9 Days in Morocco: Perfect Itinerary

9 Days in Morocco: Perfect Itinerary from Cities to Desert

Morocco is a land of contrasts—bustling medinas and tranquil mountains, ancient traditions and modern cities, scorching deserts and cool Atlantic breezes. With nine days in Morocco, you’ll uncover the richness of its culture, the warmth of its people, and the majesty of its landscapes. From the colorful alleyways of Marrakech to the blue hues of Chefchaouen, and from the spiritual center of Fes to the vast dunes of the Sahara, this is a journey that engages every sense.

This 9-day Morocco itinerary will take you across the country’s most iconic cities and natural wonders, giving you a perfect taste of North Africa’s most captivating destination.

Overview: 9-Day Morocco Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca
Day 2: Casablanca to Chefchaouen
Day 3: Chefchaouen to Fes (via Volubilis & Meknes)
Day 4: Explore Fes
Day 5: Fes to Merzouga – Gateway to the Sahara
Day 6: Sahara Desert Experience
Day 7: Merzouga to Aït Benhaddou (via Todra Gorge)
Day 8: Aït Benhaddou to Marrakech
Day 9: Explore Marrakech and Departure

Day 1: Welcome to Casablanca

Your Moroccan adventure begins in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and main international gateway.

Morning: Arrive and Explore

If you land early, visit:

Hassan II Mosque – One of the largest mosques in the world, open to non-Muslim visitors via guided tours.
Corniche – Stroll along the seafront promenade lined with cafés and beach clubs.

Afternoon: Local Culture and Food

Head to Rick’s Café, inspired by the classic Casablanca film, for a stylish meal. Enjoy seafood or classic Moroccan dishes with a cinematic twist.

Overnight in Casablanca.

Day 2: Casablanca to Chefchaouen – Into the Rif Mountains

Morning: Road Trip to Chefchaouen

Travel north to the picturesque blue town of Chefchaouen. The journey takes around 5–6 hours by private transfer or rental car.

Afternoon: Explore the Blue Medina

Once you arrive, check into your riad and hit the streets. Chefchaouen is famous for its indigo-painted walls, peaceful atmosphere, and photogenic corners.

Visit:

Plaza Uta el-Hammam – Main square with cafés and the Kasbah Museum
Spanish Mosque – A short hike above the town with incredible sunset views
Ras El Ma Spring – A local spot where women still wash laundry in the river

Evening: Enjoy a Traditional Dinner

Overnight in Chefchaouen

Day 3: Chefchaouen to Fes (via Volubilis & Meknes)

Morning: Depart for Fes

Leave Chefchaouen and drive toward Fes. Stop en route at two incredible historic sites.

Midday: Volubilis and Meknes

Volubilis – A UNESCO World Heritage Site of Roman ruins with mosaics, temples, and triumphal arches.
Meknes – One of Morocco’s imperial cities, home to Bab Mansour, Heri es-Souani granaries, and Moulay Ismail’s Mausoleum.

After exploring, continue to Fes.

Evening: Arrive in Fes

Day 4: Dive Into Fes – A Living Museum

Morning: Guided Tour of Fes el-Bali

Fes is one of the oldest Islamic cities in the world, with over 9,000 alleyways and an ambiance that transports you back centuries.

Explore with a local guide:

Al Quaraouiyine University – The oldest continuously operating university
Bou Inania Madrasa – A stunning Islamic college with zellige tilework
Tanneries of Chouara – Watch the dyeing process from above
Nejjarine Fountain and Museum – Dedicated to wood arts

Afternoon: Souks and Artisan Workshops

Visit traditional workshops and shop for:

Hand-painted ceramics
Brass lanterns
Embroidered textiles
Leather slippers

Evening: Relax with a Hammam or Cooking Class

Unwind at a traditional hammam, or take a Moroccan cooking class and learn to make tagine, harira, and mint tea.

Day 5: Fes to Merzouga – The Road to the Sahara

Morning: Scenic Drive to Merzouga (7–8 hours)

Begin the scenic drive south to Merzouga, a village on the edge of the Erg Chebbi Dunes.

Along the way:

Stop in Ifrane, a Swiss-style town popular for skiing
Visit Azrou Cedar Forest, home to Barbary macaques
Pass through the Ziz Valley, filled with date palms and ancient ksour

Evening: Arrive in Merzouga and Rest

Have a relaxing dinner and prep for tomorrow’s adventure.

Day 6: Sahara Desert Adventure

Morning: Leisure and Local Culture

Take it slow with breakfast and optional activities:

ATV ride through dunes
Visit the Gnawa village of Khamlia for live music
Walk with nomads or explore fossil shops in Erfoud

Afternoon: Camel Trek into Erg Chebbi

In the late afternoon, mount your camel and ride across golden dunes at sunset. The changing colors of the sand are mesmerizing.

Arrive at your luxury desert camp:

Evening: Dine and Stargaze

Enjoy a Moroccan feast under the stars. Listen to Berber drumming, sip mint tea by the fire, and take in the vast night sky—a magical Sahara moment.

Day 7: Merzouga to Aït Benhaddou (via Todra Gorge)

Morning: Sunrise Over the Dunes

Wake early to climb a dune and catch a spectacular sunrise. Return to Merzouga and hit the road west.

Midday: Todra Gorge

Stop at Todra Gorge, a stunning canyon where sheer limestone cliffs rise over 300 meters. You can take a short hike or just relax by the river.

Continue through the Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,” with dramatic views and local villages.

Evening: Aït Benhaddou

Arrive at Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and fortified village used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, Gladiator, and more.

Enjoy a quiet evening beneath the stars.

Day 8: Aït Benhaddou to Marrakech

Morning: Explore Aït Benhaddou

Stroll through the mudbrick ksar, climb to the top for panoramic views, and meet local artisans.

Then, drive across the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters), the highest mountain pass in Morocco, offering dramatic views of the High Atlas Mountains.

Afternoon: Arrival in Marrakech

Check into your riad in the medina.

Walk to Jemaa el-Fnaa, the lively main square filled with performers, storytellers, and food stalls.

Evening: Rooftop Dinner

Day 9: Explore Marrakech and Departure

Morning: Half-Day Tour of the Medina

If time allows, explore:

Bahia Palace – A 19th-century masterpiece of Islamic architecture
Saadian Tombs – Ornate royal mausoleums hidden for centuries
Ben Youssef Madrasa – A former Islamic school with intricate mosaics (reopening post-renovation)

Shop in the souks for last-minute souvenirs: leather, spices, rugs, jewelry, and lanterns.

Afternoon: Jardin Majorelle and YSL Museum

Visit the iconic Jardin Majorelle, designed by artist Jacques Majorelle and restored by Yves Saint Laurent. The adjacent YSL Museum is a tribute to the designer’s love for Morocco.

Evening: Departure

Transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport, filled with stories and souvenirs from your 9-day journey through Morocco.

Travel Tips for Morocco

Best time to visit: March–May and September–November
Language: Arabic and French; English is widely spoken in tourist areas
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Dress code: Modest clothing, especially in medinas and religious sites
Tipping: 10% at restaurants; small tips for guides, drivers, and hammam staff

Is 9 Days in Morocco Enough?

Absolutely. With 9 days, you can:

Explore 4 imperial cities
Trek across the Sahara by camel
Wander ancient Roman ruins
Sleep under the stars in Berber tents
Shop in exotic souks
Visit blue, red, and golden-hued cities

This itinerary offers a beautiful balance between culture, adventure, relaxation, and inspiration. It’s Morocco at its most magical—and it will leave you dreaming of your return.