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Planning a trip to Morocco?
Everything you need to have the best vacation ever with the best places to go, things to do, food to eat, and places to stay in Morocco!
Morocco is a fascinating destination with amazing sites to see.
Experiencing the stunning Sahara Desert at sunset and then sleeping under the stars was unbelievable. Walking around vibrant Marrakech, seeing actual Nomadic Berber encampments, watching argan oil being processed (beginning with goats in trees), and feeding barbary apes in the Atlas mountains were some Morocco vacation highlights.
The food in Morocco is delicious, especially when it is followed by traditional mint tea.
Get prepared for your trip by reading up or watching a documentary on the history and culture of Morocco. Often, you can appreciate what you are seeing more if you have heard about the history of a place, and Morocco is full of history.
There have been many movies filmed in Morocco that you can download and watch before you go or on your flight over! Some of the famous movies filmed in Morocco are Gladiator, the Bourne Ultimatum, Lawrence of Arabia, and Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice. Morocco is also one of the filming sites for Game of Thrones.
Where to go in Morocco?
I can help you plan the best trip to Morocco- visiting all of our favorite places. Keep reading to get the best one-week Morocco itinerary (or make it an 8 day Morocco itinerary). If you have more time, then plan the 10 days Morocco itinerary. If you have 2 weeks in Morocco, then follow the 2 week Morocco itinerary.
This Morocco travel itinerary will save you time and money- it’s a one-way travel plan that begins in Marrakech (with a fun trip to the coast that you won’t want to miss.) You will end your Morocco vacation in Fez or Tangier. This Morocco guided road trip can easily be reversed, leaving from Tangier or Fez and ending in Marrakech.
This Morocco trip planner is perfect for traveling with kids, as a couple, or with friends.
Keep reading, then click on the links to plan your entire trip!
One week Morocco Itinerary to 2 weeks Morocco itinerary
Find the best prices on flights to Morocco here
Click here to search for the lowest flight prices
Note on Travel to Morocco*The culture is far different from any other country that I have traveled to, so I have added a lot of essential travel tips throughout this itinerary to enhance your Morocco vacation.
Morocco Travel Tip:
*When booking your Morocco vacation accommodations, use my recommendations or cross-reference reviews from several online sites (to make sure you are looking at an authentic rating).
Morocco Itinerary 8 days, Morocco itinerary 10 days & Morocco itinerary 2 weeks
2 Days in Essaouira itinerary
*This is optional if you only have one week in Morocco.
GET THERE
Getting to Essaouira:
***Consider visiting Barcelona or Madrid for a few days, then take a short cheap flight to Morocco
- Fly directly into Essaouira if you can. Or arrive at Marrakech Airport (the drive is under 3 hours). Book transportation in advance, and enjoy the convenience and comfort of having a driver waiting for you at the airport.
Click here to book transportation now
Moroccan Travel Tips
Request that your shuttle has air conditioning if you are traveling in the warm months. *Also make sure that the driver will not be making any stops at shops along the way. You get ripped off by paying a high price for questionable products (like expensive rugs) and they make a commission.
STAY
Where to stay in Essaouira.
Stay at an authentic riad or hotel in the medina.
Looking for the best place to stay in Essaouira? Find the best prices at top-rated hotels here
- Riad Watier- Conveniently located and nicely restored Moroccan house, this riad is comfortable and has a nice rooftop terrace (see photo above). If traveling with kids– request the family suite. Consider dining in with their homemade dinner (make reservations by email in advance). Click here for the latest prices
- Riad Chbanate– Excellent customer service in this restored 18th-century Moroccan residence with beautiful decor, comfortable rooms, and a rooftop terrace with a view of Essaouira. Click here for the latest prices
- Riad Dar Maya– Another solid choice in the Medina, with a little bit of a luxurious feel. Great staff and breakfast. Click here for the latest prices
- Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa– If you would rather stay in a large luxury resort, outside of the Medina, Sofitel is a great choice! Click here for the latest prices
Click here to read reviews and see prices on Booking.com or Agoda.com
DO
Things to do in Essaouira
- Stroll around the Medina, walk on the remaining ramparts, check out the harbor and shop at the souks.
Morocco Travel Tip
Ask your riad or hotel host where to shop. It is very easy to get taken advantage of in Morocco, so you want to make sure you are shopping for authentic merchandise from an honest seller. Get ready to practice negotiating.
EAT
- Have an afternoon tea or coffee at Cafe de France (an institution since 1917) at Place Moulay Hassan, in the Medina. Eat at authentic Moroccan restaurants with high reviews and get recommendations from your host.
One week in Morocco itinerary- 10 days in Morocco itinerary- 7 days Morocco itinerary
2 Days in Marrakech itinerary (or 3 Days
GET THERE
How to get to Marrakech
- Arrange a transfer to pick you up with a stop at the Argan trees. If you are there at the right time, you will see goats up in the trees eating the fruit! Then stop at the Assouss Coop for a demonstration on how the seeds are processed and buy your argan oil here.
Click here to book transportation now
Cooling off in the pool at the riad in Marrakech
STAY
- Stay at a riad in the medina.
Looking for the best place to stay in Marrakech? Find the best prices at top-rated hotels here
- Riad Alnadine- We had a nice stay at this conveniently located riad. The pool, though small, can be refreshing after walking around in the heat. You can book dinner on the rooftop here for your first night, or go out in the Medina. Click here for the latest prices
- Dar Anika– Super convenient location, courtyard swimming pool, terrace with a view of the Medina, a spa, and gorgeous accommodations Click here for the latest prices
- La Maison Arabe Hotel– If you want a little luxury in the Medina, stay here! Click here for the latest prices
- Four Seasons Resort Marrakech– For a 5-star luxury resort, outside of the chaotic medina, the Four Seasons is always a good idea if it is in your budget Click here for the latest prices
- Riad Kheirredine– Incredible riad for adults only, with a spa and a rooftop terrace, located in the Medina. Click here for the latest prices
Click here to read reviews and see prices on Booking.com or Agoda.com
Jardin Majorelle, Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakech
DO
Marrakech Travel Tip
Before you set out in the Medina, talk to your host. Make sure to have a paper map, in case your downloaded map doesn’t work. See Best Travel Apps
The Medina is an ancient maze, so pay attention as you are walking into the center, and take photos to help you find your way back.
- Have breakfast on the rooftop, then walk to 19th century Bahia Palace for a self-guided tour. If you are interested in the Jardin Majorelle, by Yves Saint Laurent, take a taxi there and back (it’s popular, but traveling with teens, we didn’t feel it was a must-see).
- Walk around the souks and carefully do some shopping.
- Stroll the Jmaa el-Fnaa and hire a horse and carriage ride around the city for 1 hour. Negotiate the time and price in advance and write it on a piece of paper to show the driver before leaving.
- Things to shop for in Marrakech: lanterns, rugs, spices, and argan oil (if you didn’t already buy some).
- Get a spa treatment at a reputable spa.
- For a true Moroccan experience, visit a local hamman (spa for the locals). They are separated by gender. Ask your host where to go nearby and a lesson on how the hammans work.
- Set out just before dark for one of the craziest experiences ever. Visit UNESCO Jmaa el-Fnaa marketplace to see snake charmers, monkeys, storytellers, acrobats, music… Be prepared for sensory overload, stay close together, and keep a hand on your wallet and phone. To avoid food poisoning here, don’t eat.
Click here to book a good tour, activity or get tickets now
Camel Ride Marrakech!
If you don’t have enough time for a 3 day desert tour in Morocco, click here to book a fun day trip from Marrakech.
More Marrakech Travel Tips
If someone tries to sell you something (or tries to “guide” you through the Medina), look them in the eyes and politely say “No, thank you.” Be persistent. This is especially important at Jmaa-el-Fnaa.
EAT
- Make reservations to sit on the rooftop (if the weather is warm) at Kui-Zin, our favorite Moroccan food restaurant in Marrakech.
*Click here to join a dining experience, take a cooking class or go on a food tour with locals
One week itinerary Morocco, 10 day itinerary Morocco, 2 week itinerary Morocco
Morocco Private Tours: 3 Day Morocco Desert Tour or Marrakech Desert Tour
A private tour in Morocco is a must. The driver will be your tour guide and pick you up in Marrakech and drop you off in Fez, staying with you throughout your journey.
Click here to book a great Sahara Desert Tour now
Aït Ben Haddou, Morocco
Private Tours Morocco- Marrakech to Fez
DAY 1
- Your guide will pick you up early and drive you to Ouarzazate through the High Atlas Mountains, seeing small mud Berber villages along the way.
- Next, you will visit the amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ait Ben Haddou. It’s the largest Kasbah in Morocco and the filming site of Game of Thrones, as well as many other famous movies.
- You will continue to Ouarzazate, “The Gate to the Desert,” a.k.a. “The Hollywood of Africa.” There is the option to visit a filming studio (we didn’t do this).
- Visit a “Medicine Man”.
- The Road of the thousand Kasbahs goes into the Dades Valley. Spend the night at Auberge Chez Pierre in the Dades Gorge.
Pack carry on only for your trip to Morocco! Get the Ultimate Carry On Packing List
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Click here to check out my favorite carry on suitcase for international travel
DAY 2
- After breakfast, you will continue on the tour and see “Monkey Toes,” rock formation. There are great panoramic views of old Berber villages in this area.
- Check out the rock climbers on a 300-meter high red cliff.
Camel ride into the Sahara Desert
Camel ride Morocco! Sahara Desert tour continued…
- Get ready for your BIG adventure by shopping for Berber-style-turbans for your Sahara Desert Camel ride.
- After you get comfortable on your camel, you will take the incredible ride into the sea of orange sand dunes in the Erg-Chebbi or Erg Chigaga.
- You will settle into your tent at a mock nomadic Berber camp.
- Hike up the sand dunes with a sandboard and ride it down.
- Don’t miss the outstanding sunset from the top of a dune.
- A Moroccan dinner will be served while listening to Berber drums.
- If it is warm enough, drag your mattress out of the tent and sleep under the stars- you will not believe how many stars you can see!
A stop at a farmers market
DAY 3
- Get up early to see the best sunrise ever!
- Your camel will take you back to Merzouga to have breakfast and a shower at a hotel.
- You will now drive north towards Fez and see an actual oasis and volcanic rock. If there is a local farmers market on the day you are traveling, don’t miss it.
- Go out to lunch at a traditional Berber barbecue at a local restaurant and then have some mint tea (make this a daily tradition).
- You will stop at the Middle Atlas Mountains. Watch the adorable Barbary macaque (monkeys) up close in the cedar forest. Bring some fruit and they will take it from your hand!
- Close to Fez, you can take a quick stop to see Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco.
- You will get to Fez in the late afternoon.
*If you are staying 10 Days or longer, consider taking a 4 day Tour (3 nights) from Marrakech to Fez
2 Days Fez itinerary
STAY
- Stay in the Medina at a riad.
Looking for the best place to stay in Fez? Find the best prices at top-rated hotels here
- Riad Dar Bensouda– We loved our stay at this historical palace! The rooms are luxurious and comfortable. Enjoy some relaxation time on the vast rooftop terrace with a panoramic view (see photo above), at the courtyard pool, or at the hamman (spa). Click here for the latest prices
- Riad Laaroussa Hotel and Spa– Set in a 17th-century palace in the middle of the Medina, this riad has family suites, a pool, a spa, and rooftop seating for breakfast and dinner. Click here for the latest prices
- Palais Faraj Suites & Spa– luxury hotel and spa in the medina. Click here for the latest prices
Click here to read reviews and see prices on Booking.com or Agoda.com
Click here to search for a place to stay on VRBO
DO
- Walk around the Medina maze- it’s very difficult not to get lost, and offline maps may not work. Hire a walking guide through your accommodations, so you can enjoy walking around and not add the stress by getting lost (learn by our mistake on this one!).
- Experience a hamman, scrub, and massage at the riad.
- Visit the famous tanning souks of Fez (hold your breath, it stinks!).
- Shop for leather, pottery, hammered metal works, and spices like saffron, turmeric, cumin, and ras al hanout.
Click here to book a good tour, activity or get tickets now
Fez Travel Tip:
Many restaurants in Fez will walk to your accommodations in the Medina to take you back to their restaurant (so you don’t’ get lost!). Ask them to walk you back as well. Or better yet…
Click here to join a dining experience, take a cooking class or go on a food tour with locals
10 Days in Morocco & 2 Weeks in Morocco
For a 10 day Morocco itinerary, book a transfer to Chefchaouen and stay at Casa Sabila, Follow this Checchaouen Travel Guide.
Take a transfer to fly out of the Tangier Airport.
For a 2 week Morocco itinerary, book another transfer to Tangier and stay at La Tangerina.
Follow this Tangier travel guide. Fly home or to your next destination from the Tangier airport.
*If you are traveling to Europe after Morocco, see other detailed itineraries below.
Morocco Map
For more tips and itineraries for travel near Morocco, please read:
The Perfect Spain Itinerary for 10 Days: Exploring the North and Madrid
The Ultimate Fun In Portugal Itinerary: Best of Algarve, Sintra, Lisbon, and Porto
The Ideal Italy Itinerary: Best of Rome, Tuscany and Cinque Terre and The Perfect Rome Itinerary: Top Things to Do In Italy’s Eternal City
30 of the Best Places to Visit in Italy
The Perfect Greece Itinerary to Take Now! (Don’t Miss the Amazing Athens Itinerary)
2 Day Amsterdam Itinerary: Top Things to Do In One of the Best Cities in Europe
The Perfect Rome Itinerary : Top Things to Do In Italy’s Eternal City
The Perfect Croatia Itinerary: Istria, National Parks, Beaches, & Dubrovnik
Exploring the Beautiful Places of Switzerland Itinerary
Best of Sicily Itinerary: Palermo, Syracuse & Taormina (delicious local food included!)
More Travel Resources
Lonely Planet Travel and Leisure, Forbes Travel, Travel Channel, Conde Nast Traveler, Huffington Post Travel
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