Morocco is a country that draws you in. From the colorful, heady markets filled with the rich scents of spices to the vibrant Atlas Mountains, there is just so much to see in this incredible North African country.
While you can have a great time hitting up the main spots over a few days, I highly recommend lingering in Morocco to uncover all of the hidden treasures. Just keep in mind that Morocco is a more conservative country so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings especially as a female traveler.
Ready to fall in love with this dynamic, gorgeous country? Here is my itinerary for two weeks in Morocco.
Morocco Itinerary Overview
Days 1 – 5: Marrakech (4 Nights)
Days 5 – 7: Sahara Desert (2 Nights)
Days 7-8: Skoura Valley Oasis (1 Night)
Days 8 – 10: Essaouira (2 Nights)
Days 10-11: Night Train from Marrakech to Tangier (1 Night)
Days 11 – 13: Chefchaouen (2 Nights)
Days 13-14: Fes (1 Night)
Days 14-15: Casablanca (1 Night)
Day 15: Head home!
Day 1: Marrakech
Fly into Marrakech Menara Airport
Stay at Riad Yasmine: We checked into this gorgeous riad for a two-night stay and found out why it’s one of Instagram’s most famous hotels.
Eat at NOMAD: For our first night, we checked out this cool fusion restaurant for dinner. The food was great, and the place has an epic sunset view.
Day 2: Marrakech
Have Breakfast at Riad Yasmine: Starting your day on a rooftop is a must in Morocco!
Explore Marrakesh: We went to the Ben Youssef Madrasa and the Bahia Palace, both of which are perfect for photo ops.
Get Online: SIM cards are cheap here. I picked up a Maroc SIM card for 40 dirham ($4 USD) plus 100 dirham ($10 USD) for 10 GBs of data.
Have Lunch at Le Jardin: A green oasis in the middle of the city, this was a perfect midday break. Don’t miss the pop-up shop inside!
Shop: Morocco is an amazing place for shopping, Marrakech has some good markets. I was really disappointed with Jemaa el Fna though. While it’s one of the city’s most popular attractions, it’s also overly touristy and has super aggressive vendors along with some unfortunate animal cruelty.
Read More: The Ultimate Marrakech Travel Guide
Days 3 and 4: Marrakech
Stay at La Mamounia: We checked into the famous La Mamounia for our last couple of nights in the city. This is such a fab place to just unwind and indulge.
We tried to maximize our time here while exploring the winding alleyways of Marrakech before heading to the desert.
Days 5 and 6: Sahara Desert
Marrakech to the Sahara Desert by Car (Approx. 10 Hours)
Stay at the Desert Luxury Camp: We were picked up from La Mamounia in the early morning of Day 5 and then spent two unforgettable nights at the Sahara Desert Luxury Camp. It takes almost a full day to get to the camp, but the travel is included in the glamping package.
We booked our driver through the desert camp, and you can do the same when booking!
While it’s a LONG trip, the journey through Skoura Oasis is truly breathtaking.
Read More: Morocco’s Sahara Desert Glamping Guide
Days 7-8: Skoura Valley Oasis
5-Hour Transfer from Sahara Desert Camp in 4×4
Travel to the Skoura Valley Oasis: We left the desert behind, with our private driver from the desert camp, to travel to the Skoura Valley oasis for one night at L’ma Lodge.
Read More: Tips for Traveling Morocco on a Budget
Days 8 and 9: Essaouira
Drive from Skoura Valley Oasis to Essaouira (Approx. 7 Hours)
In the morning, our driver (from the desert camp) picked us up from L’ma Lodge and dropped us off in Essaouira, where we said our goodbyes!
Stay at the Villa Maroc: We took a taxi to the coastal city of Essaouira (we paid approx. $90 USD) and stayed two nights in Villa Maroc. Be sure to book yourself a massage and spend some time in their hammam.
Explore the Medina and Souks: Shopping in Morocco is the best. There are endless souks in Essaouira so be sure to schedule some time (and budget) for a look through.
Stroll the Port: Essaouira is a coastal town and there is a huge port where you can see lines of bright blue boats and fisherman reeling in the catch of the day. Afterward, head to the bustling fish market to pick one up!
Take a Cooking Class: Villa Maroc offers a great cooking class where you can learn how to make some traditional Moroccan dishes!
Eat at La Licorne: Come here for a fine dining experience and to try their tajin and couscous dishes.
Day 10: Overnight Train from Marrakech to Tangier
Taxi from Essaouira to Marrakech + Overnight train from Marrakech to Tangier
Take a Ride on the Overnight Train: Getting around Morocco by train is a great option for all types of travelers. a great way to see some of the incredible landscape between cities.
While there isn’t an extensive network of trains, you’ll find that the majority of tourist destinations in Morocco are well connected if you want to do some city hopping!
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Traveling by Train in Morocco
Days 11- 13: Chefchaouen
Taxi from Tangier to Chefchaouen
Explore the Medina and Shop the Souks in Chefchaouen: Visit the heart of the city to get a feel for the style and culture. Grab a bite, do some bargaining and find yourself some gems. One of my favorite shops was La Botica de la Abuela Aladdin for homemade soaps!
Stay at Dar Baibou: From Tangier, we took a taxi to Chefchaouen, which was just over two hours and $60 USD. When we arrived, we checked into Dar Baibou for two nights. This quaint little hotel has a traditional Moroccan style and great amenities.
Stay at Casa Perleta: This top rated hotel has an Andalusian style and is very popular so book early! Don’t miss the beignet stand right next door!
Hike to the Spanish Mosque: Overlooking Chefchaouen, you’ll want to plan a couple hours to hike up and explore this abandoned mosque.
Explore Rif Mountain: There are guided excursions that will take you up into the mountains or it’s easy to plan a solo trip. If you are traveling in the summer, just be sure to plan for the heat!
Eat at Le Lamp Magique at Aladins: This spot is popular for its classic lunch dishes and it’s also one of the prime places in Chefchaouen to watch the sunset.
Read More: 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Chefchaouen
Day 13-14: Fes
Taxi from Chefchaouen to Fes (Approx. 3.5 hours)
Visit the Tanneries in Fes: Prepare for a very sensory tour of the famous leather tanneries (lots of strong smells). They have beautiful handmade leather pieces and other handiwork.
Go to Shop 64: For the best overhead view of the souk and the tanneries, take a trip up the stairs of shop 64!
Shop the Medinas: Filled with endless lines of color and aromas, these heady markets are unlike anything else that you’ll find in the world. You can bargain with any vendor and get rock bottom prices on great stuff.
Explore Al Attarine Madrasa: This educational institute in the heart of the medina has a very interesting history as well as incredible intricate architecture. It is definitely worth the quick tour.
Stay at Dar Seffarine: It’s the oldest hotel in the medina and, with just six guest rooms, it has a very intimate feel– a nice place to escape the busy streets.
Read More: Spending 24 Hours in Fes, Morocco
Day 14-15: Casablanca
Train from Fes to Casablanca
See Casablanca: We took the train from Fes (which took less than four hours and ranges from $12 to $25 USD, depending on which seats you opt for) to get to Casablanca, and we stayed one night in Mogador Marina.
Walk Through the Market: This market is smaller than others so it is very manageable. They have also nailed the aesthetic and it’s totally instagrammable.
Grab a Drink at Rick’s Cafe: This place is a classic and they make a great Negroni (my drink of choice).
Stroll Through the Parc de La Ligue Arabe: This peaceful area is full of greenery and is the ideal spot for a little walk and talk.
Visit the Hassan II Mosque: This incredible Mosque sits above the Atlantic Ocean which is visible through one room’s glass floor.
Treat Yourself to a Pastry at Bennis Habous: Located near the old medina this is often considered as one of the best pastry shops in the country. Try the hornes des gazelles!
Eat at Resto Zayna: For a very traditional Moroccan experience and a taste of the country’s traditional cuisine.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Traveling by Train in Morocco
That was a great program to visit all the best attractions to Morocco
Great pictures
Keep the good work
Thank you! I think it captured Morocco pretty nicely as well. 🙂
Hi –
I’m going to Morocco in August and meeting a group in Marrakech, but thinking of going a few days early with a girlfriend of mine. Which city would you most recommend for ~2 nights? Casablanca, Tangier, or Essouira? All seem relatively the same to get to from NYC.
thanks so much!
Hi Pyper! It truly depends on what you’re after. Essaouira is a FANTASTIC surf spot and in my opinion, the most picturesque of these three, but both the other cities are beautiful as well! Not to make the decision more difficult for you…but have you considered visiting the blue city of Chefchaouen? https://thecrazyfunlife.com/ultimate-chefchaouen-travel-guide/
Thank you so much! Essaouria is what I was thinking, but it looked too hard to get there straight from NY, so we decided to fly to Prague for a few days before Marrakesh 🙂 I’m going to look at how we can day trip to Essaouria from Marrakesh though, I would love Chefchaouen but it looks a little farther from Marrakesh? Love all of your blogs on Morocco, they’re so helpful!!