Choose your route
| Itinerary | Route | Best for | Best season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakech weekendIn-depth guide | Marrakech | City break, first taste | October–May |
| 7 daysIn-depth guide | Marrakech · Atlas · Sahara · Essaouira | First trip, one region | October–May |
| 10 daysIn-depth guide | Marrakech → Sahara → Fez → Chefchaouen | The classic first trip | March–May, Sept–Nov |
| 14 daysIn-depth guide | Tangier → Fez → Sahara → Marrakech → Essaouira | North to south at an easy pace | March–May, Sept–Nov |
| 21 daysIn-depth guide | Rabat, the north, Sahara, Atlas, coast | Slow travel | March–May, Sept–Nov |
How to pick
Short on time? A weekend in Marrakech covers the medina, palaces and gardens. Add a day trip to the Ourika valley or the Agafay desert if you have a third day.In-depth guide
One week means choosing between the south (Marrakech and the Sahara) and the imperial cities (Rabat, Fez, Chefchaouen). Trying to do both in seven days means two very long driving days. Our 7-day itinerary gives three versions.In-depth guide
Ten days is the sweet spot: an open-jaw ticket into Marrakech and out of Fez or Tangier lets you cross the country without backtracking. See the 10-day itinerary.In-depth guide
Two to three weeks let you stay two or three nights in most places, add a second night in the desert and finish on the Atlantic coast: see the 14-day and 21-day routes.In-depth guide
Typical travel times
| Journey | By road | By train or bus |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakech → Merzouga | 9–10 h | Daily Supratours bus, about 12–13 h |
| Fez → Merzouga | 7–8 h | Daily bus, about 9–10 h |
| Marrakech → Essaouira | about 3 h | Buses several times a day |
| Fez → Chefchaouen | about 4 h | CTM bus, about 4–5 h |
| Tangier → Casablanca | about 3.5 h | Al Boraq high-speed train, about 2 h 10 |
| Casablanca → Marrakech | about 3 h | Train, about 2 h 40 |
More detail in our transport guide. Every place mentioned in these routes is on our map of Morocco.In-depth guide
Budget at a glance
Per person, sharing a double room, excluding international flights (October 2026 prices, about 11 MAD to the euro):
| Trip length | Budget | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 days | 2,800–4,550 MAD | 6,300–10,500 MAD | 17,500 MAD and up |
| 10 days | 4,000–6,500 MAD | 9,000–15,000 MAD | 25,000 MAD and up |
| 14 days | 5,600–9,100 MAD | 12,600–21,000 MAD | 35,000 MAD and up |
| 21 days | 8,500–13,500 MAD | 19,000–31,000 MAD | 52,000 MAD and up |
Each itinerary breaks these figures down. For cards, cash and tipping, see money and payments.In-depth guide
Before you book
- Check whether your dates fall during Ramadan (around February–March in 2027): see our Ramadan guide.In-depth guide
- Avoid the desert and Fez in July and August if you can; head for the coast and the mountains instead.
- Book desert camps, Jardin Majorelle slots and riads ahead in spring, October and over Christmas.
- Check visa and entry rules for your passport, or our guides for travellers from your country.In-depth guide
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Morocco itinerary for a first trip?
Ten days from Marrakech to Fez via the Sahara, finishing in Chefchaouen, shows the country's variety without backtracking. With one week, focus on Marrakech, the Atlas, the desert and Essaouira.
Can you see Morocco without a car?
Yes. Trains link Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Fez and Marrakech, and buses reach Essaouira, Chefchaouen and the south. For the Sahara, a shared 3-day tour is the simplest option. Each itinerary has a no-car section.
Is it worth going to the Sahara for one night?
One night works, but the drive is long. Two nights in Merzouga give you a full day in the dunes and make the journey far more worthwhile.
This guide was last reviewed in November 2026. Entry rules, opening hours, transport timetables and prices change; check official sources shortly before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.