At a glance
- Ten days covers the classic loop: Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, the Sahara, the gorges, Ait Ben Haddou and Marrakech.
- The two long drives are Fes to the Sahara and the Sahara to the kasbah road; we split them with stops.
- Two nights in Fes and one or two in the desert make the trip.
- Fly into Casablanca and out of Marrakech to avoid backtracking.
- Spring and fall are the best seasons for this route.
This 10-day Morocco itinerary is the route we recommend most to first-time visitors. It moves through the country in one logical line, from the Atlantic to the imperial cities, over the Middle Atlas to the Sahara and back across the High Atlas to Marrakech, without doubling back.
Days 1 and 2: Casablanca and Rabat
Land in Casablanca on a nonstop flight from the US and visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors on guided tours. The next morning, drive an hour to Rabat for the Kasbah of the Udayas and the Hassan Tower, then continue to Fes by late afternoon.
Days 3 and 4: Fes and Volubilis
Spend a full day in the medina of Fes with a licensed guide: the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Chouara tannery and the workshops of Place Seffarine. On day four, drive to the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes, and return to Fes for dinner. Our guide to things to do in Fes has more ideas.
Tip
Book two full nights in Fes. The medina is too large and too interesting to see in an afternoon.
Days 5 and 6: Across the Middle Atlas to the Sahara
Day five is the longest drive, about eight hours with stops. You cross the cedar forests near Ifrane, where Barbary macaques gather by the road, then descend through Midelt to the Ziz valley and Merzouga. Arrive in time for a camel ride at sunset and dinner at your camp. Day six is yours in the dunes: sunrise from the crest, a visit to the Gnawa musicians of Khamlia, and a second night under the stars if you can spare it.
Want this route planned for your dates?
We book the riads, the desert camp, the guides and a private driver, and adjust the pace to you.
Days 7 and 8: The gorges and the kasbah road
Drive west to the Todra Gorge, where the canyon walls rise about 1,000 feet above the river, then follow the Dades valley through palm groves and kasbahs to Skoura. On day eight, continue to Ait Ben Haddou and stay nearby to see the ksar at sunset.
Days 9 and 10: Over the High Atlas to Marrakech
Cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Marrakech, arriving in time for a rooftop dinner. Spend your last full day in the medina and gardens before flying home. See our guide to things to do in Marrakech to plan it.
Drive times at a glance
| Stretch | Approximate drive |
|---|---|
| Casablanca to Rabat | 1 hour |
| Rabat to Fes | 2.5 hours |
| Fes to Merzouga | 7 to 8 hours with stops |
| Merzouga to Skoura via Todra | 6 to 7 hours |
| Skoura to Ait Ben Haddou | 1.5 hours |
| Ait Ben Haddou to Marrakech | 4 hours |
How to adapt it
- Add Chefchaouen: two extra nights between Rabat and Fes.
- More time in Marrakech: add a night and a day trip to the Atlas or the Agafay desert.
- Shorter trip: our 5-day itinerary or Imperial Threads focus on one region.
Frequently asked questions
Is 10 days enough to see Morocco?
Ten days covers the classic loop of Fes, the Sahara and Marrakech comfortably. To add Chefchaouen or the coast, plan twelve to fourteen days.
What is the best 10-day route in Morocco?
Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, the Sahara, the Todra and Dades gorges, Ait Ben Haddou and Marrakech. It follows a single line with no backtracking.
How long is the drive from Fes to the Sahara?
About seven to eight hours with stops, through the Middle Atlas cedar forests and the Ziz valley.
Should I fly into Casablanca or Marrakech for 10 days?
Fly into Casablanca and out of Marrakech. That way the route runs one way and you finish somewhere easy to fly home from.
How many nights should I spend in the desert?
One night is enough to see sunset, the stars and sunrise. Two nights give you a full, slow day in the dunes.
Can this itinerary be done in reverse?
Yes. Starting in Marrakech works well, especially if your flights are cheaper that way.
What is the best time to do this route?
Mid-March to May and late September to November. Summer is very hot in the desert, and winter nights there are cold.
