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Morocco looks small on the map, but distances are long: from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert it’s about 9-10 hours on the road. That’s why it’s important to choose an itinerary that fits the days you have. Here are five suggestions, from the shortest to the most complete.
3 days: the desert from Marrakech
With three days you can do the classic Marrakech – Merzouga – Marrakech: the High Atlas, Aït Ben Haddou, the Dadès and Todra gorges and a night in the dunes. On the third day the drive back is long, but it’s worth it. See the tour Marrakech to Merzouga. If you arrive in Errachidia, on the other hand, even 2 days is enough.
5 days: the southern loop
Five days let you do the desert without rushing: you drive down the Draa valley, sleep in the dunes and come back through the canyons, never repeating the same road. It’s our Sahara loop in 5 days.
7 days: two imperial cities and the desert
With a week you combine Fez and Marrakech via the Sahara: the medieval medina of Fez, two nights in Merzouga, the canyons, Aït Ben Haddou and a full day in Marrakech. It’s the perfect itinerary for a first trip: Fez, Sahara and Marrakech in 7 days.
10 days: essential Morocco
Ten days is the ideal time to add the north: Chefchaouen, the blue city, and the Roman ruins of Volubilis, as well as Fez, the desert and the kasbah road. See imperial cities, the blue north and the Sahara.
14 days: the complete tour
With two weeks you see everything at a relaxed pace, including the ocean at Essaouira and a night in a Berber village in the High Atlas. Our classic Morocco in 14 days starts in Marrakech and ends in Casablanca.
And with more time?
With three weeks or a month you can also explore the Anti-Atlas, Erg Chigaga and the southern coast. We have itineraries of up to 30 days, but every trip can be tailor-made: see all our tours or send us your dates.
Three tips for choosing
- No more than 5-6 hours on the road a day, if you can.
- At least one full night in the desert, two is better.
- Leave a free day every 4-5 days of travel.
