How to Plan a 10-Day Morocco Itinerary for First-Timers

How to Plan a 10-Day Morocco Itinerary for First-Timers: Complete Guide

Ten days provides sufficient time to experience Morocco's highlights without excessive rushing: imperial cities, Sahara desert, coastal towns, and mountain experiences. This comprehensive guide breaks down day-by-day planning, logistics, transportation, and insider recommendations for first-time visitors maximizing their experience.

Overview: Classic 10-Day Itinerary Route

Day 1-2: Marrakech (imperial city, medina, gardens) Day 3-4: Sahara Desert (Merzouga or Erg Chebbi) Day 5-6: Fes (oldest continuously inhabited medina, tanneries) Day 7: Chefchaouen (blue city) or Meknes (imperial gates) Day 8-9: Marrakech (return, relax, final explorations) Day 10: Departure or coastal extension

Day-by-Day Breakdown

Days 1-2: Marrakech Foundation

Arrival (if international flight):

• Arrive Marrakech airport
• Take taxi/shuttle to medina accommodation
• Rest, acclimatize
• Evening: Explore nearby riad area

Day 1 Activities:

• Jemaa el-Fnaa square exploration
• Medina wandering
• Restaurant dinner with rooftop views
• Early bed after travel

Day 2 Activities:

• Hire medina guide (€20-30 for 3 hours)
• Explore Koutoubia Mosque area
• Visit souks (shopping and observation)
• Lunch at traditional restaurant
• Explore Bahia Palace
• Evening: relax at riad or explore neighborhoods

Accommodation: Riad (€50-100) or boutique hotel (€80-120)

Budget: €150-200 including meals, guides, attractions

Days 3-4: Sahara Desert Experience

Transportation to Desert:

• Morning drive to Merzouga (8-10 hours) or Erg Chebbi
• Stop in Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou (30 min break)
• Scenic drive through Atlas foothills
• Arrive desert camp afternoon

Day 3 Desert Activities:

• Camel trek sunset (3-4 hours)
• Berber dinner at camp
• Sleep in Bedouin-style tent
• Stargazing if clear

Day 4 Desert Activities:

• Sunrise camel trek (2-3 hours)
• Return to camp, breakfast
• Drive back toward Fes
• Stop Kasbah Telouet or other roadside attractions
• Arrive Fes evening

Accommodation: Desert camp tent (€40-80) or guesthouse (€50-100)

Budget: €150-250 including transport, camel, meals

Days 5-6: Fes Imperial Heritage

Arrival: Evening Day 4, settle into Fes riad

Day 5 Activities:

• Morning: Hire medina guide (€25-40 for full day)
• Explore ancient medina continuously inhabited for 1,200+ years
• Visit tanneries (pay small fee for rooftop viewing)
• Madrasa Bou Inania (€2-3)
• Hammam experience (€5-10 with attendant assistance)
• Evening: rest, sunset from riad

Day 6 Activities:

• Day trip: Volubilis Roman ruins (€50-70 organized tour)
• Visit Moulay Idriss sacred town (views from outside)
• Return to Fes by evening
• Relaxation or gentle evening exploration

Accommodation: Medina riad (€60-100)

Budget: €200-300 including guide, attractions, meals

Day 7: Blue City or Imperial Gates

Option A: Chefchaouen (Blue City)

• Drive from Fes to Chefchaouen (4 hours)
• Afternoon/evening: Blue medina exploration, photography
• Dinner with medina views
• Overnight in Chefchaouen riad

Option B: Meknes (Imperial Gates)

• Drive from Fes to Meknes (1 hour)
• Explore Bab Mansour and imperial palaces
• Walk medina
• Return to Fes or drive toward Marrakech

Accommodation: Chefchaouen riad (€50-80)

Budget: €100-150 including accommodation, meals, transport

Days 8-9: Coastal or Mountain Interlude

Options:

Option 1: Coastal Essaouira

• Drive from Fes to Marrakech (5-6 hours), stop Essaouira (3-hour route variation)
• Spend 1-2 days beach, surf, seafood
• Complete drive to Marrakech

Option 2: Atlas Mountains

• Imlil village day trek (if returning via south route)
• Mountain hospitality, Berber culture
• Return to Marrakech

Option 3: Marrakech Relaxation

• Drive back to Marrakech
• Relax, revisit favorite sites
• Spa day, garden strolls
• Shopping in souks

Accommodation: Riad (€50-100)

Budget: €150-200

Day 10: Departure or Extension

If Departing:

• Morning activities or sleep in
• Transfer to airport
• Depart

If Extending:

• Add Agadir beach
• Additional desert days
• More mountain exploration

Transportation Strategy

Getting Around 10 Days

Organized Tours: €800-1,200 covers transportation, guides, some meals—simpler but less flexible

Private Driver: €120-200 daily; maximum flexibility, personalized pace

Self-Drive: €30-40 vehicle rental daily; freedom but navigation responsibility

Mix: Organized tours for complex routes (desert); self-drive for regional exploration

Recommendation: Organized tours for first-timers (desert navigation, camp logistics); self-drive for city exploration

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Budget Estimate: 10-Day Trip

Accommodation:

• Mid-range riads/hotels: €60-100/night
• 9 nights: €540-900

Meals:

• Local restaurants: €10-20/day
• 10 days: €100-200

Activities/Attractions:

• Guided tours, monuments, desert camps
• Estimated: €300-500

Transportation:

• Organized tours or driver
• Estimated: €200-400

Miscellaneous (tips, shopping, emergencies):

• Estimated: €100-200

Total: €1,240-2,200 per person (approximately €124-220/day)

Important Planning Considerations

Season Selection

April-May, September-October: Ideal weather, manageable crowds

June-August: Hot, crowded, expensive

November-March: Cool, fewer tourists, occasional rain

Pre-Booking vs. Spontaneous

Book Ahead:

• Desert camps (availability critical)
• International flights
• Popular riads (high season)

Book on Ground:

• Day tours/guides
• Restaurant reservations
• Local activities

Health Considerations

• Vaccinations: Check current recommendations
• Travel insurance: Highly recommended
• Medications: Bring personal prescriptions
• Hydration: Critical in desert/cities

Cultural Awareness

• Dress modestly (shoulders, knees covered in cities)
• Ramadan affects business hours/activities
• Photography etiquette essential
• Learn basic French/Arabic phrases

FAQ

Is 10 days enough for Morocco?

Yes—hits highlights without extreme rushing. Ideal for first-timers.

Should I book organized tours or self-drive?

Mix best: Organized tours for complex logistics (desert); self-drive for city/regional exploration.

What's the best route for 10 days?

Marrakech → Sahara → Fes → Chefchaouen/Meknes → Marrakech. Covers highlights efficiently.

How much should I budget?

€1,200-2,200 per person for mid-range travel (€120-220/day).

Can I do it faster?

Yes, but rushed. 10 days optimal for relaxed experience.

Which activities are must-dos?

Sahara desert, Fes medina, Jemaa el-Fnaa Marrakech, imperial sites. Adapt based on interests.

How much time at each location?

Cities: 1-2 days; Desert: 1-2 days; Coastal: 1 day optional.

Do I need a car?

No—public transport/organized tours sufficient. Car provides flexibility.

What's the hardest part?

Choosing what to skip. Too many worthwhile destinations in 10 days.

Best accommodation type?

Riads combine authenticity and comfort—highly recommended.