Last Updated on 20 August, 2024
Experience the magic of Morocco in this ultimate Morocco itinerary. From the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert, where you can go on a camel ride and sleep under the stars, to the stunning coast of Essaouira, where fresh seafood awaits. Wander through the charming blue streets of Chefchaouen, get lost in the vibrant souks of Fes, and treat yourself to a rejuvenating experience in a traditional hammam. Savour the rich flavours of tagines and delicious bread, and sip on refreshing mint tea as you immerse yourself in the magic of Morocco. This itinerary uncovers all the incredible places waiting to be explored!
Here’s the suggested Morocco Itinerary:
Days 1-4: Marrakech (3 nights)
Days 4-6: Sahara Desert (2 nights)
Day 6-8: Essaouira (3 nights)
Days 8-10: Tangier (2 nights)
Days 10-12: Chefchaouen (2 nights)
Days 12-15: Fes (2 nights)
Day 1: Marrakech
Fly into Marrakech Menara Airport
When planning the 2 week Morocco itinerary, consider starting in one city and ending in another. The country is large, and the cities on this Morocco itinerary are far apart, so don’t waste energy and time.
Begin your Morocco itinerary in Marrakech by flying into Marrakech Menara Airport. It’s a perfect place to introduce Morocco and a good starting point for visiting other cities. Marrakech has an inspiring atmosphere, and you can immerse yourself in its vibrant culture and rich history.
Read More: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech, Morocco
Stay at Riad Jemaa El-Fna & Spa (budget) – located in the Medina and just a few minutes off the main square Jemaa El-Fna (as the name of the riad suggests). It could not be in a better location. With its beautiful decor and calm atmosphere, it’s a true oasis after a busy day out. It has a mini swimming pool and a terrace for ultimate relaxation.
Dar Assiya (mid-range) – also located in the Medina and a 10min walk from Jemaa El-Fnaa. This stylish riad has a stunning interior with a traditional Moroccan atmosphere. It has a mini swimming pool and a terrace that offers views of the Koutoubia mosque.
La Mamounia (luxury) – just outside the Medina, a 15min walk from Jemaa El-Fnaa, this hotel offers nothing else but luxury. Nestled amongst century-old olive trees and lush fruit trees, La Mamounia has a luxurious Moroccan decor, marble bathrooms, full spa service and a large outdoor swimming pool.
Have lunch at Nomad – located in the Medina, this modern Moroccan restaurant offers traditional cuisine.It features a terrace to enjoy sun, delicious tagine and views of the Atlas mountains.
Stay local and visit Le Jardin Secret – a hidden gem on your Morocco itinerary, it’s located in the middle of bustling Medina. There, you can stroll in beautiful gardens with orange and lemon trees, rest on a bench next to a fountain, admire the beautiful architecture and go to the tower to see the Medina from above.
Less than 10-minute walk from Le Jardin Secret is Ben Youssef Madrasa. Built in 1565, it’s full of beautiful mosaics and stunning architecture, and it is the largest Islamic college in Morocco. Today, it functions as an Islamic historical site and shouldn’t be missed on your Morocco itinerary.
Shop at the souks – a must on your Morocco itinerary! Marrakech is famous for its markets, where you can find amazing handicrafts such as leather goods, cashmere, and silk scarves. You can also find things for your home, such as pottery, mint tea sets, and even carpets, stunning Moroccan lanterns, wooden, brass, or straw crafts, jewellery, and so much more! You can spend the whole day there, get lost, find your way, and get lost again, but don’t worry – somehow, you’ll always find the way out.
Watch the sunset in a café in Jemaa el-Fnaa square – go into one of the rooftop restaurant cafés surrounding the square, get a drink, and wait for the sun to set. They tend to get super busy, so go there early if possible.
Explore the square – quiet during the day with only fruit and nuts vendors, Jemaa el-Fnaa transforms at dusk. Traditional Moroccan food vendors fill the air with smoke and various aromas. Meanwhile, storytellers, snake charmers, acrobats, and musicians entertain the crowd. Be aware of food prices there – some vendors like to triple the amount and rip the tourists off. Also, be careful of pickpockets and take pictures of performers who will expect money in return.
Alternatively, have dinner at Kabana, a rooftop restaurant with tropical vibes, Mediterranean, Latin, and Asian cuisine, as well as cocktails. It has an excellent selection of music that is played every night by DJs during the weekend.
Day 2: Marrakech
Have breakfast in your riad.
Visit Jardin Majorelle – one of the most beautiful botanical gardens – a must-see on your Morocco itinerary! The garden was created over almost forty years, and in the 1980s, the fashion designers Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé purchased it and worked to restore it. It also has the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech, the Berber Museum, and the recently opened Yves Saint-Laurent Museum.
Bahia Palace was built in the late 19th century. It’s a stunning place with beautiful architecture, mosaic tiles, small, beautiful details, and a garden.
Have lunch at Cafe Clock – first opened in Fes and named after a centuries-old water clock, it now has cafes in Marrakech and Chefchaouen. It’s famous for a camel burger which I didn’t dare to try, but maybe you’ll be more adventurous than me. If not, go for their couscous bouhaloo with roast chicken or lamb tagine, which were delicious!
Visit El Badi Palace built by Saadian Sultan Ahmed al-Mansur Dhahbi in the late 16th century to celebrate victory over the Portuguese. This historical site features carved gardens planted with orange trees and is surrounded by high walls.
Have dinner at Comptoir Darna – best visited later in the evening for live music (from 8.30pm till 10pm), ballet and oriental dancing (every night at 10pm), and DJs. It offers traditional Moroccan and international cuisines in a stunning setting.
Day 3: Marrakech
Have breakfast in your riad.
Visit Koutoubia Mosque – founded in 1147, it’s the largest mosque in Marrakech. Only a short walking distance if you’re staying in Medina. Unfortunately, you cannot go inside if you’re not a Muslim. However, it’s still worth seeing it from outside and visiting its surrounding gardens.
Visit Cactus Thiemann cacti farm – a unique stop on your Morocco itinerary. Located just a 10min drive from Marrakech, it’s an impressive botanical garden with hundreds of cacti larger than you! However, it’s by appointment only, and you must arrange it at least 3 days before going there by sending an email to cactusthiemann@gmail.com. You will then get a tour and gain some knowledge about cacti!
Have lunch at Terrasse Bakchich – located in Medina, this restaurant serves freshly prepared Moroccan food at very affordable prices. It has a fun, friendly, and relaxed atmosphere and offers free WiFi.
Revisit the souks (because I know you’ll want to) – you’re most likely to get overwhelmed when going to the souks for the very first time. The variety of things will leave you dizzy, and you’ll probably have difficulty deciding what to buy because there are so many beautiful things, and you’ll want to return. There will be souks in Essaouira, Tangier, Chefchaouen and Fes, and you should leave space in your luggage if you find something you like later during your trip. Still, I believe Marrakech had the best things in its markets.
Have a coffee break at Bacha Coffee – arguably the best coffee place in town and a top spot on this Morocco itinerary. It offers unique homemade sweet and savoury dishes and a collection of 100% Arabica coffees. Its stunning, luxurious interior is perfect for your Instagram feed!
Have a hammam treatment at Heritage Spa/Hammam de La Rose/Les Bains de Marrakech – hammam (entire body exfoliation using black soap) has been a part of many Moroccans’ daily lives for ages. It has many benefits, such as physical and emotional detox, skin nourishing and rehydration, boosting the immune system by activating blood circulation, and more! For added relaxation, book a whole-body massage, too. I recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
Have dinner at La Table Du Riad at 72 Riad Living – only 1 min walk from Heritage Spa, this restaurant offers local cuisine with a contemporary twist and the freshest seasonal ingredients. It has a stunning interior and a rooftop with an intimate setting and only 12 tables, so you should book in advance.
Day 4: Sahara Desert
Marrakech to Erg Chebbi by car (approx. 9-10 hours)
When planning your Sahara Desert adventure on your Morocco itinerary, consider visiting either Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga. Erg Chebbi has more modern hotels and is more accessible – about 15 mins by 4×4, whereas Erg Chigaga dunes offer a more adventurous experience and are located 60km from the nearest road – about 2 hours by 4×4 and a 1/2 day camel ride. However, both are equally stunning and offer the same activities.
I went to Erg Chebbi with Desert Luxury Camp, which took care of me from start to finish. If you book it with a different company, the timings and the tourist spots may vary.
Read More: A Complete Guide on Glamping in the Sahara Desert Camp
Have breakfast in your riad (ask the staff the night before if they can serve you an early breakfast). Leave at 7.30am.
The journey to the desert will be LONG, but it’s a key highlight on your Morocco itinerary. Along the way, you’ll enjoy astonishing views of the snow-topped peaks of the Atlas mountains and many Berber villages. You will pass palm groves and rivers, which will eventually disappear. The strange rock formations of the volcanic Saghro mountains will guide your way to the desert.
Arrive by sunset at Desert Luxury Camp – this secluded and very personal camp is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever stayed at. With not a single other camp in sight, it gives an impression of being alone in the desert. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted with mint tea and fresh dates or nuts.
Unpack and have a hearty dinner in their dining tent – you will be served the most delicious three-course traditional Moroccan dinner. Please note: there is no alcohol at the camp; however, you can bring your own from Marrakech if you wish to drink.
Meet other guests and dance around the fire – the camp is small, so most guests follow the same schedule. After dinner, the staff play traditional Berber music and sing, and everyone dances around the fire under the starry sky. It’s a great way to meet people, keep yourself warm (it’s almost freezing at night during winter months), and immerse yourself in Moroccan culture.
Day 5: Sahara Desert
Wake up to watch the sunrise – never have I witnessed a more beautiful dawn than in the desert. I can still see the bright hues of orange and pink as the sun is coming up over the dunes. Set that alarm, and don’t miss it – it truly is an unforgettable part of your Morocco itinerary.
Have breakfast in the dining tent – the camp offers a delicious buffet breakfast.
Go on a camel ride – the camp organises a camel trek through the dunes with real cameleers. The views of never-ending cinnamon dunes are spectacular. It’s one of the most impressive things I have ever seen. You will stop for a break where cameleers will make mint tea on a small campfire (Moroccan whisky, as they call it), and you’ll get to lie down and relax. Tip: apply SPF to the parts of your body that aren’t covered to avoid getting sunburnt!
Visit the nomadic family or sunbathe/take a nap/read a book – you will have a choice between visiting the nomadic family living in the area or just taking it easy at the camp.
Have a three-course lunch outside – I was there during winter, so mornings and nights were cold, and we ate in the heated tent. However, the days were warm, and we had the luxury of eating outside.
Go sandboarding – a unique activity on your Morocco itinerary.
The camp provides the boards, so after enjoying a hearty lunch, cover your head and face with a scarf. Then, give sandboarding a try. It’s not super complicated, but you’ll probably fall, which is not painful at all and a lot of fun!
Climb onto the dune to watch the sunset – the same as the sunrise- and this is definitely not to be missed!
Have dinner in the dining tent – enjoy your last delicious dinner, and maybe you’ll have a fuller table by now after meeting lots of great people.
Socialise and dance around the campfire – dance and sing to the traditional Berber music and drums and admire those stars for the last time.
Day 6: Essaouira
Erg Chebbi – Marrakech by car (approx. 9 hours); Marrakech – Essaouira by bus (3 hours)
Wake up early and have breakfast at the camp – they will accommodate you for your early start, and you will leave as the sun rises, painting the sky in the most beautiful colours.
Enjoy the long, scenic ride back to Marrakech. It will be slightly shorter than on the way to the desert because you will stop less.
Take a Supratours bus from Marrakech to Essaouira – you’ll arrive in Marrakech at around 6pm, which is enough time to catch a 7pm bus from Marrakech bus station. I don’t think the bus was full, but I had bought a ticket in advance when I was in Marrakech to avoid any disappointment because if I couldn’t get on that bus, it would have messed up my whole journey plan. So I recommend doing the same. Before getting on the bus, you’ll have to register your luggage in their office at the bus station.
Arrive in Essaouira at 10pm – I don’t usually recommend arriving in unknown places late at night, but I took the risk to save time and it worked out fine. If you’re staying in Medina, you can’t reach your accommodation by taxi. The gate to the Medina from the bus stop is very close. Check where your accommodation is on the map in advance and accept help from people at the bus stop to take you to your riad for a small fee.
Stay at Hôtel Emeraude Essaouira (budget) – a traditional riad built in the 18th century. It’s adorable and charming, and it has natural decor. It has a sunny terrace where breakfast is served.
Villa Maroc Essaouira (mid-range) – tucked inside the ramparts of the historical Medina, beautifully decorated Villa Maroc offers breathtaking views of the sea and port.
L’heure Bleue Palais (luxury) – also located in the Medina, this hotel offers luxurious, beautifully decorated rooms and cuisine that is a subtle blend of French and Moroccan influences. It has a heated rooftop pool with panoramic views of the Medina and the ocean.
Day 7: Essaouira
Have breakfast in your riad.
Explore Essaouira – have a stroll through the Medina and its souks. Essaouira’s Medina is much smaller than the one in Marrakech. Therefore, it’s less hectic, and you won’t get lost.
Visit Essaouira Citadel – a historical fort with a working fish port and beautiful views of the harbour and the ocean! The entrance costs 60dh.
Check out the fish market at the port – even if you’re not going to buy anything, it’s pretty exciting to see all the impressive fish and seafood that those fishermen catch daily.
Have lunch at one of the seafood restaurants by the fish market – there’s a row of small fresh seafood restaurants just by the port. It’s inexpensive for the size of portions you get, freshly prepared and delicious!
Have a stroll on the beach – this will be a delight, especially if you’re visiting in the winter months. I found it very calming and relaxing. It’ll be warm enough during the day to take your shoes off and dip your feet in the water.
Have dinner at The LOFT – located in the Medina, this restaurant is beautifully decorated with wood and vintage furniture. It focuses on seafood, makes sense since it’s by the ocean!
Read More: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Essaouira, Morocco
Day 8: Essaouira
Have breakfast in your riad.
Go surfing – there are a few surfing places on the same beach where you can rent boards or book lessons.
Have lunch at the fish market again – personally, I couldn’t miss this fantastic opportunity to eat so much delicious fresh seafood. Apart from Tangier, I didn’t get to eat fish or seafood during my trip to Morocco, so if you’re a fan, enjoy it while you can.
Have a hammam experience or a facial/massage at Azur Art & Spa/Spa Cacooning – pamper yourself before taking on a long journey to the north of Morocco!
Have dinner at Le Patio – on my last night in Essaouira, I decided to treat myself to some nice food. Le Patio had French cuisine and was very cosy, with friendly staff, live music and a mountain of complimentary olives!
Day 9: Tangier
Essaouira – Marrakech by bus (3 hours);
Marrakech – Tangier by train (5 hours 20 mins)
Take a Supratours bus from Essaouira to Marrakech – several buses run throughout the day, so you will need to take the one that leaves you enough time to catch a train. You should to arrive in Marrakech at least an hour before the train, especially if you don’t have the tickets.
Take an ONCF train from Marrakech to Tangier – as part of my Morocco itinerary, I took an overnight train to save on accommodation, which left at 9pm and arrived at 7am. You can do this, too, but I don’t recommend it. It seems like there are more and shorter journeys of 5hrs 20min throughout the day, which weren’t available when I was planning my Morocco itinerary. Also, although I had a private little room with a bed on the train, I found sleeping very difficult and arrived in Tangier very tired.
Stay at Dar Nour – assuming you’re taking a day train, you’d check into your accommodation the same night for a restful sleep and lots of energy the next day to explore Tangier. Dar Nour was probably my favourite guest house in Morocco, and it immediately became my ‘house goal’. It’s a typical Moroccan-style house dating back to the 10th century in the historic Kasbah neighbourhood. Every room is so beautifully decorated and is similar to the decor in a traditional Moroccan seaside house. It also has a terrace with some nice views and a beautiful room where a delicious buffet breakfast is served.
Have dinner at Chez Hassan BAB Kasbah – located just 3min walk from Dar Nour, this restaurant has local cuisine and serves delicious tagines, seafood, and skewers, all made freshly on the grill!
Day 10: Tangier
Have breakfast in your dar.
Buy a bus ticket from the bus station for Chefchaouen – this one is optional, but it’s not guaranteed that there will be a seat for you on the bus the next day. Personally, I didn’t want to risk it and have to rearrange my Morocco itinerary.
Explore the Kasbah neighbourhood – have a stroll around Kasbah’s labyrinth of alleyways and admire its white and pastel-coloured houses and the most stunning doors!
Visit Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures – the former sultan’s palace of Dar El Makhzen. The museum focuses on the area’s history from prehistoric times to the 19th century. However, the exhibits are presented in French and Arabic only. Work anticlockwise around the first courtyard before heading inside to the rest of the displays, followed by a walk in the charming Andalusian garden.
Have lunch at Salon Bleu – located just outside the museum, this trendy restaurant serves delicious Moroccan and Mediterranean food and offers stunning views from the terrace.
Explore the Medina – when wandering through the Medina of Tangier, I couldn’t help but think of Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, which made it extra magical. I loved the streets with orange trees, which were picture-perfect, as well as the beautiful doors. The markets weren’t as great as in Marrakech or Essaouira, but it was still interesting to wander around.
Have dinner at Assaada Le Saveur du Poisson – the most popular fish restaurant in Tangier and a must on your Morocco itinerary. Unfortunately, you cannot book a table there. It opens at 7pm for dinner, but I recommend getting there much earlier to hopefully be one of the first to queue. Just be patient because it’s worth it. You get a set menu of an appetiser, two starters, one main, two deserts and a refillable non-alcoholic drink for 250dh (£20)! Everything is prepared freshly, which you can see as you enter the restaurant. Do not skip it, even the locals were queueing!
Day 11: Chefchaouen
Tangier – Chefchaouen by bus (approx. 2hrs 45min)
Have breakfast in your dar/riad.
Take a CTM bus from Tangier to Chefchaouen – two buses go each day to Chefchaouen, one at 12:15pm and another one at 8:15pm. You’ll most likely want to take the early one. That’s why I booked my ticket a day before so I don’t arrive at the bus station and get told there is no seat. When you arrive in Chefchaouen, buying a bus ticket for Fes is a good idea.
Stay at Casa Sabila (budget) – this charming hotel is ideally located in the Medina and has beautifully decorated, small, cosy rooms.
Dar Yakout (mid-range) is conveniently located in the Medina. It’s a lovely dar with friendly staff and breakfast on the terrace. A staff member even went to the bus station to buy me a bus ticket for Fes (I didn’t think to buy it when I arrived…) and didn’t charge me extra.
Dar Jasmine (luxury) – located a 10min walk from the Medina, this dar is beautiful and offers amazing views of the Blue City. The interior design of this hotel is goals!
Lunch at Cafe Clock – another chance to try this great restaurant (and a camel burger) on your Morocco itinerary!
Explore the Medina – wander the blue streets and the souks. You might think you will have seen enough of the markets by then on your Morocco itinerary, but there’s always something new in each city. You will probably get lost, but you’ll find your way back, and it’s not so bad to be lost when it’s so beautiful everywhere!
Try the escargots. In the main square, where the Ethnographic Museum of Chefchaouen is, a street vendor sells cooked snails. Every time I passed it, it was surrounded by locals eating the snails nonstop. I decided to play a local and tried the snails myself. They were quite tasty, and the experience was unique – I was the only foreigner there. It’s definitely one of the fun things to do on your Morocco itinerary.
If you’re still hungry, head to Cafe Restaurant Sofia for dinner – serves traditional Moroccan food, and this restaurant is highly recommended by the locals, which says a lot!
Day 12: Chefchaouen
Have breakfast in your riad.
Walk up the hill to the Spanish Mosque – you get such amazing views from the top so that whatever effort it would require you to get there know that it’s worth it!
Explore the Medina more – it’s impossible not to want to keep on wandering and taking a picture every 5 seconds. I was totally mesmerised by all the shades of blue!
Have lunch at Assaada – a local that I met in Chefchaouen took me to this restaurant. It was the cheapest and least touristy place I’ve been to in Chefchaouen, but the food was delicious! It has a peaceful rooftop where you can enjoy the sunshine.
Take a cooking class at Clock Cafe – with all that fantastic Moroccan food, why wouldn’t you want to learn how to make it and impress your friends and family back home? Cafe Clock does Moroccan cooking class as well as bread baking/patisserie class.
Day 13: Fes
Chefchaouen – Fes by bus (approx. 4hrs 30min)
Take a CTM bus from Chefchaouen to Fes – take the 10:45am bus so that when you arrive, you still have a half-day to explore. Again, I would recommend buying a bus ticket as soon as you arrive at Chefchaouen bus station on day one just to make sure you get a seat as this route is quite popular.
Stay at Dar Anne (budget) – this cute and charming dar is located just 6min walk from the Blue Gate. It has a terrace with panoramic views of the Medina and offers continental breakfast.
Apartment Lala Rkia (budget) – located just a 2min walk away from the hustle and bustle of the main street of Fes (Talaa Kbira), this apartment is perfect for a group of people for an excellent price. It’s beautifully decorated and looks very cosy!
La Grand Alcazar (mid-range) – this guest house is beautiful, with stunning Moroccan decor and a rich collection of ornaments and traditional decorations. It has very spacious rooms and a rooftop terrace that offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the entire Medina of Fes.
Riad Fes – Relais & Châteaux (luxury) – Fes is full of hidden gems behind its thick Medina walls, and this riad is one of them.
Have lunch at Chez Rachid – conveniently located near the Blue Gate, this popular restaurant serves traditional Moroccan dishes at excellent value for money. It’s a great place to people-watch as you sit in one of the two main streets of Fes.
Explore the souks – even though I recommend getting a walking guide for this the following day, I’m sure you’ll be curious to see what it’s all about and explore it at your own pace. If you stay in the Medina, it will be at your doorstep. Please note that it will be closed on Fridays as it’s a holy day for Muslims.
Get pampered in the spa at Riad Fes – Relais & Chateaux – while I didn’t include this riad on my Morocco itinerary, it was right next to my accommodation, and I went there for a facial. The whole experience was very professional, relaxing, and the facial left my skin looking glowing.
Have dinner at The Ruined Garden – located in the ruins of a courtyard house in the Medina, this restaurant serves tapas at lunch, street food, cakes and pastries, and fresh juice.
Day 14: Fes
Have breakfast in your riad.
Take a half-day tour in the Medina – I found a 3-hour tour in Fez’s car-free Medina very informative and exciting. The tour guide knew all the best places for bread, fruit, tea and coffee, leather, and silk shops. They also shared a lot of history about Fes and its Medina. I highly recommend including this tour in your Morocco itinerary, as getting lost in the Medina is easy and can be a little daunting, but the guide knows the way.
Have lunch at Nagham Cafe, located next to the Blue Gate (Bab Bou Jeloud). They serve various delicious food, including tagines, paired with beautiful views from the terrace. The customer service is friendly and professional.
Check-out the Blue Gate (Bab Bou Jeloud) – since you’ll be exiting through it, you should take a moment to admire it. The Blue Gate, built in 1913, is the main western entrance to Fes el Bali (the Medina). The other side of the gate is green – the colour of Islam.
Visit Borj Nord – about a 30-minute walk from the Medina, this fortress was built by Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour in the 16th century. Now, it’s a Museum of Arms. I didn’t find it particularly interesting unless you’re into that kind of history. However, the views from the fort were stunning. Therefore, it’s definitely worth visiting; if not for the museum, then for the views.
Check out Dar al-Makhzen (Palais Royal) – it’s the royal palace of the king of Morocco in Fes. You can look at it from outside, as you’re not permitted to go inside. It has beautiful, big golden doors with guards next to them, and you’re allowed to take pictures.
Visit Jardin Jnan Sbil – take a walk in this peaceful and relaxing park before returning to the bustling Medina. It has a variety of trees and plants, such as cacti and bamboo, and I found it beautiful and interesting.
Have dinner at Fez Cafe at Le Jardin des Biehn – a charming Moroccan bistro with beautiful decor and a tranquil garden. Although, I stumbled upon it during the day, they weren’t serving food (they are open 12:00-15:00, 19:00). I came back for dinner and really enjoyed it: the food was lovely, the waiters were friendly, and they had wine!
Day 15: Head Home ✈️
What part of the Morocco itinerary are you most looking forward to?
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