The Magic of Morocco: A 10-Day Tour of Imperial Cities, Sands, and Souks
Embark on an unforgettable 10 days Morocco tour that combines the country’s rich culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you choose to start your journey from Marrakech or Casablanca, our expertly designed 10 days itinerary takes you through imperial cities, the majestic Atlas Mountains, and the golden dunes of the Sahara. With a 10 days Morocco desert tour, you’ll experience camel trekking, starlit nights in a desert camp, and visits to ancient kasbahs. Our private 10 days in Morocco packages are fully customizable, offering the perfect balance of adventure, comfort, and authentic local experiences.
Sahara Desert, imperial cities, Hassan II Mosque, Marrakech, Fes, camel trek, desert camp, Atlas Mountains, Merzouga.
Embark on an unforgettable Morocco 10 days tour from Casablanca that unveils the majestic diversity of Morocco. Begin your journey at the iconic Hassan II Mosque before traveling to the ancient imperial cities of Rabat, Fes, and Marrakech. Traverse the stunning Atlas Mountains, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, and experience the magic of the Sahara Desert with an exhilarating camel trek to a traditional desert camp in Merzouga. This meticulously crafted itinerary is the perfect way to discover the rich history, captivating landscapes, and vibrant culture of Morocco, all starting from the convenient gateway of Casablanca.
10 Days Morocco Itinerary From Casablanca > A well-loved 10-day Morocco itinerary starting from Casablanca features visits to the lively cities of Fes and Marrakech, a memorable camel trek across the Sahara Desert, and a journey to the picturesque blue town of Chefchaouen. The trip typically also includes stops at Rabat, the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, and the stunning Todra Gorge, combining rich cultural heritage, history, and breathtaking natural landscapes.10 Days Morocco Itinerary From Casablanca
Embark on the ultimate Morocco 10 days tour from Marrakech, designed to immerse you in the very heart of Morocco. This epic journey begins in the vibrant souks of Marrakech and ventures over the breathtaking Atlas Mountains. You’ll explore ancient kasbahs like Ait Benhaddou, traverse the stunning Dades Valley and Todra Gorge, and discover the medieval imperial city of Fes. The adventure culminates with a magical camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi for an unforgettable night in a Berber desert camp. This comprehensive tour from Marrakech is the perfect way to experience the incredible diversity of Moroccan landscapes, culture, and history in one unforgettable itinerary.
A 10-day Marrakech itinerary offers the perfect balance of culture, adventure, and relaxation. Spend the first few days immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Marrakech—wandering through its bustling medina, colorful souks, and historic palaces. Then, journey across the Atlas Mountains to the majestic Sahara Desert, where you can enjoy camel rides, watch breathtaking sunsets over the dunes, and spend magical nights in a traditional desert camp. To complete your journey, take a day trip to the charming coastal town of Essaouira, famous for its fresh seafood, seaside ramparts, and laid-back vibe. This combination creates an unforgettable blend of imperial city exploration, desert adventure, and coastal relaxation.
Get Lost in the Souks: Dive into the labyrinthine alleys of the market. Each area has a specialty: leather, metalwork, spices, carpets, and lanterns. Embrace the chaos, haggle politely, and soak in the atmosphere.
Visit the Koutoubia Mosque: The iconic symbol of Marrakech. While non-Muslims cannot enter, its stunning 12th-century architecture and minaret are best admired from the large gardens surrounding it.
Discover the Bahia Palace: A stunning example of Moroccan architecture and design. Wander through its rooms and courtyards adorned with intricate tilework (zellij), carved cedarwood, and ornate stucco.
Explore the Saadian Tombs: Sealed for centuries, these 16th-century tombs were rediscovered in 1917. They are a breathtakingly beautiful royal burial ground with exquisite tilework and Italian Carrara marble.
Wander the Ben Youssef Madrasa: Once the largest Islamic college in North Africa, it is now closed for restoration, but keep an eye out for its reopening. Its breathtaking central courtyard with zellij and carved plaster is a masterpiece.
Jemaa el-Fnaa Square: The pulsating heart of Marrakech. By day, it’s a market with snake charmers and orange juice stalls. By night, it transforms into a massive open-air theatre with storytellers, musicians, henna artists, and dozens of food stalls—an absolute must-see./Morocco 10 Days Tour
Place des Épices (Spice Square): A smaller, more relaxed square in the Medina, filled with shops selling colorful spices, oils, and traditional remedies. It’s a great spot for photos and people-watching./Morocco 10 Days Tour
Jardin Majorelle: The beautifully manicured botanical garden gifted to the city by Yves Saint Laurent. Famous for its electric “Majorelle Blue” color, it’s a serene oasis away from the city bustle. The attached Berber Museum is also worth a visit.
Le Jardin Secret: A recently restored historic riad garden in the Medina. It features both an exotic and an Islamic garden, and you can climb the tower for a stunning view over the medina.
The Palmeraie: A vast palm grove on the outskirts of the city. You can take a camel or horse-drawn carriage ride through the thousands of palm trees for a different perspective.
Experience a Hammam: A traditional Moroccan steam bath is a essential cultural experience. Options range from no-frills local public baths to luxurious spa treatments in a high-end hotel./Morocco 10 Days Tour
Enjoy a Food Tour or Cooking Class: Learn the secrets of Moroccan cuisine. A cooking class will teach you to make tagine and couscous, while a food tour will guide you to the best street food stalls in Jemaa el-Fnaa./Morocco 10 Days Tour
Watch the Sunset from a Rooftop: As the sun goes down and the call to prayer echoes, find a rooftop café or restaurant for a mint tea. It offers a spectacular panoramic view of the medina and the Atlas Mountains in the distance.
Day Trip to the Atlas Mountains: Escape the city heat and explore the stunning Ourika Valley or Imlil. Go for a hike, visit a traditional Berber village, and enjoy a tagine with a view of Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak.
Visit the Ouzoud Waterfalls: The tallest waterfalls in North Africa. It’s a longer day trip (about 2.5-3 hours each way) but well worth it for the beautiful cascades and the chance to see wild monkeys.
Wear comfortable shoes: You will be walking a lot on uneven surfaces.
Dress modestly: Covering shoulders and knees is respectful and will make your visit more comfortable.
Stay hydrated: Especially during the hotter months.
Learn a few phrases: “Shukran” (thank you) and “La Shukran” (no thank you) go a long way.
Explore the Ksar: Wander through the ancient, fortified village (ksar) of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This earthen clay architecture has been the backdrop for films like Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones./Morocco 10 Days Tour
Cross the River: For a small fee, locals will help you cross the river (often dry) to reach the ksar, adding to the adventure.
Climb to the Agadir: Hike to the top of the granary at the summit for a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire ksar and the surrounding palm groves.
Drive the “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs”: Enjoy the scenic drive through the valley, spotting numerous ancient kasbahs (fortified homes) nestled in the landscape./Morocco 10 Days Tour
See the Monkey Fingers (Les Doigts de Singe): Stop to see and photograph this unique rock formation, where tall, slender rock pillars resemble fingers.
Stay in a Kasbah Hotel: Spend a night in a hotel built like a traditional kasbah, often with stunning views over the valley—especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset./Morocco 10 Days Tour
Walk the Canyon Floor: The highlight is walking through the narrowest part of the gorge, where towering limestone cliffs rise up to 300 meters (984 ft) high on either side of a shallow river.
Watch the Rock Climbers: The gorge is a world-renowned rock climbing destination. Even if you’re not climbing, it’s fascinating to watch the climbers scale the sheer walls./Morocco 10 Days Tour
Enjoy a Mint Tea by the River: Relax at one of the small cafés with tables set right in the riverbed for a refreshing and picturesque break.
This is the crown jewel of the journey, offering quintessential Sahara experiences.
Camel Trek into the Dunes: The iconic activity. Ride a camel (or dromedary) into the golden sea of Erg Chebbi dunes as the sun begins to set. The silence and vastness are unforgettable.
Spend a Night in a Desert Camp: Stay at a Berber desert camp. Options range from standard to luxurious, but all offer a unique experience of sleeping under a blanket of stars.
Sandboarding: Try surfing down the magnificent dunes on a sandboard for an adrenaline rush.
Listen to Berber Music: In the evening, enjoy a traditional tagine dinner around a campfire, followed by Berber drumming and singing under the stars.
Watch Sunrise and Sunset: Climb a high dune to witness the incredible play of light and shadow as the sun rises or sets over the Sahara. The colors are breathtaking.
4×4 Desert Safari: Take a thrilling 4×4 ride over the dunes and into the desert hinterlands, often visiting nomadic settlements or a seasonal lake.
Visit a Berber Family: Many tours offer a stop for tea at a local Berber family’s home, providing a glimpse into their traditional way of life.
Fossil Workshops: The region around Erfoud is famous for its fossils. Stop at a workshop to see how they are polished and crafted into beautiful tables and ornaments.
Visit a Palmeraie (Palm Grove): Take a short walk through a lush, green palm grove—a surprising oasis in the arid landscape—and see the traditional irrigation systems (khettara).
Best Time to Go: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer the most pleasant temperatures. Winters can be very cold at night, and summers are extremely hot.
What to Pack: Layers are essential! A warm jacket for cold desert nights, a headscarf for sun and sand, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes.
Transport: This route is best experienced on a multi-day tour (private or small group) or by renting a car. Distances are long, and having a knowledgeable driver/guide is highly recommended.
Casablanca is Morocco’s modern economic hub, known for its Art Deco architecture and coastal vibe.
Hassan II Mosque: The city’s crown jewel. This architectural masterpiece is one of the largest mosques in the world, featuring the world’s tallest minaret and a stunning location over the Atlantic Ocean. (Tours are available for non-Muslims).
Explore the Medina of Casablanca: A more modern and laid-back medina compared to Fez, offering a glimpse into local life.
Stroll the Corniche: Walk along the oceanfront in the Ain Diab area, lined with restaurants, swimming pools, and cafes.
Visit Rick’s Café: Step into a recreation of the famous bar from the classic film Casablanca for a drink and nostalgic atmosphere.
See the Art Deco Architecture: Wander the downtown (Centre Ville) area to admire the beautiful early 20th-century French colonial buildings./Morocco 10 Days Tour
Rabat is Morocco’s elegant and clean capital city, offering a blend of history and modern government.
Hassan Tower & Mausoleum of Mohammed V: Visit the iconic minaret of an incomplete mosque, which now stands opposite the beautiful mausoleum of the late king, guarded by royal guards.
Explore the Oudaias Kasbah: Enter the blue and white-walled fortress at the mouth of the Bou Regreg river. Wander its serene streets, visit the Andalusian Garden, and enjoy mint tea with a view of the ocean.
Walk the Chellah Necropolis: Explore the romantic ruins of this medieval fortified Muslim cemetery, built on ancient Roman ruins (Sala Colonia)./Morocco 10 Days Tour
See the Royal Palace: View the extensive official residence of the King of Morocco from the grand outer courtyards./Morocco 10 Days Tour
Nestled in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is famous for its mesmerizing blue-washed buildings.
Get Lost in the Blue Medina: The number one activity is simply wandering the photogenic, steep blue streets and alleys, discovering hidden corners and photo opportunities.
Shop for Local Crafts: The city is known for its unique woolen garments (djellabas) and woven blankets, often made by local artisans.
Hike to the Spanish Mosque: Take a short, easy hike to this abandoned mosque on a hill for the best panoramic view of the blue city nestled in the mountains./Morocco 10 Days Tour
Relax in Outa el-Hammam Square: Sit at a café in the main square, people-watch, and admire the red-walled Kasbah (fortress) that houses a lovely garden and museum.
This itinerary covers cities in different locations. A logical route to see them all would be:
Casablanca → Rabat → Fez → Chefchaouen
This allows you to travel northwards efficiently, experiencing the contrast between Morocco’s modern capital, its ancient heart, and its most famous blue gem./Morocco 10 Days Tour
Q1: What is the typical itinerary for a 10-day tour?
A Morocco classic 10-day circuit usually includes:
From Casablanca: Casablanca → Rabat → Chefchaouen → Volubilis/Meknes → Fez → Midelt → Merzouga (Sahara Desert) → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Ait Benhaddou → Marrakech./Morocco 10 Days Tour
From Marrakech: The reverse itinerary, often including a trip over the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass on Day 1.
Q2: Which starting point is better, Casablanca or Marrakech?
Start in Casablanca: Ideal if you fly into CMN airport. It allows you to see the Hassan II Mosque and provides a narrative journey from the modern coast to the ancient desert and imperial cities./Morocco 10 Days Tour
Start in Marrakech: Perfect for those who want to dive straight into the vibrant souks and exotic atmosphere. Marrakech’s airport (RAK) is also a major international hub.
Verdict: Both are excellent. The tour covers the same incredible sights; only the direction changes.
Q3: Will I get to spend a night in the Sahara Desert?
Yes! This is a highlight of the tour. You will typically ride camels into the dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga at sunset, spend the night in a traditional Berber desert camp, enjoy a tagine dinner, listen to music around a campfire, and witness an unforgettable sunrise and stargazing experience.
Q4: What type of accommodation is included?
Tours offer a range of options:
Standard: Comfortable 3-4 star hotels and riads (traditional Moroccan houses with interior gardens).
Luxury: 5-star riads, luxurious kasbahs, and premium desert camps with private bathrooms and upgraded amenities.
Desert Camp: Always a unique experience, ranging from standard nomadic-style tents to luxurious glamping options.
Q5: How much physical activity is involved?
The tour is manageable for most fitness levels. It involves:
Moderate walking: Exploring medinas (Fez, Marrakech) on foot is a key part of the experience.
Light hiking: Optional short walks in the Todra Gorge and Dades Valley.
Camel trekking: The ride to the desert camp is typically 45-90 minutes and is not strenuous.
Q6: What should I pack?
Clothing: Layers are essential! Pack light clothing for daytime, warmer layers for cool desert nights, and a warm jacket for winter months. Modest dress (covering shoulders and knees) is recommended.
Essentials: Sturdy walking shoes, sandals, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, and a power bank.
For the Desert: A headscarf to protect from sun and sand, and a small backpack for your overnight stay at the camp.
Q7: Is Morocco safe for tourists?
Yes, Morocco is considered a very safe country for tourists. The government heavily prioritizes tourist security. Common-sense precautions against pickpocketing in crowded medinas are advised, just as in any major tourist destination worldwide.
Q8: What is the best time of year to take this tour?
Best Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer the most pleasant temperatures across the country.
Summer (June-August): Can be extremely hot, especially in the desert and Marrakech.
Winter (December-February): Days can be pleasant, but nights in the desert and mountains are very cold.
Q9: Is the tour suitable for solo travelers, families, or seniors?
Solo Travelers: Yes! Joining a small group tour is a fantastic way to meet people.
Families: Absolutely. It’s a thrilling adventure for older children and teenagers. Ensure the tour operator can accommodate family-friendly needs.
Seniors: Yes, provided they have average mobility. Private tours can be customized for a more relaxed pace.
Q10: What’s not included in the tour price?
Typically not included are:
International flights
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Lunches, drinks, and some dinners
Entrance fees to monuments (e.g., Bahia Palace, Madrasas)
Tips for guides and drivers
Q11: Do I need a visa to travel to Morocco?
Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do not need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry. Always check the latest requirements from your embassy before traveling.
Q12: Can I customize the itinerary?
Most tour operators, especially those offering private tours, are very flexible and can customize the itinerary, accommodation level, and activities to suit your interests, budget, and pace.
