10 days in Morocco: Marrakech (3 nights), Sahara desert trek (3 nights), Fez (2 nights), Chefchaouen (1 night), back to Marrakech (1 night).
The TL;DR
Duration: 10 days
Estimated cost: $1,400-3,500 per person excluding flights
Day-by-day plan
Day 1: Arrive Marrakech
Land RAK. Taxi to riad in the Medina. Light dinner at Café Clock, sleep early.
Day 2: Marrakech Medina
Jardin Majorelle + YSL Museum morning, lunch at NOMAD rooftop, Jemaa el-Fnaa square at sunset with snake charmers + food stalls.
Day 3: Bahia Palace + souks
Bahia Palace + Saadian Tombs, lunch tagine at La Famille, souks shopping afternoon, dinner at Le Salama.
Day 4: Sahara desert trek begins
Pickup 8am for 3-day desert tour. Drive Atlas Mountains, lunch Aït Benhaddou (kasbah), sleep Dadès Valley auberge.
Day 5: To desert camp
Morning drive to Merzouga. Camel trek into Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset. Berber camp dinner with music under stars.
Day 6: Desert sunrise + drive Fez
Sunrise from dunes. Long drive (10h) to Fez. Sleep Fez Medina.
Day 7: Fez Medina
Walking tour ancient Medina (oldest in world), Chouara Tanneries, Bou Inania Madrasa, dinner at NUR or Mezzanine.
Day 8: Fez to Chefchaouen
4h drive north. Blue city of Chefchaouen – walk steep streets, eat at Casa Aladdin terrace at sunset.
Day 9: Chefchaouen to Marrakech
Long travel day – either fly via Casablanca or drive 8h. Last night Marrakech, hammam spa at Riad Be Marrakech.
Day 10: Departure
Last shopping in souks, flight home from RAK.
What to book in advance
- Flights: 10-16 weeks ahead via Google Flights + Going alerts
- Hotels: 8-12 weeks ahead for popular destinations
- Major attractions: 4+ weeks ahead for skip-the-line tickets
- Travel insurance: Within 14 days of first deposit (real claims tested)
Travel essentials for Morocco
- Travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees
- eSIM data plan
- When to actually visit Morocco
- Real cost of 1 week in Morocco
- Pre-travel checklist
FAQs
Is 10 days enough for Morocco?
10 days covers the essentials without rushing. For deeper exploration, add 3-5 days.
How much does this Morocco itinerary cost?
$1,400-3,500 per person excluding flights. See our travel credit card guide to cover up to 50% with sign-up bonus points.
When’s the best time for this itinerary?
Generally shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October). See our best time to visit Morocco.
Can I do this Morocco trip on a budget?
Yes – the low end of the cost range assumes hostels/guesthouses, local food, and public transit. Mid-range and luxury options are detailed in our cost guide.
What’s the biggest mistake first-time visitors make?
Over-scheduling. Pack 2-3 activities per day max. Build in buffer time for jet lag recovery and spontaneous discoveries.