When my husband surprised me with a trip to Morocco for my milestone birthday, I honestly did not know what to expect. I had heard the colors were stunning, the food was extraordinary, and the medinas were like stepping back in time, into another world. What I did not expect was just how deeply this country would move me. The warmth of the people, the layers of history in every cobblestone street, and the magic of waking up to a call to prayer echoing through ancient city walls.
Morocco turned out to be one of the most sensory-rich, soul-stirring trips I have ever taken, and I am so excited to share every detail with you. Whether you are a first-time visitor or already dreaming of going back, I hope this 10-day Morocco itinerary helps you plan an unforgettable adventure.
I have shared itineraries here before for Iceland, Banff, Japan, and the Naples, Sorrento & Amalfi Coast, and many of you have used them to plan your own trips, which honestly makes my heart so happy! So here is our complete Morocco travel guide, from ancient Fes and the blue alleys of Chefchaouen to the magnificence of Marrakesh.
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Postcards from Morocco
Before You Go: Morocco Travel Tips
Morocco is a very traveler-friendly destination, but a little planning goes a long way. Here is what helped us most:
- Use trains for long distances: ONCF trains connect major cities and are comfortable and affordable. We took the train from Tangier to Casablanca and then onward to Marrakesh, with beautiful Atlantic coastline views most of the way. The Marrakesh to Fes route is also smooth and scenic at around 6 to 7 hours. Note: You can also use flights if short on time, or drive between cities if you like.
- Use a car for shorter trips: A private car is ideal for getting between Fes, Chefchaouen, and Tangier, and necessary for the Atlas Mountain excursion from Marrakesh.
- Hire local guides in Fes and Marrakech: The medinas in both cities are like beautiful labyrinths, and a good guide brings the history alive in a way no map ever could. We booked 5-hour tours in both cities, and it was worth every penny.
- Book popular spots in advance: Jardins Majorelle and the YSL Museum in Marrakech require online booking ahead of time. Do not skip this step!
- Dress modestly and carry a scarf: Especially useful for entering religious sites and navigating the medinas. Locals deeply appreciate the gesture.
- Bargain respectfully in the souks: It is part of the culture and actually a fun experience once you get the hang of it. Start at about half the asking price and go from there with a smile.
- Carry cash (Moroccan dirhams): Many smaller shops and souks are cash only.
- Consider adding the Sahara Desert: If you have the time, a trip to the Sahara dunes is a bucket-list experience, think camel rides, golden sand dunes, and sleeping under a sky full of stars. We skipped it this time as we had experienced the desert in Dubai, but it is absolutely worth adding if this is your first desert experience.
Days 1-3: Fes, Morocco's Soulful Ancient Capital
We flew into Marrakech and immediately caught the train to Fes, a great way to ease into Morocco's rhythm before diving into the medina. After about 7 hours on the train (which flew by with snacks, great conversations, and landscapes shifting from red plains to rolling hills), we arrived in Fes just in time for dinner.
Where We Stayed: Riad Fes. If there is one place I would tell you to splurge in Fes, it is your riad. We stayed at Riad Fes, and it was absolutely magical.
The approach to the riad is an experience in itself. You get dropped off by car at the edge of the medina and walk through narrow, winding alleyways, not quite sure what to expect. And then you step through an unassuming door, and suddenly you are in another world. The central courtyard at Riad Fes is grand and breathtaking, with soaring ceilings, intricate tilework, and a serene fountain at its heart. It is one of those moments where you just stop and take a breath.
We were welcomed with a tray of fresh mint tea and the most delicious almond cookies stuffed with dates. That small gesture set the tone for everything: warm, generous, and deeply thoughtful hospitality.
The hospitality at Riad Fes is something I keep coming back to. They truly go out of their way to make you feel at home. Shakshuka was not on the breakfast menu, but when I asked, they brought it out beautifully made, and from that morning on, they served it to me every single day without me even having to ask, along with spicy Harissa that I had requested on the first day. That kind of attentiveness is rare, and it made the stay feel so personal.
Breakfast itself was a wonderful spread of both continental and regional Moroccan foods. Highlights included melawi (those gorgeous square layered parathas eaten with honey and amlou), briouat, baghir (the lightest and spongiest Moroccan pancakes), and toast with freshly grated tomatoes.
Pro tip: Ask the riad concierge to help you reserve a tour guide for the following morning, as well as the restaurant bookings during our stay. Ours arranged everything seamlessly.
Day 2: Hammam, Blue Gate & Dinner at Dar Roumana
We eased into Fes with a traditional Moroccan hammam ritual in the afternoon, the perfect way to recover from travel and get your skin glowing for the days ahead. Then we wandered down to the iconic Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate) and strolled along Talaa Kebira and Talaa Sghira, the two main shopping streets of the medina. A steep climb, but every step rewards you with something beautiful: hand-painted ceramics, aromatic spices, spiced coffee, buttery pastry smells drifting from small bakeries.
Dinner was at Dar Roumana, an elegant restaurant inside a beautifully restored riad in the heart of the medina. A wonderful end to a wonderfully slow day.
Day 3: A 5-Hour Guided Tour of Fes el-Bali
This was one of my favorite days of the entire trip. Our guide took us through the full sweep of Fes's history, and it never felt like a lecture. It felt more like being let in on the secrets of a city that has been keeping them for a thousand years.
Highlights of the tour:
- Royal Palace (Dar el-Makhzen): The golden gates are stunning and a must-photograph moment, even though you only admire them from outside.
- Jewish Quarter (Mellah): A fascinating and moving neighborhood with beautiful architecture and important history.
- Ceramic Workshop: Watch artisans create the intricate zellige tilework by hand. I could have watched for hours.
- Borj Sud Fort: The best panoramic view of Fes, all the minarets, the rooftops, the medina sprawling out beneath you. Go at golden hour if you can.
- Al-Attarine Madrasa & Bou Inania Madrasa: Both are breathtakingly ornate inside, with intricate stucco work, carved cedar wood, and geometric tile floors.
- The Tanneries (Chouara): Nothing can fully prepare you for seeing the tanneries from the rooftop terraces above. Colorful dye vats, the smell of leather, and workers doing an ancient craft by hand. Bring a sprig of mint from the shops nearby, it helps with the smell!
Lunch was at Restaurant Asmae inside the medina, our tour guide's recommendation and a wonderful one at that. It is a homey, delicious spot serving Moroccan staples with real soul.
Our tour guide took us to a beautiful carpet shop tucked inside the souks, where we saw an incredible range of handmade Moroccan carpets - from the intricate geometric Berber rugs of the Atlas Mountains to the finely knotted silk carpets of Fes, each one more stunning than the last. We did not buy anything, but it was hard to leave!
Dinner was at The Ruined Garden, a stunning open-air courtyard restaurant. Absolutely wonderful.
Days 4-5: Meknes, Volubilis & Chefchaouen, The Blue Pearl of Morocco
Leaving Fes, we made two wonderful stops before reaching Chefchaouen. If you have time, do not rush this drive. It is one of the most scenic and rewarding stretches of the whole trip.
Meknes: A Royal City Worth the Stop
We stopped in Meknes, one of Morocco's imperial cities, to admire the Royal Palace Square (Place el-Hedim) with its grand gates and bustling energy. The covered markets here are less touristy than Fes, and we found gorgeous embroidered handkerchiefs and tablecloths that make perfect gifts. Do not leave without browsing the textiles!
Volubilis: Ancient Roman Ruins in North Africa
Just a short drive from Meknes, the Roman ruins of Volubilis are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of those places that truly stops you in your tracks. Amid the Moroccan countryside, you suddenly find yourself walking among ancient columns, mosaic floors, and triumphal arches. Even a quick stop here is time well spent. We had lunch nearby: a vegetable tagine and a hearty bean soup with crusty bread.
Chefchaouen: Where Everything Is Blue and Beautiful
We arrived in Chefchaouen in the late afternoon, and it completely lived up to every photo I had ever seen, and then surpassed it. Staying at Hotel Taj Chefchaouen, we dropped our bags and immediately got lost in the blue-washed alleyways.
Dinner was at Triana, a lovely spot tucked under an arch in the heart of the medina. They had some great vegetarian options. The vegetable paella was a standout and something I did not expect to find in Morocco, but it was delicious!
Day 5: Exploring Chefchaouen
We did a gentle 2.5 km self-guided walking tour through the medina, a highlight of the whole trip for me. The route wound through Derb Ihaj Mokhtar, past the blue-painted houses, through Bab Souk, along to Mosquée Bab el Souk and the charming Place El Houta.
Lunch with a rooftop view at Cafe Clock was perfect, great food, great mint tea, and those blue rooftops stretching out below us in every direction. In the afternoon, we lingered in Plaza Uta el-Hammam and explored the Kasbah. The evening ended beautifully at Restaurant Beldi Babsour, a simple family-owned restaurant.
Chefchaouen is wonderfully peaceful. Every alley is a photo moment, every corner a new shade of blue. One thing that charmed us completely: cats everywhere! They roam the blue streets like little locals, completely at ease, and honestly, they add to the magic of the place.
Day 6: Chefchaouen to Tangier to Marrakech
We hired a car from Chefchaouen to Tangier, about a 2-hour drive through beautiful mountain scenery. On the way, we made a special stop at Marina Bay to see one of the most remarkable natural sights of the trip: the point where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. The two bodies of water, with different shades of blue, come together right before your eyes. It is one of those things that sounds simple and then completely takes your breath away.
From Tangier, we caught the ONCF train to Casablanca and then onward to Marrakech. It is an all-day journey but a beautiful one, with gorgeous Atlantic coastline views for much of the ride.
Days 6-10: Marrakech, The Rose City in Grand Style
Where We Stayed: La Mamounia
For a milestone birthday trip, my husband pulled out all the stops: we stayed at the legendary La Mamounia. If you are looking for a special splurge in Marrakech, this is it. The gardens, the service, the architecture, it is a world unto itself. Our first dinner was at their L'Asiatique restaurant by Chef Jean Georges. It was a wonderful change from Moroccan cuisine, with beautiful Asian-inspired food that felt both special and refreshing after days of delicious tagines.
Day 7: A Guided Tour of Marrakech's Medina
Like Fes, Marrakech is a city best explored with a guide, at least for the first day. Our morning tour covered an incredible amount of ground:
- Koutoubia Mosque: The most important mosque in Marrakech, and its minaret is the model for the Giralda in Seville. Stunning from every angle.
- Bahia Palace: A 19th-century palace with breathtaking tilework, painted ceilings, and fragrant gardens. One of my absolute favorites.
- El Badi Palace: Beautiful ruins with sweeping views and resident storks nesting on the ancient walls.
- Ben Youssef Madrasa: This has been an intellectual hub in Morocco for centuries, with some of the most intricate architectural detail I have ever seen.
- Jemaa el-Fna Square: The pulsing, chaotic, wonderful heart of Marrakech. Snake charmers, orange juice vendors, henna artists, food stalls. It is impossible not to get swept up in it.
Lunch was at La Sultana, a beautiful riad-restaurant right at the edge of the medina. The rooftop views are gorgeous, the food is delicious, and the service is warm and attentive. It is also a wonderful place to stay if you prefer to be right inside the medina. Dinner that evening at Dar Dar had a great rooftop view (best around sunset!), though it is more of a drinks and light bites spot than a full dinner destination.
Day 8: Atlas Mountains & Majorelle Gardens
One of the most extraordinary days of the trip. We had a hotel car pick us up at 9 am. The drive to the village of Imlil in the Atlas Mountains takes about 1.5 hours, and you need at least half a day here.
With our guide, we hiked to a waterfall and back through Berber villages, breathing in pure mountain air while the snowy Atlas peaks towered above us. One of the highlights was visiting a Berber family in their home. Seeing how they live, the beautiful simplicity of their homes, their warmth and generosity with total strangers, it was genuinely moving. You also have the option of sharing a meal with a Berber family. Just let your hotel concierge know in advance, and they can arrange it for you.
We had Lunch at Kasbah Tamadot, a stunning mountain retreat, with an extraordinary tagine and views that made us want to never leave. Highly, highly recommend.
Back in the city by late afternoon, we headed to the iconic Jardins Majorelle (book tickets online in advance!), followed by the Musee Yves Saint Laurent right next door, a beautiful tribute to the designer who loved Morocco so deeply. Dinner was at Dai, a wonderful Italian restaurant just 15 minutes from the hotel.
Day 9: Spa Morning, Cooking Class & New City Pastries
We gave ourselves a slow morning with a spa treatment, then headed to La Maison Arabe for a Moroccan cooking class in the afternoon, one of the most fun experiences of the trip. Learning to make a proper tagine and Moroccan Tea from the chefs there was something I will remember for a long time (and will absolutely be recreating in my kitchen!)
Late afternoon, we explored the Nouvelle Ville (New City) and indulged in some serious patisserie tasting at Patisserie Al Jawda and Patisserie Amandine. Do not skip the almond-filled pastries. We ended the evening at Al Fassia Gueliz, a special women-run restaurant serving some of the most authentic Moroccan food in the city. We had chicken tagine, traditional Moroccan salads, and a delicious couscous.
Day 10: Farewell to Morocco
We woke up early for one last breakfast in those La Mamounia gardens, packed our bags full of argan oil, spice mixes, embroidered handkerchiefs, and the most beautiful makeup bags we found in the souks, and headed to the airport with hearts full.
Morocco has a way of getting under your skin. The colors, the flavors, the sounds, the sheer depth of history and culture. It is unlike anywhere else I have ever been. If you have been dreaming of going, let this be the nudge you needed.
What to Eat in Morocco: A Food Lover's Guide
As a food blogger, I could devote an entire post just to Moroccan food (and I just might!). Here are the dishes that stole my heart:
- Shakshuka: Not traditionally Moroccan but widely available, and I had it every single morning in Fes. If it is not on the menu, just ask. A good Riad will always make it for you.
- Melawi: Square layered parathas, eaten with honey and amlou (argan oil and almond paste). Absolutely divine.
- Baghir: The lightest, spongiest Moroccan pancakes you will ever taste. Find them at breakfast and do not hold back.
- Seafood Pastilla: A flaky pastry filled with spiced seafood, sweet, savory, and unlike anything you have tasted. A must at Riad Fes.
- Chicken Tagine: Slow-cooked with preserved lemon and olives, this is Morocco's most iconic dish. Every version we had was wonderful.
- Briouat: Crispy pastry triangles filled with spiced meat or cheese. Addictive.
- Harira & Bissara: Warming, hearty soups that are the perfect fuel for long days of exploring. Ask for the harira spicy if you like a little heat!
- Moroccan mint tea: Poured from a height for that satisfying froth, sweet and fragrant. You will have it everywhere, and you will love it every time.
- Spiced Moroccan Coffee: A small cup of coffee infused with cardamom, cinnamon, and warming spices, often sold at little stalls tucked inside the souks and medina. Stop for one whenever you see it. It is the perfect pick-me-up between all that exploring.
Our Morocco Itinerary At a Glance
Day 1: Fly EWR to Marrakech RAK (overnight flight), transfer to Fes by train
Days 2-3: Fes, hammam, medina tour, tanneries, souks, Bou Inania Madrasa
Day 4: Fes to Meknes to Volubilis to Chefchaouen (private car)
Day 5: Chefchaouen, walking tour, blue medina, Kasbah
Day 6: Chefchaouen to Tangier (private car), with a stop at the meeting of the seas, then train to Casablanca and onward to Marrakech
Day 7: Marrakech guided medina tour, palaces, madrasas, Jemaa el-Fna
Day 8: Atlas Mountains day trip with Berber village visit, Jardins Majorelle, YSL Museum (private car)
Day 9: Spa, cooking class at La Maison Arabe, New City patisseries
Day 10: Fly home from Marrakech RAK
Final Thoughts
Morocco is a country that rewards slow travel, curious wandering, and an open heart. The food alone would bring me back, but add in the architecture, the souks, the mountains, and the extraordinary kindness of Moroccan people, and it becomes one of those trips that reshapes you a little.
I came home with a renewed sense of wonder and a deep appreciation for Moroccan food, the freshness of the produce, the warmth of the spices, and the way every meal felt like it was made with so much love and care. I cannot wait to try my hand at making a proper tagine and a big pot of harira, and to pour myself many more cups of mint tea on those days when life gets a little too busy
Have you been to Morocco? Or are you planning your first trip? I would love to hear from you in the comments below. And if you use this itinerary to plan your own adventure, please tag me. I cannot wait to see your photos!
Sandrine says
Hi Archana, glad you’ll had a nice time in Morocco. Could you please share the links of the grey sweater vest and maroon pants. Thank you
Archana Mundhe says
Hi Sandrine! The grey sweater vest is actually a little find from a department store in Japan during my trip there last fall, so unfortunately I do not have a link for that one! The pants however are from Bloomingdales, they are the Sandro Dawson wide leg trousers in bordeaux. Hope that helps!
Kristen Anderson says
Hi Arcana. This was truly a wonderful read; I felt as I was on the trip with you! Just so descriptive.
Did you and your husband use a travel agent or other service to plan the trip? If so, can you share the contact? It can be a challenge to locate reputable local guides, reserve safe and professional car service, and otherwise know that things are properly booked from halfway around the world without working with someone who knows the area.
Please keep cooking, traveling, and sharing your writing gifts with us!
Thanks.
Archana Mundhe says
Thank you so much, this comment made my day! I am so glad the post made you feel like you were right there with us.
We actually planned this trip entirely on our own without a travel agent! I know it can feel overwhelming from halfway around the world but here is what worked for us. We booked our riads and hotels directly and then leaned heavily on them for everything else. A good riad is your best resource. They know the area, they have trusted local guides and car services they work with regularly, and they genuinely want your trip to be wonderful. Riad Fes and La Mamounia both went above and beyond in helping us arrange guides, cars, and day trips.
For guides specifically, I would strongly recommend only booking through your hotel and never accepting approaches from strangers on the street. Ours were knowledgeable, warm, and made both Fes and Marrakech come alive in ways we never could have experienced on our own.
And thank you for your kind words about my writing. Comments like yours are exactly why I love sharing these stories. Happy travels!
Kalpana Tangudu says
Hi, this is Kalpana we are family of 4 , we are planning Morocco this November, is it possible to share your tours details & guides and do we need to rent a car or we can get there instantly. I am planning trip based on your itinerary it looks amazing. Could you help me with some tips.
Archana Mundhe says
Hi Kalpana, how exciting, November is a beautiful time to visit Morocco! For guides, I would strongly recommend booking through your riad or hotel once you arrive, that is exactly what we did and they connected us with wonderful, trusted local guides in both Fes and Marrakech. For getting around, you do not need to rent a car yourself! We used private car services arranged through our hotels for shorter trips like Chefchaouen to Tangier and the Atlas Mountains day trip, and the ONCF trains for longer distances between cities. So comfortable and easy. I have all the details in the full itinerary post so make sure you read through it carefully, I think it will answer most of your questions! And feel free to drop any specific questions in the comments here, happy to help. You are going to have the most wonderful trip!
Christine Whittington says
Beautiful! We have been to Fes twice for the World Festival of Sacred Music and loved it so much. The food was amazing. My husband and I also did a private tour to a winery. Wine and alcohol are not illegal in Morocco but not advertised or promoted either. You can go by booking a private tour and the wine is excellent--French inspired. Hassan II promoted vineyards and encouraged French winemakers to return to the country after they left after independence. I loved all the versions of vegetarian food--vegetable tagine, bissara, and harira. My husband was not fond of the camel burgers, but loved everything else! We went on study trips with the Wake Forest University Divinity School, so much of the trip was focused on the three faiths in Fes--the "peoples of the book"-- and included concerts by Sephardic and Sufi musicians.
Archana Mundhe says
Oh what an incredible way to experience Fes, through the World Festival of Sacred Music! I had no idea about the wineries, what a wonderful discovery.Thank you for sharing this!
Kalpana Tangudu says
Hi, thuis is Kalpana we are family of 4 , we are planning Morocco this November, is it possible to share your tours details & guides and do we need to rent a car or we can get there instantly. I am planning trip based on your itinerary it looks amazing. Could you help me with some tips.