12 Day Morocco Itinerary
If you’re looking for the best 12-day Morocco itinerary, then in this post I’m going to share the exact route I followed, combining city highlights with an unforgettable Sahara Desert tour. This Morocco travel itinerary takes you from Marrakesh through the Atlas Mountains and desert dunes to Fez and Casablanca. Along the way you’ll experience bustling medinas, Berber villages, kasbahs, and the golden sands of Erg Chebbi. For those with less time, I’ll also suggest alternative versions of this Morocco itinerary, from 7 to 10 days.
Why I Loved Traveling in Morocco
What made Morocco unforgettable for me was not just the sights, but the way the country engages all your senses. The medinas are a sensory overload of smells, while filled with vibrant colors burst from textile shops and pottery stalls. Every meal was rich with flavor, from slow-cooked tagines to mint tea poured high into small glasses. But most of all, it was the people. Our guides, hosts, and the locals we met were welcoming, generous, and eager to share their culture. Morocco also offered me a gateway into Africa, with its blend of Arab, Berber, and French influences. At the same time, I came away with a deeper understanding of its layered history, including the unsettling legacies of colonialism.
While I was traveling, I read The Black Crescent by Jane Johnson, a novel set in Morocco. I’d recommend reading it before your trip, as it helped frame some of the historical context and gave me a richer sense of what I was experiencing on the ground. That combination of warmth, beauty, complexity, and layered history is what made this 12-day Morocco itinerary so meaningful.
Day 1–2: Marrakesh (2 Days)
Begin your Morocco itinerary in Marrakesh, the Red City. With two days here, you’ll have enough time to explore the vibrant medina, admire palaces and gardens, and soak up the energy of Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
Highlights include:
- Bahia Palace
- Jardin Majorelle
- Koutoubia Mosque
- Wandering the souks for spices, textiles, and handicrafts
Where to stay: Traditional riads in the medina like Dar Rocmarra.
See my 2-Day Marrakesh Itinerary for sightseeing highlights and recommended hotels.
Day 3–7: Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakesh to Fez (5 Days)
The highlight of this Morocco travel itinerary was a 5-day private Sahara Desert tour with Desert Majesty, which took us across the High Atlas Mountains, through valleys and kasbahs, and into the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Day 3: Marrakesh to Skoura
- Tichka Pass in the High Atlas
- Telouet Kasbah
- Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO site and film location)
- Overnight at Auberge Chez Talout in Skoura
Day 4: Skoura to Dades Gorge
- Visit Kasbah Amridil
- Drive through the Valley of Roses
- Explore Dades Gorge and climb the scenic switchback road
- Overnight at Dar Blues
Day 5: Todra Gorge to Merzouga
- Hike along the Todra River trail and watch local rock climbers
- Pass through the Tafilalet Oasis
- Camel ride into Erg Chebbi dunes
- Overnight in a luxury desert camp
Day 6: Sahara Desert (Erg Chebbi)
- Full day exploring the dunes of Erg Chebbi
- Stargazing and Berber music at camp
Day 7: Sahara to Fes
- Drive through the Ziz Valley
- Lunch in Midelt
- Stop in Ifrane, known as Little Switzerland
- Arrive in Fes and stay at Riad Rcif & Spa.
See my full Sahara Desert tour from Marrakesh to Fes post for details, or check out my Know Before You Go to the Sahara post.
Day 8–11: Fez (4 Days)
Fez is Morocco’s oldest imperial city, and spending four days here (3 full days on the ground, 1 day accounts for travel time) allows you to dive into the world’s largest car-free medina.
Highlights include:
- Exploring the Fez Medina (Fes el-Bali)
- Visiting the Chouara Tannery
- Medersa Bou Inania and Al-Attarine Madrasa
Where to stay: Traditional riads in the medina for an authentic experience, like Riad Rcif Alif & Spa.
See my 3-Day Fes Itinerary for details.
Day 12: Casablanca (1 Day)
Finish your 12-day Morocco tour in Casablanca, the country’s modern hub. With one day, focus on its most iconic site.
Highlights include:
- Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, perched on the Atlantic coast
Where to stay: Hotels in the city center like Radisson Blu.
See my Casablanca guide for details.
Practical Travel Tips for a Morocco Itinerary
- Best time to visit: Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) for mild weather
- Transport: Marrakesh and Casablanca are well-connected by international flights. Trains link Casablanca and Fes. A guided Sahara Desert tour is the easiest way to visit the dunes.
- Cash: Bring plenty of euros or dirhams for tips, small purchases, and final tour payments. Take cash out in major cities.
- Packing: Bring layers for desert nights, sturdy shoes for walking medinas and dunes, and medication in case of illness. Read more in my Morocco packing guide.
Alternative Morocco Travel Itinerary Options
If you don’t have 12 days, here are ways to shorten the trip:
- 7 Days in Morocco: Marrakesh (2 days), Sahara Desert tour (3 days), Fez (2 days)
- 10 Days in Morocco: Marrakesh (2 days), Sahara Desert tour (5 days), Fez (3 days)
- 2 Weeks in Morocco: Add Chefchaouen (the Blue City) or Essaouira to the 12-day itinerary
Fes was more favorite city, followed by Marrakesh then Casablanca. The Sahara desert was the highlight.
Final Thoughts
A 12-day Morocco itinerary gives you the perfect balance of cultural immersion and adventure. Starting in Marrakesh, traveling across the Atlas Mountains into the Sahara Desert, exploring the historic medina of Fes, and finishing in Casablanca provides a true sense of Morocco’s diversity.
