If Morocco has been calling your name with its sun-soaked rooftops, gentle desert winds, and the scent of spices in the air, this is your sign to go. Whether you’re craving calm mornings in charming riads, slow strolls to experience magic in the medinas, or quiet moments watching the sunset over the Sahara, Morocco offers the perfect balance of culture and calm. Read on for the ultimate 10-day Morocco itinerary designed for travelers who want to experience the magic—without the rush.
How We Structured The 10-Day Morocco Itinerary
The 10-day Morocco itinerary includes spending 3 days in Casablanca, 3 days in Fes and 4 days in Marrakesh. While there are international flights into Marrakesh, we found much better connectivity to Casablanca from the West Coast in USA, so we flew in to Casablanca, headed north to Fes, and finally came down south to Marrakesh. Scroll down for a view of the Google map that will help you visualize the entire path for the trip.
How To Get Around In Morocco
One of the best things about the country is the ease of transportation. Casablanca is a very modern city, so getting around here using cabs is very easy. Fes is much smaller, so walking around is convenient, though you would need to arrange for cabs if you need to travel a little farther out. In Marrakesh, it is very easy to get cabs to roam around the city. Ride-sharing apps like Careem are illegal in Morocco, so always look for the red cabs to get around in the country. Traveling between the cities is made easy through the train service that connects all the major cities across the country. Read on to experience the ultimate 10-day Morocco itinerary.
The Ultimate 10-Day Morocco Itinerary
The 10-Day Morocco Itinerary – Day 0 in Casablanca
Our flight timing was such that we landed in Casablanca in the afternoon, which gave us sufficient time to check-in to our hotel and still be able to roam around the city for a bit. We stayed in the modern part of the city, think of it more like the Times Square area of New York, bustling with cafes and restaurants. After checking in, explore the city center area of Casablanca, especially head to any of the cafes to sip on their delicious Moroccan coffee.
Have dinner at one of the local restaurants and try your first bites of tagine, couscous and pastilla, and call it a night.
The 10-Day Morocco Itinerary – Day 1 in Casablanca
After having a delicious Moroccan breakfast at your hotel, head to the Corniche in Ain Diab for a leisurely seaside walk. You could also enjoy a light breakfast or mint tea at Le Cabestan, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Next, visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most breathtaking mosques in the world. Guided tours are available, however, you can choose to explore the mosque and its grounds all by yourself. Be prepared to spend at least an hour or two to fully enjoy the surroundings and capture a lot of pictures.
If you are exhausted by now, just like we were, have lunch at a nearby restaurant and head back to the hotel.
Later on during the evening, explore the Old Medina, a less touristy but authentic part of the city. Wander through narrow alleys, shop for handmade goods, and soak in the rhythm of daily life.
For dinner, you should consider dining at Rick’s Café, which is like stepping into a scene from the classic film Casablanca—a beautifully restored colonial mansion filled with old-world charm, soft jazz, and romantic lighting. Beyond the atmosphere, the menu blends Moroccan and international flavors, making it the perfect spot for a memorable and cinematic evening in the city.
The 10-Day Morocco Itinerary – Day 2 in Casablanca
Start the day with a visit to the Villa des Arts, a lovely modern and contemporary art museum set in a 1930s Art Deco villa. Plan to spend no more than an hour exploring the museum.
Next, head to down Boulevard Mohammed V to admire Casablanca’s iconic Art Deco architecture. For lunch, head to La Sqala, which like Rick’s Cafe, should not be missed. Set in a historic fortress with a leafy courtyard, the restaurant provides an authentic Moroccan experience in a tranquil Andalusian garden setting. They serve one of the best lamb tagine and freshly baked sfenj, and we can go back just for the lamb tagine.
You can choose to discover the elegant Mahkama du Pacha, a lesser-known gem with exquisite architecture. It can be tricky to enter, so check ahead or go with a guide. The rest of the day is for you to explore the modern city, or go back to the Old Medina, to explore life as it were in the historical times.
The 10-Day Morocco Itinerary – Day 3 in Casablanca
Take a half-day trip to El Jadida, a relaxed coastal town about 1.5 hours from Casablanca by train or car. Explore the Portuguese Cité, a UNESCO World Heritage site with ocean views and charming alleys.
Enjoy lunch at La Portugaise, a quiet seafood spot near the water. If you enjoy water, dip your feet in the ocean, journal on the beach, or simply take in the breeze.
After returning to Casablanca, head to Habous Quarter, and pick up souvenirs from a peaceful, more organized shopping area with traditional Moroccan wares.
The rest of the evening is for you either walk along the Corniche or have one last look at the Hassan II Mosque under the stars.
The 10-Day Morocco Itinerary – Day 4 in Fes
On day 4 of this 10-day Morocco itinerary, start the day with a quick breakfast and then a train ride from Casablanca to Fes. The train ride is around 4 hours long, so plan to reach Fes by afternoon.
After checking in at your riad, head to the Old Medina (UNESCO World Heritage Site) for a quick glimpse of the old city. Roam around the area for a bit today, you will anyway come back here tomorrow for a detailed tour.
Have dinner at The Ruined Garden which serves excellent Moroccan-French fusion in a peaceful courtyard setting.
The 10-Day Morocco Itinerary – Day 5 in Fes
After having delicious local Moroccan breakfast at your riad, head to the Old Medina again to navigate the labyrinthine alleys with the help of a tour guide. Here are the must-visits within the medina.
- Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate) – Main entrance to the medina
- Al Quaraouiyine Mosque & University – The oldest existing university in the world (only Muslims may enter the mosque, but it’s visible from adjacent rooftops)
- Bou Inania Madrasa – A beautifully restored theological college, open to non-Muslim visitors
- Attarine Madrasa – Known for its intricate tile and woodwork
- Rainbow Street – vibrant street with colorful artwork decorating the walls
Head to the Cafe Clock for fantastic local Moroccan lunch in a calm and serene terrace setting.
Next, head to the Tanneries of Chouara, to view the iconic open-air leather dyeing pits. To get the best view, head to a leather shop balcony for a view. The smell is intense, so don’t forget to bring a sprig of mint to help with the smell!
Your last visit of the day will be to the Fes el-Jdid, also known as the “New” City of the 13th Century). Visit the Royal Palace (Dar al-Makhzen), and view the massive bronze doors. You can’t go inside the palace, but the exterior is stunning.
Next, head to the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) which offers a glimpse into the a fascinating window into the multicultural history of Morocco, particularly the centuries-old Jewish presence in the country. Visit the Ibn Danan Synagogue and the Jewish cemetery for a glimpse into the city’s diverse heritage.
Choose your restaurant for another authentic Moroccan dinner before heading back to the riad.
The 10-Day Morocco Itinerary – Day 6 in Fes
We are now halfway through the 10-day Morocco itinerary, Now that you have seen everything that Fes has to offer, today, you will take a day trip to Volubilis, Moulay Idriss, & Meknes. Hire a private driver through the riad who will pick you up from the riad after breakfast and bring you back in the evening (this will be a 8-10 hour trip so plan accordingly).
You will first head to the Volubilis which are known for its Roman Ruins, and is about 1.5 hours away from Fes. You will get to see the Capitoline Temple, Basilica and Forum, Triumphal Arch of Caracalla and the stunning mosaics that are still in place inside Roman homes (e.g., House of Orpheus, House of the Athlete). Plan to spend around 1.5 hours at Volubilis before heading to Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, which is just 15 minutes away.
The town is named after Idriss I, the founder of the first Moroccan Islamic dynasty and great-grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss (non-Muslims can’t enter but can admire it from outside). Climb to the panoramic viewpoint for a sweeping view of the green hills and town. The total duration to visit the town shouldn’t be longer than an hour.
Next, head to Meknes which is around 45 minutes away. For lunch, either go with a recommendation from the driver, or choose from one of these restaurants:
- Riad Yacout – Beautiful setting with Moroccan cuisine
- Restaurant Collier de la Colombe – Great views and traditional dishes
Meknes is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities and was the capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century. Plan to spend around 2.5 to 3 hours since there a lot of attractions to visit:
- Bab Mansour – Massive and ornate gate, great photo stop
- Place El Hedim – Main square, like a smaller Jemaa el-Fnaa
- Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail – One of the few Islamic sites in Morocco open to non-Muslims (under restoration at times)
- Royal Granaries (Heri es-Souani) – Gigantic and impressive vaulted grain storage with stables
- Dar Jamaï Museum – Displays of Moroccan art and crafts in a lovely palace
Finally, after a long day, return to Fes, which is a 1 hour drive from Meknes, and relax at your riad. Choose to either dine at the riad for dinner or head to a restaurant nearby before calling it a night.
The 10-Day Morocco Itinerary – Day 7 in Marrakesh
You will need to have an early start today in this 10-day Morocco itinerary since the train journey from Fes to Marrakesh is around 7 hours. Pick a train that will let you arrive at Marrakesh in the late afternoon or early evening. After checking in at the riad, preferably close to Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square of Marrakesh, which is one of the most iconic and vibrant public spaces in the world and a living piece of Moroccan cultural heritage.
Take a stroll around the main square and explore the various shops that are selling literally anything and everything that you can think of. There are many restaurants to choose from for having a good dinner at the square, or go with the recommendation from your riad.
The 10-Day Morocco Itinerary – Day 8 in Marrakesh
Today, you will spend most of your time exploring the main sites in Marrakesh. After having breakfast at your riad, head to Bahia Palace. This is a stunning 19th-century palace with zellige tiles, intricate woodwork, and peaceful courtyards. Tickets are required to enter. You can easily spend an hour or two exploring the beauty of this palace.
A quick walk from Bahia Palace will take you to El Badi Palace. There is no palace anymore really, this is just majestic ruins of a 16th-century Saadian palace, great for views and nesting storks!
A 10 minute walk will take you to Saadian Tombs. These are ornate burial grounds rediscovered in the 20th century, showcasing elaborate tile and plasterwork.
Next, visit Koutoubia Mosque, an iconic 12th-century minaret. Non-Muslims cannot enter but can view and photograph. You are now back close to Jemaa el-Fnaa, so explore any of the cafes or restaurants for lunch.
In the afternoon, wander through the Souk Semmarine, Souk el Attarine, and Souk Haddadine to see spices, lanterns, leather goods, rugs, pottery, and jewelry. Watch artisans work, and don’t forget to haggle!
The rest of the evening is for you to continue to explore Jemaa el-Fnaa. Soak yourself in people watching, and appreciating the cultural experiences that Marrakech has to offer.
The 10-Day Morocco Itinerary – Day 9 in Marrakesh
After breakfast, start your day with a visit to Jardin Majorelle. Created by French artist Jacques Majorelle, and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent, Jardin Majorelle is known for its exotic plants, water features and intense cobalt blue walls.
Walk through the Berber Museum and experience a fascinating insight into Berber culture and craftsmanship. From here, walk over to the adjcaent Yves Saint Laurent Museum, a sleek and modern museum dedicated to the designer’s work and Moroccan influences.
Plan to spend around 2-3 hours with the above visits.
Next, explore more of the city through visits to:
- Musée de Marrakech – Located in a palace, features Moroccan arts, calligraphy, and architecture.
- Maison de la Photographie – Vintage photos of Morocco from the 19th–20th centuries; great rooftop café too.
The rest of the day is for you to relax and explore more of Jemaa el-Fnaa on your own. Plan to retire early for the night, since you will have an early start on the last day of your 10-day Morocco itinerary.
The 10-Day Morocco Itinerary – Day 10 in Marrakesh
The last day in the 10-day Morocco itinerary is going to be on of the key highlights of your vacation, as you are going to experience Morocco through a hot-air balloon ride!
Its going to be a very early start to the day, since the plan is to view Morocco at sunrise thousands of feet up in the air. The balloon ride operators will pick you up from your hotel (or from very close to it) and take you to the spot for your ride, which is around 30-45 minutes away. Once you get to the location, you will be served tea and coffee to keep you warm, along with a fire-pit, while you wait for the operations to prep the balloon.
Once you are in the air, the ride is around 45 mins to an hour long. Soak in the charismatic views of the Berber villages as you capture memories through your photographs. Upon landing, a fine Moroccan breakfast is served, while you mingle with the other co-passengers.
Finally, a flight certificate with your name in Arabic will be handed over to you for your successful completion of the balloon ride! The operator will then take you back and drop you off near your hotel.
The complete duration for the trip is around 4-5 hours, so your first half of the day is consumed by this mesmerizing experience. Rest of the day is for you to either enjoy the city on your own, or pack to begin your return journey back home.
Our flight back to San Francisco was from Casablanca the next day, so we boarded the morning train from Morocco to Casablanca, before bidding our goodbye to the country filled with experiences and adventures.
Your 10-day Morocco Itinerary Map
Plan Your 10-day Morocco Itinerary
Now that you have seen how to make the best of your 10 days in Morocco, go ahead and start planning your next vacation! Email us and we will help put together a relaxing and luxurious itinerary just for you!
For more inspirations, check out: