9 Days in Morocco - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Imperial Cities & the Desert

This nine-day classic itinerary perfectly blends the highlights of Morocco's imperial cities with adventures in the desert. It offers medieval medinas in Fes and Marrakesh, historic Aït Benhaddou, a camp in the Sahara, and desert oases and villages.

Arrive in Casablanca and with time to tour Hassan II Mosque. In the afternoon, venture to Rabat, Morocco's capital, with ancient ruins, a medieval fortification, and modern gardens. The next day, set out north to reach the blue-hued Chefchaouen. Visit the sprawling ruins of UNESCO-protected Volubilis the following day and stop in Meknes, where you'll find an approachable medina, finally arriving in Fes. With an expert guide, explore the city, and then trade the city for the desert and cross the Middle Atlas mountains to Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi sand sea.

Ride a camel on the dunes to your Bedouin-style camp, eat dinner under the stars, and spend the night in a cozy tent. Next, you'll learn about Saharan life as you visit desert towns en route to Ouarzazate, recognizable to "Game of Thrones" fans. On Day 7, you'll see Aït Benhaddou, Morocco's oldest kasbah, on your way to buzzing Marrakesh. Take to Jemaa el-Fna, the busiest square on the continent, before visiting the ancient medina, the Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens, specialized souks, and Ben Youssef Madrasa. Enjoy your last night in Morocco however you like, setting out for Casablanca on Day 9. Learn more

Itinerary #2: South Morocco Adventure: Marrakesh to Merzouga

From Marrakesh to Erg Chebbi, at the Sahara's edge, you'll explore cities and desert towns, sip tea with Bedouin, and check out film-worthy settings in Morocco's south. Take nine days at a slower pace to experience a little of everything, including Marrakesh's imperial city, the High Atlas, riding a camel, and camping in the desert.

Your south Morocco adventure begins with two nights to take in the frenetic energy of Marrakesh's Jemaa el-Fna, the maze of streets in the medina, and the colors and scents of souls like Souk el Attarin. Day 3 takes you over the High Atlas to the arid landscapes surrounding Boulmane Dades. En route, spot Mount Toubkal, and stop in Taddert to visit the Argan Oil Cooperative. The following day, you'll hike with your guide to learn Berber customs, like carpet weaving, before checking out Todra Gorge and riding a camel to your desert camp beyond Merzouga.

Day 6 sees you exploring more of Erg Chebbi by ATV and sandboard, as well as visiting the Gnawa house in Khamleya to explore the spiritual healing music, followed by a second night under the desert stars. Then on Day 7, you'll venture back west, stopping in desert towns like Rissani and Alnif, passing through the date palm-fringed Draa Valley to reach picturesque Ouarzazate. Made famous by the film industry, check out the Musée du Cinema and learn about the films produced here. You'll return to Marrakesh on Day 8 for one last night, but not before exploring Aït Benhaddou, Morocco's most famous kasbah. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Northern Morocco

This nine-day trip plan centers on Morocco's north and combines plenty of urban exploration with time to visit waterfalls and do a little trekking in the Moroccan countryside. Walk through history with visits to cities with ancient roman, imperial, and medieval roots, like Volubilis, Meknes, and Fes, as well as modern metropolises, like Casablanca; you'll also learn about rural life in Sefrou and explore the Cave of Hercules en route to Tangier. 

Arriving in Casablanca, live out your cinematic fantasies in a replica of Rick's Café, stroll the Boulevard de la Corniche on the Atlantic, and take a guided tour of the imposing Hassan II Mosque—one of the only mosques in the country whose interior is open to non-Muslims. The following day you'll transfer to Rabat, Morocco's capital and your first imperial city, before checking out Meknes and the Roman ruins of sprawling Volubilis the next day en route to Fes. You'll have three nights in the bustling imperial city, checking out the varied souks in its medinas, as well as enjoying a day trip to nearby Sefrou in the foothills of the Middle Atlas.

On Day 6, you'll turn north to the Blue City of Chefcahouen, a city that at every turn provides Instagram-worth shots. Take the rest of the day to trek to nearby waterfalls, lose yourself in charming, winding streets, or bliss out with some mint tea and a snack at a café in Plaza Uta el-Hammam. Take your pick of great hiking routes for stellar spots to catch the sunset. The next day, you'll head west to Tangier, stopping to explore more of the Rif Mountains and the Cave of Hercules. Once in Tangier, check out the compact Tangier Kasbah, and enter through Bab Haha into Place du Mechouar for a leisurely self-guided walk. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Unspoiled Morocco: Hike Aït Begoumez & Dadès Valley

After covering the highlights of imperial Marrakesh, you'll discover lesser-visited locales on this slower-paced itinerary, ideal for those who like to hike and immerse themselves in the local culture. You'll trek the hills of Aït Bouguemez, sow crops with farmers, eat and laugh with the locals, and learn to weave traditional carpets in Boumalne Dades.

You'll have two nights in Marrakesh to kick off your Morocco adventure, covering the city on a private tour and visiting sites like the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and Majorelle Gardens. On Day 3, you'll stop to see the Ouzoud Falls (and Barbary apes), eat lunch in Azilal, and continue over the Middle Atlas set in the stunning M'Goun UNESCO Global Geopark to Aït Bouguemez, where you'll stay for three days. With a guide, you'll trek the "Happy Valley" and learn about local customs as you partake in farming, cooking, and a tea ceremony.

Day 6 leads you into the Dadès Valley, first with a picnic lunch in sweet-smelling Kelâat M'Gouna (home to a rose cooperative), then to hike the valley and interact with local families for lunch and a carpet weaving experience. Your last full day has you venturing to the desert city of Ouarzazate, where you can check out movie sets and film props before driving to impressive Aït Benhaddou, likely recognizable to film and TV buffs as the setting for "Lawrence of Arabia," "Gladiator," and "Game of Thrones." You'll then snake your way over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass for one last night in buzzing Marrakesh. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Marrakesh, Atlas Mountains & Essaouira

This trip plan is perfect for the traveler looking to get off the beaten path. Hike to the top of Morocco's tallest waterfall, take a carpet weaving workshop, ride a camel to your tent camp in the desert, and travel through saffron country and the epicenter of argan oil production. You'll discover smaller towns like Taroudant and the seaside Essouira and will take guided tours of memorable Marrakesh. 

Spend two days in Marrakesh, taking a private guided tour of the city's medina. Head into the High Atlas to Ouzoud, where you'll visit the country's tallest waterfalls, boat under the falls, and befriend the resident Barbary macaques. You'll end your day in Demnate, where you can explore Imi n'Ifri, a natural bridge before you unwind at your riad. On Day 4, head to a nearby ecolodge to learn traditional methods behind carpet weaving or olive oil pressing. Then take to the mountains to the Dadès Valley, where you'll picnic with a local family and hike through the stunning landscape.

The following day, travel off-road through the Draa Valley to Zagora, where you'll board a camel to cross the desert to your Bedouin-style camp. Dine under the stars and sleep in your cozy tent, then wake up early to watch a desert sunrise. Hitting the road on Day 6, travel through saffron country to Taroudant, a charming market town, followed by a venture west through the epicenter of the argan oil industry, passing by tree-climbing goats en route to Essaouira, a fortified coastal city with a laid-back medina. After breakfast by the shore on Day 9, you'll head back to Marrakesh for your flight home or onto your next adventure. Learn more

More Great 9-Day Morocco Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Morocco trip? Check out these other nine-day Morocco itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.