Ultimate Morocco Travel Itinerary for 2025

Get ready to be transported to the Best Morocco itinerary, culture, and untamed adventure. Morocco is a place where every moment feels like a dream, making it the ultimate destination for any traveler seeking something extraordinary. Just a three-hour flight away, you’ll immediately feel transported to another world. Morocco boasts stunningly diverse landscapes, breathtaking architecture, and excellent roads that make it perfect for a road trip. Along the way, you’ll pass through mesmerizing scenery and unique cities. Having visited twice, we’re excited to share the ultimate Morocco travel itinerary, along with plenty of practical tips to enhance your trip.

Ultimate Morocco Travel Itinerary

While it’s possible to follow this Best Morocco itinerary using public transportation, renting a car and going on a road trip offers a far more enjoyable and convenient experience. With your own vehicle, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover countless beautiful stops along the way. Morocco’s roads are exceptionally well-maintained, and you can rent a car starting at just $25 per day, including full insurance.

The starting and ending point of your journey

Most travelers begin their Moroccan adventure in the north, picking up their rental car in Tangier or Fez and returning it in Marrakech at the end of their trip. This route allows you to start in the more laid-back cities and finish in the bustling atmosphere of Marrakech. Since your journey starts and ends in different locations, you’ll need two separate plane tickets. Depending on airfare, you can choose to fly into either Tangier or Fez. Both cities are approximately the same distance from Chefchaouen, the first stop on the itinerary.

How many days do you need for this itinerary?

To fully enjoy our itinerary, we recommend setting aside at least 14 days, though adding a few extra days would make for an even more relaxed trip. If you’re short on time, you may need to skip some destinations, such as Essaouira and/or Chefchaouen, focusing only on the route between Fez and Marrakech to avoid these “detours.” To help you plan, we’ve written a detailed guide for each destination on this itinerary, giving you a clear idea of what to see and do. This way, you can easily decide how many days to spend at each stop. Below, we’ve also included travel times between destinations and some great stops to enjoy along the way:

Chefchaouen

Depending on your arrival time in Morocco, you can either drive straight to Chefchaouen after picking up your rental car in Tangier or Fez or spend a night in one of these cities before continuing your journey. Chefchaouen, known as the “Blue City,” is an enchanting place to begin your adventure. The medina’s streets are painted in stunning shades of blue and white, with picturesque corners waiting to be discovered at every turn. The city’s relaxed atmosphere, compared to other Moroccan destinations, makes it the perfect spot to ease into Moroccan culture at a leisurely pace.

Fez

The lively city of Fez, the oldest royal city in Morocco, feels like stepping into a fairytale. Its medina is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, bursting with history and charm. In Fez, you can explore the largest tannery in Africa, where the age-old leather tanning process is still practiced. It’s also the perfect place to shop for leather bags or traditional Moroccan poufs at unbeatable prices. Be sure to visit the Al-Attarine Medersa and Bou Inania Medersa, both magnificent 14th-century structures adorned with intricate mosaics and exquisite woodwork.

Merzouga and the Sahara

The journey to Merzouga is a long one, taking approximately eight hours. For a more relaxed experience, you might consider breaking the trip with an overnight stop, although most travelers prefer to drive straight through. Merzouga, situated right on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes—a part of the Sahara Desert—offers an unforgettable adventure. We spent a night in Merzouga, relaxed by the pool the following day, and then embarked on a camel trek into the desert to spend the night in a luxury tent. In the evening, you can sit by the campfire, gaze at the breathtaking star-filled sky, and enjoy traditional music played by the locals. Alternatively, instead of relaxing by the pool after the long drive, you could opt for an adrenaline-filled quad biking experience in the desert.

Todra Gorge

While Morocco is famous for its vibrant cities and the vast Sahara, it also offers breathtaking hiking opportunities. One such destination is the Todra Gorge, a stunning orange canyon that resembles the natural wonders of the American Southwest. Here, you can stay in a unique lodge nestled within the canyon and embark on a spectacular three-hour hike. If you leave Merzouga around 9:30 am, you’ll have enough time to complete the hike that same afternoon. If not, you can start early the next morning. For detailed information about the incredible eco-lodge and the hiking experience, check out our guide to the Todra Gorge.

Aït-Ben-Haddou with a detour through the Dades Valley

Today’s itinerary is a stunning one, featuring a scenic detour through the Dades Valley and the Dades Gorge. Along the route, you’ll encounter striking rock formations and several breathtaking viewpoints, culminating in the iconic zigzag road. The exact location of the zigzag road can be found here, where you’ll also find a charming restaurant to enjoy a cup of Moroccan tea. This marks the endpoint of the detour, after which you’ll retrace your steps before continuing on to Aït-Ben-Haddou.

Aït-Ben-Haddou is arguably the most beautiful ksar in Morocco. This fortified village, constructed entirely from wood and clay, is uniquely perched against a hillside. The ksar is fortified with walls and watchtowers, and inside, you’ll discover a maze of narrow alleyways. We recommend staying overnight here so you can relax after today’s road trip and explore Aït-Ben-Haddou at sunrise the next day. Sunrise is a peaceful and enchanting time to experience this historic site at its finest. Curious about the best spot to watch the sunrise? Check out our guide for visiting Aït-Ben-Haddou.

Marrakech

As you navigate the winding roads of the Atlas Mountains, you’ll arrive in the bustling red city of Marrakech. The city’s vibrant energy is immediately apparent, with its lively atmosphere and dynamic streets. Immerse yourself in the chaos at Jemaa el-Fna square or wander through the bustling souks filled with hundreds of shops offering a variety of goods. For a more tranquil escape, unwind at one of the city’s rooftop bars while soaking up the sunshine, or visit the iconic Majorelle Garden early in the morning for stunning photo opportunities in a serene setting.

Essaouira

In the coastal town of Essaouira, you’ll discover a more relaxed side of Morocco, a contrast to the bustling cities you’ve experienced so far. The pace here is much slower, making it an ideal place to end your journey. Head to the harbor to savor fresh fish or shrimp, or enjoy a peaceful horseback ride at sunset. The medina is home to charming cafes and restaurants, and you’ll also come across lively street musicians adding to the town’s vibrant atmosphere.

Our Favorite Places to Stay in Morocco

Throughout our travels, we always seek out the most unique and exceptional hotels—places that make you feel at home and elevate the experience of your trip. In Morocco, we’ve found several incredible accommodations that we’re excited to share with you. From charming riads that feel like mini palaces to an eco-hotel tucked away in the stunning Todra Gorge, these places are sure to make your stay unforgettable.

Conclusion

Morocco offers an incredible blend of adventure, culture, and stunning landscapes that make it a perfect destination for any traveler. From the charming blue streets of Chefchaouen to the energy of Marrakech, each stop on the journey offers unique experiences and breathtaking beauty. Whether you’re exploring ancient medinas, riding camels in the Sahara, or hiking through the Todra Gorge, Morocco’s diverse scenery and rich history will leave you in awe. With careful planning and a road trip through the country’s most iconic sites, Morocco promises an unforgettable adventure that is well worth the journey.