Morocco is a place that will enchant you from the very first moment! It’s no coincidence they call it the “land of contrasts.”
This was a trip we had been dreaming of for a long time, and we finally made it happen in a 10-day journey filled with diverse experiences, vibrant cities, and unique flavors. Although our flights were in and out of Marrakech, we decided to explore as much as possible. Our route took us from cosmopolitan Casablanca to the mystical Fez and the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert, before returning to Marrakech for our final days.
Here is exactly how we spent our 10 days in Morocco.
Day 1: Arrival & Transit to Casablanca
Upon landing in Marrakech, we headed straight to the train station to catch the train to Casablanca.
- Pro Tip: We highly recommend booking First Class tickets. The cabins are comfortable, clean and quiet, making the 3-hour journey very pleasant.
- Dinner: We ate at La Madrina Maarif – excellent pasta and pizza for a first “taste” of the country.
- Budget: ~€25 for two people (Dinner).
Day 2: The Grand Mosque & The “Chaos” of Casablanca
We started with the iconic Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Africa. It is built right over the Atlantic Ocean and is truly breathtaking. Afterward, we wandered through the Old Medina and spotted the famous Rick’s Café (from the movie Casablanca). The “Hard” Lesson: Traffic in Casablanca is chaotic. We underestimated the distances and missed our train to Fez.
- Travel Tip: Calculate plenty of time for taxi rides and arrive at the train station at least 30-40 minutes early.
- Dinner: Le Cuistot Traditionnel (Authentic Moroccan cuisine).
- Accommodation: Riad Dar Cordoba in Fez (Highly recommended! Great location and amazing breakfast).
- Budget: ~€50 for dinner for two.
Day 3: Exploring Fez (The Soul of Morocco)
Fez was more authentic than we ever imagined. To navigate the labyrinthine Medina, we hired a local guide for a 3-hour tour.
- Highlight: The Chouara Tannery. Watching the traditional leather dyeing process is a must-see.
- The “Mint” Trick: The smell is intense, but locals provide mint leaves to hold under your nose, it really helps!
- Dinner: Dar Hammad (Try the Tagine and Couscous).
- Budget: €50 for a private guide / €25 for dinner for two.
Day 4: Hidden Gems of Fez
We spent our second full day in Fez soaking up the local atmosphere at a slower pace. We visited Jnan Sbil, a stunning and peaceful garden that offers a perfect escape from the Medina’s buzz, and later stopped for authentic Moroccan mint tea at Café Abdullah. Afterward, we wandered through the souks one last time for some final leather goods and spices. It turns out Fez was one of our favorite destinations, and it definitely deserves at least two full days of exploration.
- Dinner: We ate at La Cave – a cozy spot with great food.
- Budget: €30 for two people (Dinner).
Days 5, 6 & 7: The Sahara Desert Expedition
Early on Day 5, the most magical part of our journey began! We left Fez for a 3-day excursion toward the Sahara with Morocco Fabulous Travel.
The tour included breathtaking stops at the Atlas Mountains before reaching the village of Merzouga. We spent our first night in a luxury desert camp among the dunes, an experience we will never forget. On the second day, we continued to the dramatic Dades Gorges, where we spent our second night before finally reaching Marrakech on the evening of Day 7.
- Cost: €250 per person (Shared group tour).
Days 8 & 9: The Magic of Marrakech
Our final two days were dedicated to the “Red City.” We spent a total of three nights in Marrakech (including our arrival night from the desert), which is the minimum time needed to truly appreciate its energy. While it’s more touristy and hectic than Fez, it has a magnetic charm that is impossible to ignore.
- Accommodation: We stayed at Riad Nelia, and it was a dream. A stunning pool to cool off, impeccable service, and a breakfast that gave us all the energy we needed.
Hungry for more? For a deep dive into the sights we visited, the best places to eat, and how to navigate the souks, check out our dedicated post: [Marrakech Guide: Top things to do and eat].
Final Thoughts: Is 10 Days Enough?
Morocco is a country that stays with you long after you’ve left. In 10 days, we managed to see the diverse faces of this incredible land—from the Atlantic breeze in Casablanca to the silence of the Sahara and the beautiful chaos of Marrakech.
If it’s your first time, this itinerary offers the perfect balance between adventure and culture. Our biggest takeaway? Don’t be afraid of the “chaos” – embrace it, drink the mint tea, talk to the locals, and let the colors of the Medina guide you. Morocco isn’t just a destination, it’s a feeling.
Quick Travel Tips for Morocco:
- Currency & Cash: Morocco is heavily cash-based. It is best to bring Euros/Dollars and exchange them at local exchange offices (bureaux de change) or withdraw Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) directly from ATMs.
- Transportation: Download the InDrive app for taxis to ensure fair prices and avoid haggling.
- Stay Connected: Buy a local SIM card or e-SIM (Orange or Maroc Telecom) at the airport upon arrival; it’s very affordable and has great coverage.