Are you planning a Morocco itinerary and want to explore the country beyond the typical tourist paths? In this article, I’ll take you on a two-week journey through Morocco – from the iconic blue streets of Chefchaouen to the endless dunes of the Sahara. Whether you’re traveling by bus or renting a car, this 14-day travel itinerary will lead you to Morocco’s hidden gems, where you’ll experience authentic adventures, breathtaking landscapes, and captivating culture. Join me as we explore historic imperial cities, traverse wild mountain passes, and discover oases far from the crowds. Get ready for an adventure that offers unforgettable moments and a deep connection with the true spirit of Morocco.
2‑Week Morocco Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tangier
Tangier is the starting point of my Morocco itinerary and offers a fascinating mix of Moroccan culture and European influences. As the gateway to Africa, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, this city is as diverse as its history. Its winding medina, the historic Kasbah district, and the stunning views over Tangier Bay create a unique atmosphere.
Take your time to wander through the medina’s narrow alleys, enjoy a quick break at the central Grand Socco square, and savor delicious, authentic Moroccan cuisine at the restaurant Chez Hassan — Bad Kshbah in the evening.
Recommended stay: 1 night
My length of stay: 1 night
Accomodation Recommendation: Riad AMR*
Day 2–3: Chefchaouen
After a restful night, a delicious breakfast, and another stroll through Tangier, we head towards Chefchaouen at midday.
Drive time: Tangier to Chefchaouen, approximately 2.5 hours.
Nestled in the foothills of the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is a dream in blue. Known as “the blue pearl,” this small town is considered one of the most beautiful in Morocco. I must admit, I had some doubts at first, as the place is heavily hyped on Instagram, but I was fortunately proven wrong. Chefchaouen is truly stunning!
Since the entire medina is a highlight in itself, taking a stroll through its winding streets is definitely THE highlight. You’ll continuously encounter picturesque corners and small artisan shops. Particularly popular is the Uta el-Hammam square, the heart of the city, with cozy cafés and restaurants where you can admire the impressive Kasbah.
At sunset, be sure to find a rooftop terrace or take a short walk to the Spanish Mosque located a little outside the town.
Recommended Stay: mind. 1 night
My length of stay: 1 night
Accomodations in Chefchaouen
After a hearty breakfast with the best views and another exploration of Chefchaouen, we continue our journey to Fes at midday.
Drive time: Chefchaouen to Fes, approximately 4 hours.
Day 3–5: Fes
Fes is the oldest of the four imperial cities in Morocco and is definitely a must on any Morocco road trip. The labyrinthine medina, Fes el-Bali, will impress every visitor, making you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. You’ll find traditional tanneries, centuries-old Quranic schools, and universities, all while donkey carts and mopeds navigate through the narrow alleys of the souks.
Recommended stay: 2 nights
My length of stay: 2 nights
Fes Guide: Best Things To Do
Stopp-Over in Midelt
The next major highlight after Fes is the desert town of Merzouga. Since the drive from Fes takes about 8 hours, we planned a stop in Midelt.
The drive from Fes to Midelt takes you through stunning landscapes, changing with each kilometer. You’ll pass through dense cedar forests and small villages before continuing into the Atlas Mountains. The area around the Ifrane National Park, known as “Little Switzerland,” is particularly beautiful. And as crazy as it sounds, you can even ski here in winter.
Midelt itself is surrounded by the peaks of the High Atlas but is otherwise plain and unremarkable. It’s perfect for an overnight stay.
Drive time: Fes to Midelt, approximately 4 hours
Drive time: Midelt to Merzouga, approximately 4 hours
Accomodation: Riad Villa Midelt*
Day 6–8: Merzouga Desert
From Midelt, we continue over the High Atlas Mountains to Merzouga, the gateway to the desert. This small town on the edge of the Sahara is the starting point for countless desert adventures.
Accomodations in Merzouga
Recommended stay: 1–2 nights
My length of stay: 2 nights
The next day, after enjoying a beautiful sunrise from our bed at the Sahara Pearl Hotel, we head toward Tinghir. The drive takes around 3 hours from Merzouga, offering scenic landscapes along the way. This journey leads us closer to the Todra Gorge, another natural highlight on this Morocco road trip.
Drive Time: Merzouga to Tinghir approximately. 3 hours
Day 9: Todra Gorge & Dades Valley
After an overnight stay in Tinghir, we continue refreshed the next morning. The first stop is the Todra Gorge, just 30 minutes from Tinghir, known for its steep, up to 300-meter-high cliffs carved by a river. It’s a paradise for climbers but also a great place for a stroll.
From Todra, the next leg of our road trip takes us to the spectacular Dades Valley (Gorges du Dadès), a breathtaking gorge shaped by the Dades River over millennia. On the way, you’ll pass palm groves, small oasis villages, and unique landscapes.
The Dades Valley is a paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. If you enjoy these activities, consider staying a few extra days. If not, driving a few kilometers into the valley is still rewarding. The winding road leads through gorges and past traditional Berber villages. For a famous photo spot, drive about 26 km into the valley to find the famous curves where the road twists up the mountainside.
Next, we’ll continue through Skoura and Ouarzazate to our final destination of the day: Ait Ben Haddou.
Accomodation in Tinghir: Riad Al Anwar*
Drive Time: Tinghir to Ait Ben Haddou approx. 7 hours, incl. the above mentioned stopps
Day 10: Ait Ben Haddou
Ait Ben Haddou is one of Morocco’s most impressive places, a kasbah, a fortified city made of clay. It’s not only a historical highlight but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular film location.
The best way to explore Ait Ben Haddou is by taking a leisurely walk through its narrow, winding streets. The moment you step into the old alleys, you feel transported to another time.
Depending on when you arrive in Ait Ben Haddou, you can visit the city either the same day or the next morning. The best times are definitely in the evening or early morning before the day-trippers from Marrakesh arrive.
Recommended stay: 1 night
My length of stay: 1 night
Accomodation: Guest House Bagdad Café*
In the afternoon, we leave Ait Ben Haddou and head to Marrakesh. Our route takes us over the Tizi n’Tchika mountain pass.
Drive Time: Ait Ben Haddou to Marrakesh approx. 4 hours
Day 11–14: Marrakech
The next stop is definitely another highlight of any Morocco road trip: Marrakesh. A city full of energy, life, colors, and contrasts.
The heart of the city beats at the famous Djemaa el-Fna, the central square located in the Medina. Life pulses here, whether day or night. Don’t miss the stunning palaces and bustling souks (markets) of the Medina.
But the city is not only a cultural highlight but also a paradise for food lovers, offering everything from street food to fine dining.
We stayed four nights in Marrakesh and felt we had time to experience and see a lot.
Recommended stay: mind. 2 nights
My length of stay: 4 nights
Read more: 10 Things To Do in Marrakech
Optional: Essaouira
Essaouira is an ideal spot to unwind after the adventures of a Morocco road trip. This coastal town is compact, offering a blend of Medina, harbor, and beach. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a laid-back end to your journey. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, Essaouira offers a perfect mix of culture and seaside charm.
Costs of Traveling Morocco: An Overview
Morocco can be a very budget-friendly destination, especially for independent travelers and backpackers. However, the total costs largely depend on your preferred travel style. So, what does a two-week Morocco road trip cost?
Travel Style: This time, I traveled on a mid-to-high budget. My partner and I mostly stayed in Riads and traveled with our own rental car the entire time. We could have saved quite a bit on accommodation costs.
- Riads: 50–200 € per night
- Coffee: approx. 1,50€
- Bus: 4–25€
- Restaurant: 8–20 € per person
- Guesthouses: 15–50€ per night
- Entry Fees: 5–30€
All in all, I would say my costs are fairly representative of an average trip. But it’s cleary said, that it could have been way cheaper.
| Reisekosten Marokko 2 Wochen | Kosten pro Person | Gesamtkosten f. 2 Personen |
|---|---|---|
| Flüge | 135,71 € | 271,46 € |
| Unterkünfte | 706,50 € | 1.413,00€ |
| Mietwagen | 315 € | 630,00 € |
| Restaurants/ Cafés | 245,50 € | 491,00 € |
| Aktivitäten | 85 € | 170,00 € |
| Summe | 1.487,71 € | 2.975,42 € |
Best Time to Visit Morocco
Morocco is a year-round destination, depending on the activities planned. However, for a road trip like the one described above, the best time to visit is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these times, pleasant temperatures prevail across the country. You can visit the Sahara without it being too hot, and enjoy outdoor activities in the mountains. In cities like Fes or Marrakesh, it’s also not too oppressive, making it perfect for sightseeing.
My Conclusion on the Morocco Road Trip
Morocco really impressed me, especially with its diversity. In just a few hours, you can hike through the Sahara Desert, trek in the Atlas Mountains, or surf on the Atlantic coast—how cool is that? And since the country is not too vast and everything is reachable in a reasonable amount of time, in my opinion, it’s the perfect road trip destination. Driving with a rental car is also really easy and doable, as the roads are in pretty good condition.
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