8 Days in Morocco: Complete Itinerary Guide

Morocco is a country that ignites the imagination—a place where age-old traditions meet colorful chaos, and dramatic landscapes stretch from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. With imperial cities, enchanting medinas, mountain villages, and sweeping dunes, Morocco is the kind of destination that satisfies every kind of traveler.

If you’re lucky enough to have 8 days in Morocco, you can experience the best the country has to offer: from the vibrant souks of Marrakech to the spiritual calm of Fes, the cinematic beauty of Aït Benhaddou, and the timeless magic of the Sahara Desert. This itinerary will take you on an unforgettable journey through Morocco’s rich cultural tapestry.

Overview: 8 Days in Morocco

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca – Travel to Rabat
Day 2: Rabat to Chefchaouen
Day 3: Chefchaouen to Fes
Day 4: Explore Fes – Morocco’s Spiritual Heart
Day 5: Fes to Merzouga – Gateway to the Sahara
Day 6: Sahara Desert Adventure
Day 7: Merzouga to Aït Benhaddou via the Todra Gorge
Day 8: Aït Benhaddou to Marrakech and Departure

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca – Travel to Rabat

Your Moroccan adventure begins in Casablanca, the economic capital and gateway for most international flights.

Morning: Arrive and Visit the Hassan II Mosque

If time allows, visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most impressive mosques in the world. Built partly over the ocean, it boasts a towering minaret and intricately decorated interiors. Non-Muslims can visit with a guided tour.

Afternoon: Travel to Rabat (1.5 hours)

Drive to Rabat, Morocco’s political capital and a city known for its relaxed atmosphere and historic landmarks.

Evening: Explore the Kasbah of the Udayas

Walk through the charming Kasbah of the Udayas, a white-and-blue Andalusian-style neighborhood overlooking the Atlantic. Visit the Andalusian Gardens and enjoy sunset by the river.

Overnight in Rabat at a riad like Dar Shaan or Riad Kalaa.

Day 2: Rabat to Chefchaouen – The Blue Pearl

Morning: Travel to Chefchaouen (4.5 hours)

Head north into the Rif Mountains to reach Chefchaouen, Morocco’s famed “Blue City.” The drive is scenic, passing through rolling hills and olive groves.

Afternoon: Explore the Blue Medina

Spend the afternoon wandering through the blue-painted alleyways, photographing charming doorways, cats lounging in the sun, and friendly shopkeepers offering handmade goods.

Highlights include:

Outa el Hammam Square – The heart of the medina
Kasbah Museum
Ras El Ma Waterfall – A peaceful stream with cafés and footpaths

Evening: Sunset Over the Rif Mountains

Hike up to the Spanish Mosque for sunset. The panoramic view of Chefchaouen bathed in golden light is a photographer’s dream.

Overnight in Chefchaouen

Day 3: Chefchaouen to Fes – Into the Imperial Cities

Morning: Travel to Fes (4.5 hours)

Depart Chefchaouen and head toward Fes, Morocco’s cultural and religious heart. Along the way, stop in Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Roman archaeological site.

Explore:

Roman mosaics
The Triumphal Arch
Temple of Jupiter

Continue on to Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, a holy town and pilgrimage site, before arriving in Fes.

Evening: Relax in Your Riad

Check into a traditional riad in the Fes el Bali medina,

Enjoy dinner in the peaceful courtyard and prepare for a full day of exploration tomorrow.

Day 4: Discover the Treasures of Fes

Morning: Guided Tour of the Fes Medina

Begin your day with a local guide to help navigate the maze-like streets of Fes el Bali, one of the world’s oldest and best-preserved medieval cities.

Highlights include:

Al Quaraouiyine University – The oldest continuously operating university in the world
Bou Inania Madrasa – A stunning example of Islamic architecture
Tanneries of Chouara – View the colorful dye pits from above
Nejjarine Museum – A former inn turned museum of arts and crafts

Afternoon: Artisan Workshops and Souk Shopping

Fes is a hub for traditional artisanship. Visit workshops for:

Zellige tile-making
Copperware and brass etching
Carpet weaving
Leather goods

Practice your bargaining skills while shopping in the souks for souvenirs.

Evening: Traditional Moroccan Dinner

Day 5: Fes to Merzouga – Journey to the Sahara

Morning: Depart Fes for the Desert (7–8 hours)

Start early for a scenic drive to Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes.

En route, enjoy stops at:

Ifrane – A charming alpine town known as “Little Switzerland”
Azrou Cedar Forest – Home to wild Barbary macaques
Ziz Valley – Palm groves and kasbahs line the landscape

Evening: Camel Trek into the Sahara

Upon arriving in Merzouga, swap your vehicle for a camel and journey into the dunes during sunset. The golden sand turns pink and purple as the light fades.

Arrive at your desert camp, where you’ll be greeted with tea and a warm Moroccan dinner.

Overnight in a desert camp .

Drum circles, stargazing, and firelight complete the evening.

Day 6: Sahara Sunrise and Todra Gorge

Morning: Sunrise Over the Dunes

Wake before dawn to climb a dune and witness sunrise over the Sahara—a soul-stirring moment you’ll never forget.

After breakfast, ride your camel or take a 4x4 back to Merzouga.

Midday: Drive to Todra Gorge (3.5 hours)

Travel west toward the Todra Gorge, a stunning canyon carved by the Todra River. Along the way, pass through Berber villages and oases.

Stop for lunch in Tinejdad or Erfoud and sample dates, olives, and slow-cooked tagines.

Afternoon: Short Hike or Relax by the River

At the gorge, take a short walk through the 300-meter-high cliffs. If you enjoy climbing, you can even try a beginner-friendly rock face (equipment rental available).

Overnight near Todra Gorge in:

Auberge le Festival
Kasbah Taborihte
Riad Rihana Dades (in nearby Dades Valley)

Day 7: Todra Gorge to Aït Benhaddou via the Valley of Kasbahs

Morning: Scenic Drive Through the Dades Valley

Drive through the Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” You’ll pass fortified villages, rose fields (especially beautiful in spring), and craggy red rock formations.

Stop at:

Monkey Fingers Gorge
Boumalne Dades
El Kelaa M’Gouna – Famous for rosewater products

Afternoon: Aït Benhaddou – Morocco’s Most Iconic Kasbah

Arrive at the ancient ksar of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed village of earthen buildings. Walk through the winding alleys, climb to the top for panoramic views, and imagine scenes from movies like Gladiator and The Mummy.

Evening: Stay in Aït Benhaddou or Ouarzazate

Enjoy your final full Moroccan dinner in a peaceful oasis under the stars.

Day 8: Return to Marrakech and Departure

Morning: Cross the High Atlas Mountains

Travel along the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, winding your way through the High Atlas Mountains. Expect a 3.5–4 hour journey with optional stops for photos and mint tea in Berber villages.

Afternoon: Arrival in Marrakech

If your flight is late or the next morning, use the afternoon to:

Shop in the souks
Visit Jardin Majorelle if you missed it earlier
Relax in your riad or enjoy a final hammam

Evening: Farewell Dinner in Marrakech

Toast your Moroccan journey with a final meal at:

Al Fassia – Famous for female-run kitchen and service
Dar Yacout – A multi-course feast in an opulent setting
Nomad – Modern Moroccan fare with a rooftop view

Optional Trip Extensions

If you have a few extra days:

Essaouira – Windswept beaches, art galleries, and seafood by the coast
Agafay Desert – Just 1 hour from Marrakech, a rocky alternative to the Sahara
Meknes & Volubilis – Another imperial city paired with Roman ruins

Morocco Travel Tips

Best time to visit: March–May and September–November
Language: Arabic and French; English in tourist zones
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Dress code: Modest dress recommended, especially in rural and religious areas
Tipping: 10% is standard in restaurants, and small tips for guides and drivers are appreciated

Is 8 Days in Morocco Enough?

Yes, and it’s just right. In 8 days, you’ll:

Wander imperial cities
Sleep under Saharan stars
Explore Roman ruins
Ride camels and climb kasbahs
Immerse in centuries of culture and cuisine

This itinerary blends the best of Morocco’s diverse offerings into a journey you’ll remember for a lifetime.