See the Whole Country With This Two Week Morocco Itinerary

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Morocco dazzles with incredible history, mesmerizing mountains, vibrant cities, and a desert that goes on as far as the eyes can see.  There aren’t many countries with that much variety, and you need two weeks in Morocco to see it all.

After suffering from information overload trying to plan my own trip to Morocco, I decided to summarize it into an easy-to-follow two week Morocco itinerary.

Not only is this based off hours and hours of research, but I also made a few adjustments from my on-the-ground experience so you don’t waste time on second-tier attractions and you add more time to where it’s worth it. Plus I paced it strategically, visiting a few spots as day trips rather than overnights so you don’t constantly have to pack your bags and switch hotels.

If your goal is a comprehensive and easy visit, this Morocco itinerary includes all the best places to visit while maintaining a reasonable pace.

2 Weeks in Morocco at a Glance

Start in Marrakech, an easy place to get over your culture shock. From there, visit coastal Essaouira, head through natural wonders like the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge and spend a night at a Merzouga desert camp. Continue north to Fes for a bustling city experience, see history in Meknes, and enjoy peaceful Chefchaouen in the mountains and Asilah on the coast before a quick stop in Rabat. Fly home from Casablanca.

Does all this sound like a foreign language to you? No worries — go check out my Morocco city guide for an overview of some of these places, then come back to see how to piece it all together!

Suffering from information overload while planning a trip to Morocco (I did!). This two week Morocco itinerary will show you a route to the best highlights of the country and how long to spend at each stop. Learn what to do in places like Marrakech, Essaouira, Todra Gorge, Ouarzazate, Merzouga in the Sahara Desert (and Erg Chebbi dunes), Fez, Meknes, Chefchaouen, Asilah, Rabat, and Casablanca. It sounds like a lot but this two week Morocco itinerary map makes it easy to follow!
An overview of the best of the country.

It sounds like a lot but this article makes it easy to follow!

How many days in Morocco?


Spoiler Alert: Two weeks in Morocco is ideal to sample mountains, deserts, beach, cities, villages, and history, but I’m a realist and know not everyone has that much time.

If you have just three days in Morocco, go to Marrakech (which is an awesome side trip from Europe).
If you have a week, spend two days each in Marrakech and Fes, with a 3-day roadtrip through the desert in-between.
With 10 days, copy this itinerary exactly from days 1-10.
With two weeks, rest assured you’re seeing all the country’s highlights.

What You Should Know Before You Go

  1. This trip works better when you travel by car, which will cost you about $150-200 for a private car and driver. If you’re on a budget, you can get away with just hiring a driver for the section between Marrakech and Fes (day 4-7, below). If even that’s above your budget, you’ll need to join a group tour for that section. Public transport isn’t a particularly viable option. (We used Jalil @ Morocco Unplugged. Get in touch with him or read reviews).
  2. The best time to visit is spring and fall for comfortable weather, but we went in early December. Temperatures were cool, but totally fine with a sweatshirt.
  3. Morocco is very safe and an easy place to travel even though it doesn’t feel like home.

Check out more of my travel tips for Morocco to plan for costs, weather, language barriers, and more.

A Detailed Two Week Morocco Itinerary

Hint: If you depart the USA on a Friday night (overnight), then Day 1 of this trip plan will be Saturday. It conveniently ends on a Sunday for the flight home so you can pack a lot into just two weeks off from work. If you’re coming from Europe, fly to Marrakech on Saturday morning for essentially the same timing.

Day 1 – Arrive in Marrakech

Marrakech is my favorite city to start in because it feels fascinating and exotic while still offering tourist amenities that make it easier to adjust and get over jetlag.

I always advise not planning too much for your first day since you’ll be tired (and maybe even overwhelmed), so do just one thing: visit the medina.

first stop on your two week morocco itinerary is the djemaa el fna square in marrakech, best in the evening
The Djemaa El Fna square in Marrakech, Morocco

The Djemaa el Fna square is a collection of stalls and shops around the main square. It’s very touristy near the center, but the farther you dive into the maze of alleys, the more authentic the market becomes.

Have dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the square for a birds-eye view of the organized chaos below. After dark, be sure to get a glass of the spicy ginseng infusion sold from local carts and enjoy it while watching street performers and musicians.

Where to Stay in Marrakech (3 nights)

Dar Al Assad  

You’ll love the private rooms that are a quick walk from the Marrakech medina.  The price is right for air conditioning, wi-fi, a pool, and great hospitality.

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Day 2 – Sightseeing in Marrakesh

There is more to Marrakech than a bustling square.  The easiest way to start exploring is by joining a hop-on/hop-off sightseeing bus (so you can avoid constantly haggling with taxi drivers!). There are two different routes through the city, and I recommend taking the palmerie/oasis route first, as it provides more commentary.

Obviously you can get off wherever you’d like to and you’ll have plenty of time to explore along the way. I particularly enjoyed the Jardin de la Menara, Saadian tombs, and El Bahia Palace.

View Moroccan architecture like these pillars and tiles in Marrakech
Inside the Saadian tombs.

This evening, get a more interactive look at local cuisine by joining a food tour.  Head through the souks to local cafes and street food stalls (that are safe to eat from!). You’ll eat a lot of food while learning about the spices, flavors, and Moroccan recipes.  Doing this early in your trip is a good way to sample things and see what you like so you can order on your own later in the trip.

Day 3 – Day Trip to Essaouira

Essaouira is a well-known town on the coast with a more relaxing atmosphere, making it a great way to decompress from the city.  Hop on a Supratours bus for an easy, direct ride to Essaouira.  From there, you can choose how you’d like to spend your day.

boats in essaouria morocco

If the weather’s nice, you’ll find a large beach perfect for sunning and strolling, plus the city walls are great for another walk.  It’s also a great place for shopping; the shopkeepers are less assertive than in Marrakech which can make it more comfortable to negotiate! Be sure to enjoy a fresh seafood meal while you’re in town as well!

Fun fact: The Astapor scenes from Game of Thrones (where Danerys meets the Unsullied) were filmed in Essaouira.

Day 4 - Roadtrip through Telouet, Ait ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, and Skoura Oasis

Meet up with your driver today to head into the High Atlas Mountains. This is a long, full day and you'll need an early start, but it's also one of my favorite days out of the entire Morocco itinerary. The scenery is fantastic, so I prefer this roadtrip over flying to Ouarzazate.

Leave Marrakech and head via the Tiz n Tichka Pass with several stops along the way:

  • Telouet, my favorite kasbah in Morocco for its beautiful views and an incredible interior
  • Ait ben Haddou, a UNESCO heritage site you'll recognize from Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Kingdom of Heaven.
  • Ouarzazate, the biggest city in the region and a good place to stop for lunch. We also toured Atlas Studios, a fun stop if you're a movie junkie.
  • Route of 1000 Kasbahs, a drive past many old forts ending in the palm grove of Skoura.

My husband and I were both a little disappointed by Ait ben Haddou, Morocco's only kasbah with UNESCO world heritage status.  The setting is lovely and it is nice to look upon from the outside, but touring the interior was lackluster and we much preferred the underrated Kasbah Telouet.

Where to Stay in Skoura (1 night)

Kasbah Amridil

Yes, it's worth pushing 40 minutes farther to stay in Skoura instead of Ouarzazate, which is just a transit town.

You'll find many kasbahs which have opened their doors to overnight guests, but the hosts at Kasbah Amridil are incredibly welcoming, making it my first choice.

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Day 5 - Continue to the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge

After a long day yesterday, you'll enjoy a little more free time today. Ask your driver to stop at more kasbahs if you're interested or stop to smell the rosewater at any of the shops along the drive. Nature-lovers, like me, will instead prefer hiking through the fantastic setting of the Dades Valley. Your driver can set up the 10-kilometer loop through Dades Gorge and Monkey Fingers Canyon.

No matter how you decide to spend your day, everyone will enjoy the spectacular pink-gray walls of the Dades Gorge and the windy road seemingly designed just for Instagram.  Drive just a bit farther to spend the night in the Todra Gorge.

Driving the windy road in Dades Gorge along the Morocco itinerary

In all of Morocco, this is the area that surprised me the most.  I thought it would just be a good place to break up a long drive, but if you love nature and hiking, it will WOW you!

Where to Stay in Todra Gorge (2 nights)

Auberge le Festival

This hotel is built right into the cave which makes it really cool, but you'll also love the great food and friendly host.

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Day 6 - Todra Gorge

You have no idea how good it will feel to spend the day exploring without having to spend hours in the car!  Today is a quiet day to decompress and re-charge.  The cave rooms are wonderful for reflection and it is incredibly relaxing to sit in the outdoor hot tub, play with the resident dog, read a book, or stargaze long into the night.

todra gorge | two week morocco itinerary

However, you don't have to take it easy if you don't want to.  This is an outdoor paradise and a photographer's dream if you can spot nomadic tribes in the mountains.  You can easily spend an entire day hiking, biking, or rock-climbing (guides are readily available).  Ask your hotel about visiting local Berber villages or the nearby salt mines.

On a time crunch?  Or just don't want to do it all yourself?

If you're looking for a package tour, the only one that seems to come close to an authentic, immersive experience is the 9-Day Morocco Adventure offered in conjunction with G Adventures National Geographic Journeys.

What I like about it:

  • Decent hotels with western amenities
  • Small group size (maximum 12)
  • Tons of historical/cultural context
  • Interactive sightDOING, like herbalist lessons and cooking classes
  • Enough free time to pursue your own interests

Obviously with 9 days, it's at a faster pace and it skips both coastal towns.  However, you can add a day tour at the end of your trip from Marrakech to Essaouira.  And obviously, it takes the stress out of organizing, communicating, and travel logistics.

Day 7 - Sahara Desert Tour

I think most travelers will agree that visiting the desert is a must-do experience in Morocco. You'll hear a lot of terms of where to go, but for simplicity's sake, you should know that the Erg Chebbi Dunes and Merzouga Desert both refer to the same place (and are a small, specific point within the greater Sahara).

On your drive, be sure to stop in Alnif, the "trilobite capital of the world".  While the landscape looks quite barren, it's not difficult to stumble upon literally hundreds of fossils simply by stopping the car and taking a brief walk, proving that this was once a much more hospitable environment.

If you arrive early enough in Merzouga, you might have time for birdwatching at Dayet Srji, riding an ATV in the sand dunes, or burying yourself in the sand which supposedly helps with joint pain.  I'd absolutely recommend a camel trek into the desert for sunset: a quiet way to experience just how vast these sand dunes are.

Camel riding amongst the Erg Chebbi dunes, a highlight of my two weeks in Morocco.

Where to Stay in Merzouga (1 night)

Bedouin Tent

If you're willing, spend a night in a Bedouin-style tent ("glamping"), dine al fresco, sit by the campfire with local music, and stargaze. Your driver (or any local hotel or tourist agency) can arrange this on the spot.

Not your style?  Try the Hotel Riad Ali for air conditioning and a pool, if you prefer.

Day 8 - To the City of Fes

Assuming you spent the night in the desert, your day will start with an incredible sunrise over the sand dunes.  Climbing up these dunes is quite a feat, so come prepared for the challenge!

desert sunrise | two week morocco itinerary
Sunrise in the Sahara

Another hour or two by camel will bring you back to Merzouga, where breakfast will be waiting and you can freshen up with a hot shower.  

From this point forward, most of the day will be spent in the car. You'll drive past the town of Rissani and into Erfoud of the Ziz Valley.  As of this writing, market day in Erfoud was on Saturdays, making the souks a perfect first stop for the day.  These are far different from the touristy souks in Marrakech, and you'll see butchers, livestock markets, and flea market type sales crowded with locals.  Consider a snack of mejoul dates, spicy olives, and an avocado milkshake before heading north into the Middle Atlas Mountains.

You'll continue through cedar pine forests, home to Barbary apes that can be curious and worth a quick visit. If you make just one stop, make it Ifrane, the "Switzerland of Morocco" due to its alpine scenery. You'll arrive in Fes before dusk.

Dar Seffarine Fes Morocco

Where to Stay in Fes (4 nights)

Dar Seffarine

By all means, drop everything and stay at Dar Seffarine.  It's gorgeous, welcoming, centrally located, and affordable. Since you're here for four nights, you might as well be comfortable!

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Day 9 - Relaxation in Fes

Halfway through your trip, you've earned some relaxation!  You'll find hammams, or bathhouses, scattered throughout Fes and you can choose your level of authenticity when it comes to scrubbing the sand off your body versus a spa-like massage.

overlooking the city of fes from a viewpoint
Overlooking Fes, Morocco

You'll find lots of other ways to relax for the day as well, including playing a round of golf, enjoying a day pass at the Sofitel's (or other hotel's) pool, or partaking in any interest of yours.  In my case, that absolutely means a cooking class.  There's nothing like being in a kitchen to take away all my stress.


Fez Cooking School Experience

This half-day cooking class begins with a visit to a traditional souk in the medina to purchase ingredients and taste local treats. Return to Palais Amani for a rooftop cooking class and enjoy your lunch or dinner in the lush palace gardens.

Day 10 - Day Trip to Meknes

Trains ply the 1-hour route from Fes to Meknes frequently, making it an easy day trip even if you don't have a driver. Make your first goal of the day a visit to the Roman ruins of Volubilis before it gets too hot in the afternoon.  Guides are available to explain the history or you can simply enjoy the beautiful mosaics on site.

Incredible tile work and flooring in Morocco
Incredible tile work and flooring in Morocco

Next, stop in Moulay Idriss (a 45-minute walk or short taxi ride from Volubilis). This is an important pilgrimage site due to the tomb of Moulay Idriss, a prominent Moroccan saint in the late 8th century and a great-grandson of the prophet Mohammed.  

Enjoy lunch in Meknes and spend a few hours to stop in the city's other historical sites, the central pedestrian square, or shop in the souks before returning by train to Fes.

Day 11 - Traditional Touring in Fez

Fes is a well-preserved medieval capital and a sprawling labyrinth that is amazing to get lost in.  In fact, I'd suggest specifically not getting a guide for today because wandering is so enjoyable.

At some point, you'll likely stumble upon the tanneries, a great place to learn about one of the city's major industries as well as do some shopping.  Also worth finding are the lovely architectural wonders of Bou Inania madersa (a fourteenth century college) and the exteriors of the Moulay Idriss II shrine, Qaraouyine library and the al-Tijani mosque.

Hidden interiors, all gorgeous in Fez
Hidden interiors, all gorgeous in Fez

Should you still have time, head into the Jewish quarter for an entirely different feel of the city or to the Merenid Tombs for panoramic views of the city.  Spend your evening in the new city for a more modern dinner and night out.

Day 12 - Northbound to Chefchaouen

Today, head north to the Rif mountains.  There's not much to stop for along the way, but if you leave in the morning, you'll arrive in time for lunch in the lively Plaza Uta el Hammam.

The food -- and culture -- in Chefchaouen feels more European than anywhere else in Morocco, and the variety is a refreshing change of pace.  Chefchaouen's gorgeous blue-washed alleys are calming, and it's easy to spend an entire afternoon walking through town and enjoying the ambiance.  Consider a stop at the Hotel Atlas for mint tea at sunset.

Blue city of Chefchaouen, the most peaceful stop on your MOrocco itinerary
Blue city of Chefchaouen
inside puerta azul chefchaouen morocco

Where to Stay in Chefchaouen (2 nights)

Puerta Azul

For a peaceful stay in an excellent location with unbeatable decor and a wonderful breakfast, this is the place for you.

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Day 13 - Explore the Rif Mountains

Another day in Chefchaouen provides the opportunity to explore the surrounding area.  My choice is a hike through Talassemetane National Park for waterfalls and other hillside scenery on the outskirts of town.

Talassemetane National Park in chefchaouen
Talassemetane National Park

Another popular option is to travel by car about 30 minutes to God's Bridge (rock arc) and the Akchour waterfalls for a day of hiking.  If you prefer a cultural visit to an outdoor one, head to local villages for tours of authentic markets or seeing potters at work.

Day 14 - to Asilah

Heading to Asilah is easiest done by private car, but can be done by bus or train with a transfer if you prefer to save money.  As a contrast to Chefchaouen, Asilah is a white-washed village on the sea rather than a blue-washed town in the mountains.  It has an Iberian feel and is small enough to see in one day.

asilah | two week morocco itinerary
Coastal Asilah

This is a particularly great place to spend a Friday in Morocco (a day of prayer for Muslims). You can take it easy on Paradise Beach, reachable by donkey cart. After an afternoon of soaking up the sunshine, walk along the ramparts for a stunning sunset.

Where to Stay in Asilah (1 night)

Asilah 32

The condos here are likely more space than you'll need for one night, but it's under $100 so worth treating yourself for the sea view. You're also easy walking distance to town and the beach, giving you the best of both worlds.

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Day 15 - Ride the Rails to Casablanca

After the sea breeze in Asilah, it's about a four hour drive south to Casablanca and ideally you'll arrive in time for the final tour of King Hassan II Mosque at 2:00pm.  This mosque is the largest in Morocco, the third largest in the world, and the tallest minaret in the world.  

casablanca mosque, last stop on morocco itineary
Casablanca's mosque

More interestingly, though, is that it is one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims.  Enjoy the beautiful interior as a way to return to Morocco's architecture and culture and then stroll the corniche in the late afternoon for a final glass of mint tea, some people-watching, and an insight into the busy imperial city of the country.

(If you have an afternoon flight on the last day, you can instead stop over in Rabat for the afternoon and save Casablanca's mosque for first thing the next morning).

pool in casablanca morocco

Where to Stay in Casablanca (1 night)

Le Sphinx Boutique Hotel

I don't know about you, but after two weeks in Morocco, I'm ready to be pampered a little bit. Instead of overpaying for one of the chain hotels in town, get a luxury stay at half the cost and enjoy the pool before heading out.

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Day 16 - Fly home

Returning home is a breeze, with Casablanca airport well connected to the city.

By this point, hopefully you've enjoyed the many different sides of the country through this two week Morocco itinerary, with plenty of stories to share with family and friends.

Any last Morocco travel tips?

Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.  Don't be surprised if you find yourself at a squat toilet needing both of these things and still being expected to pay for the privilege of using their bathroom.

Stay nimble.  We arrived in Marrakech finding ourselves needing to cross a street that looked nearly impossible to accomplish while staying alive.  Thank goodness we were traveling with sneakers and backpacks rather than heels and wheeled suitcases.  Even when traffic isn't an issue, many riads (guesthouses) are only accessible on foot and have narrow, winding staircases so packing light is a good plan.

Be respectful.  This should go without saying, but embrace their customs rather than insulting them.  Know when you are allowed to take photographs and when you should create a memory instead.  Respect certain sites which are not open to non-Muslims and instead seek out places you can visit without offending anyone.  Dress modestly.

Plan "me time".  There is a lot to soak in in Morocco and it can be mentally exhausting to be constantly stimulated. Taking thirty minutes a day to reflect on your experiences can be worth its weight in gold. 

MORE INFO TO PLAN YOUR MOROCCO TRIP

    76 thoughts on “See the Whole Country With This Two Week Morocco Itinerary”

    1. Great post!
      We did this a bit differently in our 15 nights and in retrospect, if anything we bit off too much because it was just too much time in the Land Cruiser.
      We landed in Rabat (which was brilliant because we were the only airplane there-Air France from CDG), and slept. The next day, a tour of Rabat and then 3 nights in Fes. Then the desert line–very cool. Took a tour into no man’s land between Morocco and Algeria and hung out w/some nomads. A first for us. We did our trip through the fantastic Authentic Morocco where Liz Williams is a super star. From the desert line, on through the Atlas mountains, several nights in Marrakech, a night in the mountains outside of Marrakech and then on to Essouria-all of which was great. However, it was WAY too much driving. We should have done this in smaller bites. Morocco is the size of California so I’ve joked that it was though we flew into Sacramento, then drove to Fresno, then the Sierras, then the Redwoods, then down to Palm Springs, and then off to San Diego, LA, up to Santa Barbara and then on to SF. Of course we then would have returned to Sacramento. I loved Morocco and love it more w/each day I’m removed from Morocco. The one big mistake was to try to see it all in two weeks as it can’t be done comfortably-even w/your own tour guide/driver and a Land Cruiser! my 2 cents.

    2. Is there anything you did that you wouldn’t have felt comfortable doing without your husband there? For example, I avoided coffee shops on my trips to Jordan and Egypt. It just seemed like I would attract unwanted attention.

    3. @Jon, Your trip sounds wonderful, even if it was a bit hurried! We never did make it to Rabat (along with some other places – maybe next time). I understand your California metaphor entirely, and we traveled at a faster pace than what you see here. It was downright stupid – so hopefully people will do as I say and not as I do. That said, I am the type of person who would try to do California in two weeks…and enjoy it.

      @Joe, I agree that Marrakech is very touristy. However, I can’t imagine going to Morocco and not stopping in Marrakech. I’m sure anyone considering Morocco will choose wherever is right for them.

      @Travel Bug, Fortunately, Morocco is a very safe country where women are gaining more and more independence (admittedly, still have a ways to go). Yes, coffee shops are mostly frequented by men, except for tourist coffee shops where you’ll find a mix of people. I was only solo in Chefchaouen while Mike was recovering from the flu, but did feel perfectly comfortable there. However, a few things I would have done differently:

      1. Head to bed a little earlier. I don’t think I would have been comfortable walking through empty alleys to my riad at 11pm alone (but that has nothing to do with being with a man – and everything to do with being solo). A taxi would solve this issue sometimes, though remember a lot of areas are pedestrian-only anyway.

      2. Travel in a shoulder season rather than off-season. There were a few hotels where it was only us and one other couple, so we didn’t necessarily bump into each other at breakfast. I really enjoyed the conversation with other guests (despite traveling with a companion) where it was busier (Dar Seffarine, Auberge le Festival).

      3. Travel by bus/train/driver rather than rental car.
      There are a lot of stretches of road that weren’t heavily traveled so if you had a problem, I wouldn’t want to be alone. Again, nothing to do with traveling with a man and instead from traveling solo.

      I think you’d find Morocco to a be a friendly and welcoming culture, even traveling solo or without a male companion.

    4. Becky – it’s moving up higher and higher on my list. I was apprehensive about both my trips to Egypt and Jordan, but once I got there, I was perfectly happy as a solo woman. Sounds like I’d have a similar experience in Morocco.

    5. Becky,
      Great post!
      What time of the year did you travel? Would you recomend staying a night or day in Todra Gorge in december/jan? Too cold may be? Is Essaouira worth the trip in these dates?
      Thanks for your advice!

      1. @Carlos, I traveled in December and found the weather quite comfortable (with the right clothing/sweaters). We spent a night at Auberge Le Festival in Todra Gorge and would highly recommend it even in winter. It would be too cool to swim in Essaouira that time of year, but if you like to stroll the seaside, you may still find it worthwhile.

    6. Hi there, this is a great, and really useful blog post. I was wondering if you could say something about your budget for this trip?
      Thanks

    7. Hi Becky! Thanks for this blog post. I am looking into a 5 day tour with Jalil. In your research, were you able to find less expensive private tours? Thanks! Siv

      1. @Siv, At the time, yes, there were less expensive tours, but we found that Jalil was the best value for what we wanted included, the level of English and service, and the flexibility to customize “on the go” if we chose to. I’m not sure what you’re planning but it’s possible there may be another person who also suits your needs.

    8. Hi Becky!

      Thanks so much for this post. It has been exquisitely useful for me and my travel companions for our upcoming trip to Morocco. Your style is very very similar to mine.

      We have 13 days total in Morocco whereas it looks like you had about 15. I know you spent two nights in Todra Gorge and one night in Skoura, but for a more relaxing day (maybe by the pool with a book), would 2 nights in Skoura and one night in Todra be better? Auberge le Festival looks amazing but there isn’t a pool and it is also quite expensive. Which area is more enjoyable for being outside relaxing under the sun? We were initially planning on two nights in both places but I’m worried that might be a little too much…

      1. @Matthew, In a pinch, you can easily see the highlights with 1 night in each area (and long days), so don’t worry too much about the planning.

        I’ll be honest: I’m not one who often sits around with a book while traveling, but you’ll be most likely to find pools and hotels set up for that type of relaxation in Ouarzazate, which is near Skoura and would work as a substitute base. I personally didn’t like the city, which is why I didn’t recommend it, but there are many tourist facilities there.

    9. Hi Becky,

      I loved reading your post. I am planning my trip to Morocco now for late January and early February. I only want to go to Merzouga, Fez, Chefchaouen, Casablanca, and Rabat. Is fifteen days enough? I dont want to see the other small cities. I am a young travel going alone.

      1. @Monique, I hope you have a great time! With 15 days, I would recommend a trip Casablanca (1 day) -> Rabat (2 days) -> Chefchaouen (2-3 days) -> Fez (3 days)-> Merzouga (2 days) -> Return to airport to fly home (likely Casablanca or Marrakech airports). However, both Fez to Merzouga and Merzouga to any airport are long journeys, so you may want to break up the trip with an overnight somewhere.

    10. Hi Becky,

      My boyfriend and i are going to Morocco for the last 2 weeks of March and are trying to work out our route. Your trip sounds great! Is there anything you would’ve done differently? We want to see as much as possible but we don’t want to rush it too much! We´re both students so our budget is a little tight, do you think your route would not be affordable for us?

      Thanks! Jeeda

      1. @Jeeda, Morocco is a budget-friendly country; you can find private double rooms for $30 (or less), meals for under $5, and relatively cheap activities. However, if renting a car or driver is out of your budget, you’ll need to take public buses which can take extra time compared to driving directly. In that case, you may need to get rid of 1 place to use the extra time on transportation.

        The only thing I would’ve done differently is to stay longer in each place. This route already gets rid of a lot of 1-night stays, but reality dictates a few are still necessary to visit the whole country in a limited time.

        1. So did you rent a car?
          I am going the first 2 weeks of this coming October with my wife.
          I want to rent an SUV but I am thinking I am going to be busy driving instead of enjoying the trip.

          I am fluent in Arabic probably would help.

        2. @Ali, I hired a private driver with car so that we had the freedom of traveling the way we wanted but without the stress. Obviously renting a car and driving yourself will be cheaper, but we found it to be worth the extra cost so that we could enjoy the trip.

    11. Hi Becky: I’m planning a two week trip to Morocco for September. Your blog is very helpful! Did you do your overnight trip to the desert with a particular company? If yes, could you share their information? Do you see any issues with traveling to Marrakech, the High Atlas, the desert and Fes in September? I know it can be a bit warm still. Thanks again!!

      1. @Brooke, I have no idea what company we went with to the desert…we got hooked up at a local hotel (all of them offer the trip). From what I’ve heard, they’re all variations of the same. I think September will be fine; I had a friend go in July and still enjoy it. I’d plan some downtime mid-afternoon when it gets hottest, but enjoy!

    12. Hi Becky! Thanks for the quick reply! I noticed that you mentioned hiring a car/driver from Morocco Unplugged for the trip to the desert. Did you just pay for the driver and book your own accommodations along the way? Or did you book one of their tour options? We would like to stay at Le Auberge Festival along the way and have some flexibility as we go (rather than be tied to a ‘group’), but am not sure we would have that leeway if we chose their ‘ tour option.’ Thanks again!

      1. @Brooke, We booked all our accommodations in advance (exception of 2 nights, Ouarzazate & the desert safari) and told the driver where we were going. I think we paid a little extra to do this since otherwise they get kickbacks from recommending/booking hotels on your behalf, but worth it in my opinion to know where we were staying (although the 2 recommendations our driver made were perfect!).

    13. Hello Becky! This blog is the most useful to me. I’ve been taking down notes. I am planning to go to Morocco alone, this July or August. I know it’s gonna be hot. But I think I can manage it since I’ve been here in Qatar for quite a while and I’m already used to 47C heat.

      Is it possible to cancel this Alnif-Merzouga route? Is it possible to go to Fez directly from Todra Gorge? How much is the daily rate of Morocco Unplugged? Would they drive up to Fez? Thank you so much.

      Really, I’m very thankful for this blog.

      1. @DM Estremadura, I think the weather will be okay for you if you are used to Qatar! You can skip Merzouga (and anything that is not interesting to you), but I think the drive directly from Todra Gorge to Fez is very long, perhaps more than a day.

        Morocco Unplugged typically provides quotes customized to your needs, which will be based on distance covered, number of days, and whether you choose to include hotels/meals/activities (and if so, what types). It’s best you contact them directly for a price.

        Enjoy your trip!

    14. Hi Becky,
      excellent blog and really helpfull. Could you tell me where you start hiking trip through Dades Valley? Did you have a guide?
      Thank you 🙂

      1. @Tinka, We hired a guide in a small village (about $25 for 2 hours), but I do not have the name of the guide or village since our driver arranged it. We didn’t see any independent hikers but we were there in low season and it may be possible to hike on your own.

    15. Hi Becky,

      Thought I’d just message to say we followed your 2 week itinerary and thoroughly loved it!!! We have just arrived home. We felt we truly saw Morocco and stayed and saw some amazing places.

      Thanks,
      Alice

        1. Ah, really hard to say as it was all so different but I think Fes and Todra Gorge were the real highlights. We’re not massively confident trekkers/mountain climbers but we did several amazing walks with incredible views. Thanks again.

    16. Hi Becky,
      i absolutely love your blog and thank you for all the details you provide. I wanted to ask your opinion. I am traveling to Morocco in Late October for 9 nights.
      1) As a woman, do you recommend that i do the overnight desert tour keeping in mind that i will be unaccompanied.
      2) I am quite adventurous and would love to see as much as I can, keeping in mind my limited time what would you recommend? My must see cities are Marrakesh, Fes, Chefchaouen & Essouira. I am flying in and out of Marrakesh.
      3) Did you get a hammam while you were there?Any highly recommended one?
      4) Any Riads that you would recommend in these towns? I would like to see both the cities and how the rest of the country lives but i alos rather not spend most of the time in a car.
      5) Also please advice when I should take trains or fly instead of driving.

      Thanks

      1. @Chimma, Have a great trip!
        1. Most of the overnight tours are groups with other travelers, so I’d have no hesitation saying you could safely join one (just make sure there in fact more than you in the group).
        2. Definitely see Marrakech & Essouira, since they are close to each other. That could easily take 3-6 of your days, depending on exactly what you want to see. Keep in mind that Marrakech-Fes is 7 hours by train, so if you are short on time, consider booking a flight. Map out what you want to see in each city and how long it’ll take. Then you may or may not have time to add in Chefchaouen (or the desert, which you mentioned above but it sounds like Chefchaouen takes precedence for you).
        3. I did not get a hammam.
        4. I highly recommend Dar Seffarine in Fes.

    17. Excluding your airfare, approximately what was the cost of this itinerary, understanding, of course, that prices have probably changed since you traveled there?

      1. @Nick, We paid $250-300/day to include driver, hotel, food, and activities. Days without a driver were far cheaper and you could definitely choose to eat only street food and stay at cheap riads if you are really on a budget.

    18. Hello Becky:

      I am so glad that I stumbled upon your unbelievable goldmine of travel information to help me plan my upcoming trip to Morocco (early March, 2016). I am doing a 13 day trip — just one short of your 14 day itinerary! I dropped Alisah; except for that, I am following your itinerary to the T!!! I did have some additional questions.

      – I prefer to do my own hotel bookings either by using one of the hotel booking sites or emailing the hotels directly. I have made a note of your hotel recommendations in Fes, Skoura. I’ll go back and check your blog again to see if you have any hotel recos for Essaouira, Chefchaouen. If not, can you recommend some riads. Do most of these places include breakfast and applicable taxes in the room rate?

      – In order to give us max. flexibility, my husband and I are planning to hire a car and driver for the entire trip. Will Morocco Unplugged provide a quote for just the driver & car or do they only provide the quote if one goes with their full package (hotel, car, driver….)?

      – Chefchaouen will be out last stop before we head to Casablanca to take a 10:30 am flight the next morning. Google map indicates that its a 5 hr drive to get to Casablanca. I would hate to spend my 5 daylight hrs on the road instead of sightseeing around Chefchaouen. Would it be ok for us to drive out around 5 pm and get to Casab. at 10 pm or would you advice (based on the conditions of the road) that we set out during the day? I even looked into taking a flight from Chef. to Casab. but none available on the day we need to travel. This is where I am really stuck for ideas. Any suggestions (that would allow me to spend the day sightseeing in Chef. and still get to Casab. in time to take the next morning flight) would be MOST welcome.

      Thanks again for all your efforts and generosity in sharing your information as well as to all the other readers who have pitched in with their experiences.
      Nalini

      1. @Nalini, You are going to have a great time in Morocco!
        1) I do not have recommendations for Essaouira or Chefchaouen because the places I stayed were neither good nor bad. I think you will be better off looking for more up-to-date recommendations from someone who truly loved where they stayed. Most places included breakfast and taxes, but it should state clearly when booking.
        2) We paid only for the driver & car (booked hotels separately). Be sure to specify that when requesting a quote and keep in mind that may make it proportionally more expensive because they are no longer receiving kick-backs from the hotels.
        3) If your flights aren’t booked yet, I’d look into flying home from Tangier (usually connecting in France/Spain) instead of trekking all the way back to Casablanca. Or can you do things in reverse so that you end closer to Casablanca? We didn’t do any driving after dark, and although it’s probably okay, I can’t comment from experience. Better to ask your driver.

    19. Hi Becky:

      Thanks for your quick reply and the additional tips (so valuable). Unfortunately, my flights are booked 🙁 so no flexibility on that front. I have rearranged my itinerary a little bit to allow me the option of driving back to Casablanca during daylight hours. Not optimal but that’a the best I could do. Just out of curiosity, I looked into flights from Algiers to Boston for the Sun I am returning and there are no flights that day! So just as well.

      I am eagerly looking forward to my visit to Morocco.

      Nalini

      1. Nalini Mahadevan

        Hi Becky:

        Got back last week from our two week trip to Morocco. It was everything and MORE that you had mentioned on this blog. I pretty much followed the itinerary that you recommended and stayed in several of the places that you mentioned (Dar Safferine in Fez, Auberge Le Festival in Todra, Kasbah Amridil in Skoura) and also got lucky enough to have Jalil as our driver! :-). He was an amazing person to have as our guide and friend — he truly gave us an unplugged version of Morocco.

        We had a fabulous time. Thanks much for sharing the details from your trip. I have shared your blog to several friends who are planning their trip to Morocco.

        Wish you more great travels in the coming year.
        Best,
        Nalini

        1. @Nalini, I am so glad your trip turned out wonderfully! Now that you’re back, do you have more tips for other future travelers?

    20. Hi Becky,

      Thanks for your detailed information about your travels in Morocco! I am planning to go there in early/mid May. I will volunteering in Rabat for 1 week and was planning on seeing some more of the country afterwards. I was considering staying anywhere from 7, 10, 12 or 14 extra days beyond the week. I saw your 2-week itinerary above, but I wanted to know your thoughts if I started in Rabat – what route would you take and where/what do you recommend seeing if I didn’t want to stay for a full 2 weeks after? So far, other than the standard and obvious choices (Marrakesh and/or Fes), I am interesting in seeing Essaouira and Chefchaouen.

      I’m still researching, so I am still learning a lot. Any advice & suggestions about making the most of my time is most appreciated. BTW, I will be traveling alone.

      Thanks!!

      1. @Peggy, From Rabat I’d head to Chefchaouen (check CTM bus schedules), then down to Fes, then it’s a loooong trip to Marrakech so you could either fly or stop somewhere in the desert along the way. You’ll have to go through Marrakech anyway to get to Essaouira…and if you end in Marrakech, you can catch flights back home, most likely connecting via Casablanca or major European airports.

        Even if you just spend 2 days in each place (easy to do) + travel time, you’re up to 10 days. Add other locations based on your interests.

    21. Thank you for your amazing tales and suggestions. I am planning an extended vacation to Morocco in 2017. I have a lot of flexibility in when and how long I go for. I am currently considering between 3-6 weeks. I will likely be travelling by myself so single, “older” (50ish), woman.
      I like to balance between total tourist, cultural immersion, off-the-beaten-path,enjoy nature and walk-it-out, once in a life time experiences. I am not a tour-type person but recognize the benefit from joining them once in a while.
      Can you give any suggestions for a vacation of this length? What month to travel? What areas to travel too?
      Should I start in Spain and ferry over or fly direct?
      I have driven in England, Ireland, Belgium and Italy.What are your recommendations for driving/getting around in Morocco?
      Where should I use private/public/ driver transportation?
      Areas that are a “do not miss”?
      I know i have asked a lot of questions and hope that you have some answers for me.

      Cheers, Cheryl

      1. @Cheryl, It sounds like you have a great trip in mind!

        You’ll need to put a little thought into exactly the experience and timeframe you want, but this 2 week itinerary really does hit the highlights of Morocco (if you expand to 3 weeks, you could do it by public transportation which takes a little longer but saves money…plus you could have a few “downtime days” to just take it all in). Spring and fall are best for travel, to avoid crowds and bad weather.

        I wouldn’t dare drive in Morocco – it’s far more hectic than anywhere I’ve been in Europe. Spain is a great place to combine with Morocco, as is Gibraltar, since they are both a ferry ride away. There are also cheap, nonstop flights to France if that makes more sense for you! Happy planning 🙂

    22. Hi Becky, thanks for all the info, I am going to Morocco in April and will follow your recommendations. Just a few questions:
      Should I book my accommodation before I leave my home?
      What clothing can you recommend, did you cover you head?

      Many Thanks.

      1. @Kathy, I booked accommodation ahead of time because I wanted to stay in very specific hotels. If you are more flexible on the properties (i.e. you just want a centrally-located riad), you can book them while you’re there 99% of the time. Hint: you can ask your hotel owner to call ahead to the next place and book for you. Many of them have friends or recommendations. You can also ask other guests at your hotel who may have already been to that location.

        I wore loose-fitting clothing that I already owned instead of buying anything special. Avoid shorts, skirts above the knee, low-cut shirts, or anything form-fitting. You’ll need to cover your shoulders when entering mosques (I’d recommend it all the time). I carried a pashmina to cover my head in mosques and any scenarios where it just “felt necessary”, but most of the time, my head was uncovered.

    23. Lovely article to read, thanks for sharing.
      My husband and two adult sons wanted a different holiday experience this year and decided to visit Morocco. We’ve lived in Europe and traveled extensively, but none of us knows North Africa. I discovered Marvelous-moroccotours.com online and sent a note explaining what we were looking for. Iddir’s responses to all my emails were thorough and amazingly timely. His recommended itinerary was perfect. We particularly enjoyed the desert camel ride and bivouac under the stars, and visit with a Berber family–really unique experiences we would not have found on our own.

    24. Sharon van Rooyen

      Great Itinerary, in process of booking, great recommendations. We dont enjoy doing tours, we are well travelled so dont mind occasionally getting lost etc, all part of the journey, so felt your itinerary matched our style exactly. My husband is doing a crash course in French which will probably help somewhat. Busy getting quotes from Jalil. We have 2 extra days in hand after Asilah, before we fly out of Casablanca. Any suggestions? Thanks again for the awesome write up.

      1. @Sharon, The only other place I visited (that isn’t mentioned here) was Tangier. However, compared to the rest of Morocco, I didn’t think it was particularly interesting. I’d definitely visit Rabat before heading into Casablanca. With the other day, I’d probably just add it to one of the destinations you’re already visiting. On a trip more than two weeks, it can be nice to have extra time for relaxation or to slow down the pace…or do laundry!

        1. Sharon van Rooyen

          I do think a relaxing spot is a good idea. Casablanca is unfortunately the cheapest way for South Africans to fly to Morocco, it costs one a half times more to fly into Marrakech. Thanks and happy travels.

    25. Easily on the Top 5 best countries I’ve visited, Morocco is also the longest I ever spent in just one country—excluding Singapore and Indonesia where I’ve lived. Morocco is definitely worth an extended visit as there are very, very few duds.
      To help you plan your visit to Morocco, I will comment briefly on each destinations I visited and assign them a rating of 1-3 hearts (the more hearts, the more I love them).

      Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat
      My journey began in Casablanca (♥), where business booms but the only site of tourism interest is the Hassan II Mosque. Hence, I moved quickly to Rabat (♥♥) which I thought would be another Casablanca but it surprised me with an incredible beach and the beautiful Oudaias Kasbah. I especially LOVE how slow-paced and in-the-moment the Rabat people are.

      Day 2: Rabat – Assila – Tangier
      The fortified town of Assila (♥♥) has a Greece-like charm with a view of the Atlantic Coast, which is well worth a stopover while on the way to Tangier (♥♥), which received undeserved bad rep. Sure, big buildings have sprouted in place of the “old Morocco” charm but I personally thought it enhanced the coastline. Besides, it’s still worth visiting if only for Cape of Hercules alone.

      Day 3: Tangier – Chefchaouen
      Next morning, I briefly passed through Tetouan and the Spanish seaside town of Ssabta before reaching Chefchaouen (♥♥), which is supposed to be the #1 highlight but over-tourism has “spoiled” the residents here just a bit, who’d pester you into giving them dirhams for ridiculous reasons. It’s still undeniably beautiful though.

      Day 4: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Moulay Idriss – Meknes – Fes
      Volubilis (♥) feels like any other Roman ruins, though well-preserved mosaic floors set it slightly apart. Meknes (♥) has its own charm, but nowhere more outstanding than the other three Morocco imperial cities.
      The real gem of the day, though, was an impromptu visit to the holy city of Moulay Idriss (♥♥♥) with its colorful pastel walls and very genuine atmosphere—everything I wanted to find in Chefchaouen but didn’t, I found it in Moulay Idriss.

      Day 5: Fes
      Fes (♥♥) is chaotic, but that’s exactly its appeal. Fes is raw beauty, with unforgettable sights and smells of its medina labyrinth and tanneries. Not to mention it has some of the most impeccable artisan arts I have ever seen. Fes is basically Morocco’s cultural, artistic and spiritual heart.

      Day 6: Fes – Ifrane – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
      I passed through Immouzer (popular for the monkey habitats), Ifrane (♥) with its mini-Switzerland charm, Azrou (decent viewpoint), Midelt (meh) before a stopover at Ziz Valley (♥♥♥), which is literally a river of palm trees springing out of nowhere in the middle of a desert.
      The journey continued through Errachidia (nice pastel colors), Erfoud (known for fossils and minerals) before I reached Merzouga (♥♥) for sunset by the edge of Sahara desert.

      Day 7: Merzouga – Erg Chebbi/Sahara
      Erg Chebbi, Sahara Desert, Morocco[Image Credit: chiaoyinanita]
      That morning, I had a 4WD ride to Khamlia for the entertaining Gnawa music, greeted a local Berber nomad at their dwelling, and stopped by an ex-mining site.
      And then I rode a camel to the middle of Sahara (♥♥♥) for a once-in-a-lifetime sand dune overnight. The moon was unbelievably HUGE that night (this is why I didn’t even bother with the November 2016 Supermoon hype because I’ve practically seen it).

      Day 8: Erg Chebbi/Sahara – Merzouga – Todra – Dades – Kalaat M’Gona – Ouarzazate
      That morning, I passed through Rissani (meh), Tinjdad (forgettable), Tineghir (very beautiful pink city) before stopping for a quick walk at Todra (♥♥) with its towering gorge.
      The journey continued to Dades (♥) with its nice city panorama and then Kalaat M’Gona (♥), known for being Rose Valley but it was the wrong season when I visited, and Skoura (meh).
      Finally, the day ended at Ouarzazate (♥♥), which I really like for I’m not sure why. There’s just something very special about breathing the air and sight of a mid-sized city with lots of palm trees after a few days in the rugged desert.

      Day 9: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Taroudant
      I made a morning excursion to Ait Ben Haddou (♥♥), which shows that even simple clay architecture can be super-gorgeous. No wonder many films have been shot here.
      The long journey continued through Taznakht (known for the carpets) and Taliouine (known for the Safran co-operative, but it has nice mountainous scenery) before reaching Taroudant (♥), which honestly bored me because there’s nothing much here.

      Day 10: Taroudant – Agadir – Taghazout – Essaouira
      This is quite an unforgettable day as I saw tree-climbing goats and long, long crossing of like hundreds camels. I passed through Agadir (♥) with its beautiful viewpoint, Taghazout (♥♥) which is a beautiful small coastal village which recalls me of Italy’s Cinque Terre, and Sidi Kaouki (huge waves ideal for surfing, but not for me).

      Day 11: Essaouira
      Essaouira (♥♥♥) is everything. There’s something about walking through the port watching boatmen going by their daily lives, seagulls trying to steal fishes with a faint smell of fuel in the air. And it also has the absolute best sunset I’ve ever seen.
      It’s easily my #1 favorite place in Morocco (yes, even more than Sahara)—I can write an entire thesis on Essaouira and there’s no doubt it’ll eventually get featured on Destination of the Month sooner or later.

      Day 12: Essaouira – Marrakech
      En route through Chechawa (meh) before getting to Marrakech.

      Day 13: Marrakech
      I have a love-hate relationship with Marrakech (♥♥). It ranges from brilliant (Majorelle Gardens) to tacky-but-undeniably-captivating (Jemma El Fna) to pure disaster (that time when I was robbed).

      Day 14: Marrakech – Ouzoud Waterfall – Marrakech
      I love Ouzoud (♥♥♥) with its silky streams of water falling to a beautiful valley down below. I could spend an entire day just rejuvenating myself here.

      Day 15: Marrakech – Ourika Valley – Marrakech
      Ourika (♥) is alright, but I have simply seen better waterfalls at Ouzoud, better pastel villages at Tineghir, and better river hike at Todra.

      Day 16: Marrakech – Casablanca
      Home sweet home!

      Alternative Itinerary: 11 Days Morocco Highlights

      Having done the full loop on Morocco, I personally think the full 16-day itinerary is very strong (I’d probably only drop Taroudant and Ourika). However, if you’re short of time and can only afford the creamiest of the crop, then this is how it can be shortened:
      Day 1: Fly to Tangier. Make a brief visit to Cape of Hercules then move to Chefchaouen for overnight.
      Day 2: Spend quite some time in Chefchaouen before transferring to Fes on late afternoon. Or you can also spend full day in Chefchaouen, then en route to Moulay Idriss on your way to Fes the next day.
      Day 3: Day trip to Moulay Idriss. You can also visit either Meknes or Volubilis (choose one).
      Day 4-7: Same as Day 5-8 on the complete 16-day itinerary above.
      Day 8: Visit a few attractions in Ouarzazate, move to Ait Ben Haddou and then to Marrakech for overnight.
      Day 9: Visit Essaouira and stay overnight there.
      Day 10: Morning in Essaouira before returning to Marrakech (2 hours drive). Spend the afternoon and evening in Marrakech.
      Day 11: Full day in Marrakech. Catch late night flight back home.
      Is 6 Days in Morocco or shorter possible?

      For those super-pressed in time, there’s a relatively popular circuit which is basically 1 day in Marrakech + 3-day side trip to Sahara (via Marrakech-Ouarzazate-M’Hamid-Marrakech) + 2 days for arrival and departure flights.
      Thus, 6 days is the shortest possible itinerary. But I personally think you’ll be missing out on a lot of highlights, so it’s better to reschedule to have longer time in Morocco.
      For those interested to replicate my experience, I did this trip with Morocco Excursions Company (www.Morocco-Excursion.com). Nice people, check them out.
      Also you can read about my Morocco trip at my blog : https://scarletscribs.wordpress.com/2016/12/05/16-days-25-places-1-country-the-ultimate-morocco-itinerary/

    26. Hi Becky. I have booked with Jalil of Morocco unplugged for 5 days as you suggested. He hasnt asked for any money upfront, which I prefer, as dont want to part with money and then he doesnt show up. Did you pay in full at the start of the trip? Or how was payment worked out.

      Thanks ind advance for the help.

        1. Thank you. Actually, it doesnt work like that in South Africa, so my bigger concern is because I havent parted with any money that he doesnt arrive, and then we have go scrambling to find someone else. Although based on research, it shouldnt be difficult to find a replacement anyway. But I prefer to have a recommended person. Appreciate you responding.

    27. For anyone also contemplating this- we just completed the five day loop tour with Morocco Unplugged (partially because we saw your rec when researching our trip, partially based on TripAdvisor) and it was distinctly…. not great. First, Jalil offered to find accommodations for us as an “all inclusive” option, and the places were not up to par (no AC in 100 degree weather, for example). Second, we were sent out with another driver, who was really nice but also very pushy. Lastly, I got food poisoning from our last accommodation and it is the sickest that I’ve ever been (as I type this from my bed in Fes lol). Lastly, suggest cutting a day out of the itinerary; go straight from Auberge Le Festival to Merzouga. Once we got to Fes, we wished we had another day here! I’m still glad we had the experience but I wanted to offer an update on services that you mentioned here!

      1. @Kristin, Thanks for the update. I didn’t use the all-inclusive option for hotels and booked everything independently specifically because I wanted to ensure everywhere was up to my standards.

        That said, I really appreciate the information on your driver. I didn’t know Jalil was sharing work with other drivers at this point and it sounds like there is a real difference based on who you got. Not what I want to be recommending! So, thank you for the information.

        1. We didn’t know we weren’t getting jalil until the day of, when he showed up with the other driver. It was disappointing.

          Also, we subbed half of the hotels with our picks but let the company find guides and accommodations for half the time because it was our honeymoon and wedding planning + trip planning was a bit too much…. definitely regretting it.

    28. Hi Becky-
      We have 15 days in Morocco with a private driver (me, 58 y o single mom, my 2 daughters 27 and 25)
      Can you (or any of your readers who may have input) give us your experienced feedback of any of the plans, mostly…
      WHAT NOT TO MISS IN EACH OF THESE PLACES
      HOW MANY DAYS TO STAY IN EACH PLACE
      IS THERE ANT BETTER REASON TO FLY INTO AND OUT OF CERTAIN CITIES?
      Much appreciated!

      Day 1: Arrive CASABLANCA early A M

      Day 2: Drive to RABAT for one full day (Is that enough time there- should we have an overnight?)

      Day 3: CHEFCHAOUEN- should we stay overnight there?

      Days 4, 5, 6: FES (are all these must see’s: Moulay Idriss, Roman Ruins of Volubilis, Imperial Meknes Andalusian Gardens

      Day 7 Drive through middle Atlas Montains , Ifrane, Midelt, Erfoud, Rissani, Ziz Valley

      Days 8and 9 Merzouga camel trek, $WD dunes, Gnauoua music, twilight Moroccan dinner

      Day 10 Skoura (Palmerale), Valley of the Roses, Nomad Valley, Dades Valley and Gorge,

      Day 11 Adobe Village of Alt Benhaddou, Kasbah Telouet,

      Days 12, 13, 14 Marrakesh

      Back to Casablanca and home
      THANKS!!!

      1. @Jan, Questions like yours are always difficult since I don’t know anything about your interests (i.e. history, food, outdoors) and thus which spots might appeal to you most.

        In general, I like your idea to arrive in Casablanca on the first day. There are few attractions there, so you’ll get a nice intro but not so busy you don’t have time to adjust to jetlag and go to bed early 🙂

        Rabat doesn’t need a full day. Do it en-route to Chefchaouen (spend the night of Day 2 there). If you can start your drive by 8am, you’d have a solid 4.5 hours there, enough for some highlights & lunch and still get to Chefchaouen by dark. Maybe you’ll have longer depending on what time of year you’re going/what time is sunset.

        In my opinion, do not go to Chefchaouen unless you spend a full day & night there. It’s a far detour (an extra 7 hours of driving compared to your route) so either make it worth your while or enjoy that time somewhere else.

        Fes, no not must-sees unless they fit your interest. The maze of the old medina, the leather working…in my opinion, those are must sees.

        Merzouga – not much to do there EXCEPT the desert overnight. So arrive just in time for that and leave as soon as it’s over. Add that extra time to more deserving areas.

        Days 10 & 11 – good for the highlights. I am a nature lover, so I could spend 4 days in that area for hiking and soaking up the scenery. Maybe you aren’t, and that’s okay.

        Marrakech – That’s a good amount of time, in my opinion.

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