What to See in Morocco in 10 Days Itinerary?
What should be on your list of things to see and do in Morocco during your 10 days trip?
Morocco offers an abundance of activities and destinations for travelers to explore. Its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage are a major draw for visitors. This diversity is noticed and experienced once you are across the Strait of Gibraltar arriving in Marrakech. We are passionate about travel and want to share that enthusiasm with you by providing a 10-day itinerary, that allows you to fully experience Morocco’s stunning beauty. Follow our route to discover the best this country has to offer.
Explore Morocco in 10 days with a guided tour
Morocco is a vast country, and to truly experience its cultural richness and main attractions, you will need at least 10 days. To make the most out of your trip, we suggest a route that begins in Marrakech and concludes in Tangier. With stunning aeroports, these two cities are ideal as arrival and departure destinations. However, you have the flexibility to do the route in reverse based on your preferences. With this in mind, let’s embark on a 10-day journey through Morocco.
Experience the magic of Marrakech during the initial two days of the itinerary
You can devote the first two days of your 10-day Morocco route entirely to exploring the splendid city of Marrakech, which is regarded as one of the most significant cultural centers in the country. Although this resort town may appear frenzied at first glance, as you explore its depths, you’ll encounter a one-of-a-kind cultural and sensory experience. The red hue of its buildings, the aromas and tastes of its cuisine, its vibrant souks, and majestic mosques all beckon you to immerse yourself in this city’s offerings.
Top sights to explore in Marrakech
Marrakech is home to an unmissable souk that boasts countless stalls and street markets selling everything you can imagine. It’s best to spend an entire afternoon wandering through its labyrinthine streets and following your instincts. Our travel tip: visit the souk in the morning to avoid the crowds.
The Djemaa el Fna square, which is known as the heart of Marrakech, attracts many visitors day and night with its lively atmosphere. Street musicians and food vendors selling Moroccan cuisine, as well as impromptu games and other activities, fill the square after sundown. During the day, visitors can witness monkey tamers, snake charmers, henna tattoo artists, jugglers, and more. You can enjoy the square both during the day and at night.
When you’re in Marrakech, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a stunning monument located next to a mosque of the same name. You can walk through the central courtyard and admire the large iron lamp surrounded by tile-covered walls.
Bahia Palace
The Bahia Palace is another must-see attraction in Marrakech, designed to be the largest palace of all time, although it is not the largest. The vast space perfectly blends Arabic and Moroccan styles, with the central square and gardens being the palace’s highlights.
Visitors are not allowed inside mosques unless they are Muslims, but you must see the Koutubía Mosque, which is the largest in the West and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It stands tall at 70 meters, making it the tallest building in the city.
Dar Si Said Museum
The Dar Si Said Museum or Museum of Moroccan Arts, located in the center of Marrakech, is another noteworthy site worth visiting. It’s interior houses an interesting collection of jewelry, fabrics, clothing, rugs, wood pieces, and furniture. In addition to its rooms, its patios and gardens are also worth exploring, with sober yet elegant decorations.
Day three is dedicated to exploring Essaouira
On day 3 of the 10-day Morocco route, you’ll explore the charming city of Essaouira. To get there, head to the Marrakech bus station and catch a bus, which takes about 2 hours. Starting your day early is recommended so you can make the most of your time, but keep in mind that it’s possible to take a day trip with us since you’ll need to return to Marrakech.
Located on the Atlantic coast, Essaouira is a UNECSO World Heritage City with a labyrinthine old town and an easy-to-navigate modern city. There are numerous activities to enjoy here, including horseback riding, camel or quad tours, coastal dune walks, and water sports such as kite surfing and windsurfing.
Exploring the medina, strolling through souks, shopping for handicrafts, and visiting the port are equally exciting experiences. As a renowned port city, Essaouira boasts a wide range of fish and shellfish dishes for lunch.
Top things to see in Essaouira?
You may be wondering what the top things to see in Essaouira are. Why not start by strolling along Taghart Beach, the city’s main beach, which stretches for 2 kilometers from the port to the south? It’s also essential to tour the fortification that surrounds the medina to understand the city’s history, despite its worn-out and sometimes smelly appearance. Once you pass through one of the most famous gates, Bab Moulay Youssef, you’ll enter a completely different world full of street stalls and markets.
The Skala marks the end of the medina and the beginning of the port, which is entered through a port wall. It’s worth visiting the place to take many pictures of Essaouira. The site has hundreds of cannons that once protected the city, as well as defense towers.
Travel Tip: The Essaouira area is well-known for the production of argan oil, renowned for its many properties and easily found in the medina.
Days four and five of the 10-day trip will be filled with a desert adventure and a half-day tour of Morocco.
During days 4 and 5 of the 10-day Morocco route, you can explore the breathtaking Sahara desert. You can travel south by private car, bus, or excursion and cross the Atlas via the Tizi’n tichka pass to reach Ouarzazate.
The Moroccan desert
Day 6’s plan includes a trip to the breathtaking Merzouga desert before heading to Fes
On the sixth day of our 10-day itinerary in Morocco, we’ll explore the stunning Merzouga desert. Tourists flock to this popular destination to experience the vast dunes either on a 4×4 vehicle or atop a dromedary. The Merzouga desert boasts a stunning sunrise, with the sun appearing behind the dunes. At night, the sky gets lit up with stars, making it a perfect spot for stargazing. The absence of urban lights nearby ensures an unobstructed view. Merzouga is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including reptiles like lizards and sand vipers, and mammals like desert hedgehogs and field mice. Birdwatchers can also spot several species, such as bustards, nightjars, and pink flamingos. The cherry on top is the magnificent palm grove that adds a splash of green to the otherwise golden desert landscape.
The itinerary for day 7 in Morocco includes a visit to the historic city of Fes.
Many tourists are drawn to Fes city due to its ancient walled city, often compared to Jerusalem. It is the first of the four imperial cities in Morocco, dating back to the 8th century. Fes holds a reputation as the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco, as well as a hub for art and science. We recommend devoting an entire day to exploring the abundance of attractions in Fes. Even with a 10-day trip to Morocco, one may not have enough time to truly delve into the country’s richness.
What to see in Fes?
Several must-visit places is to take in consediration while visting Fes: the medina that boasts over 9,000 narrow streets representing the best-preserved medina in the Arab world. The Fes el-Bali medina which is the largest urban area in the world without car traffic and the better explored by wandering the labyrinthine streets or hiring a guide. The city also boasts several medersas or Koranic schools, including the Chahrij Bouinania, built-in 1300, with its beautiful examples of Marinid plasterwork and stunning views of the city from the rooftop.
Other landmarks in Fes include the Karaouine Mosque, the second-largest mosque in Morocco, and the Moulay Idriss Mausoleum, the tomb of the founder of Fes, both of which are accessible only to Muslims. Visitors can still appreciate the beautiful facades of these buildings from the outside. Another notable site is the Mellah, the Jewish quarter, which features the IBN Dayan Synagogue and the Jewish cemetery. A guide is highly recommended to get the most out of the Mellah’s rich history. Lastly, the new town of Fes which is the modern area of the city featuring European architecture, administrative offices, banks, and modern shops. It might show a great contrast comparing it with the ancient medina but this amazing new town could be a good option for those seeking a more western-style experience.
What to see in Meknes?
Day eight of our itinerary calls for an excursion to Meknes and a stop at the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
On the eighth day of your Morocco trip, we recommend visiting two nearby destinations from Fes. The first is Meknes, also known as the imperial city of Meknes, which is only 60 km away and is surrounded by 40 km of defensive walls. The second is the Roman ruins of Volubilis, which you can visit in the afternoon, 27 km away.
While in Meknes, start your journey by strolling through the smaller, quieter medina. Here, you can discover traditional Moroccan clothing, rugs, and more. Visit the Great Mosque, which features 11 doors and over 140 arches. Then, head to El Hedim Square, the center of public and cultural life in the city. You will find many bars and restaurants here where you can taste typical local cuisine. The most notable feature of the square is the Bab El Mansour gate, considered one of the world’s most beautiful gates. In front of El Hedim Square, you can also visit the Royal Palace Dar El Kebira, once the home of the famous and feared Moulay Ismail during his reign, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, where one of Morocco’s most famous sultans rests.
After exploring Meknes, head to the ruins of Volubilis. As you get closer to the ruins, you will be impressed by the intact columns and arches that have stood the test of time. The Arc de Triomphe, Basilica, and Capitol columns are all impressive constructions that you should not miss. The first place to visit is a small museum that tells the story of Volubilis through information panels, columns, mosaics, and statues.
The House of Orpheus
The House of Orpheus is the most significant building in the ruins. The Orpheus Mosaics, depicting the god Orpheus playing the harp surrounded by animals, is its highlight. The baths, which once occupied a large space in the center of the city, are also worth exploring. The houses of the columns are another area worth visiting, with the first one featuring a beautiful mosaic.
After visiting the ruins, travel to Chefchaouen for an overnight stay before continuing the tour the next day.
What to see in Chefchaouen?
On the ninth day of the Morocco trip, You’ll explore the «Blue City ». An exquisite gem of Morocco, where the majority of buildings are painted sky blue.
What makes Chefchaouen unique? It’s called the “blue pearl” due to its blue buildings with flower-adorned balconies. The medina is a must-visit with its blue-colored streets and iconic spots, like the Great Mosque. The medina is located on the Rif mountains, providing a beautiful view. After exploring Chefchaouen, the trip continues to nearby Tetouan. The Tetouan medina is a World Heritage Site with narrow streets filled with smells and colors. The tanners’ neighborhood is a must-see spot, and outside the medina, the Royal Palace and Moulay El Mehdi Square are essential stops.
What are the most stunning places to visit in Tetouan?
Tetouan is an important city in Morocco. Which served as the capital of the Spanish Protectorate in North Africa from 1913 to 1956. Although there are many must-see places, we’ll only mention a few since you have limited time. The Tetouan medina is considered the most comprehensive in Morocco and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The narrow, labyrinthine streets are full of authentic smells and colors, providing an opportunity to experience life as a true Moroccan. One of the medina’s most recognized spots is the tanners’ neighborhood, where you can observe the skin treatment process for clothing and accessories up close. Outside the medina, the Royal Palace and Moulay El Mehdi Square are essential buildings worth visiting.
On the tenth and final day of our ten-day journey through Morocco. We conclude our adventure in Tangier.
We arrived in Tangier, the final destination of our 10-day Moroccan journey. Tangier is a significant city in Moroccan history and a gateway to Africa, located on the Strait of Gibraltar. Before leaving, we suggest visiting the city’s iconic landmarks.
The medina, with the Kasbah, is the city’s main attraction. Visitors access the Kasbah through the Bab el Assa gate, also known as the Gate of the Sentinels. Once inside, tourists can explore the Kasbah Museum, once a sultan’s palace and home to French and Portuguese governors.
Tangier airport operates international and domestic flights to Casablanca, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, and Europe via Ryanair, Air Arabia, and Iberia airlines. Your Morocco journey ends in Tangier, giving you a comprehensive experience and unforgettable memories.
Our ten-day itinerary included imperial cities, deserts, Berber villages, and unique landscapes that showcase Morocco’s diverse culture and scenery. Few countries offer such a complete experience, making Morocco an exceptional travel destination. We hope our route inspires future travels, and we look forward to the next destination.