Planning your Morocco itinerary and not sure where to start? You’re in the right place. After hours of research, refining my Morocco bucket list, and pouring over reviews, I crafted a perfect 2-week Morocco itinerary that made us fall in love with this stunning country.
This itinerary was designed to make the most of our two-week window. With so much to see and decisions to make about traveling around Morocco, this itinerary was made with first-time visitors, like us, in mind! We explored at a comfortable pace, never feeling rushed or like we missed out on any bucket list experiences.
Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of how we spent our two weeks in Morocco. I’ll share essential tips from both my research and first-hand experiences, explain how we prepared for the trip, and highlight the memorable places I think you should prioritize in your own Morocco itinerary.
*Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Tips on Visiting Morocco
🚗 Why we rented a car in Morocco. Renting a car was the best choice for us, giving us the freedom to explore at our own pace – which is our favourite part about road trips. For half of our trip, we rented a car, which allowed us to maximize our time without being tied to a strict schedule. Although Morocco has reliable train and bus options, which we did consider, we didn’t want to risk delays or limit our flexibility. We used rentalcars.com to compare various options and found the best deal for our itinerary.
☀️ Avoid visiting in the summer. We visited Morocco from late November into December, and it was perfect weather-wise. Summers in Morocco can be unbearably hot, with temperatures so high that some tourists end up staying inside during the hottest parts of the day. We wanted to avoid that and spend as much time as possible outdoors exploring. If possible, try to plan your trip in the cooler months for a more comfortable experience!
READ MORE: Morocco in November: Travel tips & what to expect
👚 Dress respectfully. As an Islamic country, Morocco has more conservative dress codes, and it’s important to respect local customs. We found that wearing loose-fitting, modest clothing was not only respectful but also kept us comfortable as the temperature changed throughout the day. I also recommend packing a shawl or scarf, which is easy to carry and can be used to cover up when needed.
COMING SOON: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Morocco: FAQs & Travel Tips
Morocco Itinerary
- 🛬 Day 1: Arrive in Marrakech
- ❤️ Day 2-3: Discover the beauty of Marrakech
- 🐪 Day 4-6: Adventure to the Sahara Desert
- 🌊 Day 7: Relax in Essaouira
- 🌆 Day 8: Admire Rabat
- 💙 Day 9: Fall in love with Chefchaouen
- 🇲🇦 Day 10-11: Explore historic Fes
- 🐒 Day 12: Visit Ouzoud
- ⛺️ Day 13: Glamping near the Agafay Desert
- 🛫 Day 14: Depart from Marrakech
Day 1: Arriving in Marrakech
This Morocco itinerary both begins and ends in Marrakech, making it ideal for roundtrip flights—often more affordable than multi-city options. If you need to adapt this itinerary to your preferences or time constraints, there are also major airports in Fes, Tangier, Casablanca, and Rabat.
✈️ Arriving by plane: Marrakech is a popular airport – you should have no trouble finding a flight to Morocco. Ryanair and EasyJet typically offer the most affordable choices, especially during the off-season.
🚗 Getting to the Marrakech Medina from the airport: The easiest way to reach your accommodation is by shuttle (provided by your hotel) or by taxi. Although I usually don’t recommend withdrawing cash at airports, Morocco is a heavily cash-based economy, so you’ll need some cash to pay and tip your driver. It’s roughly a 15-minute drive from the airport to the Medina. Prices vary based on your destination, arrival time, and the number of suitcases you have, but you can generally expect to pay between 100 to 200 MAD (Moroccan Dirham) for a taxi.
🚌 Taxi and bus options: You can pre-book your taxi using Kiwitaxi, a great option if you prefer not to worry about paying or finding a taxi upon arrival. They offer various taxi sizes to accommodate your group. However, if you’re on a tight budget, the most affordable choice is the bus. The #19 bus runs every 20 minutes from 6:00 AM until 11:30 PM, with roundtrip tickets costing 30 MAD – these can be purchased on the bus.
To keep in mind: Uber is not permitted in Morocco due to conflicts with local taxis. While alternative apps exist, there have been issues between app drivers and traditional taxi services. If you do use an app while in Morocco, the driver may ask you to arrange pickup away from taxi stands, sit in the front, or get in quickly.
📱SIM cards and eSIMs: Before leaving the airport, consider grabbing a SIM card – you’ll find several stands near the exit gates. We chose Maroc Telecom and had no issues; it cost us 50 MAD for 50 GB, which was more than enough for our entire trip. If you prefer an eSIM, Airalo offers options, but make sure to arrange that in advance for a seamless data connection when you land.
🏨 Where to stay in Marrakech: During our stay in Marrakech, we explored three different riads to experience a few different options. Our personal favorite was Riad Bohemia—its friendly staff, beautiful property, and prime location in the Medina made it a standout!
COMING SOON: Beautiful AND affordable riads in Marrakech
Day 2-3: Discover the beauty of Marrakech
Marrakech was probably my favorite city from our Morocco itinerary. We fell in love with the vibrant energy, rich colors, delicious food, and fascinating history! I highly recommend spending at least two full days here, if not more!
Here are a few of our favorite experiences from our time in Marrakech:
💙 Stroll through the exotic gardens at the Jardin Majorelle: This stunning Majorelle gardens, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, is a peaceful oasis filled with exotic plants and vibrant blue buildings. It’s a must-visit for a quiet spot in a chaotic city!
🧖🏼♀️ Experience a traditional hammam: This was at the top of my bucket list and is something we did on our first day of our Morocco itinerary. Traditional hammam’s are relaxing, rejuvenating and a cultural experience. We booked ours with the Heritage Spa and I highly recommend trying a hammam at least once during your time in Morocco!
🛍️ Get lost in the energetic souks: The souks of Marrakech are a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. Enjoy wandering the narrow alleys and browsing the vibrant stalls filled with spices, textiles, and handmade crafts – its a fun place to get lost in!
🥰 Explore Medersa Ben Youssef: This historical Islamic school is a beautiful example of Moroccan architecture, with stunning tile work and intricate carvings. It’s one of the top photo spots in Marrakech too for all the photographers out there!
👩🏼🍳 Take a cooking class at the Marrakech Moroccan Culinary Art Museum: I personally love taking cooking classes in each country I visit, so I was super excited to learn about the Culinary Art Museum! We learned how to prepare traditional dishes while enjoying a fun and interactive experience with locals.
✨ Enjoy dinner and a show at Palais Dar Soukkar: This restaurant was recommended to us by local friends of ours and it did not disappoint! Palais Dar Soukkar offers an amazing dinner and a show, where you can savor authentic Moroccan dishes while enjoying traditional music and dance performances. I’d recommend making a reservation in advance so you can request a table in the heart of all the action!
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Day 4-6: Adventure to the Sahara Desert
Another bucket list moment on this Morocco itinerary was visiting one of the breathtaking deserts. We opted for a three-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga in the Sahara Desert – how epic is that!? This was undoubtedly the most memorable and spectacular experience of our entire trip, and I strongly recommend fitting it into your Morocco itinerary!
There are many tours available, with varying lengths, stops, and ending points. The tour we chose departed and returned to Marrakech, spanning three days to accommodate the roughly 10-hour drive. The itinerary included several scenic stops, such as the High Atlas Mountains, Ait Ben Haddou, and the Todra Gorge.
Once you arrive in the Sahara, you can ride camels out to your campsite, where you’ll have the opportunity to go sandboarding, sleep under the stars and enjoy a fun evening with locals. I’ve never seen anything like the Sahara desert – 10/10 recommend visiting it if you can!
I did extensive research before choosing this tour, and it had the highest reviews while including the stops and activities we were most interested in, such as sandboarding. We also opted for the luxury camp, which was a beautiful add-on that elevated our experience. Check out the exact tour below!
Once back in Marrakech, we found a budget-friendly riad to stay in for the night, ensuring we were ready for our road trip the following morning!
COMING SOON: 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga: What is it actually like?
Day 7: Road trip begins – Relax in Essaouira
🚗 Renting a car in Morocco: To avoid driving in cities as much as possible, we picked up our rental car at the Marrakech airport. We booked our car rental through rentalcars.com—our go-to site for road trips! We always find the best deals that way!
🗺️ Driving to Essaouira: We encountered no issues whatsoever! The drive was roughly three hours, and the roads were in excellent condition. It’s always best practice to be a cautious driver since you’ll share the road with motorbikes, carts, trucks, and other vehicles. However, we mostly experienced this when entering towns and cities; on the highways, it was smooth sailing! I’d also recommend researching a parking lot before you leave or on your way to save yourself the stress when you arrive at your destination.
🏨 Where to stay in Essaouira: We stayed at Dar les Sirènes, and I highly recommend it! This historic house features beautiful rooms at a reasonable price and served one of the best breakfasts we enjoyed on our trip! Click here for other places to stay in Essaouira.
🍽️ Where to eat in Essaouira: For a restaurant with excellent reviews and a diverse menu, I’d recommend Dar Baba! The dining room is stunning, with mood lighting and a blend of traditional style with a modern twist.
The contrast between Marrakech and Essaouira is striking! Essaouira feels much more relaxed, smaller, and generally has fewer tourists. You immediately feel the beachy vibe here, with hints of blue along the streets. Be sure to visit the main beach in Essaouira, just south of the Medina. It’s quite a windy city, making it an excellent place to surf or try kite surfing!
Another must-visit in Essaouira is the Sqala du Port, the fortified harbor. This spot is famous for its appearance in Game of Thrones. After visiting the port, I suggest spending the rest of your time wandering the Medina and exploring the souks. Compared to Marrakech, Essaouira is more laid-back and has fewer ‘attractions,’ so take the time to appreciate the quiet and explore at your leisure!
✨ Not renting a car? This highly rated day trip takes you from Marrakech to Essaouira, with a few other stops along the way.
Day 8: Admire Rabat
🗺️ Driving to Rabat: This day of driving along the highway was another smooth experience, this time with beautiful views of the coast. The drive is roughly 5.5 hours, so I recommend getting an early start to maximize your time exploring Rabat.
🏨 Where to stay in Rabat: We enjoyed our stay at Riad Marhaba. Like most riads, the building is beautiful and ornate, and it’s conveniently located in the Medina. We particularly loved the rooftop breakfast, which treated us to a stunning sunrise. For more ideas on where to stay, check out these options here!
You will instantly notice the differences between Rabat and other cities in Morocco. As the capital, Rabat is the most modern city on this Morocco itinerary. The souks and Medina here look different from those in Marrakech, featuring wooden canopies and storefronts.
The top attraction in Rabat is the Hassan Tower. It’s actually an incomplete mosque and has become a cultural symbol in Morocco. While admiring the tower, don’t miss the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, where you can find the tombs of several past monarchs, including King Mohammed V and his sons.
If you have extra time, consider walking to the archaeological site of Chella, the remains of a fortified Muslim necropolis built on a hilltop that has been in use since Roman times. The site is open year-round from 9 AM to 5 PM in the winter and from 7 PM in the summer. Entry tickets cost 70 MAD, while an audio tour is available for 120 MAD. Find more visiting information here.
Day 9: Fall in love with Chefchaouen
🗺️ Driving to Chefchaouen: It took roughly 4 hours to get to Chefchaouen from Rabat, winding through beautiful mountain roads that made for a scenic drive. Although the drive is enjoyable, parking was a challenge once we arrived. Be sure to research parking options in advance, as the streets are narrow, hilly, and often crowded.
🏨 Where to stay in Chefchaouen: For a unique experience, consider staying at Dar El Rio! We chose a room that felt like a treehouse, with a bed facing a mountain view, and we loved the excellent service. Here are some more ideas on places to stay in Chefchaouen.
🍽️ Where to eat in Chefchaouen: We found two highly recommended restaurants: Beldi Bab Ssour and Restaurant Triana. While we could only visit one due to our short stay, both menus looked delicious and were highly recommended by our host!
Chefchaouen is a highlight on many a lot of people’s Morocco itinerary as its famous for its iconic blue buildings. You only need one full day to explore this charming town, as the main attraction is wandering through its photogenic streets. Spend your day exploring local shops selling handicrafts and textiles – there are more then enough to keep you busy for the day. End your day watching the sunset from Bouzafer Mosque, also known as the Spanish Mosque. If you can’t make it all the way up, the view from halfway is still stunning.
COMING SOON: Is Chefchaouen worth visiting?
✨Building your own Morocco itinerary? I personally think Chefchaouen was worth the detour and should be definitely added to your bucket list – its one of the most unique cities I’ve ever been to. Here are some day trips to Chefchaouen to make your travel planning easier!
Day 10-11: Explore historic Fes
🗺️ Driving to Fes: The drive to Fes takes roughly 3-4 hours, leading you back through the scenic mountains. On this trip, we encountered our only police stop. When driving in Morocco, it’s crucial to pay close attention to your speed, as the rules are quite strict, and speed limit signs are few and far between. We were pulled over for speeding but luckily received just a warning.
🏨 Where to stay in Fes: We enjoyed a spacious room at Riad Sidrat. The building is quite magnificent, and while the service wasn’t the best, we still had a pleasant stay. Need more ideas? Here are some other places to stay in Fes.
🍽️ Where to eat in Fes: We recommend two exceptional spots: Mom’s Touch Restaurant (known for its great reviews, friendly service, and delicious food) and Cafe Clock (a popular chain throughout Morocco, famous for its rooftop terraces and special events. We had a delicious cake here and loved the ambiance)!
Fes is renowned for its tanneries, a must-see attraction during your visit. You can smell the tanneries from a mile away, and they’re located on the outskirts of the Medina. Here are some tips for your visit:
- The popular tanneries to visit in Fes are Tannery Sidi Moussa or the Chouara Tannery (the one we visited)!
- You can either pay to visit the tanneries or visit nearby leather shops that offer terrace access for a view from above.
- If you do visit a shop, consider tipping as a thank-you for the experience!
- Its common to buy mint leaves to mask the smell of the tanneries – you find many vendors selling mint as you get closer to the tanneries. However, we personally found it unnecessary during our visit.
One of my favorite spots in Fes is the Rainbow Street, beautifully painted and lined with stunning artwork. While it can be a bit tricky to locate, a quick search on Google for “Rainbow Street Art in Fes” should guide you there.
The Medina in Fes is the oldest in Morocco – they’re known for being difficult to navigate so always back track if you get turned around. For historical landmakrs, don’t forget to visit the Blue Gate and you can take a short uphill walk outside the city to visit the Royal Palace.
COMING SOON: How to spend one day in Fes
Day 12: Visit Ouzoud
🗺️ Driving to Ouzoud: This was our longest travel day by far, as we added Ouzoud as a stop on our way back to Marrakech to help break up the journey. However, it still involved a lengthy 6-hour drive from Fes. From Ouzoud, it was another 3-hour drive to our glamping site, which felt quite long by the end. To minimize fatigue and avoid driving at night, start as early as you can.
Ouzoud is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls and is one of the top day trips from Marrakech. The surrounding mountainous area is stunning, making it a worthwhile stop. Here are some tips for making the most of your visit:
🔎 Finding your way: Upon arrival, you may find it a bit confusing to navigate to the falls. There are two main viewpoints as you walk towards the back of the falls:
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- Right Viewpoint: This path takes you on a hike around the river to the base of the falls, where you can even take a boat to cross the river.
- Left Viewpoint: This option involves a set of stairs lined with vendors leading to a viewing platform directly below the falls.
🗺️ Guided tours: As you arrive, tour guides may offer their services. While we didn’t find it necessary for our short break, a guide could be beneficial if you plan on doing the full hike to avoid getting lost.
🐵 Don’t pet the monkeys: Be mindful of the wild monkeys around the area. It’s important not to engage with them—avoid petting or feeding, as these are wild animals.
✨Want more than just a pit stop in Ouzoud? These tours look like an awesome way to take the go on the hike and boat ride closer to the waterfalls!
Day 13: Glamping near the Agafay Desert
On the last day of our Morocco itinerary, we decided to indulge in one final glamping experience in the Agafay Desert, just outside Marrakech. The Ranch is a unique spot with farm animals, sports facilities, and a restaurant on-site, making it a fun spot for relaxation and adventure to end your trip.
What to Do at The Ranch:
🧖🏼♀️ Relax and Unwind: Spend your day enjoying the serene surroundings of the property. There are plenty of spots to lounge and take in the stunning desert views.
🚲 Outdoor Activities: Rent bikes for a leisurely ride or take a scenic drive over to the Agafay Desert, where you can explore another unique landscape.
⛺️ Unique Accommodation: We loved staying in the Glamping Domes, which offered a distinctive and cozy way to end our Moroccan adventure. Their design and comfort made our last night memorable.
Day 14: Depart from Marrakech
As your incredible Moroccan adventure comes to an end, drop off your car at the Marrakech airport. You should not have to drive in the hustle and bustle of Marrakech to get back to the airport.
Our biggest tip from this entire trip to Morocco is to remember to PRINT YOUR BOARDING PASS when you are flying from a Moroccan airport. Most airlines at Moroccan airports require you to present a printed boarding pass – digital boarding passes are generally not accepted. Double check with your airline beforehand and if necessary, locate a print shop to have your boarding passes printed before arriving at the airport.
Enjoy your Moroccan adventure!
You are now fully equipped with the perfect Morocco itinerary, filled with adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion! Morocco truly blew us away and we loved every moment of our journey, from the vibrant streets of Marrakech to the serene landscapes of the Sahara Desert and the rich history of Fes.
This Morocco itinerary is designed to help you experience the best of Morocco in two weeks, ensuring you make the maximize your time exploring its unique landscapes, diverse cities, and rich traditions. Whether you’re wandering through the blue streets of Chefchaouen, marveling at the ancient Medina in Fes, or enjoying the stunning views of Ouzoud Falls, there’s so much to see!
Did you know? I can help you plan your perfect trip to any destination! If you’re looking for expert guidance tailored to your preferences, check out my travel planning services on Thatch. I love helping travelers make the most out of their travels and have the most memorable experience possible – I hope I can help you do the same!
✨Before setting off on your Moroccan adventure, make sure you’re covered with the right travel insurance! If you’re not sure what to look for, we traveled through Morocco using SafetyWing – check out my full review and breakdown here!
