How many days do you need in Morocco? Itineraries from 3 to 24 days

From a three-day desert escape to a three-week grand tour: realistic Morocco itineraries by length, with driving times and the private tours that match.

Morocco looks small on a map, but distances are real: the drive from Marrakech to the Merzouga dunes is a full day, and the roads over the Atlas are slow and winding. Here is what you can realistically see in each length of trip.

3 days: Marrakech and one night in the Sahara

Three days is the minimum for the desert from Marrakech. You cross the High Atlas, follow the Road of Kasbahs through the Dades Valley, spend a night in the dunes of Erg Chebbi and return by a different southern road. See the 3-Day Merzouga Tour.

If you are travelling between cities, a three-day crossing from Marrakech to Fes through the Sahara (Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara) saves you the return drive.

5 to 7 days: the desert plus one imperial city

A week lets you slow down. The most popular option starts in Fes, with a guided day in the medina, the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, a full day in the Erg Chebbi desert, the Todra and Dades gorges, Ait Ben Haddou and a final day in Marrakech: 7 Days from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga.

Flying into Casablanca? The 7-day Enchanting Trails of Morocco covers Chefchaouen, Fes, the desert and Marrakech.

8 to 10 days: the classic grand circuit

With ten days you can see the four imperial cities — Rabat, Meknes, Fes and Marrakech — plus Chefchaouen, Volubilis and the Sahara without rushing. See the 10-Day Tour from Casablanca, or its one-way version ending in Marrakech (10 Days from Casablanca to Marrakech).

12 to 15 days: north, south and the Atlantic

Two weeks add the coast and quieter regions: Essaouira, Taroudant's ramparts, the saffron town of Taliouine, the Ouzoud falls. The 15-day North & South via the Desert is a slow-paced loop through both halves of the country.

3 weeks or more: almost the whole country

Our longest programmes, of 20 and 24 days, add Tangier, Asilah, Tetouan, Agadir and many included activities, from a balloon flight to a hammam.

Five tips for planning your route

• Count driving time, not kilometres. Mountain roads average far less than motorways; allow a full day for Marrakech to Merzouga.
• Avoid a long drive on arrival day. After an international flight, keep the first day short.
• Use the train for the north. The Al Boraq high-speed train links Tangier and Casablanca in about 2 hours 15 minutes.
• One-way routes save time. Arriving in Fes or Casablanca and leaving from Marrakech avoids doubling back.
• Keep one free day. A day without a programme in Marrakech or Essaouira makes the whole trip more relaxed.

Every itinerary is private and can be adapted. Tell us how many days you have and we will suggest the best route.