Morocco itineraries: 3 routes for exploring cities, beaches and mountains

05.02.2025 - 17:57 / lonelyplanet.com

Feb 5, 2025 • 8 min read

In the captivating country of Morocco, travelers can spend their days getting lost in the medinas of ancient cities like Marrakesh and Fez, hike through the mountains of the High Atlas or the cedar forests of Ifrane National Park, or even surf along the Atlantic coast near Taghazout. 

All these options are why we’ve created three itineraries that will take you to some of the best places in Morocco. Ranging from five to eight days, these journeys can be lengthened by leaving additional time at various stops, adding fascinating detours as your travel, or combining two or even all three of them to build the two- or three-week itinerary of your dreams. 

If you’re ready to start planning, here are three amazing itineraries for exploring Morocco. 

8-day itinerary
Distance: 1142km (710 miles) 

This exciting journey takes you from vibrant Marrakesh to the imperial city of Meknes. Along the way, you’ll visit a World Heritage–listed fortified village, experience Amazigh culture in oasis valleys and wonder at the night sky in the Sahara. Relish Morocco’s spiritual capital of Fez before heading off to Volubilis and Meknes.

Touch down in Marrakesh, where you’ll find sublime monuments, souqs for shopping and numerous museums. Join in the fun on Djemaa El Fna for dinner and entertainment. Take a taxi to the Ville Nouvelle to visit the serene Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, and to browse art galleries and chic boutiques.

Detour: Take a sidecar trip to the stony desert of Agafay (6 hours). 

Next stop: Drive from Marrakesh to Skoura (4 hours). 

Leave Marrakesh and head into the High Atlas Mountains over the spectacular Tizi N’Tichka pass. You’ll see Amazigh villages and kasbahs all along the road – look out for a village souq, too. In the oasis town of Skoura, go for a walk in the shady palm groves where families grow vegetables.

Detour: Explore the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, a World Heritage Site (1 hour).

Next stop: Drive from Skoura to Merzouga (5 hours). 

Enjoy the drive along the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs to Merzouga. Ride a camel to your desert camp in time for sunset over the dunes; dinner is around the campfire with music and drumming. The night sky in the Sahara is stupendous – look out (and up) for shooting stars.

Detour: Admire the impressive Todra Gorge near Tinghir (1 hour). 

Next stop: Drive from Merzouga to Fez (7 hours). 

Leave the desert behind as you climb up the Ziz Valley into the Middle Atlas, with its cedar forests. In the spiritual capital of Fez, take a tour to see the Karaouine Mosque, the Bou Inania and Attarine Medersas, and the tanneries. Explore the old Jewish quarter with its synagogue and cemetery. Taste local honey, visit the community oven