Morocco Itineraries

A melting pot of diverse landscapes, spectacular coastlines, a vast desert, bustling market cities, and most importantly, a rich swirling heritage, Morocco is the perfect blend of old and new, modern and ancient. As diverse as the landscapes may be, this African kingdom is home to an even more diverse populace. Interwoven together in this cultural tapestry is the deep historical legacy of their predecessors who have called Morocco home; residents of the country invite travelers to do the same. For the rambler who wishes to experience every bit of Morocco, we have curated a comprehensive guide that spans itineraries to suit various traveler types, i.e., a one-week itinerary, a two-week itinerary, and finally an ‘off-the-beaten-path’ itinerary. Much to the country’s credit, Morocco caters to every type of traveler. The architecture buff can lose themselves in the endless maze of the medina and marvel at the centuries-old structures. INTRODUCTION. Watching too many episodes of Casablanca or having a bellyful of too much couscous? For whatever reason, Morocco has already made its way onto your bucket list. And why not? With a mix of landscapes and architecture, it’s one of the few places on earth where you can find stunning historical landmarks and a glistening beach right next to each other. From the raw and wild Sahara Desert to the colorful and chaotic markets of Marrakech, Morocco is a land of contrasts. Visitors can also admire the beautiful Atlas Mountains, stunning beaches, and coastal towns, and always the red city of Marrakech. If you’re a solo traveler looking to explore, relax, and taste, travel to Morocco is a dream. But in a country as large and diverse as Morocco, with its different sites and cities, it is important to plan an itinerary that covers your most loved things in the most convenient order. And that’s why we’ve created a small guide of just that – to make your visit to Morocco run as smooth as silk.

2. What to Know Before Planning Your Trip

First, understand that you will need a visa to visit Morocco. This visa is available upon arrival or directly from the Moroccan Embassy in your home country. Morocco, a predominantly Muslim country, has a unique culture with a variety of local customs. It is essential that you respect these customs and beliefs during your stay. Morocco may also present a culture shock to some based on the language barrier, city noise, or other factors. Visiting the Sahara Desert is also one of the highlights of a trip to Morocco, so keep the option open when planning your trip. You may want to consider booking a private vehicle and a local driver or renting a car at the airport to travel between destinations in Morocco. It is also important that you have some cash on hand, especially if you plan to visit rural areas or cities. Although the Moroccan Dirham is the official currency, you can pay with euros or US dollars in some tourist areas. Be sure to look up the exact exchange rate between these currencies and the Moroccan Dirham before you make your trip. It is also extremely important to look up the current exchange rate between these currencies and the Moroccan Dirham, as it can change frequently. Assume that your credit and debit cards will not be accepted. In general, the locals are safe, and the country is known for its low crime rate. Ensure that certain regions are safe to visit before departure, and it is also important to be aware of all travel warnings issued by your home country before boarding your plane to Morocco. Arabic is the official language of Morocco, but French and English are also spoken by many people in the big cities. Aside from learning a few basic Arabic phrases, tourists shouldn’t have any issues in Casablanca, Fez, and Marrakech. There is no guarantee that French and English will be spoken in rural areas, so a translator may be needed. Make sure you speak with your trip planner about finding a guide to help you through the language barrier. In the desert, you will find it more useful to use English and French. Most of the tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff will speak at least rudimentary English.

3. General Tips for Traveling in Morocco

When traveling through Morocco, it is possible to rent a car, hire a driver and a guide, travel around by train, or fly between cities. Trains are the most comfortable, and driving is the most flexible; however, Moroccan weather and traffic can be unpredictable, so driving can be stressful. The view from a Moroccan train is unbeatable. Be prepared to negotiate when using taxis, and be sure to agree on a price before you get in. Without a doubt, Moroccans are both gracious and friendly; the nation’s citizens take pleasure in their culture, and welcoming visitors is an integral part of it. Attempt to be humble and respectful while making the most of your experiences while also avoiding losing your personal integrity.

Arabic or French will go a long way in assisting you to communicate with Moroccans; a few phrases will go a long way in impressing locals. While you may anticipate being greeted with a hearty “welcome to Morocco” nearly everywhere you visit, be aware that numerous strangers may also try to sell you something. In terms of safety, Morocco is about as stable as a developing nation can expect, but pickpocketing and street crime can affect tourists in their vulnerability. Be sensible and watchful, and you will likely have an enjoyable and worry-free trip. Taxis, in particular, are often considered dangerous. Eating and enjoying the food are good ways to enjoy your time in Morocco. In a Moroccan home, it is considered rude not to eat; with uniform kindness, Moroccans extend their hospitality to guests.

4. Length of Itinerary

One of the first things to consider before planning any grand adventures or day trips is the amount of time you can afford to devote to travel. The length of your planned trip can be as little as a few days up to as long as an entire month. There is no one-size-fits-all itinerary that can be universally followed by all travelers visiting Morocco. If you can spare only a few days for your trip, it can be very frustrating to explore destination advisors that have itineraries that require at least a full week’s stay. The amount of time you can spend in Morocco may be heavily influenced by your obligations and the number of vacation days allowed to you by your employer. Many factors will inform your decision, but as a general rule, we recommend the following durations for visiting Morocco:

– Group Tours: If you only have a week to spend in Morocco as part of a larger tour of North Africa or Spain, your visit will generally be limited to towns and cities on or near the coast close to Casablanca, Marrakech, and Essaouira. For a more relaxed experience, choose a tour that offers a few extra days in Marrakech or hiking in the Anti-Atlas Mountain Peak District. – Overview: 7-day/6-night and 8-day/7-night tours provide visitors with a quick, whirlwind look at two of the country’s top attractions, with the shorter tour focusing on Marrakech and the High Atlas Mountains and the slightly longer version tacking on a leisurely hike in the Ouirgane Valley. – Pacing: 10-day/9-night tours are ideal for visitors and vacationers who want to rush through their itineraries and are just beginning to explore the country, as they allow travelers to see two or three destinations in depth or to have a brief taste of a number of different cities and villages. – Extended Stays: For those who have more vacation time or plan to spend an entire week traveling to or through Morocco, we recommend itineraries covering four or five cities or towns, which can be reached relatively quickly by train, bus, or private car. – In-Depth Explorations: If you have three weeks to a month to visit Morocco, the sky’s the limit, and no itinerary is off the table. Those seeking to see as many different areas of Morocco as possible should consider cutting cities from an in-depth route to make space for a few days at the beach in Essaouira or trekking in the High Atlas mountain lodges. – Repeat Visitors: By the time a visitor is making their second trip to Morocco, they usually have a better idea of what they want to see and do. The shorter itineraries in the “Extended Stays” section allow visitors to give any places they found unwelcoming the first time around a second chance and, in most cases, reprises of the “10-day Pace” are also possible. Let the preference, rather than the availability of time, guide your travel choice.

5. Itineraries from Major Cities

5.1. Morocco Itinerary from Tangier

5.2. Morocco Itinerary from Casablanca

5.3. Morocco Itinerary from Fes

5.4. Morocco Itinerary from Marrakech

5.5. Morocco Itinerary from Agadir

5.6. Morocco Itinerary from Errachidia

5.7. Morocco Itinerary from Ouarzazate

6. Themed Itineraries

Not sure where in Morocco to go yet? Not sure where to begin to plan your travel? Our themed itineraries narrow down the possibilities and make vacation planning a snap for young travelers, families, couples, thrill seekers, visitors just wanting to relax, and even visitors interested in Jewish history or traveling with their pets. Some of the itineraries last just a day and are meant to be part of a larger exploration, but if you take more than just the day to do one of our suggested itineraries, you can change the tempo: linger at a favorite stop of the day, take a longer visit and see an attraction more fully, or add a few more days of vacation in another part of the country at the end of the itinerary. Pick Themed Hobby or Interest – Family Oriented Itineraries for those with kids – Family and eco-oriented traveling for families with kids interested in or studying ecosystems – Couples’ Itineraries – Adventure Itineraries – Relaxation Itineraries – Jewish Heritage and History Itineraries All of the itineraries can be mixed and matched, too, to make a one-of-a-kind vacation that suits your special needs or interests. You can also edit them slightly and have a diverse trip combining your favorite hobby or interest, a thrill-seeking adventure, romantic retreat, and visits to tourist highlights.

6.1. Morocco Itinerary for Families

Families are often the most joyful spirits on a trip, making beautiful memories together. This guide offers families on holiday practical tips and top Morocco itineraries for all ages, designed around both the main attractions and the spaces that offer the most enjoyable and memorable experiences. All properties are also equipped to meet the needs of families. The entire holiday is a collection of moments, not experiences. From interactive museums and animal parks to the lively heart of Moroccan culture – the souk or open-air market – a chance to catch a snake charmer or wander in time and space in our own free museum. Suggested Morocco itinerary for children. Families with children ages 4 and older will usually be able to go for activities within the itinerary specifically developed for families and children ages 7 and up. Here, for example, we show some children’s activities including tagines, camel rides, and snake charmers’ photos. Please note that although we generally do not recommend taking a young child to the desert or home stay, many of the suggestions we made in our itinerary would be good on the family road trip. The suggested Morocco itinerary for children can easily be adjusted to suit your family trips. Plan plenty of free time to allow you to hit the beach and/or explore at your own pace. In Morocco, the larger hotels are usually designed to accommodate families and have such facilities as babysitting as well as interconnecting rooms.

6.2. Morocco Itinerary for Couples

Couples’ Itinerary for Morocco is an inspirational guide curated for lovers. It suggests a travel plan filled with charming destinations, luxurious hotels, and activities where you can spend your sweet time as a couple. The romantic itineraries are a mix of beach, mountain, urban, and luxury getaways. Some suggested places are Asilah, a small town of romantic beauty. You can also enjoy tasting fresh and exotic cocktails by the sea. For those who don’t mind a bit of rain and snow, they can indulge in a romantic escape in the mountains of Oukaimeden, the village of Imlil, or the Zenith Mountains of Imilchil. You can explore with your life companion, learn about new cultures, enjoy the scenic views, spend a peaceful weekend, and create new memories. Has your heart melted? Let us charm you and plan your intimate adventure. If you prefer one location or style, or just wish to explore and make a romantic template on your own, let Morocco Inspirations be your guide.

Most travelers pick advice and itineraries based on the time of their holiday. If you are traveling to celebrate your love, your partner’s birthday, your first year as a couple, your proposal, engagement, honeymoon, or special holiday, we suggest different activities. Personal guidance for your couples’ itinerary can be provided too. What makes the increase in expense to a local town, medina, museum, and desert so beautiful? The understanding and appreciation; celebrating your love, getting engaged or eloping, honeymooning, having fun with birthdays and special occasions, and of course planning your future or retirement together. Our romantic itineraries are a suggestion for couples who want to genuinely enjoy themselves and not be rushed through the travel process. We suggest quality time exploring and romantic moments to be spent together. You can move from one destination to another quickly if that’s your preference, or spend a day, a week, or longer in each place. Your travel style is meant for you to make memories in a relaxed environment, in a suit that flatters you, exploring at your pace, enjoying quality time together in every new location.

6.3. Morocco Itinerary for Groups

Group travel certainly has its challenges and often involves a bit more planning than booking a trip for one or two people. One of the keys to a successful group trip is advance planning. Morocco is a great destination for group travel, and there are plenty of attractions and experiences in Morocco that are particularly suitable for group travel. It should be noted that group travel encompasses a wide range of different people from different walks of life. Let your planning take account of the likes and dislikes of group members, as well as their differing levels of fitness and personal interests. When in Morocco, groups typically stay in the interesting cities of Marrakech or Fes, or use the beach town of Essaouira as a base, and then travel to the Atlas Mountains or the Sahara, or the dry and rugged land of the Anti-Atlas or the Jbel Saghro. Itineraries generally involve a mix of day touring and overland travel for anything from a few hours to 10 hours. So here are two 10-day group-themed Morocco itineraries—a 10-day Historical/Trekkers Alternative Itinerary and a 10-day General Group Itinerary. We advise groups to book accommodation in advance and to put your vehicle and local guide to work as far as possible for day touring. Aim for the 10-day recommendation, but do not work to keep to schedule so rigidly that a good opportunity for sightseeing, markets, or a hammam cannot be taken.

6.4. Morocco Itineraries for Adventures

Are you seeking some adventure? Practical maps are planned each day to help you capture the Moroccan experience to the last drop. Any of these ideas are really adventurous, so you must make wise decisions about when to go and consider a guide. Camel trekking adventure: travelers who are looking for rare outdoor activities may do something different in Morocco and enjoy camel trekking in the wonderful desert. Tours can last from a few hours to 10 days and sound very nice, but make sure you are healthy, as riding for long hours on a camel is not very easy. Also, ensure you have the necessary means for protection from the heat of the day and the cold at night since December and January are extremely cold and may reach below zero. This is your batch if you are already keen on catamarans or archery, or if you’re open to a new adrenaline sport. With so many beautiful settings available, you’re going to have a good time no matter what you choose to do. It is perfect for sophisticated adventurers who are more than able to step out of their comfort zone by selecting activities that are far from usual. Watch your partner and challenge yourself during your visit to Morocco. Kitesurfing on the coast north of Essaouira on remote beaches is an awe-inspiring experience. It’s amazing that you will be doing a physically challenging activity in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the entire world. Surfers can argue with me on this, but hiking in the serene, breathtaking landscapes of Morocco can be as exhilarating to someone like me as ravishing waves.

6.5. Morocco Itinerary for Honeymoon

Morocco Itinerary Overview We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your luxurious Marrakech riad, where you will bask in the splendors of the palaces of the kingdom’s former sultans. This 4-day, 3-night package includes private accommodations, twice-daily housekeeping, private touring, private transportation, and a special dinner in a garden or on a rooftop facing Koutoubia, the tallest minaret in Marrakech. Choose to spend the rest of your nights in the same riad, or experience different neighborhoods and aesthetics in Marrakech with private lodgings in every district. As time permits, we invite you to enhance your journey by enjoying local activities like a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through a 100-ft-tall gate from the 12th century. Private couples’ tours and workshops in Marrakech are available and encouraged, though for honeymooners coming from the West, we also schedule plenty of downtime for you to simply relax and enjoy the company of your loved one in splendid luxury.

What You Will Experience Every newlywed knows that a honeymoon, no matter how long or short, should have the following: exclusivity, romance, excitement, leisure, and admiration. This well-honed itinerary reflects those wedding wishes by including luxury, exclusivity, and excitement, as beams that are emphasized in our most romantic destination: Morocco. See why the film is still a favorite and Morocco remains a top honeymoon attraction, offering Moorish opulence and labyrinthine souks hidden behind 9th-decade-old walls. Muslims may marry at any age, so consider this sweet itinerary for your engagement-moon, anniversary trip, or baby-moon too, and call us to schedule your customizable package!

6.6. Morocco Itinerary for Hiking in the Sahara

The following itineraries offer possible routes into the Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga dunes and provide advice, tips, and useful rules and regulations to assist you on your hike through the dunes. If you’ve never hiked in the Sahara or the desert before, it’s best to first try an easy hike. The itineraries provided take account of the harsh desert environment, particularly in summer when temperatures regularly exceed 105°F in the shade – there is little or no shade available on these hikes.

You will quickly become dehydrated if you hike between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. (the most dangerous time of day). Two-hour walks are, therefore, recommended. The varied evenings in bivouacs and the nocturnal atmosphere under the stars can be just as rewarding as the walks. Morocco’s prized treasure is part of the Moroccan heritage, and finding peace and being spellbound is one of the greatest investments an individual can have in life – try beginning by just walking or simply doing a short introductory trek to these sands.

Excursions, whether on foot or in a 4×4, require good preparation, desert knowledge, and a well-trained guide, particularly for inexperienced persons. Make sure not to get lost or suffer from dehydration when making reservations! When you trek, stroll, hike, or travel on foot, try to harmonize with solar time, especially if the temperatures are slightly cooler, like the blue hour, which manifests a few minutes before sunrise and a few minutes after sunset – stargazing and starlight walks are indeed the most striking feature of any desert walk.

6.7. Morocco Itinerary for Air Activities

Morocco contains innumerable adventure opportunities; of these, air activities are the most thrilling as well as the most exclusive. A hot air balloon ride is breathtaking at any location, but few other activities impart that broad, bird’s-eye perspective of Morocco’s differing ecosystems. Paragliding and other hang-gliding options, on the other hand, enable visitors to fly independently and more deeply experience Morocco’s prevailing air currents and updrafts, if they are experienced. This part of the chapter is dedicated to those interested in exhilarating airborne pastimes where the ‘view’ offers constant delight. Morocco’s air activities community follows strict safety protocols and operates with professionalism. Flights and tours incorporate soft cultural elements, placing air-based fun in a broader framework of adventure and engagement with Moroccan landscapes and culture. Comfort and scenic diversity are key elements for the itineraries outlined. Several ‘beginner’ options are suggested, while those with some experience in air activities are offered at least one unique do-it-in-Morocco adventure. Flexibility and options are emphasized in such itineraries.

6.8. Best Morocco Itinerary for a Weekend in Marrakech

Spend a weekend in Marrakech

Head to Marrakech for the weekend.

Marrakech doesn’t need to take up too much of your time to win you over. If you only have a few days here, fly in on a Friday and follow a three-day Marrakech itinerary to make the most of it. Enjoy a locally guided tour before taking off to further explore the city by yourself using top tips.

Day 1: Friday evening in Marrakech

On your first night in Marrakech, head into the Medina. It’s time to indulge in the city’s most beautiful lights and attractions. When heading to Marrakech for a weekend, spending most of the first evening in the Medina will give you a good feel for the city, but it will also allow you to sleep in a little longer. Start with a visit to Jemaa el-Fnaa square at sunset to see the vibrant atmosphere. Don’t forget to take a panoramic photo when you climb on a rooftop café; the terraces of Café Glacier are spot on! Then, spend dinner time at the square. I suggest trying the fritters from Naima. After dinner, head into the souks/medina markets to take in the lively evening atmosphere. If you’re into massages, try getting a very cheap (yet lovely) shoulder massage at the nearest Hammam! Where to spend the night? Marrakech is perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway or a little celebratory feel. The Pearl Marrakech, located in Hivernage, is the place to be. For an authentic weekend feel, I recommend you spend the night at AR Guest House in a swanky area of the Medina. Rouge Hostels offers a dormitory vibe in this area featuring shared spaces with locals, very budget-friendly and chill! Tip: When heading to Marrakech for a weekend, even a longer one, I always recommend including a day trip to the Ourika Valley so you don’t just get lost in the local city life, but also enjoy nature. I have a fancy dinner planned for Friday night at the camp in my Marrakech Weekender itinerary. Expensive, but worth the once-in-a-lifetime experience!

6.9. Morocco Itinerary with Kids

In contrast to the previous two itineraries, this section contains a number of family travel tips designed to make your trip as enjoyable as possible and to provide suggestions for activities and kid-friendly touring and dining options. Like the previous itinerary section, use the suggestions and timing to create an itinerary that suits your family. It may be helpful to print your packing list and planning chart or to refer to these planning tools as you read this section to help you create a personalized kid-friendly itinerary. This itinerary section contains family travel tips and suggestions for interactive activities to enjoy with your kids as you visit various regions of Morocco. Each suggestion is accompanied by a statement of suggested travel duration. Young kids have different travel needs than their parents. When planning your days with kids, you may want to plan for some downtime away from the noise, traffic, and strangers. Jamel Fna Square was a bit of all that, but I found it to be a great location for some parent-child fun as well.