There are few places that evoke the same exotic imagery and sense of adventure as the nation of Morocco. A tantalising blend of Middle Eastern, Spanish and African influences meld together to form a culture as unique as the landscape it inhabits.
Everywhere you go you are greeted by almost fantastical scenes; ancient mud fortresses, towering snow-capped mountains rising from the barren desert, cities painted completely in blue and bustling outdoor markets filled with snake charmers, colourful spices and magical lamps to name just a few.
The hardest part of visiting Morocco is trying to fit in as much as possible with limited time. There is truly so much to see here it would take months to do it all, but if you only have a limited time then consider this 10 day Morocco itinerary which takes in some of the top highlights whilst being easy on the budget!
Colourful scenes in the markets of Marrakech
Table of Contents
The Ultimate 10 Day Morocco Itinerary
This 10 day Morocco itinerary will start by taking you from the ancient city of Fes, up into the verdant northern Rif Mountains to the beautiful blue city of Chefchaouen. From here it’s a transit through Tangier to get the fast train on to Marrakech to sample the famous markets and bustling medina.
The highlight for us was then crossing the Atlas Mountains in a rental car to visit the majestic fortress of Ait-Ben-Haddou and onwards into the desert to witness the mind-blowing grandeur of the Todra Gorge.
To end the trip, you can fly out of Ouarzazate or head back to Marrakech. This last part can also be done by taking a multi-day desert tour from Marrakech if you aren’t comfortable driving yourself.
Get lost in the maze of alleys in Chefchaouen
10 Day Morocco Itinerary Overview
- Fes
- Chefchaouen
- Tangier
- Marrakech
- Ait-Ben-Haddou
- Todra Gorge
- Ouarzazate
Colourful spices in the markets of Marrakech
Recommended Stops
➤Arrive in Fes
Nights One & Two – Fes
Day One – Spend the day exploring Fes and seeing all of the highlights
Day Two – Depart Fes + take the bus to Chefchaouen
Nights Three & Four – Chefchaouen
Day Three – Spend the day sightseeing in Chefchaouen – the blue city
Day Four – Depart Chefchaouen + take the bus to Tangier + spend afternoon/evening seeing some of Tangier’s sights
Night Five – Tangier
Day Five – Depart Tangier + take the train to Marrakech
Sunrise at the desert village of Ait Ben Haddou
Night Six & Seven – Marrakech
Day Six – Full day of sightseeing in Marrakech
Day Seven – Depart Marrakech + drive to Ait-Ben-Haddou (or opt to take a guided desert tour from Marrakech)
Nights Eight & Nine – Ait-Ben-Haddou
Day Eight – Visit the ancient village of Ait-Ben-Haddou
Day Nine – Depart Ait-Ben-Haddou + drive to Todra Gorge
Night Ten & Eleven – Todra Gorge
Day Ten – Full day of sightseeing in Todra Gorge + relaxing poolside
➤End of 10 Day Morocco Itinerary – Drive to Ourzazate + fly home or extend trip
10 Day Morocco Itinerary Highlights
- Ancient tanneries and winding alleyways of Fes
- A blue city sat amidst steep green valleys
- Exploring exotic markets and taking in the fascinating street scenes
- Crossing the imposing atlas mountains
- A magical desert fortress and rivers of palm trees flowing through the majestic canyons
Chefchaouen, the most photogenic town in Morocco!
Best Time to Visit Morocco
Morocco can get scorching hot in summer so it may be best to avoid travel in this season. The bumper seasons are best with Autumn and Spring being most commonly recommended. We decided to travel to Morocco in May, the weather was perfect and comfortable for the duration of our trip.
Autumn is from September to October and has sunny weather and little rain. Spring is from April to May and also sunny with a chance of small amounts of rain. You can also still travel in winter as it is mostly sunny with very little rain however it can get cold in the desert and the mountains.
The Best Travel Insurance for Morocco
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How to Plan The Perfect 10 Day Morocco Itinerary
Gorgeous details of the Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech
Fes
We flew into Fes and spent the first two nights here to get accustomed to Morocco and to ensure we had enough time to have a proper look around the fascinating old city.
Fes was founded in 789 and is now the second largest city in Morocco. The old medina is a UNESCO world heritage site and a massive pedestrian only zone, something you will really appreciate once you experience Marrakech!
To be honest we flew into Fes because the flights were cheap but we ended up really enjoying our time there and could have spent longer. The old tannery is certainly one of the highlights of Morocco and a great place to buy some leather goods!
Entering the Fes medina through a majestic gate
Highlights of Fes
The Old Medina Quarters (Fes el Bali & Fes Jdid)
Fes is a big city but the old medina is where you will be spending your time. There are 2 medina quarters which are alongside each other and house most of the attractions you will wish to see. One of the highlights of Fes is simply exploring all of the winding streets and alleys, perusing the shops and enjoying the cafes.
Chouara Tannery
Dating back to the 11th century, this is one of the oldest tanneries in the world and a sight you are sure to have seen pictures of. It is in the heart of Fes el Bali and as such it is the busiest of the 3 tanneries of Fes.
The tannery is completely surrounded by leather stores, some of which offer their rooftops as viewing platforms. There is usually no charge for this and the shop attendants were very polite to us, all they ask is that you listen to a short talk on their shop and have a look around.
A leather shop at the Chouara Tannery
We bought something cheap each as we felt it fair after spending a lot of time and getting some great photos from their roof but perhaps don’t make any major purchases from these stores as the prices are inflated.
After reading about other travellers’ stories on the internet prior to visiting, one might expect to find aggressive salesmen who won’t let you leave their shops without buying something first. Although we didn’t have this negative experience, it is entirely possible that it happens from time to time, depending on the shop you choose to enter.
As you enter one of the shops, you will be given a sprig of mint to hold onto before you’re taken up to the platform. During the summer months, the smell from the tannery can be quite pungent however when we visited in May, we didn’t find this to be an issue at all.
Chouara Tannery
Bou Inania Madrassa
Founded in the 14th century, this building is a beautiful example of Marinid architecture. If you want to see an example of the impressive architecture and art of a building like the Alhambra with a fraction of the crowds then it’s worth a visit. For a small fee it is open to the public.
Jardin Jnan Sbil
A large and tranquil inner city garden, take a break from the shopping and sightseeing with a stroll through the garden before finishing up at ‘Mezzanine’, a nearby bar where you can take advantage of their rooftop terrace and one of the few opportunities you will have to enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine in Morocco!
Royal Palace of Fes
Located in Fes Jdid, this palace is still frequently used by the King of Morocco meaning it is unfortunately not open to the public. The beautifully designed front entrance and gates are worth a look however and aren’t very busy so can make for some great photos.
Fes Palace
Guided Walking Tour of Fes Medina
Don’t feel like navigating through the maze of streets on your own? This 4 hour guided tour will pick you up at your riad and take you through the highlights of the Fes medina.
You will walk through the narrow streets stopping at the Bou Inania Madrassa, Chouara Tannery, Nejjarine Museum and more popular sights. The tour begins first thing in the morning, includes a professional guide and skip the line tickets to attractions.
►Click here to book the Fes Medina Tour◄
Where to Stay in Fes
One of the highlights of Morocco is staying the beautifully decorated traditional riads and guesthouses. You can stay in some great places on a budget in Morocco but it is worth a splurge here and there to experience some of the more impressive riads. The ones we have selected are based on high ratings, a great location and beautiful interiors.
Budget – Dar Mfaddel
Clean and beautifully decorated, the price is right at this guesthouse. Whilst the rooms are a little on the small side, you won’t be spending a lot of time in there. There is so much to do in Fes and back in the guesthouse you will find yourself drinking mint tea in the beautiful common areas most of the time.
A typical design of a riad in Morocco – a pool surrounded by plants in the center of a large, tastefully decorated courtyard
Mid-Range – Dar Anne
A super colourful place with great rooms for the price and an outdoor balcony where you can enjoy your tea with a view of the old medina. This place is in a great location and offers breakfast so you can get on the go straight out the door.
I had to squeeze in another option which sits just between the mid and upper range. Beautiful big rooms and bathrooms provide and oasis from the bust market streets. You can also relax with a pool and spa service.
Splurge – Dar Borj
Boasting a balcony with some of the best views of the city and some architecture worthy of a museum, coming back to this guesthouse will feel like the sightseeing is continuing. To be fair it might be a bit early in the trip for a splurge but if you’ve got the money then might as well experience the best!
►Browse more accommodation options in Fes◄
Vibrant alleys of the Fes medina
Chefchaouen
A photographer’s paradise of blue buildings and winding alleyways with a surprise around every corner, the ‘blue city’ of Chefchaouen is sure to be a highlight of this 10 day Morocco itinerary!
Nestled in the northern Rif mountains, the surrounding landscape is just as beautiful as the town itself, with the verdant green valleys contrasting spectacularly with the blue buildings. The town centre has a laid back vibe and it is so easy to spend a day just slowly wandering the streets and exploring all the alleyways and shops.
You can find many locally made crafts and unique products here if shopping is your thing and if you are a fan of photography then the opportunities are endless.