Two-week Morocco highlights
A guide by local expert Hassan of Go Ask A Local
This 2-week itinerary takes in the very best of Morocco and is perfect for any first-time visitors who want to get a taste for the entire country. Your journey begins in bustling and modern Casablanca and ends in imperial Marrakech, with stops in between to all the places that have made Morocco justifiably famous.
Overview:
This itinerary is intended to be totally doable as a DIY self-drive, but to get the most out of a visit to Morocco you really should plan on hiring a driver-guide for at least a portion of the trip. The cost is surprisingly affordable and aside from the obvious benefit of not having to drive or worry about a car rental or logistics, you’ll get invaluable historical and cultural insights to help you gain a more complete understanding of this fascinating country. Together with a guide, you’ll be able to see the highlights, but will also delve deeper, visiting off the beaten path places and making real connections with locals. That said, however you choose to travel in Morocco, you are guaranteed to have a fabulous and welcoming experience.
Table of contents:
Day 1: Arrive in Casablanca, visit Hassan 2nd Mosque, head to Rababt
Day 2: Rabat to Tangier
Day 3: Tangier to Chefchaouen with hiking at Akchour
Day 4: Chefchaouen
Day 5: Chefchaouen to Fes with Roman ruins visit
Day 6: Fes
Day 7: Fes to the Middle Atlas and Midelt
Day 8: Midelt to Tafilalt Oasis, Erfoud, and Merzouga
Day 9: Merzouga - desert excursion, camel ride, overnight in Berber tent
Day 10: Merzouga to Todra Gorges and on to Dadès
Day 11: Dadès to Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, and Marrakesh
Day 12: Marrakesh
Day 13: Marrakesh
Day 14: Essaouira day trip
Day 15: Depart Morocco
About the author
For over 15 years Hassan has been running a small, boutique travel agency that exclusively covers his native country. Originally from Merzouga, near the majestic sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, he and his family now split their time between Morocco and Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
Hassan’s specialty is organizing culturally immersive trips that balance sightseeing, adventure, and unique and authentic experiences with locals. With a keen understanding of American and Western travelers’ interests as well as hyperlocal knowledge of Morocco and Moroccan culture, Hassan is the perfect ambassador to help travelers dive deeper into this fascinating country.
If you’re looking for more personalized help as you plan, Hassan offers one-hour trip planning consultations. He’ll sit down with you for an hour over Zoom to share his secrets and help you plan a better trip to Morocco.
Day 1
Arrival to Casablanca, short visit to the city, and then on to Rabat
Pick up from the airport in Casablanca and transfer to Hassan 2nd Mosque, the second largest in Africa. Make time to also visit the legendary Ricks Café from the movie Casablanca.
Later, you’ll continue to the capital, Rabat, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the home of the king and the royal family. While here, make a visit to the Udayas Kasbah, which panoramically overlooks the ever-flowing Bou Regreg River, the Atlantic Ocean and the city of Sale. Meander around its intricate alleyways, then head to the Mohammed V Mausoleum where the father, grandfather and uncle of the current king are buried. The building is very interesting with white marble and an adorned interior.
Marvel at the Hassan Tower, which dates back to the 12th century when the Almohad Sultan decided to build the largest mosque in the Islamic world. However, the project did not come to life because the Sultan died three years later and the work was abandoned.
Accommodation: Riad Kalaa B&B.
Dining options: Restaurant Dar Naji, Rick’s Café, La Sqala - Café Maure
Day 2
Rabat to Assilah Tangier
Today, head further north to the mysterious city of Tangier, which is the closest gateway to Europe from Africa. Once arrived in the city, visit the Neolithic Hercules caves which are shrouded in mystery.
Have a short break on the promontory Cap Spartel where it is believed the Atlantic and the Mediterranean seas converge. Later, drive to the Kasbah district for a guided walking tour with the possibility to visit the Kasbah Museum as well. Pass by the local bakeries, Hammam, and countless mosques on your way to the vibrant Medina with its bustling Souks. Each one is organized into sections including the Petit Socco and the Grand Socco.
Once you’ve had your fill of the Medina, a quick visit to the American Legation is worthwhile as it’s the oldest diplomatic U.S. property in the world.
Accommodation: El Minzah B&B.
Dining options: Casa Garcia
Day 3
Tangier to Chefchaouen with a light hike at Akchour
Today is a bit of a travel day, as your destination, Chefchaouen, is tucked far away in the beautiful Rif Mountains. Go slowly so as to enjoy the stunning nature views during the drive. On arrival to the city, check in to your Riad for a rest and to freshen up.
Now, you have two options. If you’ve still got energy after the long trip, do not miss the opportunity for a light hike at Akchour. This is about 45 minutes more from Chefchaouen and you can either drive yourself, take a taxi, or grab a shared shuttle (your cheapest option). The hike is an easy one and brings you into rather lush vegetation before winding up at a gorgeous waterfall. This type of scenery is not uncommon in the north, but still is rarely associated with Morocco.
If feeling less energetic, you can wander the beautiful streets and alleys of town or just relax and unwind in the comfort of the gorgeous Riad property before a fabulous dinner.
Accommodation: Lina Ryad & Spa.
Dining options: Restaurant Hicham, Café Clock
Day 4
Relax day in Chefchaouen
Take it easy today and just soak up the charming atmosphere and local culture.
Walk around this gem of a town, strolling into the city’s old medina, Uta el Hmmam square, the 15th century Grand Mosque with its unique octagonal minaret, and the Kasbah. Built in the 17th century by the Sultan Moulay Ismail, it served as an Arab stronghold and a prison during the Spanish occupation of the northern part of the kingdom. The Kasbah also has an interesting a museum displaying the local handcrafts, photographs, and furniture.
Accommodation: Lina Ryad & Spa.
Day 5
Chefchaouen to Fes with Roman ruins visit
Today you’ll travel to the 1200 year-old medina of Fes, stopping along the way for a visit to the Roman ruins of Volubilis and Moulay Iddriss.
Accommodation: Riad Laaroussa B&B.
Day 6
Guided tour of Fes
Today take a break and let someone else do the work! Starting at 9:00 AM, begin a guided walking tour of this fascinating medieval city, which is an un-missable experience on any Moroccan itinerary.
Your tour will include the largest and most authentic medina with its incredible maze of medieval twisting alleys, blind turns, mosques, shrines, fountains and every conceivable kind of market.
A tour of historic Fez should also always feature the 17th century medrasas (schools), the Sefarine Squares and their fountains, and the old Karaouine University.
This is a full day and the sights, smells, and sounds of the medina will invigorate your senses and fill you with energy.
Accommodation: Riad Laaroussa B&B.
Day 7
Fes to the Middle Atlas and Midelt
Today you drive south towards Midelt, pausing at Ifrane, known to some as Morocco’s Switzerland (it’s no wonder the town hosts Morocco’s most elite university).
After a visit, your journey will continue through the only remaining Cedar forest in north Africa, where you’ll should take another break to observe the Barbary apes, which although called apes really are monkeys.
There will be countless opportunities along the drive to stop for photos and to enjoy the splendid panoramic views. This is truly one of Morocco’s most spectacular drives.
Don’t worry about where to eat dinner tonight as your accommodation includes a dinner feast of local specialties.
Accommodation: Villa Pomme d’Or (half-board with dinner included).
Day 8
Midelt to Tafilalt Oasis, Erfoud, & Merzouga
Prepare for a dramatic change of scenery today as you continue heading south, driving through the Ziz Valley Gorges and the palm groves of the big Oasis, before arriving in Erfoud, home of fossils. If you’re interested, you can take a short break here to visit some of the sites where they’ve discovered the fossils, before continuing on to your final destination, Merzouga.
Accommodation: Riad Madu (half-board with dinner included).
Day 9
Desert excursion, camel ride, overnight under the stars
Welcome to the desert! Today be sure to visit Rissani souk and learn more about Merzouga and the breathtaking Erg Chebbi sand dunes.
For an introduction to local culture that is also a whole lot of fun, you can attend an African folkloric music/dance performance in Khamlia village. Another great visit is the Sarji lake (if it has water) along with a delightful lunch at a local home.
Afterwards, take a few hours by the pool before you mount camels for a ride through the dunes. This is the highlight of many traveler’s trip to Morocco and it is a unique and wonderful experience. You’ll then spend the night in the desert under the stars.
Accommodation: Madu luxury tented camp (half-board with dinner included).
Dining options: lunch at Nora Merzouga
Day 10
Depart the desert for the Todra and Dadès Gorges
After breakfast, depart the desert via the ancient desert town of Rissani, heading toward the dramatic Todra Gorges via Tinejdad and Tinghir towns.
Once at the gorges, take a walk along the river and stop to relish the panoramic views of the old mud-built berber villages overlooking the valley.
My suggestions for lunch is a restaurant sitting 600 feet below the towering red cliffs of the gorges, which many rock climbers come to enjoy.
After eating and enjoying the stunning views, continue on to the gorgeous Dadès Gorges, where you’ll have the option for a light hike.
Accommodation: Chez Pierre (half-board with dinner included).
Day 11
Dadès Gorges to Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou, & Marrakesh
Leave Dadès and head to Ouarzazate, the city best-known as Morocco’s Hollywood. Wander the town at your leisure and enjoy the international atmosphere here. This is a major tourist destination and also a jumping off point for lots of adventures into the desert.
After you visit town, be sure to stop in the photogenic Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a very cool fortified village. In the past this was a rest point for caravans, but more recently has been the scene for many international movies, such as Lawrence of Arabia, Sheltering Sky, and Gladiator.
Get ready for a fast change of scenery and an awe-inspiring drive as next you will be driving into the majestic High Atlas Mountains, reaching over 7,000 feet of elevation. This is one of the most scenic drives in the country and it is a site to behold. Make your way through the mountains, arriving in Marrakesh in the evening.
Accommodation: La Maison Arabe B&B.
Dining options: Nomad, Comptoir Darna, Mama Mia
Day 12
Guided tour of Marrakesh
Today is all about exploring Marrakesh, so to get the most out of it plan on a guided tour starting around 9:00 AM. A good tour should feature a number of famous monuments, including the soothing and relaxing Les jardin Majorelle, the Koutoubia Minaret (identical to the la Giralda tower in Sevilla, Spain), and the Saadian tombs, which represent Moorish architecture at its finest. The tombs, which include several sixteenth century mausoleums, lay undiscovered behind walls until 1917. Most tours will also will include a meander through the different parts of the Souk and a visit to the famous Djama El Fna square.
Accommodation: La Maison Arabe B&B.
Day 13
Free day in Marrakech
Take a totally free day to explore Marrakesh, do some shopping, enjoy leisurely meals, and visit a Hammam. I think that a great activity in Marrakech is to join a cooking class and learn some traditional dishes before eating them!
Yesterday’s tour should help to orient you and you should make notes of places that you enjoyed or didn’t yet see so that you can formulate a nice plan for your day in the city.
Accommodation: La Maison Arabe B&B.
Day 14
Essaouira Day Trip
Devote today to touring the charming town of Essaouira, which means picture in Arabic. A Portuguese port in the past, the town is unlike anywhere in the rest of the country and has an international feel to it.
The medina, the romantic port, and the ramparts are all located within a few steps of each other. This makes Essaouira’s medinas one of the easiest to self-navigate, although by now you should already be a pro! After thoroughly exploring this lovely town, head back to Marrakech for one lat evening.
Accommodation: La Maison Arabe B&B.
Dining options: Silvestro
Day 15
Depart Morocco
Sadly, this is the end of your time with us here in Morocco. Prepare to drop off your car in either Casablanca or Marrakesh before catching your flight.
Safe travels!
