10-Day Morocco Itinerary
Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains, Aït Benhaddou, the Sahara Desert, Fes and Chefchaouen — the complete 10-day Morocco experience with day-by-day routes.
Day 1: Arrive Marrakech. Day 2: Marrakech medina. Day 3: Atlas day trip. Day 4: To the Sahara via Aït Benhaddou. Day 5: Sahara Desert — camel trek, Erg Chebbi. Day 6: Sahara sunrise, drive to Dades. Day 7: Dades to Fes via Ziz Valley. Day 8: Fes medina. Day 9: Fes to Chefchaouen. Day 10: Chefchaouen, departure.
Who is this itinerary for?
This 10-day itinerary suits travelers who want the complete Morocco experience — cities, mountains, desert and the north — without rushing. It works for couples, families, small groups and solo travelers. The pace is moderate with 3–6 hours of driving on transfer days.
Day-by-day breakdown
Day 1 — Arrive Marrakech: Arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport, transfer to your riad. Evening at Jemaa el-Fnaa. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 2 — Marrakech: Morning: Koutoubia, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs. Afternoon: souks. Evening: rooftop dinner. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 3 — Atlas Mountains: Day trip to the Ourika Valley. Amazigh villages, Setti Fatma waterfalls, riverside lunch. Return to Marrakech. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 4 — To the Sahara: Depart via Tizi n'Tichka pass. Stop at Aït Benhaddou. Continue to Dades Valley. Overnight in Dades.
Day 5 — Sahara Desert: Drive to Merzouga via Ziz Valley and Erfoud. Afternoon: camel trek into Erg Chebbi. Evening: desert camp under the stars. Overnight in the Sahara.
Day 6 — Sahara to Dades: Sunrise over the dunes. Drive back through the Ziz Valley to the Dades Valley. Afternoon: explore the Dades Gorge. Overnight in Dades.
Day 7 — Dades to Fes: Drive north via Midelt, the cedar forests near Azrou and the Middle Atlas. Evening arrival in Fes. Overnight in Fes.
Day 8 — Fes: Morning: tanneries, Bou Inania Madrasa, Al-Qarawiyyin. Afternoon: souk shopping, Nejjarine Fountain. Overnight in Fes.
Day 9 — Fes to Chefchaouen: Morning drive to Chefchaouen (4 hours). Afternoon: blue medina, Plaza Uta el-Hammam, kasbah. Evening: Spanish Mosque sunset viewpoint. Overnight in Chefchaouen.
Day 10 — Chefchaouen: Morning: blue lanes, artisan shops, rooftop breakfast. Departure or continue to Tangier.
How much driving is involved?
Total driving for the 10-day itinerary: approximately 1,600–1,800 km. The longest transfer day is Day 7 (Dades to Fes) at approximately 7–8 hours with stops. Most other transfer days are 3–5 hours. The itinerary is designed so you are never driving more than 8 hours in a single day.
When is the best time for this itinerary?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the best temperatures. Summer is hot in the Sahara but manageable. Winter brings snow to the Atlas passes and cold nights in the desert. Chefchaouen is beautiful year-round but can be rainy in winter.
How much does a 10-day Morocco itinerary cost?
For a private 10-day itinerary with Abrid, pricing depends on group size, accommodation level and season. As a rough guide: a couple in mid-range riads can expect to pay approximately €2,000–€3,500 per person including transport, accommodation, some meals and guides. See full cost breakdown
Local advice from Abrid
The extra 3 days compared to the 7-day itinerary allow you to see Chefchaouen and slow the pace. The drive from Dades to Fes is long but spectacular — stop in Midelt for lunch and Azrou to see the Amazigh apes. Chefchaouen is best photographed early morning. Book the desert camp well in advance for summer and winter.
Frequently asked questions
Is 10 days enough for Morocco?
Ten days is ideal — it covers the highlights at a comfortable pace. You see Marrakech, the Atlas, the Sahara, Fes and Chefchaouen without rushing. If you have 14 days, you can add Essaouira, the coast and the imperial cities circuit.
Can I do this itinerary in reverse?
Yes. Start in Tangier or Chefchaouen, drive south to Fes, then the Sahara, Atlas and Marrakech. Many travelers prefer this direction — you end in Marrakech, which has the most flight options.
Do I need a 4x4 vehicle?
No. The main roads are paved. A comfortable sedan or minivan is sufficient. A 4x4 is only needed if you plan to go off-road or visit very remote areas.
Is it safe to drive in Morocco?
Yes, with caution. Main roads are good. Mountain passes are winding. Avoid driving at night. Use a licensed driver or guide — this is what Abrid provides.
What should I pack for a 10-day Morocco itinerary?
Layers, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a warm jacket for desert nights and mountain evenings, a refillable water bottle, a power adapter (Morocco uses European-style plugs), and a camera — Chefchaouen and the Sahara are spectacular.
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Last updated: September 2026 · Written by the Abrid Morocco team