The Perfect 10-Day Morocco Itinerary — A Local’s Ultimate Route for First-Time Travelers

Planning a 10-day trip to Morocco can feel overwhelming at first. There’s so much to see Marrakech, Fes, Chefchaouen, the Sahara, the Atlas Mountains, the coast and most travelers struggle with how to fit it all into one perfect route.

After years of helping visitors design private Morocco tours, this is the itinerary I consider “the perfect 10 days” for first-timers. It balances culture, adventure, comfort, and travel time without rushing.

Let’s begin.

Day 1 – Arrive in Marrakech

Settle into your riad and take an easy walk to Jemaa el-Fnaa. Enjoy fresh orange juice, street performances, and a relaxed dinner.

Day 2 – Explore Marrakech’s Highlights

Visit:

Majorelle Garden

Bahia Palace

Koutoubia Mosque

Ben Youssef Madrasa

End the day with a traditional hammam (many offer couples or private options).

Day 3 – Atlas Mountains Day Trip

Head to Imlil or Ourika Valley.

Activities:

Easy hike

Tea with a Berber family

Lunch with mountain views

This day breaks up your city time before the desert journey.

Day 4 – Marrakech → Ait Benhaddou → Dades Valley

Drive across the Tizi n’Tichka Pass.

Stops include:

Ait Benhaddou Kasbah

Ouarzazate

Rose Valley

End in the peaceful Dades Gorge.

Day 5 – Dades → Todra Gorge → Merzouga (Sahara Desert)

Walk through Todra Gorge, then continue to Merzouga.

At sunset, your camel trek begins.

Spend the night in a luxury desert camp with music, dinner, and stargazing.

Day 6 – Sahara → Ziz Valley → Fes

Watch the sunrise over the dunes, then drive north through the Middle Atlas.

Stop in cedar forests to meet the Barbary macaque monkeys.

Arrive in Fes by the evening.

Day 7 – Explore Fes, Morocco's Cultural Heart

Visit:

The Chouara Tanneries

Al-Attarine Madrasa

Artisan quarters

Pottery workshops

Fes is a journey back in time kids and adults both love it.

Day 8 – Fes → Chefchaouen

Drive to the Blue City, known for its dreamy blue alleys.

Spend the afternoon taking photos, shopping for local crafts, and enjoying the calm atmosphere.

Day 9 – Chefchaouen → Casablanca / Rabat

Depending on your departure city, spend the night closer to the airport.

In Casablanca, visit the Hassan II Mosque — one of the world’s most beautiful.

Day 10 – Departure

Enjoy one last Moroccan breakfast before heading to the airport.

Why This Is the Best 10-Day Morocco Itinerary

Balanced

You get cities, mountains, desert, and nature without spending long days in the car back-to-back.

Perfect for First-Timers

It covers the highlights without rushing through them.

Customizable

You can add:

Essaouira

Agafay Desert

More time in Chefchaouen

A coastal ending instead of Casablanca

Family & couple friendly

All ages enjoy this itinerary equally.

Final Thoughts

A well-planned 10-day Morocco itinerary gives you the full experience: culture, history, landscapes, food, and unforgettable moments under desert stars. If you follow this exact route, you’ll see the very best of Morocco in a way that feels smooth, organized, and deeply memorable.