tangier, Marrakesh, and the Sahara Desert

This trip plan is perfect for the culture-loving traveler interested in exploring Morocco from north to south; you'll journey from Tangiers to Marrakesh, stopping to learn about history, art, architecture, and the Sahara along the way. 

This unique itinerary begins in Tangier, the gateway between Europe and Africa. Take some time here to wander Zoco Chico square, then head to the photogenic "Blue City" of Chefchaouen where you'll spend the night. The next morning, you'll visit three beloved cities: Volubilis is home to well-preserved Roman ruins; Meknes is a historical imperial city with a cluster of fascinating sites; and finally, Fes boasts medieval streets that avoided colonial influence. 

From Fes, you'll head south, driving through cedar forests and mountain villages to Merzouga, gateway to the Sahara. Climb aboard your camel to travel to your camp in the desert; you’ll enjoy traditional Bedouin hospitality with a great meal and music before you retire to your tent for the night.

The next day, explore Todra Gorge and take a dip in its cool waters, then drive through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs until you reach today's cinematic destination: Ouarzazate. This town on the edge of the Sahara plays a starring role in a number of Hollywood movies and tv shows; tour one of the movie studios here or visit the great cinema museum. Aït Benhaddou is next, Morocco’s most famous kasbah, where you'll find mud-brick structures dating back to the 11th century. You'll end the day in Marrakesh, where you can dive into the vibrancy of Jemaa el-Fna Square or relax at your hotel before heading out to one of the city's stellar eateries. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Marrakesh, High Atlas Hiking & Essaouira

Trek around Morocco in this unique trip plan that takes you in and around Marrakesh. You'll trek through Berber villages in the Atlas mountains, learn how to cook regional specialties, and relax on the Atlantic Coast.

Your adventure begins with two days in Marrakesh, Morocco's “Red City,” named for its ochre-hued sandstone buildings. There's much to explore here, so consider using a guide for a full or half-day tour of the city's must-sees. At night, return to Jemaa el Fna Square to see snake charmers, acrobats, and musicians entertain while street vendors cook up local fare.

After breakfast on Day 3, you'll head to the High Atlas Mountains for a village-to-village hike; you'll share the road with farmers, shepherds, mules, and goats. Stop to have lunch with a Berber family in Amizmiz, then after some more hiking in the afternoon, you'll head to the home of some local villagers for dinner and an evening of conversation.

On Day 4, you'll reach Imi N'Tala, where your host for the evening will teach you about local life and guide you around her village; you’ll return to her home for a cooking workshop, and will learn how to make Morocco’s famed tagine. Spend one more night in the mountains before returning to Marrakesh. 

Make your way to Essaouira, a city on the Atlantic Ocean that boasts a laidback vibe and fantastic seafood. The Old Medina, Jewish Quarter, centuries-old ramparts, and harbor offer fascinating sightseeing. In the morning, you’ll head back toward Marrakesh, stopping en route at an Argan oil collective. Use the rest of your day in Marrakesh to do any last-minute sightseeing and shopping, or explore the lively modern art scene in the Ville Nouvelle neighborhood.

Enjoy one final meal here, in Morroco's epicurean capital, then sip some mint tea as you watch the rhythm of Jemaa el-Fna Square in the evening. The next morning, you'll head to the airport for your flight home or onto your next adventure. Learn more

More Great 8-Day Morocco Itineraries

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