The Best Morocco Itinerary For First-Time Visitors
I’ve just returned from an amazing trip in Morocco, and I was blown away by the incredible experiences to be found here. This North African country has so much to offer, and there is so much to see and do, you’ll have a hard time narrowing down how to spend your time.
The itinerary I’m sharing here is ideal for a first-time visit, and anyone who has 10-12 days to spend in country. Keep in mind that destinations in Morocco are fairly spread out, and I’ve found the best way to get from place to place is by having a private driver to ensure the best experience possible.
Following this itinerary will give you the opportunity to spend some time in the cultural capital of Morocco while exploring Fez, experience the incomparable beauty of the Sahara desert with a stay underneath the stars at a luxury tented camp, break up your journey back to Marrakech with a stay in the most charming and peaceful , and then take your time exploring Marrakech and all that it has to offer.
Ready to fall in love with this beautiful country? Here is my own itinerary and a glimpse at the incredible time I had in Morocco.
Day 1-3: Fez
After flying into Casablanca airport, I made the 3 hour drive to Fez. Casablanca is the main airport in Morocco and most international destinations will have the easiest time flying here for the start of your Morocco trip. However, I wouldn’t necessarily suggest such a long drive on arrival. If you have the opportunity, stay a night in Rabat (just 1 hour away), and do some quick sightseeing as you rest up and recover from your jetlag before continuing your journey.
Accommodation: Palais Amani
Highlights:
Leather Tanneries - Prepare for a sensory sensation unlike any other! A visit to the leather tanneries allows you to see the process of how they make leather goods from start to finish. You can see the vats of dye that have been used in techniques unchanged for centuries. Fun fact: they use b….. The real treat is being able to buy authentic leather goods for a fraction of the cost you’d normally spend. You get to choose the type of leather, color, and size of almost anything you can imagine. Be ready to bargain and negotiate as that is part of the experience!
Fes Tasting Tour - I love an opportunity to combine historical highlights with incredible food! This type of tour allows you to see highlights of the old city along with stops at different stalls where you can try all sorts of Moroccan treats and pastries.
Day 3-5: The Sahara Desert
This is the part of the trip I was most excited about. It’s not very often you get the opportunity to experience an incredible landscape like the Sahara desert. Getting here is no easy feat, but I truly believe its worth the effort.
Accommodation: Desert Luxury Tented Camp
Highlights:
Camel Ride - This might be the picture-perfect Saharan moment. After arriving at the camp a little before sunset, I settled into our luxury tent and then hopped on my camel for a ride up the dunes to appreciate the golden hour the very best way possible.
Night under the stars - Spending a night under the stars in the Sahara desert is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you’re unlikely to experience anywhere else in the world. After a delicious meal of Moroccan tagines, we settled in for a night to remember and were serenaded with tribal songs before hanging out around the campfire and enjoying the views of the stars you don’t see anywhere else. It’s incredibly peaceful and such a nice contrast to your experience in cities like Marrakech.
Day 5-6: Dades Gorge
Known as the Grand Canyon of Morocco, the Dades Gorge provides the backdrop for a beautiful drive dotted with mountain vistas and ancient clay kasbahs. If you have the ability, I would have loved to extend my stay here an additional night to be able to soak in all of the beauty of the area, so make sure you consider adding a night to get a true feel for the area.
Accommodation: Chez Pierre
Highlights
A meal to remember- This lovely hotel is renowned for the cuisine in their restaurant, where they offer an innovative European-Moroccan fusion, based on local produce and flavours - a surprising change from the usual fare of tagine and couscous. Make sure you enjoy their 5-course dinner option, as it was phenomenal!
Day 6-10: Marrakech
Marrakech is what i consider to be the quintessential Moroccan experience. I was most excited to experience palatial riads, the eclectic souk, and the medley of favors you can find all around you.
Accommodation: Royal Mansour
Highlights
Staying at Royal Mansour - I have a special love affair with exquisite accommodations that truly have a sense of place, and the Royal Mansour was exactly that. A riad is built like a traditional home with a beautiful courtyard, balconies to rest and enjoy the views, gorgeous mosaics and special touches everywhere you look. This hotel spared no expense (literally!! it is owned by the king and there was no budget when creating it) and does a remarkable job at showing off Morocco’s architectural style and talented artisans. It is built to feel like a “medina within a medina” with each room created as it’s own riad. The result is an epic masterpiece that will stay at the top of the list of most luxurious hotels I’ve ever stayed in.
Shopping in the souks - A souk is a huge market where you can find just about anything you can imagine, and also where you put to use your bargaining skills. I stocked up on essential oils, spices, sandals, some jewelry, a leather duffel, and almost shipped a rug home! Don’t miss this special shopping experience!
YSL museum + Majorelle Gardens - I am not normally a museum person when I travel, but I found this museum to be way more my style. An afternoon spent perusing his works of art, along with a stroll in the Majorelle gardens was a perfect way to spend a Moroccan afternoon.
Tagine Cooking Class - I consider myself a moroccan cooking expert after taking this class, and I am happy to say that my meal was healthy and delicious as well as fun to make. Taught by local expert chefs, we were guided on how to prepare a chicken tagine and two delicious moroccan salads.
Day 10-12 : Atlas Mountains
Just over an hour outside of Marrakech lie a myriad of hiking paths and trails winding up through the Atlas and leading to small berber villages where the way of life has remained intact for hundreds of years. You can visit this area as a day trip from the city, but my suggestion would be to end your Moroccan adventure with a stay at Sir Richard Branson’s slice of paradise, Kasbah Tamadot.
Accommodation : Kasbah Tamadot
This gorgeous property is the perfect place to end your trip, and the surrounding areas give you the opportunity to experience what life is like in the Berber villages. It’s a place to slow down, unwind, and soak in your surroundings.
If this place seems magical to you as well, and you are looking to plan your own customized trip to Morocco, I would love to help! Please reach out and lets make it happen.