Morocco Itinerary 12 Days

Day 1: Marrakesh Arrival and Some Optional Activities

Upon your arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, your private driver will be waiting for you with a warm Moroccan welcome. He’ll assist you with your luggage and ensure a smooth transfer to your accommodation in the heart of the city. 

After a short drive, we’ll reach your traditional Riad tucked inside the ancient Medina of Marrakech. Here, you’ll be welcomed with a glass of refreshing Moroccan mint tea. Take some time to relax and feel fresh. In the evening, go for a light walk to Jemaa el Fnaa square. This famous place is full of snake charmers, musicians, and food stalls. It’s a perfect spot to experience the culture of Marrakech for the first time.

You can have dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the square. Enjoy traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine, couscous, or pastilla under the soft lights of the Medina. After enjoying the lively atmosphere of Marrakech, head back to your calm Riad. Rest well and get ready for the next part of your journey.

Day 2: Marrakech Guided City Tour

Start your day with a delicious Moroccan breakfast served at your riad or hotel. Expect freshly baked bread, msemen (Moroccan pancakes), olive oil, honey, and mint tea. After breakfast, you’ll be introduced to a licensed local guide who knows Marrakech inside-out. The guide will lead your private walking tour through the historic Medina. 

Your tour begins with a visit to the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech, dating back to the 12th century. While non-Muslims can’t enter, you can still enjoy its beautiful minaret. It stands 77 meters tall and can be seen from many parts of the city.

From there, make your way to the 19th-century Bahia Palace, known for its beautiful ceilings, marble courtyards, and peaceful gardens. Continue to the Saadian Tombs, rediscovered in 1917 and beautifully preserved. The detailed mosaic work and royal graves reflect the artistic beauty of the 16th-century Saadian era.

Visit the Ali Ben Youssef Medersa, once the largest Islamic school in North Africa. Walk through its ornately carved wooden doors and stucco walls. 

After soaking in these cultural sites, take a break and enjoy a meal. Stop for lunch at a local Moroccan restaurant or rooftop cafe inside the Medina. You might enjoy traditional dishes like lamb tagine with prunes, vegetable couscous, or refreshing zaalouk (eggplant salad).

After lunch, continue into the bustling souks (markets). Wander through narrow alleyways filled with spices, lanterns, carpets, leather goods, and ceramics. It’s a great place for souvenir shopping and taking photos.

In the early evening, enjoy some free time. Relax at your Riad or try a traditional Hammam spa. Or sip mint tea at a rooftop cafe as the city lights come on. Dinner is at your Riad or a local restaurant. Try Harira soup and pastilla. Return to your stay for a peaceful night in Marrakech.

Day 3: Marrakech – Casablanca – Rabat

Begin your day with a hearty Moroccan breakfast at your riad or hotel in Marrakech. Fuel up on traditional breads, olive oil, amlou (almond spread), olives, and mint tea, preparing you for the road journey ahead. After breakfast, drive to Casablanca (approx. 3 hrs, 240 km). Enjoy views of small towns, fields, and highways along the way. Once you reach the city, your exploration begins.

Upon arrival in Casablanca, begin a short city tour. First, visit Mohammed V Square, known for its colonial buildings and palm trees. Then, pass by the Church of Notre Dame de Lourdes, famous for its stained-glass windows and modern design.

Continue with a guided walk through the Habous Quarter. This charming area mixes Moroccan souks with French-style streets. Browse local bookstores, olive markets, and bakeries selling traditional sweets like chebakia. 

Time permitting, you may also visit the Hassan II Mosque—one of the largest and most spectacular mosques in the world, built partially over the Atlantic Ocean. Its 210-meter minaret and intricate marble craftsmanship leave a lasting impression. (Note: Entry is allowed for non-Muslims via guided tours at specific times.) 

After your visit, take a break to enjoy the local flavors of Casablanca. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant or cafe in Casablanca. You might try fresh grilled fish, a local specialty, or traditional tagines near the seafront boulevard La Corniche.

After lunch, resume your journey towards Rabat, Morocco’s political and administrative capital since 1912. The drive is relatively short, passing coastal roads and green agricultural lands.

As you approach the capital, enter the diplomatic quarter, home to embassies, government buildings, and wide boulevards shaded with palms. Begin your Rabat visit with an external stop at the Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Morocco. You can view the guarded gates and impressive architecture from the outside.

Continue to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a beautiful white structure with a green-tiled roof, resting place of Morocco’s beloved king and his sons. Opposite the mausoleum stands the Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret from the 12th century, surrounded by rows of marble columns.

(Optional): If time allows, walk through the Kasbah of the Udayas, a fortified area with blue-and-white painted walls overlooking the ocean—a peaceful retreat full of history and charm.

After a culturally rich day, check in to your hotel or riad in Rabat. Enjoy dinner either at the hotel or at a nearby traditional restaurant, where you can try Rabat-style lamb tagine or seafood pastilla. Simply rest at your accommodation, preparing for the journey ahead.

Day 4: Rabat – Chefchaouen – Tangier

Begin your day with a fresh Moroccan breakfast at your hotel in Rabat. Expect a selection of flatbreads, olive oil, amlou, fresh orange juice, and mint tea. After your meal, prepare to leave behind the coastal capital and head toward the magical blue town of Chefchaouen.

After breakfast, drive north toward Chefchaouen(Approx. 4.5–5 hrs | 250+ km). The town sits in the peaceful Rif Mountains. The road is scenic, with green hills, olive trees, and small farms. You’ll also pass by Berber villages along the way. There are many great spots for photos. Your driver may stop for short breaks or drinks. Near Ouezzane, enjoy panoramic views and a glimpse of a historic town.

You’ll reach Chefchaouen around midday or early afternoon. As you arrive, you’ll notice the town’s peaceful charm. Whitewashed houses, blue doors, and quiet alleys welcome you.

Check in to your traditional riad and take a short break. After some rest, head out for a walk through the blue-painted streets. It’s calm, quiet, and perfect for photos.

Make your way to the Medina. It’s much more relaxed than the bigger cities. Here, you’ll find local artisans selling handmade wool, woven blankets, and leather goods. You might also spot shops with herbs and natural products. Take a break at a cozy café. Enjoy a cup of mint tea or Arabic coffee as you breathe in the fresh mountain air.

For lunch, choose a local rooftop or courtyard restaurant inside the old town. Popular dishes include beef tagine with almonds, mountain vegetables with couscous, or goat cheese salad, a local specialty. Enjoy your meal in a peaceful setting, surrounded by terracotta rooftops and mountain views.

After lunch in Chefchaouen, start your drive north toward Tangier. Tangier sits at the northern tip of Morocco. It’s where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean.

The drive is scenic and peaceful. You’ll pass through winding mountain roads. Slowly, the road goes downhill toward the coast. Tangier is a lively port city. It has a unique mix of Moroccan and European culture.

Arrive in Tangier and start a short city tour. First, visit the Old Medina. It’s full of white houses, colorful doors, and busy markets. Watch daily life, spice stalls, and hear the call to prayer in the narrow streets.

Next, enjoy a panoramic view of the Bay of Tangier. On a clear day, you can see the Rock of Gibraltar. This is where the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas meet.

Optional: If time allows, take a walk along the Corniche. You can also stop by the Grand Socco, a lively public square.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel or a seaside restaurant, sampling fresh seafood, grilled sardines, or Moroccan fish tagine. After a long but fulfilling day of mountain landscapes, cultural towns, and coastal views, check into your hotel in Tangier for a peaceful overnight stay.

Day 5:Tangier – Meknes – Fez

After breakfast at your hotel in Tangier, you will leave the coastal city behind and start the journey toward Meknes. The road takes you through quiet countryside, with rolling fields and small villages along the way. It’s a peaceful drive, and your driver may stop for a short tea break if needed.

By late morning or early afternoon, you’ll reach Meknes. This city was once the capital of Morocco in the 17th century. You’ll first stop at Bab el Mansour, one of the grandest gates in all of Morocco. The gate is beautifully decorated with mosaic tiles and carved designs.  Just nearby, you can visit the old Medina and walk around the local market area.

Later, you will visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. It’s a calm, quiet place where one of Morocco’s most powerful sultans is buried. Non-Muslim visitors can also enter and see the beautiful Islamic patterns and peaceful courtyards.

If time allows, you might also stop at the royal granaries and stables, known as Heri es-Souani. These huge vaulted halls once stored grain and sheltered thousands of horses.

After exploring Meknes, you will have lunch in a local restaurant. Try something traditional like lamb tagine or couscous. The restaurants here are simple but full of flavor.

Once lunch is done, the drive continues toward Fez. It’s a shorter drive, about an hour, passing through open farmland and olive groves. The view becomes busier as you get closer to Fez, with its skyline of old rooftops and minarets.

On arrival in Fez arround 6:00 PM, you’ll go straight to your riad or hotel. Mint tea may be served as a welcome. You’ll have time to rest after the long day.

Dinner will be served at the riad or a nearby restaurant. You can enjoy local Fez dishes like pastilla or harira soup. After dinner, you can relax in the quiet of your riad, ready for the next day’s adventure in the heart of Morocco’s cultural capital.

6 Day: Full-Day Guided Discovery Through the Living History of Fez

After breakfast at your hotel or riad in Fez, your local guide will arrive to begin the city tour. Today is fully dedicated to exploring Fez. This is Morocco’s oldest imperial city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your tour starts in the newer part of Fez. The driver will take you to the Royal Palace. You won’t go inside, but you’ll stop outside to see the stunning golden gates. These are beautifully crafted with brass, wood, and mosaic tiles. It’s a great place for photos and to learn about Morocco’s royal architecture.

Just next to the palace, you’ll visit the Jewish Quarter, known as the Mellah. Your guide will walk you through the narrow streets, explaining how the Jewish community lived here and what role they played in Fez’s history.

From there, you’ll be taken to a panoramic viewpoint on a small hill. You’ll see the entire old Medina from above. It’s a great way to understand how big and dense this medieval city really is. Your guide may point out key landmarks from a distance before taking you into the narrow streets.

Then you head into the heart of Fez El Bali, the old Medina. This area is over 1,200 years old. The streets are like a maze — full of noise, movement, and life. You’ll walk through souks filled with carpets, copper lamps, spices, and leather goods. Every corner has its own scent, color, and rhythm.

You’ll visit Al-Qarawiyyin University, known as the world’s oldest operating university. You can’t enter the prayer hall, but you’ll see its courtyard and hear stories about its role in Islamic education.

Nearby is the Al-Attarine Madrasa, a small but stunning Koranic school. The wood carvings and zellij tilework are some of the finest in the city. Then you’ll stop at the Nejjarine Fountain, a historic public water source next to a small woodcraft museum.

Next, your guide will take you to the Chouara Tanneries, the most famous spot in Fez. From a rooftop, you’ll watch workers dye leather in large stone pits using ancient techniques. It’s among the city’s most frequently photographed spots.

By now it will be time for lunch. Your guide can help you choose a good place inside the Medina. Many travelers enjoy a quiet restaurant in a riad setting — offering traditional Moroccan dishes like chicken tagine with lemon or lamb with prunes.

After lunch, you’ll continue walking through other quarters of the Medina. You’ll pass guilds of craftsmen, like brass workers and dyers. Many shops are small family-run businesses, with the same skills passed down for generations.

In the late afternoon, you may head to the Bou Inania Madrasa or see the famous clock of Fez, La Magana, built centuries ago. These final visits wrap up your walk through time in a city where little has changed for hundreds of years.

By early evening, you’ll return to your hotel or riad. There’s time to rest, shower, or enjoy some mint tea in the courtyard.

Dinner will be served either in your riad or a nearby local restaurant. After a full day of walking, you’ll appreciate the calm. Spend the night in Fez, full of stories, images, and impressions from this ancient, living city.

Day 7:Fez – Ifrane – Ziz valley – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert

After breakfast at your hotel in Fez, your driver will pick you up and begin the journey south toward the Sahara Desert. It’s a long but beautiful drive with several interesting stops on the way.

Your first stop will be in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco.” This town is peaceful, clean, and full of European-style houses with sloping rooftops. You’ll have a short walk here to enjoy the fresh mountain air and take pictures in front of the iconic stone lion statue carved by a German soldier during World War II.

From Ifrane, the road continues to Azrou, where you’ll stop in the middle of a cedar forest — home to wild Barbary macaques. You can walk into the trees and see these monkeys up close. They often come near hoping to be fed. The forest here is calm and shaded, and a great place to stretch your legs.

Then the journey continues deeper into the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through beautiful landscapes and Berber villages. Around Midelt, you’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant. This small mountain town is known for apples and cold winters — but in summer, it offers clear blue skies and wide-open views.

After lunch, the road climbs toward the High Atlas Mountains, where the landscape becomes rockier. You’ll pass through the Ziz Gorge, a winding canyon carved by the river. The scenery here is dramatic, with cliffs and steep roads, followed by open desert valleys.

Soon after, you’ll stop at a panoramic viewpoint over the Ziz Valley. This green ribbon of palm trees flows through the dry, rocky land like a living river. This location is among the most picturesque stops along the route. Your guide may give a short explanation about the date farms and how local people use this oasis.

From there, continue driving toward the desert. You’ll pass through the small town of Erfoud, known for its fossils and date palms. If time allows, you may stop to visit a fossil workshop, where craftsmen polish ancient stone into tabletops and decorations. It’s a short visit, but very unique to this region.

As the sun begins to lower, the journey brings you to the edge of the Erg Chebbi Dunes, near the village of Merzouga. The scenery changes completely here — from dry rock to rolling golden sand.

You’ll arrive at your desert hotel by early evening. There’s time to relax, have a cup of mint tea, and enjoy the peacefulness of the desert before dinner. Some travelers may choose to walk onto the first dune and watch the sunset in silence.

Dinner will be served at the hotel or nearby in your desert accommodation. After a long day of driving, rest well tonight — tomorrow, your full Sahara adventure begins.

Day 8:Merzouga Desert – Khamlia – Family Nomad – Merzouga Dunes

The day begins calmly with fresh desert air and soft morning light. After breakfast at your desert hotel, your guide will take you to explore the nearby areas.

Your first stop is the small village of Khamlia. This village is known for its people of Gnaoua heritage, originally from sub-Saharan Africa. They welcome you warmly with traditional music and dances that come from deep spiritual roots. The drums, singing, and rhythm create a powerful moment in this quiet corner of the desert. You may be invited to join the dance or simply enjoy while sipping tea.

After the music, the journey continues off-road into the black rocky desert. This is a more wild part of the region, far from towns. You’ll drive over dry tracks to visit a nomad family living in a simple handmade tent. The family will invite you in and offer a cup of hot desert tea. You’ll see how they live with only the basics — a few goats, carpets, and tools. The silence here is strong. Life is simple, but peaceful.

Then your guide will drive further across the desert. Around noon, you’ll stop in a quiet area under a wide tree — a rare shade in this open land. Here, you’ll have lunch in the desert, served picnic-style. The food is local, fresh, and light — usually a salad, bread, maybe tagine. After lunch, there’s time to sit quietly or walk around the rocky ground. The air is dry but clean. This is a time to rest.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll return to your hotel in Merzouga. There’s time to wash up, enjoy a glass of mint tea, and get ready for your camel ride. Pack only what you need for one night — your main luggage will stay behind.

Before sunset, your camel caravan will begin. Each person gets a camel. The journey takes roughly an hour and a half. The dunes become golden as the light softens. The only sounds are the footsteps in the sand. You’ll stop on a high dune to watch the sunset. It’s a peaceful and beautiful moment. You may even try sandboarding down the slope if you like.

When the sun disappears, you’ll continue by camel to your desert camp. On arrival, the staff will welcome you with tea and show you your private tent. Tents have beds, carpets, and some even have private bathrooms, depending on your booking.

Dinner is served in a warm Berber tent or outside under the stars. The food is delicious and filling. After dinner, you’ll sit by a fire while the staff plays traditional Berber music on drums. You can join the rhythm or just enjoy.

Beneath a starlit sky, the night slowly comes to a close. The silence is deep. This is a moment most travelers never forget. Sleep in your tent and feel the calm of the Sahara.

Day 9: Merzouga – Rissani – Jarf – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

You’ll wake up to a peaceful morning in the desert. After breakfast at your camp or hotel, you’ll meet your driver and begin the journey west. The road leaves the sand dunes behind and enters stony, open landscapes.

After about 45 minutes, you’ll reach Rissani — a small town with deep history. If it’s a market day (Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday), you’ll visit the lively local souk. Here, people from nearby villages come to trade everything from dates and spices to carpets and animals. The streets are busy, full of color and sound. You can walk a little, maybe try some fresh dates or see the donkey parking area. It’s a real taste of southern Moroccan life.

From Rissani, you’ll continue to Erfoud, a town known for its fossils. This area was once underwater millions of years ago. You’ll stop at a small fossil workshop, where you can see how marble and stone are carved into tables, plates, and art. Some fossils are so clear, you can touch them. It’s a short but interesting stop.

The road continues along dry hills and small oases. Around noon, you’ll stop in the village of Touroug for lunch. A simple local restaurant offers fresh food — tagine, soup, or grilled meat. It’s a peaceful place to relax before the next part of your trip. After lunch, you’ll continue toward the mountains.

In the afternoon, you’ll reach the stunning Todra Gorges. These are tall stone cliffs rising sharply above a small river. The walls are narrow and very high, often over 300 meters. The air is cool here, and you’ll walk a little along the path near the river. Water flows gently, and sometimes local climbers can be seen scaling the rock face. It’s a perfect place to take photos and enjoy nature.

After  your visit, you’ll pass through the town of Tinghir, known for its palm trees and old Jewish neighborhoods. You won’t stop long here, but you’ll see mud-brick houses and green gardens along the road. The landscape becomes more mountainous as you climb higher.

Your final stop of the day is Dades Valley. The road turns and twists through the hills. You’ll stop at a famous viewpoint to see the monkey fingers rocks, named for their shape. You may also stop at the serpentine bend, one of the most scenic drives in Morocco.

By evening, you’ll arrive at your guesthouse or hotel in Dades Gorge. They will greet you warmly and serve refreshing mint tea. Dinner is served with love — warm bread, tagine, and maybe fruit for dessert. You’ll sleep in a quiet valley under the stars, surrounded by red rocks and silence.

Day 10: Dades Valley – Roses Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate

After a quiet sleep in the Dades Valley, you’ll wake up to the soft sound of birds and the crisp morning air. Breakfast is served at your guesthouse — fresh bread, honey, olives, and hot tea. You’ll check out and begin your journey deeper into the south.

The drive takes you through the Dades Valley, famous for its dramatic cliffs and winding roads. You’ll stop at a few panoramic viewpoints to admire the green fields below, surrounded by red stone hills. It’s a peaceful, beautiful drive.

Soon, you’ll reach the town of Kelaat M’Gouna, known as the Valley of Roses. In April and May, this area blooms with thousands of pink damask roses. Even out of season, you can stop at a small rose cooperative, where locals make rose oil, creams, and soaps by hand. It’s a great place to buy a small gift or learn how flowers are turned into beauty products.

From here, you may take an off-road detour to visit a group of nomadic families who live in caves in the nearby mountains. These Berber nomads move with the seasons and live simply. You’ll be welcomed with a cup of mint tea, served in traditional glasses. You’ll see their goats, cooking areas, and how they survive in the high desert. It’s a humbling, honest experience that most travelers never forget.

After this visit, you’ll return to the main road and stop at a local restaurant for lunch. The food is simple and delicious — maybe a meat tagine with fresh vegetables, served with warm bread and olives.

In the afternoon, your journey continues to Skoura, a large oasis filled with palm trees and mud-brick houses. You’ll stop to explore the Kasbah Amridil, a beautiful 17th-century fortress built with earth and straw. This Kasbah has been carefully preserved and gives you a look into the traditional life of desert families — with olive presses, storage rooms, and towers.

Back on the road, you’ll soon arrive in Ouarzazate, often called the Hollywood of Africa. This town has hosted many famous films like Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and The Mummy. Before checking in at your hotel, you’ll visit the Taourirt Kasbah, one of the most iconic in Morocco. With its high walls and hundreds of rooms, it once belonged to a powerful family who ruled the region.

By evening, you’ll head to your accommodation for the night. After a warm dinner — likely soup, tagine, and sweet oranges — you’ll rest in a peaceful room. The desert breeze will blow gently outside, and your journey through southern Morocco continues tomorrow.

Day 11: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

After breakfast in your hotel in Ouarzazate, you’ll begin the last leg of your journey. The road leaves behind the film studios and desert plains as you head towards one of Morocco’s most iconic sites — Ait Ben Haddou.

It’s a short drive through dry valleys and scattered palm groves before the UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah comes into view. Made entirely of red clay and straw, Ait Ben Haddou stands like a time machine from the past. Many movies were filmed here — Gladiator, Game of Thrones, The Mummy, and Lawrence of Arabia. You can walk through its narrow alleys, climb to the top for a sweeping view of the Ounila River, and explore old merchant houses and granaries.

After your visit, you’ll take the old road heading deeper into the High Atlas Mountains, a less-traveled but stunning route. You’ll pass small Berber villages tucked into the hills, where children wave and shepherds lead their flocks. This scenic route leads to the Kasbah of Telouet, once the palace of the powerful Glaoui family.

Though much of Telouet now lies in ruins, its interiors still shine — with colorful zellige tiles, hand-carved wood, and painted ceilings. You’ll stop here to explore and then enjoy lunch at a nearby local restaurant, usually offering fresh salads, tagines, and homemade bread.

In the afternoon, your journey continues through the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. You’ll wind up steep roads and cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which reaches an altitude of 2260 meters. You’ll stop at a few panoramic viewpoints for photos, where the mountains seem to stretch forever.

As you descend, the scenery begins to change. The air gets warmer, and the red soil of the plains returns. Soon, the first signs of city life appear — traffic circles, gardens, shops — and you arrive in Marrakech, the vibrant red city.

Your driver will drop you off at your accommodation. The rest of the evening is free — perhaps enjoy a final walk in the Medina, relax on a rooftop terrace, or simply rest after the long drive.

Day 12: Marrakech Airport

After breakfast, depending on your flight time, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to Marrakech Menara Airport.

This marks the end of your 12-day Morocco tour. Safe travels!