10 Days Trip Around Morocco Starting from Marrakech

Travelers arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport and transfer to accommodation in the medina or new city districts. The remainder of the day is available for initial exploration of nearby areas, rest after international travel, or orientation walks through Jemaa el-Fnaa square and surrounding souks.

Overnight: Marrakech
Driving time: Airport transfer only (15-30 minutes)

The journey begins with a crossing of the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass, reaching an elevation of 2,260 meters. The route descends through changing landscapes toward the desert-facing slopes, stopping at Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village recognized for its preserved earthen architecture. The day concludes in Ouarzazate, a regional center historically positioned along trans-Saharan trade routes.

Overnight: Ouarzazate
Driving time: 4-5 hours
Main stops: Tizi n'Tichka pass, Ait Ben Haddou

Travel continues through the Skoura palm groves and the Valley of Roses, known for seasonal rose cultivation. The route follows the Dades River valley, where the landscape transitions to dramatic rock formations and canyon walls. Multiple kasbahs dot the valley, reflecting traditional construction methods adapted to the environment.

Overnight: Dades Valley
Driving time: 2-3 hours
Main stops: Skoura oasis, Kelaa M'Gouna, Dades Gorge

The morning includes travel through Todra Gorge, where vertical limestone cliffs rise up to 300 meters on either side of the narrow canyon. The route then crosses semi-arid plains toward Merzouga, the gateway settlement to the Erg Chebbi dunes. The landscape gradually shifts from rocky terrain to sand formations as the Sahara Desert approaches.

Overnight: Merzouga (desert camp)
Driving time: 4-5 hours
Main stops: Todra Gorge, Erfoud

This day focuses on the Sahara Desert environment around Merzouga. Activities may include exploration of the dune system, visits to nomadic settlements, or time at the desert camp accommodation. The overnight stay at a desert camp provides direct access to the dune landscape and clear night skies distant from urban light sources.

Overnight: Merzouga (desert camp)
Driving time: Minimal (local area exploration)

The longest driving day of the itinerary covers the distance from the Sahara to Fes. The route follows the Ziz Valley, characterized by date palm cultivation and oasis settlements, before ascending through the Middle Atlas Mountains. The landscape transitions through multiple climate zones, from desert to alpine forest environments.

Overnight: Fes
Driving time: 6-7 hours
Main stops: Ziz Valley, Midelt, Ifrane

A full day remains in Fes for exploration of the medina, recognized as one of the world's largest car-free urban areas. The city contains significant historical sites including medieval madrasas, the Chouara tannery, and extensive artisan quarters. The compact layout requires walking through narrow streets and stepped passages.

Overnight: Fes
Driving time: None

The route heads northwest through the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, a town distinctive for its blue-painted buildings and mountain setting. The journey takes approximately 4 hours through rural agricultural regions and forested mountain terrain. The afternoon and evening are available for exploring the compact medina and surrounding hillside neighborhoods.

Overnight: Chefchaouen
Driving time: 4 hours
Main stops: Rif Mountain viewpoints

Departure from Chefchaouen includes a stop in Rabat, Morocco's administrative capital. Key sites include Hassan Tower, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, and the Kasbah of the Udayas overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The journey continues to Casablanca, arriving in the evening.

Overnight: Casablanca
Driving time: 5-6 hours total
Main stops: Rabat monuments and waterfront

For travelers departing from Casablanca, the morning allows for visits to Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche waterfront area before afternoon airport transfers. Those returning to Marrakech for outbound flights depart in the morning, with the 2.5-hour drive allowing time for flight connections.

Driving time: 2.5 hours (if returning to Marrakech)
Main stops: Hassan II Mosque (Casablanca)