How to Plan a Trip to Morocco: 10-Day Itinerary, Tips, Top Attractions

Every traveller and dreamer has that one destination that lingers at the back of their mind, calling them to explore with promises of wonder. For me, it was Morocco. An exotic land far away that seems to leap out of photographs with its bursts of colour, rich traditions, and whispers of mystery. In fact, it was the very first destination that came to mind when we began planning our honeymoon.

Yet, doubts, safety concerns and cautionary Reddit threads delayed our trip for years. Until we decided to set aside the hesitation and take a leap of faith. And spoiler alert: Morocco rewarded us a hundredfold.

This country is among the most diverse we’ve ever explored. From lively medinas brimming with energy and souks overflowing with colour to the golden expanse of Sahara’s dunes, and the unforgettable taste of harissa-spiced olives, there is a lot more to experience than what meets the eye. We road-tripped across its landscapes over 10 unforgettable days, and each moment felt like a step back in time and sometimes, quite literally into movie and TV shows’ sets.

If Morocco has ever been on your mind, this guide is your starting point. Packed with expert tips, itineraries, and the very best experiences, it’s everything you need to plan a journey you’ll never forget.

Why Morocco?

Morocco is one of those rare countries that feels like stepping back in time, not only through its famous fortified cities and ancient medinas, but also in the rhythms of everyday life. A visit here might bring you into the home of a Berber family who has lived the same way for generations. Even in the remotest villages where electricity and mobile networks have reached, traditions remain unchanged, whether it’s the mud-brick houses, food slow-cooked in earthen pots, or a pace of life that feels centuries old.

It is a land of contrasts that is wonderfully chaotic yet deeply calming. On one side lies the vast Sahara desert, on the other, breezy coastal towns like Essaouira and Tangier. Morocco caters to every type of traveller, whether you’re hitchhiking across the country (a surprisingly common practice here) or indulging in the elegance of traditional riads and palatial stays, there’s always something awaiting every kind of seeker and traveller.

Beyond its culture, Morocco is also a paradise for shoppers. Its souks are world-famous, overflowing with aromatic spices, pure argan oil, bamboo bags, handwoven textiles, and magnificent carpets that reflect centuries of craftsmanship.

And perhaps best of all, Morocco is remarkably budget-friendly. You can savour a kaleidoscope of experiences—history, landscapes, food, and shopping—without straining your wallet.

Best time to Visit

Morocco is often described as a year-round destination, owing to its generally dry climate and diverse landscapes. However, summers, especially from June to August, can be unbearably hot, while winters bring a sharp chill particularly in the mountains and desert.

The most favourable time to visit Morocco is between September and November or February to early May, when the weather is mild, skies are clear, and sightseeing is comfortable. Having said that, travelling in December bears unique gifts as the Atlas Mountains don a blanket of snow and Morocco’s landscapes take on a magical, serene beauty.

How to Plan your Trip

Planning a trip to Morocco is easier than you might think. Whether you’re a budget backpacker, a mid-range traveller, or someone seeking luxury, the country offers endless options when it comes to transportation, accommodation, and experiences.

The first step is to choose the right travel window and then determine the number of days that you’d like to spend. To truly appreciate Morocco’s diversity and culture you’ll need at least 10 days. On our recent trip, we spent 10 eventful days exploring iconic towns and even spent a night under the desert stars at the Sahara, returning with both our hearts and camera roll full.

Some travellers also choose to base themselves in Marrakech and take day trips from there. While this can be convenient, we don’t recommend it. Marrakech is one of the most expensive cities that we visited and using it as a base to explore the nearby areas would merely be scratching the surface.

Another prospect is to combine your trip to Morocco with Spain, owing to the countries’ proximity and excellent connectivity via Tangier.

Visa Requirements

Indian passport holders need to apply for VISA to travel to Morocco. You can apply for a single entry tourist eVISA on the official website.

The visa requirements of Moroccan eVISA are quite similar to the Schengen Visa. The visa request is typically processed within 3 working days. Mentioned below are all the documents you need to fill the application:

Valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (digital copy)
Passport size photograph (digital)

⚠️ Note: You need to specify your expected entry and exit date and agree to the terms that you have enough funds to travel to Morocco.

💰 Cost: 770 MAD ($84) – Standard visa in 3 working days
💰 Cost: 1100 MAD ($118) – Express visa in 1 working day

Safety Concerns

Travelling to Morocco comes with its share of safety concerns and stories of scams that often circulate online. While the country can be a little challenging at times, it remains one of the most rewarding places to visit. Overall, Morocco is safe for travellers, though we advise solo female travellers to explore with company for added comfort.

During our recent trip spent self-driving across Morocco, we never experienced anything that us feel unsafe. In fact, we found the locals to be respectful and helpful throughout. That said, we were mindful of our surroundings and avoided attracting unnecessary attention. We dressed respectfully and modestly to further safeguard ourselves.

📍 Hot tip: if someone follows you, tries to persuade you to visit their shop, insists on applying henna, or pressures you into buying something, a polite but firm “La Shukran” (No, thank you) usually does the trick. In most cases, people back off immediately once you set that boundary.

Common Scams in Morocco

While Morocco is truly a mystical and magical country, it’s worth being aware of a few common situations that might catch you off guard.:

🚔 The Policeman Fine
Moroccan roads are some of the most heavily monitored we’ve experienced, with frequent checkpoints, speed guns, and traffic police stationed around busy areas such as Rabat, the entry roads into Marrakech, and at many roundabouts.

Our advice: always slow down at the roundabout and strictly follow the speed limit, even if the roads look empty. Do not overtake near the roundabout.
Morocco also follows a ‘priority-lane’ rule which means the vehicles already inside the circle always have the right of way..

📍 Insider tip: if you do get stopped, don’t be afraid to mention you’re from India and share your love for Bollywood. We actually eased a tense moment with a police officer by bringing up Shah Rukh Khan and Shammi Kapoor and it worked like a charm!
🌿 Henna tattoo
In Marrakech’s Jemaa el-Fnaa square, you’ll often see local women sitting on tiny chairs offering henna tattoos. Some may even grab your hand and start applying henna without consent only to demand payment afterward.

📍 Tip: Keep your hands to yourself and whenever offered, politely say ‘Shukran’ and keep walking.
🧭 The fake guide
Unofficial guides are common in Marrakech and Fes particularly. Most of them approach tourists to show them the medina or take them to hidden spots. Some may even try to steer you into shops to earn an extra commission.

📍 Tip: Say a clear ‘La Shukran’ and continue walking. If you wish to explore the city with a guide, we recommend booking a tour on Get Your Guide.
🔀 The “helpful local” in the medina
The labyrinthine medinas can feel overwhelming and difficult to navigate but that’s mostly when a “helpful” local might appear, offering to lead you out of it or point you to the square. Sometimes they’re innocent children, other times adults, but almost always, they’ll ask for money in return.

📍 Tip: Use Google Maps in satellite mode to navigate, or ask directions from shopkeepers instead of random passersby. This saves you both confusion and unwanted hassle.

Getting in & around Morocco

One of the most important steps in planning your trip and itinerary for Morocco is to choose how you’ll get around the country. Luckily, it is fairly easy to navigate Morocco. The roads are in excellent condition, which is perfect for a self-drive adventure. Even the public transport is efficient, affordable, and well-connected making it ideal for both solo and group travellers.

The best way to decide how you’ll travel is to consider the number of days you have and your comfort level.

Here are all the options to get around Morocco:

🚗 Self-drive

A road trip through Morocco’s vast and ever-changing landscapes is one of the best ways to experience its magic. We highly recommend renting a car and navigating the country on your own pace. It gives you immense liberty to take pit-stops along the way, admire the views, and travel on your own terms.

We rented our car from AirCar and genuinely recommend them for their smooth service and reliable vehicles.

Do you need International Driving Permit?

You can rent a car in Morocco without an IDP. Most car rentals accept Indian driving license and passport but we do recommend keeping your IDP handy for safety.

🚆 Trains

Major towns in Morocco, like Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, and Fez, are connected by a reliable train network. Many travellers also prefer this mode of travel for its efficiency and comfort. The trains are generally punctual, affordable and clean.

The Moroccan railway is operated by ONCF. You can book the tickets on their official website, though it may be temperamental at times. Alternatively, you can also reserve the tickets here. It is best to reserve a first-class ticket to ensure a comfortable air-conditioned journey with refreshment options.

🚌 Buses

Intercity buses are the most economical way to travel across Morocco. They connect even the smaller towns where train connectivity fails. However, since schedules can vary and some routes may have limited departures per day, it’s important to plan your itinerary accordingly.

The most reliable and comfortable bus operators are:

CTM – the national bus operator of Morocco
Supratours – managed by ONCF

Tickets can be booked online in advance on their official websites or you can book here.

🚖 Taxi

The cabs in Morocco are affordable and offer a viable option to commute in busy cities like Marrakech and Fez. There are two types of taxis:

Petit Taxis – small city taxis used for short trips. Always negotiate the fare before the journey or ensure that the meter is working.
Grand Taxis – shared taxis used for longer distance, like between towns or drop-offs to the airport. You can also hire them privately for an extra fee.
App-based Taxis – inDrive taxi service operates efficiently in Marrakech and we highly recommend it for the cheapest cab transfers.

Finding Accommodation in Morocco

Choosing where to stay Morocco is as integral to planning the entire trip. Unlike travelling in other countries, Morocco’s accommodations are not just places to rest but they’re a part of the journey.

Stay tuned for the complete list of our favourite accommodations in Morocco.

10-day Complete Itinerary

We explored Morocco for 10 perfectly balanced days with a mix of city scenes, desert adventure, mountain road-tripping, and some time in a traditional Berber village. Opting for a self-drive rental gave us the freedom and comfort to travel at our own pace and we highly recommend it.

If you’re not comfortable driving yourself, this itinerary also includes alternative options to commute internally.

Day 1: Welcome to Morocco

Arrival in Casablanca (CMN)

Land in Mohammed V International Airport (Casablanca) since flights from India tend to be more plentiful and competitively priced compared to flying directly into Marrakech. Car-rental kiosks at the airport are conveniently located just outside the airport exit, making the transition to a self-drive trip straightforward.

📍 Tip: Always compare flights into Casablanca (CMN) and Marrakech (RAK) as routes and prices shift.

On our first day we wanted to drive straight to Chefchaouen and keep Casablanca for the end of the trip. A lot of travellers arriving in Casablanca also spend at least a day in the city to get a sense of the country. However, the only notable attraction is the Hasan II Mosque and the coastline view from there.

Breakfast stop in Rabat

Although only a breakfast stop at The Kitch, Rabat greeted us with a charming mix of modern and traditional architecture, cats basking in the sun beside old-men sipping coffee while deep in discussion. The capital, however, was also dotted with vigilant traffic police busy stopping vehicles flouting traffic rules even by a margin.

The drive from Casablanca to Chefchaouen took approximately 8 hours for 366 km distance with several pit-stops for breakfast, fuel and views. We arrived in Chefchaouen just a few hours before sunset, perfect timing to settle in and soak up the evening glow.

Arrival in Chefchaouen

Stepping out of the car into the medina felt like stepping into another world with air thick with smells from the sweet breads and pastries. Even the walk leading up to our accommodation was through vivid blue alleyways lined with spice stalls, hand-soaps, and local craftsmen selling souvenirs and collectibles.

Our first stay for the trip was in a Dar inside Chefchaouen’s medina near Place El Haouta. It was conveniently located at the quieter square and involved no extreme climbing up the stairs like a lot of other good accommodation options.

After a short rest, we enjoyed an early dinner at Mido’s and simply wandered the medina under the fading light.

📍 Tip: Park your vehicle here. There are a few parking areas outside the medina but it is best to seek help from your stay manager to narrow-down the most efficient spot. We also encourage negotiating the parking fee.

Parking fee for two nights: 50 MAD

Other Ways to Reach Chefchaouen

CTM Morocco operates a direct bus from Casablanca to Chefchaouen. However, there is only one bus service a day and you can reserve your tickets here.

Ticket price: 215 MAD

The other option is to take a fast train from Casablanca to Tangier and a bus from Tangier to Chefchaouen. More route options are here.

Day 2: Enchanting Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is arguably the perfect town to begin your Moroccan adventure. Unlike the buzzing medinas of Fes or Marrakech, this mountain town carries an easy calm with slow mornings, tranquil evenings, and just the right hum of activity in between. While day-trippers from Tangier and Fes do pour in, the early hours and late evenings belong entirely to you.

All the points of interest in Chefchaouen are conveniently located within walking distance. Staying inside the medina not only allows you to explore at leisure but also gives you the freedom to retreat to your riad whenever the midday sun starts to bite which is what we found ourselves doing often, wandering in and out through the day.

Chefchaouen may no longer be a “hidden” gem, but it remains one of the most photogenic places in Morocco. Around every turn, a unique blue alley awaits complete with cerulean walls, indigo staircases and colourful shops. Here is also an extensive list of the most Instagram-worthy photo points across the medina, all of which can be easily covered within a few hours.

📍 Tip: The best time to capture uninterrupted photographs is early in the morning between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. before the day tourists arrive. The light is softer, shadows are gentler, and the alleys are at their most atmospheric.

After wandering through the maze of blue alleys and indulging in countless photo stops, we spent the hot afternoon relaxing at our stay and later made it to one of the cafés by the riverside – Restaurant et Café Al Cherif. The cafés near the Foura river stream were a surprise for us. The stream was on the edge of the town, lined with stalls selling either souvenirs or freshly squeezed fruit juice.

📍 Tip: Stick to ordering fresh juices or beverages to cool off by the river.

Sunset chase in Chefchaouen

The final attraction for the day was the famous Spanish Mosque perched on a hill overlooking the entire city. A quick 30 minutes easy climb led us to the mosque busy with onlookers enjoying sweeping views of Chefchaouen bathed in golden light. Despite the crowd, it wasn’t difficult to find an uninterrupted view as the sun set for the day.

Dinner in Chefchaouen

Upon our hotel manager’s recommendation, we went to Café Clock in the medina. Although most famous for its camel burgers, our pull was their exceptional live music. The rooftop cafe reverberated with traditional tunes that made our feet tap and hands clap. We also tried chicken tagine for the first time here but we recommend sticking to juices and mocktail.

📍 Tip: If you have an extra night consider hiking to the Akchour Waterfalls (about 45 minutes away by car). It is one of northern Morocco’s most beautiful natural sites and a true hidden gem.

You can also book your tour here (add GYG) or reserve an overnight stay at L’Ermitage d’Akchour.

Day 3: Journey Into Morocco’s Old Soul – Fes

The best part about staying in a dar or riad in Morocco is the breakfast. Served on a sunlit terrace overlooking the medina, it’s less of a meal and more of a morning ritual. At Dar Kisania, we were helped to a spread that looked straight out of our breakfast dreams complete with jars of marmalade, special almond butter – amlou, homemade Nutella, sizzling eggs, fresh sweet breads, and beghrir, Morocco’s signature thousand-hole pancakes. We took in the view of Chefchaouen’s blue rooftops for the final time and prepared to hit the road for our next destination – Fes.

Fes is Morocco’s second-largest city with a cultural heartbeat. Founded in the 9th century, it is home to one of the world’s oldest continuously operating universities founded by a woman – Fatima al-Fihri – who built it as a centre for learning and culture.

If Chefchaouen is Morocco’s “Blue Pearl,” Fes is undoubtedly its “Golden City.” The medina is an intricate maze of over 9,000 narrow lanes where hand-pulled carts replace cars and the scent of tanneries lingers in the air. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medina remains a living, breathing relic, and home to thousands of generations.

The Road trip to Fes

The drive from Chefchaouen to Fes was about 3.5 hours. The 193 km long journey took us from well-paved and scenic landscapes with rolling Tif foothills, small villages and fields of dry grass that reminded us about Mallorca. The most unique part about the journey were the coffee vans spread sporadically by the highway ready to brew a crisp cuppa for the travellers. We didn’t get a chance to stop and sip on this part of the journey but their recurring presence convinced us to stop later on the trip.

Alternate Way to Reach Fes

CTM or Supratours buses connect Chefchaouen to Fes in around 4.5 hours. Shared mini vans are also available via VisiTrip that only take 3 hours.

Bus journey: 180 MAD

Arrival in Fes

We reached Fes just in time for lunch and checked into Palais Faraj Suites & Spa, a property that felt like stepping into a royal dream. Once a 19th-century palace, the hotel had exquisite tilework, a beautiful courtyard, and sweeping views of the medina from the rooftop restaurant.

The staff greeted us with traditional moroccan mint tea and pastries, setting the tone for an indulgent stay. But the moment we entered our suite, we knew we’d spend the rest of the day relaxing. Soon after a quick lunch, we indulged in a traditional Moroccan hammam at the in-house spa – an experience that we highly recommend you include in your itinerary.

The evening was spent enjoying some live Andalusian music and wine at Palais Faraj’s elegant rooftop bar as the city light shimmered at a distance.

📍 Tip: Select your Fes accommodation after careful consideration. The medina is one of the most intricate ones where Google Maps not only fails you but makes it easier to get lost in the alleys. We recommend choosing an accommodation outside the medina and venturing inside with a guide.

The First Evening in Fes: Things to do

If you would like to spend the first evening in Fes soaking a little bit of what the city has to offer, here are a few suggestions to consider:

Borj Nord Fortress
Built in the 16th century under Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadian dynasty, Borj Nord was originally a military watchtower designed to protect Fes. Today, it showcases the Moroccan military history.
Perched high on a hill overlooking the old medina, the fortress is more famous for its panoramic views. It’s about a 10-minute drive or a 30-minute uphill walk from the medina.

El Glaoui Palace
Once the grand residence of the Glaoui family, Dar El Glaoui is now a decaying masterpiece hidden behind ,modest wooden doors. The inside of the palace is adorned with intricate stucco carvings, cedar-wood ceilings and zellige tilework that together offer a glimpse of the rich history and culture.

📍 Tip: Bring small change for a tip to the caretaker, who usually guides visitors through the rooms for a few dirhams.

Day 4: Fantastical Fes

Fes is one of the most cultural and colourful cities and allures everyone with its mystical charm. If you’re visiting Fes for the first time, here is a list of the only things you need to do with tips, best time to visit, and so much more.

Our second morning in Fes began with the scent of freshly baked pastries and the sound of distant prayer calls from the medina mosque. After a hearty breakfast, we hopped into a petit taxi to reach the meeting point for our guided medina tour – Palais de Fes Suites.

Hiring a guide was one of the best decisions we made. The Fes el-Bali medina wasn’t just a maze but a living museum with more than 9,000 narrow lanes. Our guide led us through this labyrinth of overlapping and twisty maze for nearly four hours, helping us not only to see the medina but truly understand it.

This was the guided tour that we took.

He taught us small but fascinating things that we wouldn’t have figured out on our own, like how to tell if an alley was open or closed by reading the wooden archways above, or how the colours and symbols on doors indicated whether they belonged to a merchant, a scholar, or a craftsman.

He even guided us to a women’s cooperative, where we learned how to identify authentic argan oil and bought hand-dyed scarves and spices. Although not part of the official tour, he ended the day by showing us the local communal bakery where men were busy baking bread in wood-fired ovens.

We cannot recommend taking a guided walking tour enough. It saved time, kept us from getting lost and spared us from scams or “helpful” locals.’

Best Restaurants in Fes

Restaurant dar khabya original – Moroccan cuisine
Darori – Moroccan cuisine
Restaurant Fes lounge – Arab cuisine
Restaurant Lounge – Mouda Palace – European and Italian cuisine

Day 5: Gateway to the Sahara Desert

After two days wrapped in the golden maze of Fes, it was time to trade city walls for endless dunes. Merzouga, a small frontier town on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, marks the gateway to Morocco’s Sahara. The landscape shifts dramatically from cities and towns and lone palmeria wedged between mountains to dry, arid plains that look straight out of Mad Max: Fury Road.

We lingered over a late breakfast before setting off. The drive from Fes to Merzouga was around 480 km and took us over 7 hours without long stops. The route led us through the Parc National Al Hassan Addakhil, one of the largest dams in Morocco. The delayed start from Fes didn’t allow us any stopovers, but we recommend taking a quick break and admiring the views.

As the hours passed, the scenery unfurled into the start stillness of the pre-Sahara plains. We reached the last true settlement before the dunes – Merzouga – by evening where our desert-camp guide awaited us, ready to escort us into the sands.

📍 Tip: Most travellers book a 3-day Sahara Desert tour connecting Fes and Marrakech via Merzouga. It typically includes stops at the Ziz Valley, Todgha Gorge, and Dades Valley, overnight desert camping, camel rides, and a final stop to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ait Ben Haddou . If you’re not self-driving, this route is the easiest, safest, and most time-efficient way to see Morocco’s desert and high-Atlas landscapes. You can also consider a 2-day Sahara Desert tour that cuts through Ifrane, Midelt, and Ziz Valley.

Our Desert Camp Experience

We’d booked an overnight camping experience that included round-trip transfers from the meeting point in Merzouga, sunset and sunrise camel rides with ATV option on additional cost, dinner and breakfast. Although we arrived slightly past our scheduled time, our guide greeted us with typical Berber warmth and quickly whisked us to the camel-ride starting point as the light softened over the dunes.

As we mounted the camels, the concrete road gave way to soft golden sand and within a few minutes we had arrived at the beautiful sunset point at Erg Chebbi. We were offered a chance to sandboard down the slopes – activity included in the tour – but we chose instead to simple sit, toes buried in the soft sand, and watch the sunset hues.

As the sun set, the camels carried us onward to our desert camp, a cluster of 40 tents arranged in parallel rows. There were 2-3 neighbouring camps that gleamed with fairy lights and lanterns, with a private porch for each tent. On the contrary, ours was simpler but comfortable. It was an air-conditioned double-bed private tent with an ensuite bathroom.

The dinner buffet was served at the camp and given the cooking conditions, it was alright with 1-2 vegetarian options. Soon after, the staff gathered around a bonfire pit in the middle of the camp courtyard and turned the dinner into a Berber party. With traditional drums humming and the desert folk tunes enveloping the camp, the rhythm drew everyone in, even a few groups from the other camps to sway, clap and dance in the sand.

A few people also slipped away to the quieter edge of the camp to take their chances at star-gazing. The Milky Way was visible with bare eyes until the moon started shining brightly.

📍 Tip: Pack a day-pack for the overnight camp as it will be most easily accessible.

Day 6: Exploring the Sahara

Waking up before dawn in the cold stillness of the Sahara, with a sky glittering with a thousand stars, is an experience beyond words. After repacking our bags and getting dressed for the day, we grabbed a quick breakfast bite before setting off for one final adventure amid the dunes.

They say the sunsets in the Sahara are magical but the sunrise, in truth, is transcendent. As the horizon softens, the sky turns a beautiful orange and yellow, and then, as if on cue, the first light spills across the sand, washing the dunes in a lovely golden hue.

There are two ways to reach the sunrise viewpoint – ride a camel as the evening before, or hop onto an ATV and race up the dunes for a more thrilling experience.

📍 Tip: We highly recommend choosing the ATV ride. It’s faster, far more exhilarating, and takes you to a higher vantage point where you can watch the sunrise. ATV rides are usually 30–45 minutes and cost around 400–500 MAD per person as of 2025.

The cool desert breeze brushed our faces as we zig-zagged our way atop the whimsical dunes. We parked our bikes at one of the highest vantage points and climbed up the golden dune just in time to see the sun rise from the horizon at a distance.

We lingered there a little longer as the sun climbed higher and the air began to get warmer. Our guide through the Sahara mounted his bike and called after us to do the same and be on our way to the meeting point at Merzouga.

Our overnight Sahara desert camping tour came to a beautiful conclusion early in the day leaving quite some time on our hands to explore a few more places as we hit the road to our next destination – Ouarzazate.

The Road from Merzouga to Ouarzazate

The drive from Merzouga to Ouarzazate covers roughly 370 km (check) and takes about 6 to 7 hours. It’s a long yet breathtaking route that traces the edges of the Atlas Mountains and Morocco’s most cinematic valleys. Along the way are several worthwhile stops:

Todra Gorge & Valley
The Todra Gorge near Tinghir is a gorgeous and dramatic gorge carved by the Todra river. The limestone cliffs tower over 300m high and it’s the perfect spot to take a break from the road-trip, sit by the river and cool off or sip some Moroccan mint tea before hitting the road again.

Since we were self-driving, we chose to take a drive around the gorge and squeeze in a quick stopover for a lunch break. We dined at the French restaurant – Restaurant Chez Michele and the staff was kind enough to make an exception for us by not pressurising into getting the set menu.
Dades Valley
A quick drive of 90 minutes further leads to the Dades Valley known for its winding and crimson cliffs. The erosion over the years has sculpted a unique rock formation known as the famous “Monkey fingers,” which is a notable attraction in the valley.

We skipped visiting Dades Valley because the warm sun made stepping out of the cool car a bit uncomfortable and unbearable. We were also exhausted from the early morning sunrise chase and the long-drive afterwards.
Roses Valley
The best time to visit the Rose Valley is between April – May when local women gather to pick roses to be later shipped off to the nearby factories. The roses are usually picked quickly so the abundance of pink roses in the valley rarely ever builds up. However, the two villages – Hdida and Taberkhachte – give an easy access to hop out of the car and take a stroll.
Skoura
The final pit-stop before setting camp in Ouarzazate is the historical town of Skoura. A town that used to attract caravans and traders before Ouarzazate became the commercial centre. The historic mudbrick castle of Skoura attracts many travellers for its exceptional architecture. Kasbah Amerhidil is the most famous well-preserved traditional kasbah that gives a peak into the Berber history and culture, and one of the must visit sites in Skoura.

Arriving at Ouarzazate

We reached Ouarzazate well before sunset and checked into Ibis Ouarzazate Centre, perfect for a convenient night’s rest. Exhausted from the road and the heat, we spent the evening relaxing and only ventured out after dark for dinner.

Ouarzazate, often called the “Gateway to the Sahara,” is a cinematic town, home to Morocco’s largest film studios and many famous desert movie sets, and a common stopover even for guided tours from Merzouga to Marrakech.

Where to Eat in Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate is home to a few amazing restaurants worth stepping out of the hotel:

The Full Sun (highly recommended for Moroccan tacos, pizza and burgers)
La Datte d’Or (Moroccan cuisine)
Restaurant Toudgha (traditional Moroccan cuisine)

📍 Tip: If you arrive early enough and with the energy to explore more, visit the Kasbah Taourirt, which is one of Ouarzazate’s most well-preserved kasbahs.

Day 7: A Staycation in Berber Kasbah

Ouarzazate was the much-needed pause in our Moroccan circuit. It was a place to slow down, refuel, and recharge before taking to the road again. After days of long drives and ever-changing landscapes, it felt good to linger over breakfast, catch up on quick naps, and ease back into travel mode.

Post-breakfast, we packed up and headed toward a small Berber village called Ouled Otmane, about 107 km east of Ouarzazate along the N10 Highway. The village doesn’t appear on most travel itineraries, and perhaps that’s what drew us to it.

Our destination was the Hotel Kasbah Ouled Othmane, set within an 18th century fortress it was a traditional mud-brick house converted into a homestay. From the highway, it looked unassuming, but as we entered the village, the afternoon prayer concluded in the mosque next door and a lot of curious faces circled our car. We were likely the only outsiders visiting that day and the unexpected novelty for the locals reminded how remote this stop truly was.

Inside, the kasbah revealed its quiet charm. The halls were dim lit and cool and the dining hall doubled as a lounge, furnished with woven carpets and soft cushions in deep desert hues. Every element spoke of a Morocco not quite touched by over tourism, simple yet soulful.

The highlight, however, was the terrace view. From above, the kasbah’s turquoise pool shimmered like a mirage amid the ochre plains. It appeared like an oasis of calm framed by mountain silhouettes, which was also the sight that convinced us to take the detour in the first place. And then there was the food. The tagine we had here was, without question, the best of our trip: tender meat falling off the bone, vegetables perfectly seasoned, and a sauce that balanced spice and sweetness to perfection.

Someone later confirmed that Morocco’s most authentic flavours linger not in big, fancy restaurants but in small, little homes where men and women come together to make tagine and couscous.

Our room was as traditional as it could get with traditional mud walls decorated with handwoven throws and natural ventilation replacing modern air-conditioning. Ironically, the day at the kasbah was pleasant as the earthen architecture kept the space cool turning the hot wind blowing outside into cool comforting breeze but at night, the desert air turned crisp and the staff provided a small table fan to compensate.

We spent the evening unwinding on the terrace, the call to prayer echoing softly across the valley, lanterns flickering against the kasbah walls. It was one of those moments where time seemed to slow, and travel felt less about movement and more about presence.

The rooms of the kasbah were also traditional with nothing but natural ventilation to do the cooling. There were no air conditioners and honestly, during the day, the need for an air conditioner wasn’t felt either. The wind blew outside and as it passed through the rooms and the halls, the mud did its magic to turn into a cool breeze.

⚠️ Note: This stop was an optional detour and a conscious slowdown to experience Berber life away from Morocco’s tourist trail. If you have an extra day in your itinerary, a night at Kasbah Ouled Othmane (or any similar family-run kasbah stay) offers an intimate glimpse into rural Morocco’s hospitality, architecture, and rhythms of daily life.

📍 Tip: Cash payments are preferred in smaller villages like Ouled Otmane. There is another restaurant nearby that is worth visiting if money is not an object – Dar Hnini – otherwise expect yourself to have all meals at the homestay.

Dar Hnini offers a set menu to non-resident guests but you must connect with them over WhatsApp and make a reservation.

Day 8: Road to Marrakech

We woke to the morning prayer call of Ouled Otmane and a soft desert morning. After a quick dip, we settled on the terrace for breakfast. It was a traditional Berber omelette bubbling in an earthen dish, warm flatbreads, and house preserves. It was the kind of simple, soulful meal that makes you linger.

Despite our plan to get an early start, we rolled out late bound for one of southern Morocco’s most iconic sights – Aït Benhaddou.

Exploring Aït Benhaddou

Set in the Ounila Valley, the fortified ksar (a collective of earthen dwellings within defensive walls) of Aït Benhaddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 1987. It’s arguably one of the most famous sites, the archetype of pre-Saharan earthen architecture and a star of films and TV shows like the Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and The Mummy all shot here.

Historically, the ksar guarded a branch of the trans-Saharan trade route between Marrakech and the Sahara; today only a handful of families still live inside its old walls.

From Ouled Otmane it was an easy drive, and our first glimpse of the mud-brick towers was from a roadside panorama that doubled up as the best view point of the ksar. A few locals had also set shop at the point, selling vintage collectibles like cameras, traditional face masks and prints and I still regret not buying.

📍 Tip: If you love shopping, don’t “save it for Marrakech” and take a good look at the unique pieces you find in Ait Benhaddou.

Things to do in Ait Benhaddou

The fortified mudbrick ksar is a collective grouping of dwellings, a graveyard and small shops that you can explore during your time:

River Viewpoint
Walk to the riverbank opposite the ksar for a classic postcard view here.
Exploring the Kasbah
Wander the winding alleys lined with shops selling rugs, ceramics and carved wood among other interesting things. You can also climb to the granary at the summit for a breathtaking 360° panorama of the Ounila Valley and the modern village with the High Atlas beyond.

There’s no official UNESCO ticket booth to enter the ksar but locals request 20 MAD each for access and an additional 10 MAD to take a look inside the houses (optional).
Stay Overnight
If you have an extra day, a night near Aït Benhaddou is magical. The day-trippers and guided tours leave, the light turns copper, and you get the blue hour almost to yourself.
After having visited, I can confirm that sunset and the sunrise are the best times to enjoy the beauty of the ksar.

📍 Tip: Day-trips to Aït Benhaddou from Marrakech are quite prevalent and this tour is one of the best picks to get a complete flavour.

Crossing the High Atlas: Tizi n’Tichka

Rather than backtracking, we continued past Telouet and rejoined the N9 over the Tizi n’Tichka pass. It is the High Atlas pass linking Ouarzazate with Marrakech and it’s rgarded as North Africa’s highest major road pass.

However, the drive from Aït Benhaddou to Tizi n’Tichka was more exciting. The offbeat path cut through several earthen villages towering on either side of the mountains accompanied by the meandering river in the valley. Sometimes we would drive right into one of the villages guarded by little children playing ball or we would pass a group of men in their white djellaba walking in the heat. The villages were later replaced by vibrant deep red and maroon mountains paving the way for Tizi n’Tichka.

Tizi n’Tichka is a common pit-stop for most tours and travellers. The view point reveals a breathtaking panoramic view of stacked hairpins and huge horizons.

The stretch from Aït Benhaddou to Marrakech roughly took us 4 hours to complete but it was one of Morocco’s more memorable drives.

📍 Tip: Fuel up before leaving Ouarzazate. The stretch between Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou does not have a lot of petrol pumps.

Welcome to Marrakech

Few places announce your arrival the way Marrakech does. Founded around 1070 by the Almoravids, the city still wears its nickname – the Red City. With its ramparts flowing terracotta under the North African sun, inside those ancient walls sprawls a labyrinth of souks and riads.

At its core lies Jemaa el-Fnaa, the pulsing open-air stage that has mesmerised travellers for nearly a millennium. With snake charmers, henna artists, street musicians, and sizzling food and juice stalls claiming space wherever visible, the square transforms into a theatre of humanity every night. Chances are that the square must have been one of the few search results popping up on your screen the moment you’d decided to plan a trip to Morocco.

Marrakech doesn’t just welcome you, it consumes you in colour, sound, and scent. Within minutes, you’ll understand why travellers keep returning long and after their first visit fades into memory.

⚠️ Note: As of 2025, the city is undergoing a major upgrade of Jemaa el-Fnaa to improve access and services. You may expect scaffolding and reroutes around the square.

Arriving at Marrakech

Marrakech was on our list of places to visit for the longest time but we had clearly underestimated the narrow medina lanes. Finding a parking close to our riad was, frankly, a tale that we’d like to forget. It was an extreme sport navigating the winding lanes and alleys with space just enough to let a car and a bike pass simultaneously. Thankfully, our hotel staff guided us to a suitable lot; we paid about 200 MAD for four nights and swore we’d only touch the car again for the airport.

📍 Tip: Driving inside the medina is a risky affair. There isn’t enough space to allow cars inside the deeper lanes. Always establish communication with your stay manager regarding the parking requirements, if applicable. The best is to request them to send a representative to meet you at the entrance of the medina who can help you navigate to a safe parking spot.

Where We Stayed

We used Accor points at Angsana Heritage Collection to set camp for the next 4 days. A cluster of restored riads just inside the medina, the hotel was a welcomed upgrade after days spent basking in the Sahara Desert’s simple tents and kasbahs. While as Accor guests we were assigned to a nearby sister riad – strategically leased by Angsana Heritage Collection – the stay felt like a Moroccan dream. A carved gateway welcomed us into the riad and our eyes were quick to catch the beautifully tiled plunge pool in a palm-shaped courtyard. Straw hats lay on the sunbeds waiting for us to take over and begin a more relaxed and luxurious leg of the holiday.

Our First Evening in Marrakech

The most enjoyable part about staying at Angsana Heritage Collection was the location. Situated inside the medina, it was steps away from all the colour and craft. We spent the evening browsing through the shops selling ceramics, hand-sewn espadrilles, leather jackets, lanterns, and handmade soaps and fragrances.

The walk led us to the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa, which was a sensory overload at our first encounter. After spending days at more quiet and solitary villages, we were perhaps ill-prepared for the juice vendors calling out, or the henna artists offering tattoos, and even the musicians tuning up.

We were lucky to find the perfect dinner spot that not only offered a beautiful vantage point to view the beautiful chaos but also in a more peaceful setting. We spent the night enjoying some great food at MÖ MÖ Restaurant.

📍 Tip: Most terrace restaurants in Marrakech are extremely busy during the sunset and twilight hours. It’s best to make a reservation or arrive timely.

Day 9: Exploring Marrakech

We woke up to a crisp blue sky and the sunlight pouring into the courtyard. We got dressed and headed down for breakfast, which was a leisurely affair with freshly baked pancakes, flat breads, lots of amlou, and coffee strong enough to match the day ahead. It was exactly what we needed for the marathon of sights, scents, and sounds that awaited us inside Marrakech’s medina.

This time, unlike in Fes, we decided to wander on our own. There’s a certain thrill in getting lost in the labyrinth where one turn takes you into a quiet lane lined with shops selling rattan and bamboo bags, the next opens into a square bursting with noise and colours. Still, every now and then, we found ourselves wishing for a guide who could peel back the city’s layers of history and architecture.

📍 Tip: If you’re short on time or prone to sensory overload, book a half-day guided medina tour to get a quick taste.

Things to Do in Marrakech

Marrakech’s allure lies in its ability to seamlessly blend the ancient, rustic streets with the modern neighbourhoods, offering visitors a glimpse into diverse and captivating blend of the city. A lot of travellers prefer to spend as many as 7 days in Marrakech, making it the base city to explore Morocco and I don’t blame them. There are endless opportunities for unique activities, relaxation and a little more for those who enjoy capturing the vibe in their cameras.

I have divided the sightseeing in Marrakech into two days, based on our experience. You can mix and match given the number of days you have in the city and your preferences:

Madrasa Ben Youssef
Once a thriving Islamic college, this mid-16th-century madrasa is one of Marrakech’s true architectural treasures. At its height, it stood as the largest Islamic school in the Maghreb. It closed its doors as an educational institution in the 1960s, then reopened to the public as a heritage site in April 2022. The madrasa showcases stunning zellige tilework, cedar-wood carvings and stucco patterns that can give the Alhambra in Spain a run for its money.

Entry: 50 MAD/pp
Timings: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

📍 Tip: Start your DIY tour from the madrasa and arrive here at 8:50 AM to be among the first few ones to enter. The madrasa gets packed quickly and remains so for the rest of the day.
La Jardine Secret
Hidden within the medina, this restored 19th-century palace garden offers a oasis of calm amid Marrakech’s bustle. It is divided into two interwoven spaces – an Islamic garden and an exotic garden. La Jardine blends Islamic geometry and riad-style garden design with tranquil fountains and exotic plants from all over the world.

Entry: 80-100 MAD/pp
Timings: 9:30 am – 6 pm

We skipped the gardens in Marrakech due to their high entrance prices.
El Badii Palace
Though a bit in ruins, El Badii Palace is one of the most picturesque palaces in Marrakech.Commissioned by Sultan Ahmad al‑Mansur of the Saadian dynasty in 1578 to celebrate his victory over the Portuguese, ‘El Badi’ literally translates to ‘The Incomparable’. Till date the palace has four huge sunken gardens – with orange trees – arranged symmetrically around the central pool. This arrangement is essentially of a Riad garden and gives a peak into the history and wealth of the Saadian dynasty.

Entry: 70 MAD/pp
Timings: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

We visited in the morning and found it far quieter than Madrasa Ben Youssef.
Secret Find
This was perhaps one of our best finds in Marrakech. Hidden in plain sight was the most enchanting tea house – a place that could offer the luxury that Bacha Coffee promises but fails. We highly recommend visiting Le Douar – Medina. Wander in their beautiful courtyard and sit down to have a relaxing cup of Moroccan mint tea with some traditional pastries and dates.

Best Places to Eat

Marrakech is a treasure trove of restaurants that serve not just exquisite food but an entire experience. From rooftop terraces overlooking the medina to candle-lit riad courtyards, every meal here feels like a story unfolding. Here’s our curated list of places you absolutely shouldn’t miss:
Best Places to Eat

L’mida Marrakech – Tucked inside the medina near the spice square, L’Mida is the city’s sweetheart. Its modern-Moroccan menu pairs perfectly with a rooftop view that captures the medina’s buzz without the chaos. Reservations are essential at least a day in advance.
La Pergola – Hidden above Riad Monceau, La Pergola doubles as a rooftop jazz bar and open-air restaurant. Come evening, live music mingles with the scent of saffron and citrus, and the menu offers refined Moroccan and continental dishes.
La Trattoria – One of Marrakech’s oldest and most romantic dining rooms, La Trattoria is set in a 1920s art-deco villa with a candle-lit pool courtyard that glows after dusk. The Italian-Moroccan fusion menu is on the pricier side, but the ambience, the food and the service make it worth every dirham. Highly recommend visiting La Trattoria for dinner.
Dar Dar Rooftop – Bright, bohemian, and effortlessly chic, Dar Dar Rooftop is among the best spots to watch the Marrakech sunset. The atmosphere is relaxed but stylish; order a round of mint-lemon mocktails or Moroccan tapas and settle in as the sun sets and the DJ takes over, generally.
Nomad – Another classic on the list is Nomad rooftop restaurant. Overlooking the bustling spice market, it is one of the best restaurants to enjoy a sunset. Make sure to book in advance for a rooftop terrace table.
Safran by Kôya – For a night of spectacle and revelry, Safran is Marrakech’s go-to. It gets booked rather quickly and rightly so – as the night falls the space between the tables is overtaken by curated performances by local artists. They don’t offer walk-in so make sure you book a table in advance.
Comptoir Darna – Another classic that offers patrons to enjoy unique performances in the city.
Clay Oven Marrakech – If you’re craving some homely flavours, this is the best Indian restaurant in the city.

📍 Tip: Make lunch and dinner reservations two to three weeks before your trip. Marrakech’s most popular restaurants rarely accept walk-ins.

📍 Tip: The best way to dig into the flavours of Marrakech is to hop on a food tour that can lead you to the best spots to eat and help you try a variety with the expertise of a local.

Day 10: Adventures in Marrakech Continue

Our second full-day in Marrakech began with a leisurely breakfast spread in the courtyard by the pool. We decided to centre the day around shopping in and around the medina. While we settled for a relaxed day, there’s a lot more to do in Marrakech.

Things to do in Marrakech

Bacha Coffee
Bacha Coffee is perhaps one of the most famous globally-renowned chains. Originating from Marrakech, the recent revival of the brand has put it on everyone’s map visiting the country. Located inside Dar El Bacha, built in 1910, the cafe is a blend of coffee and opulence.
However, social media has done the cafe more damage than good. The queues to be seated in their royal cafe are long and tiring.
If you’re an enthusiast, your best bet would be to arrive at the museum entrance well before 9 am. The museum opens at 10 am when you can also get a token for the cafe.
The cafe has a ticketed entry of 20 MAD but the museum ticket is an additional 60 MAD.

While we didn’t visit Bacha Coffee after reading numerous threads and reviews about the mediocre yet expensive coffee, most people recommended buying the museum ticket to utilise the wait time for the cafe.

Visiting the cafe during the day, after 3 pm, had mixed reviews. While some suggested that they close the entry by 4 pm and the queues are too long to waste an entire evening, the others suggested that the crowd dwindles after 3 pm making it easy to get a table within an hour’s waiting.
Jardin Majorelle
The famous Jardin Majorelle are a vibrant splash of cobalt, cactus, and calm in the heart of bustling Marrakech. Created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent, this one-hectare garden holds over 300 plant species from five continents.
The electric blue art deco studio decorated with cactus plants is perhaps one of the most iconic sights.

Entry: 170 MAD
Timings: 8:3O am to 6:00 pm

We skipped Jardin Majorelle after reading the dividing reviews online and the exorbitant ticket pricing.
Koutoubia
This iconic mosque shines distinctly in the Marrakech skyline. Commissioned soon after the Almohad conquest in 1147, the Koutoubia is the largest mosque in the city. Its highlight – the minaret – stands tall at approximately 77 m, and you can admire it freely from the gardens outside.
Bahai Palace
Built in the late 19th century by Si Moussa and completed by his son Ba Ahmed, the Bahia Palace was meant to be the greatest palace of its time. Inside, the courtyard is adorned with a beautiful fountain bearing intricate stucco and zellige tilework that shimmer distinctively in the light.

5. Shopping in the souks
The most enjoyable activity to indulge in Marrakech is to shop to your heart’s desire. We let the scents and the splash of colours in the souks dictate our route and ended with hands full of shopping bags.

We have curated a list of all the shops that we visited and bookmarked for our trip to guide you without getting lost on the way. Check out our detailed shopping guide for Marrakech.

That was our time in the beautiful country of Morocco complete with bursts of colour, flavours and culture. The next morning we checked-out and made our way to the Casablanca International Airport to depart to our home country.

Other Things To-Do in Morocco

Despite spending a little more than ten eventful, exciting days in Morocco, we discovered that there was a lot more awaiting us for our next trip to Morocco.

If you would like to spend a few more days in this North African country, here are a few things to do that have already made it on our list of ‘second trip to Morocco’:

Trip to Essaouira
Essaouira is a small coastal town on the Moroccan coastline. Located only 3 hours away from Marrakech, the town bears a strong European influence. While a lot of travellers prefer to visit for a day-trip, a weekend getaway would also be quite rewarding.

Essaouira will feel like stepping into a small Grecian village with a touch of classic Moroccan culture. White buildings in layers with distinctive blue doors and windows and a smell of fish market, the town is sure to be a welcomed change from the bustling streets of Marrakech. Regardless, don’t miss the Sqala du Port, chances are you’ll feel like stepping back into the time of Game of Thrones.

You can explore Essaouira on a guided tour or hop on for an adventure on your own. CTM and Supratours have regular bus connectivity to make your trip hassle-free.
Exploring Tangier
Better known as the gateway to Africa, Tangier is one of the most frequented cities in Morocco. Having drawn famous artists like Paul Bowles and the Rolling Stones to seek inspiration, the city demands a stay of at least 2 days to soak the unforgettable coastal vibes. Sitting at the edge of the Strait of Gibraltar, countries like Spain or the little portion of landing still belonging to England is merely a quick ferry ride away.

Tangier has a lot to offer and a few travellers even prefer entering the territory of Morocco through the city and then exploring the colour city of Tangier and Chefchaouen before making their way back to Spain.
Ancient City of Volubilis
Volubilis is perhaps the perfect ancient city to deep dive into the history of Berber and how it came to be occupied during the Roman empire and got transformed into a flourishing capital. Closest to the city of Meknes, Volubilis has well-preserved ruins, columns and architecture harking back to its past.

The best way to explore the city is to embark on a guided tour from Fes.

Expert Tips & Final Thoughts

Having explored 27 countries so far, we can confidently say that nothing compares to Morocco. It’s a country that constantly surprises you, shifts your expectations, and seduces your senses. Our first trip covered the classic circuit Rabar, Chefchaouen, Fes, Merzouga, Ouarzazate, and Marrakech and yet even within those well-trodden paths, we found moments of stillness and wonder.

If we could revisit, we’d linger longer in Chefchaouen and Fes. Both cities offered a deeper cultural heartbeat, friendlier prices, and slower days; whereas Marrakech, vibrant as it is, felt a little overwhelming and undeniably pricier.

Still, Morocco left an indelible mark and a rekindled interest to return. But before parting, here are a few of our final thoughts that might help you plan your trip:

What to Wear

Morocco is a moderately conservative country, and dressing respectfully goes a long way. Light, loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees works best for both men and women. In big cities like Marrakech or coastal towns such as Essaouira, dress codes are more relaxed.
Pack a light scarf or shawl; it’s useful both for sun protection and cultural sensitivity.

How to Pack

Packing for a Moroccan adventure may seem a bit distressing due to its all weather conditions.

Layers are key. Pack breathable linen and cotton for the day, and a light jacket or fleece for chilly desert nights.
Even snow isn’t uncommon in the Atlas Mountains during winter, so check forecasts if you’re visiting from December to February.
Swimwear is acceptable at hotel pools and beach resorts, but not advisable in public areas.
A pair of sturdy walking shoes is a must for navigating cobblestones and medina alleys.

General Advice

Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD) isn’t widely available outside the country; withdraw cash on arrival.
Language: Arabic and French are most spoken; English is understood in major tourist hubs.
Connectivity: Buy a Nomad eSIM; it’s incredibly reliable and you can use the code ASHIQPPSRY for $5 discount .
Friday is the weekly holy day; expect slower mornings and occasional shop closures.

If you found our travel blog and itinerary helpful, don’t forget to drop a comment and share it with your friends and family. Please feel free to ask any questions regarding planning your dream trip to Morocco.

Honeymoon itinerary Morocco