Marrakech Itinerary 11 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

Your 11-day Morocco itinerary begins with a warm welcome at Marrakech Menara Airport. Your private driver will transfer you to your traditional riad in the heart of the medina, only about 15 minutes away. These charming guesthouses, with peaceful courtyards and intricate tilework, offer an authentic Moroccan atmosphere from the moment you arrive.

If your flight is earlier in the day, you might take a gentle walk through the nearby souks, where the scent of cumin and cinnamon fills the air, and the sound of metalworkers and woodcarvers sets the tone for your journey. Otherwise, relax with a glass of fresh mint tea on the riad’s terrace before the days ahead.

Day 2: Guided Tour of Marrakech

After breakfast, your local guide will meet you for a full-day exploration of Marrakech’s cultural and historic treasures.

• Begin at the Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture with carved ceilings, colorful zellige tiles, and tranquil gardens.
• Visit the Saadian Tombs, hidden for centuries before their rediscovery in 1917, where sultans and their families rest.
• Stop at the Koutoubia Mosque, the city’s largest, with its graceful minaret visible from miles away.

From here, step into the lively Jemaa el-Fna square, a UNESCO-recognized cultural space alive with storytellers, musicians, snake charmers, and food stalls.

After lunch, you can choose to wander the labyrinthine souks or visit the serene Majorelle Gardens, an oasis of cobalt-blue architecture and exotic plants. Return to your riad in the evening.

Day 3: Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Ben Haddou → Dades Valley (Approx. 6 hrs drive)

Enjoy breakfast before setting off into the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters. Along the way, pause for panoramic views of Berber villages perched on hillsides, and perhaps stop for coffee in a mountain café.

By midday, arrive at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose earthen kasbahs have featured in films such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Explore its narrow alleys before continuing to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa” for its film studios.

Passing through the fragrant Valley of Roses and the market town of Kalaat Mgouna, you’ll reach the dramatic Dades Valley for dinner and an overnight stay in a comfortable hotel overlooking the gorge.

Day 4: Dades Valley → Todra Gorges → Merzouga (Camel Trek & Desert Camp) (Approx. 4.5 hrs drive)

This morning, follow the road deeper into the Dades Valley, stopping to admire the unique “Monkey Fingers” rock formations. Continue to the Tinghir Oasis, where palm groves and irrigation canals lead into the towering Todra Gorges, with cliffs rising up to 300 meters.

In the afternoon, arrive in Merzouga at the edge of the Sahara Desert. Here, switch to camels for a trek across the rolling Erg Chebbi dunes, timing your ride to witness the sunset painting the sand in gold and crimson.

At your luxury desert camp, enjoy a Berber dinner by the campfire, accompanied by drumming and songs under a vast star-filled sky. Overnight in a private, well-equipped tent.

Day 5: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Fes (Approx. 7 hrs drive)

Wake early to watch the sun rise over the desert. Return to Merzouga village by camel or 4×4, then enjoy breakfast and freshen up before the long but scenic drive north.

Travel through the Ziz Valley, where date palms line the riverbanks and ancient kasbahs dot the landscape. After a lunch break in Midelt, continue into the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping at the Cedar Forest near Azrou to spot Barbary macaques.

Pass through Ifrane, nicknamed “the Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine-style architecture, before arriving in Fes. Check into your riad in the medina for the night.

Day 6: Full-Day Guided Tour of Fes

Today, discover Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural heart. Your local guide will lead you through the UNESCO-listed medina:

• Visit Al Quaraouiyine University, founded in 859 and recognized as the world’s oldest.
• See the Nejjarine Fountain, a fine example of traditional craftsmanship.
• Watch leather being dyed in the colorful vats of the Chouara Tanneries.

As you wander through artisan quarters, spice markets, and narrow lanes that have changed little over centuries, you’ll gain a deep appreciation for Fes’s enduring traditions. Return to your riad in the evening.

Day 7: Fes → Chefchaouen (Approx. 4.5 hrs drive)

After breakfast, depart Fes and drive north into the Rif Mountains, where winding roads lead to the charming town of Chefchaouen. Known as the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco, its blue-painted walls and tranquil vibe are instantly captivating.

Spend the afternoon strolling its photogenic streets, visiting the main square of Outa el Hammam, and browsing artisan shops selling woven blankets, pottery, and jewelry. For a panoramic view, hike up to the Spanish Mosque at sunset. Overnight in a boutique riad.

Day 8: Chefchaouen → Casablanca (Approx. 5.5 hrs drive)

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before the drive to Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and commercial capital. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, with its 210-meter minaret standing proudly above the Atlantic waves.

Check into your hotel and enjoy a laid-back evening in the city.

Day 9: Casablanca → Marrakech (Approx. 3.5 hrs drive)

Travel back to Marrakech along the highway. Upon arrival, the rest of the afternoon is free—perfect for revisiting the souks for last-minute shopping, booking a traditional hammam spa treatment, or relaxing in your riad’s courtyard. An optional farewell dinner can be arranged.

Day 10: Day Trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls

After breakfast, set out for a day trip to the spectacular Ouzoud Waterfalls, Morocco’s highest at 110 meters. Surrounded by olive groves and dramatic red cliffs, the falls offer walking trails, boat rides, and the chance to spot Barbary macaques.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch with views of the cascading water before returning to Marrakech for your final night in Morocco.

Day 11: Departure from Marrakech

Depending on your flight time, savor a final breakfast and perhaps a last stroll through the medina before your private transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport. Your 11-day Marrakech itinerary concludes with unforgettable memories of Morocco’s landscapes, cities, and traditions.