How Long to Spend in Morocco: First-Timer Itinerary

With its bustling souks, stunning snow-capped mountains and sprawling Sahara, Morocco is a country as vibrant and diverse as any other. The distinct cultural blending in Morocco means you’ll be delighted by both the history and the cuisine of the country, not to mention the striking and varied landscapes. Windsurf in Essaouira, sandboard in Erg Chebbi, or wander the souk in Marrakech. There are Morocco itineraries for travelers of all kinds and the country is guaranteed to find a special place in your heart.

The ideal amount of time to spend traveling around Morocco, including Rabat, Casablanca, and Chefchaouen, depends on your personal preferences and travel style. However, a general guideline would be to allow at least 4–7 days to explore the country, including these three cities.

Morocco in 3-4 Days
If you only have a long weekend to spend in Morocco, you’re not necessarily limited to one place. Fes and Casablanca are easily connected by train: the journey takes about four hours. You could start in Casablanca, where you won’t want to miss a tour of Hassan II Mosque, home to the tallest minaret in the world.
Then catch a train to Fes, where you’ll probably want to focus your time. Fes el-Bali, the ancient walled city, is a labyrinth of more than 9,000 alleyways. Take a walking tour, shop in the souks, and set aside some time to admire the colorful vats of pigment at the world-famous Tanneries Chouara.

Morocco in 1 week
Seven-day Morocco itineraries allow you to see most of the country’s famous sights, although you will miss out on a couple of great cities. With seven days, you can start out in the gorgeous seaside city of Casablanca where you can visit the Hasan II Mosque, home of the tallest minaret in the world. From there you can head to Fes, with a stop at Volubilis, home to the best example of Roman ruins in the country.

Spend a day exploring Fez, which has a medieval medina that is one of the largest car-free zones in the world. You can get lost in the winding streets and bustling souks for a while. Be sure to stop in at the Tanneries Chouara for an Insta-worthy historic photoshoot. Take two days to explore the Sahara Desert, starting with a trip through the Middle Atlas mountains. Travel by camel as you explore Erg Chebbi, the stunning windswept sand dunes, the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, and the Todra Gorge.

Finish your trip in the red city of Marrakech. If you like museums, this city will delight you. If you’re not interested in museums, the city still has a lot to offer, from snake charmers to souks to fantastic botanical gardens.

Morocco in 10 Days
Ten days may just be the sweet spot when it comes to the ideal amount of time to spend in Morocco. It’s enough time that you won’t be rushed, and it’s easy to modify one of these weeklong itineraries to allow a couple of extra days in a place you love—and wish to linger in—along the way.

With 10 days, you can sample all of Morocco’s unique ecosystems. This itinerary features a combination of adventure and relaxation—you’ll start in the imperial city of Marrakesh, explore the Sahara and surrounding desert towns, hike the High Atlas mountains, and chill out along the coast. The tour includes plenty of culture, too: highlights include traditional music around a campfire, a night with a local Berber family, and fresh seafood by the Atlantic in charming Essaouira.

Morocco in 2 Weeks
With a two week Morocco vacation itinerary, you can really get into Morocco’s culture. Start in Casablanca and work your way to the gorgeous fortified seaside town of Essaouira. Explore Casablanca, Rabat, and Chefchaouen in a more relaxed way. With two weeks you can spend more time in the desert as you discover the busy market town of Erfoud on your way to your first overnight in Merzouga.

Go on some desert adventures; dance in Khamleya, sandboard down the dunes or relax by the pool. Around Todra Gorge there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in outdoor adventure activities. The gorge is an especially great place to visit if rock climbing is your thing! With two weeks, you can overnight in the iconic kasbah of Aït Benhaddou (which might look familiar to you Game of Thrones fans). From there you can head to Marrakech, with a short trip to the High Atlas mountains, which will take your breath away with their stunning sights. You can even do a homestay in a Berber home to get to know Moroccan culture better. After that, head to Essaouira to spend some time at the seaside. You’ll want to make your way back to Casablanca along the scenic coastal route.

We offer custom morocco tours covering Fez, Meknes, Ouazzane, Chaouen (Chefchaouen), Tangier, Asilah, Larache, Rabat, Fez….