Morocco Itinerary for 10 Days: Cities, Desert and the Blue Town
Ten days is the sweet spot for Morocco: long enough to do it without rushing, short enough to cover the highlights. This route runs south to the desert, north through Fes and the Rif, then down the coast, and avoids most of the backtracking.
At a glance
- Route
- Marrakech, Ait Benhaddou, Merzouga, Fes, Chefchaouen, Rabat
- Days
- 10
- Longest drive
- Merzouga to Fes, 8 to 9 hours
- Best season
- March to May, September to November
In this guide
The route
| Day | Where | Travel |
|---|---|---|
| 1 and 2 | Marrakech | None |
| 3 | Ait Benhaddou, Dades or Tinghir | 6 to 8 hours with stops |
| 4 | Todra Gorge, Merzouga camp | 4 to 5 hours |
| 5 | Merzouga to Fes | 8 to 9 hours |
| 6 | Fes | None |
| 7 | Fes to Chefchaouen | About 4 hours |
| 8 | Chefchaouen | None |
| 9 | Chefchaouen to Rabat | 4 to 5 hours |
| 10 | Rabat or Casablanca, flight home | 1 hour by train |
Days 1 to 5: south and desert
The first five days are the same as the south section of our 7-day route: two nights in Marrakech, a long day over the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Ait Benhaddou and the Todra Gorge, then a night in a camp in Merzouga. Book a driver for this stretch. Self-driving is possible but you will spend a lot of attention on mountain roads.
Day 5: the long drive
You leave the dunes at dawn and arrive in Fes in the evening. It is a lot, but it takes you through Midelt, the cedar forests around Azrou and Ifrane, and the Middle Atlas, and means you do not double back. If the thought of it is too much, split the trip with a night in Midelt or Azrou and drop Chefchaouen.
Days 6 to 8: Fes and Chefchaouen
Give Fes a full day, preferably with a guide for the first half. On day 7, take a bus or private transfer to Chefchaouen. The blue town works best as a slow stop: wander at dawn, eat on a rooftop, hike to the Spanish Mosque for sunset. A second option is to stop at Meknes and Volubilis on the way.
Days 9 and 10: down the coast
Buses from Chefchaouen to Rabat are long but direct enough. Rabat is a calm place to end up, with the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower and Chellah. On day 10, take the train to Casablanca for your flight. The Al Boraq train runs between Rabat, Casablanca and Tangier; see getting around Morocco.
Swap-outs
- Want beach time: replace Chefchaouen with Essaouira at the beginning, between Marrakech and the south.
- Don't want the desert: spend three nights in Marrakech and the Atlas, then fly to Fes.
- Going slower: add a night in Dades and another in Fes.
Practical notes
Book riads and desert camps early for spring and autumn. Check when to go. Carry cash for the south, where ATMs are sparse. See money in Morocco for tips.
Frequently asked questions
Is 10 days enough for Morocco?
Yes, for a loop covering the main cities, the desert and the north. You will not see everything, but you won't be rushing too much.
Is it better to start in Marrakech or Fes?
Either works. Marrakech has more flights, so it is the more common start, but you can run the route in reverse.
Should I hire a driver?
For days 3 to 5, a driver or small-group tour is the easiest option. Trains and buses cover the rest.