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10-Day Morocco Loop: Casablanca → Rabat → Chefchaouen → Fes → Merzouga Desert → Dades/Todra → Aït Benhaddou → Ouarzazate → Marrakech → Essaouira → Casablanca

Viewed by 186 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Highlights

Casablanca, Morocco on November 11, 2025

9:00am

Hassan II Mosque guided tour

One of the largest mosques in the world with stunning oceanfront architecture and a glass floor over the sea; guided tours run in English and French and are a must-see. Tours typically run 9:00am–5:00pm (verify seasonal hours).
MAD120, 1h30m

11:00am

Old Medina stroll & Habous Quarter

Wander narrow alleyways, artisan shops and the French-built Habous market for crafts and pastries; open all day but shops often close midday for a short time.
MAD0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch — Rick's Cafe or Le Petit Rocher

Rick's Cafe offers a cinematic Casablanca atmosphere and international-Moroccan dishes; open for lunch generally from 12:00pm. Reservations recommended.
MAD200, 1h

3:00pm

Corniche & Ain Diab promenade

Relax on the seaside corniche, visit cafes and watch locals and surfers; outdoor area open day and evening.
MAD0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner — La Sqala

A charming garden restaurant in an old fortress serving Moroccan classics; open evenings roughly 7:00pm–11:00pm.
MAD220, 1h30m

Day 2: Capitol & Coast

Rabat, Morocco on November 12, 2025

8:00am

Travel Casablanca → Rabat (train or car)

Fast frequent trains and a short drive (~1–1.5h) link Casablanca to Morocco's capital — depart early to maximize the day.
MAD80, 1h30m

10:00am

Hassan Tower & Mausoleum of Mohammed V

Iconic 12th-century minaret remains and the mausoleum with exquisite marble work; mausoleum open ~8:30am–5:00pm, closed during prayer times.
MAD30, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch — Café Maure at Kasbah des Oudayas

Tea and light traditional dishes with views over the Bouregreg river and Atlantic; the Kasbah itself is open all day.
MAD120, 1h

2:00pm

Kasbah des Oudayas & Andalusian Gardens

Explore the picturesque white-and-blue alleys and peaceful gardens; gardens open daily, relaxing for an afternoon stroll.
MAD0, 1h

5:00pm

Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (optional)

A small modern-art museum worth a quick visit if open (check hours; typically 10:00am–6:00pm, closed Mondays).
MAD50, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner — Le Dhow (riverboat) or local riad dinner

Dinner on the riverboat Le Dhow for a unique setting, or choose a riad for home-cooked Moroccan cuisine; Le Dhow typically serves evenings.
MAD240, 1h30m

Day 3: Blue City

Chefchaouen, Morocco on November 13, 2025

7:30am

Travel Rabat → Chefchaouen (car, ~4h)

A scenic drive north into the Rif Mountains; leave early to arrive before the afternoon crowds in the medina.
MAD350, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch — Restaurant Casa Aladdin

Terrace dining with classic Moroccan tagines and great views over the blue streets; open for lunch from noon.
MAD140, 1h

2:00pm

Medina exploration & shopping

Wander the photogenic blue-washed alleys, buy local woven blankets and leather goods; medina is open all day, best explored on foot.
MAD0, 2h

4:30pm

Viewpoint at Spanish Mosque (sunset option)

A short uphill walk (20–40 minutes) to a panoramic viewpoint ideal for sunset photos; accessible at any time but sunset is popular.
MAD0, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner — Restaurant Hicham or Bab Ssour

Traditional Rif and Moroccan dishes in quiet dining rooms; most restaurants open evenings 7:00pm–10:30pm.
MAD160, 1h30m

Day 4: Imperial Fes

Fes, Morocco on November 14, 2025

7:30am

Travel Chefchaouen → Fes (car, ~4h)

Head southeast through scenic northern Morocco to arrive in Fes in time to start exploring the medina.
MAD350, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch — Café Clock (Fes)

Modern twist on Moroccan cuisine with cultural events; open daily around noon and popular with travelers.
MAD120, 1h

2:00pm

Fes el-Bali medina: Bou Inania & Al-Attarine Madrasas

Historic madrasas with intricate zellij tilework and carved cedar ceilings; sites typically open 9:00am–5:00pm (confirm locally).
MAD70, 1h30m

3:30pm

Chouara Tanneries viewpoint

Iconic leather-working pits; best viewed from rooftop terraces (shops open daily ~8:00am–6:00pm) — bring mint to reduce smell and a scarf for photos.
MAD0, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner — The Ruined Garden or local riad

Garden setting within the medina serving refined Moroccan plates; popular for evening meals (open 7:00pm onward).
MAD180, 1h30m

Day 5: Sahara Crossing

Merzouga (Erg Chebbi), Morocco on November 15, 2025

6:30am

Travel Fes → Merzouga (long drive, ~7–8h with stops)

A full travel day crossing the Middle Atlas (Ifrane/Cedar woods), the Ziz Valley and desert approach; expect scenic stops en route. Plan for 7–9 hours including stops.
MAD600, 8h

2:00pm

Arrive Merzouga & light lunch

Eat a local lunch near the dunes to refuel; small cafes and auberges serve tagines and sandwiches.
MAD100, 45m

4:00pm

Camel trek to desert camp (sunset camel ride)

Two-hour camel trek into Erg Chebbi dunes to reach a desert camp for sunset — camps are open year-round; sunset rides are the highlight.
MAD600, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner & music at desert camp

Traditional Berber dinner and live drumming/gnawa music under the stars; meals included with most reputable camps.
MAD0 (usually included), 2h

Day 6: Gorges & Valleys

Todra Gorge & Dades Valley, Morocco on November 16, 2025

6:00am

Sunrise over the dunes & return by camel or 4x4

Optional early-morning walk or camel ride for sunrise; desert sunrise is spectacular and camps serve early tea before departure.
MAD0–MAD150, 1h

9:00am

Travel Merzouga → Todra Gorge (car, ~3h)

Short drive to the Todra area, entering dramatic canyon landscapes; roads are open year-round.
MAD200, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch — local restaurant at Todra

Simple local cuisine near the gorge; perfect for a hearty midday meal before a walk.
MAD120, 1h

2:00pm

Walk & short hike in Todra Gorge

Walk along the river at the base of the canyon and short climbs if desired; the gorge is accessible 24/7 but watch for limited shade.
MAD0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Drive to Dades Valley & scenic viewpoints

Visit the Dades Gorges and famous rock formations (e.g., 'Monkey Fingers'); viewpoints available year-round and are best at golden hour.
MAD0, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Auberge in Dades

Local auberges serve home-cooked tagines; typical dinner service starts around 7:30pm–8:00pm.
MAD140, 1h30m

Day 7: Kasbahs & Film Sets

Aït Benhaddou & Ouarzazate, Morocco on November 17, 2025

8:00am

Travel Dades → Aït Benhaddou (car, ~3h)

Drive across the High Atlas via the dramatic Tizi n'Tnififft (road may wind); arrive at the Unesco ksar midday.
MAD180, 3h

11:30am

Visit Ksar of Aït Benhaddou

A UNESCO ksar used in many films (Gladiator, Game of Thrones); open daily and accessible for walking the village and viewpoints (entrance small fee in some areas).
MAD30, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch — local kasbah restaurant

Enjoy a tagine or couscous with views of the ksar and surrounding plains; many restaurants open at noon.
MAD140, 1h

3:00pm

Ouarzazate: Taourirt Kasbah & Atlas Studios

Visit the Taourirt Kasbah (opens ~9:00am–4:30pm) and the film studios (check visiting hours; usually ~9:00am–4:30pm) to see film sets and props.
MAD80, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner — Le Palais or local restaurant

Dinner in Ouarzazate town with options ranging from French-Moroccan fusion to traditional dishes; evening hours usually from 7:30pm.
MAD180, 1h30m

Day 8: Marrakech Old & New

Marrakech, Morocco on November 18, 2025

8:00am

Travel Ouarzazate → Marrakech (car, ~4h via Tizi n'Tichka)

Scenic mountain pass into the high Atlas, arriving in Marrakech in the afternoon; stops for photos suggested.
MAD220, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch — Café des Épices (medina)

Rooftop views over the spice square and light Moroccan fare; open for lunch and a good spot before further exploration.
MAD140, 1h

2:00pm

Jardins Majorelle & Yves Saint Laurent Museum

Botanical gardens and museum (Majorelle typically open 8:00am–5:30pm; YSL museum hours vary — check and prebook tickets).
MAD160, 1h30m

4:00pm

Bahia Palace & Saadian Tombs

Opulent palaces and historic tombs near the medina; Bahia Palace open ~9:00am–5:00pm, Saadian Tombs similar hours — confirm locally.
MAD70, 1h30m

7:30pm

Jemaa el-Fnaa at night & dinner — street food

Experience the lively square at night with food stalls, storytellers and musicians; excellent street-food options and evening atmosphere.
MAD100, 2h

Day 9: Atlantic Harbor

Essaouira, Morocco on November 19, 2025

7:30am

Travel Marrakech → Essaouira (car, ~2.5–3h)

Coastal drive to a relaxed port city known for wind, seafood and a blue-and-white medina; arrive mid-morning for maximum time.
MAD180, 3h

11:00am

Walk ramparts & Skala de la Ville

Explore seaside fortifications with views of fishing boats and Atlantic surf; ramparts open all day.
MAD0, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch — fresh seafood at La Scala or Chez Sam

Portside seafood restaurants serve grilled fish and shellfish; they open for lunch midday and are highly recommended.
MAD180, 1h

3:00pm

Medina shopping & art galleries

Essaouira is known for thuya wood, silver and galleries; medina is open all day — relaxed pace ideal for browsing.
MAD0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Optional beach activities (kitesurfing or camel stroll)

Wind makes Essaouira a watersports center; rental schools open seasonally but most operate year‑round — check weather and book ahead.
MAD300, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — Taros or local port restaurant

Evening dining with sea views and live music at some venues (Taros active in evenings); enjoy relaxed Atlantic cuisine.
MAD160, 1h30m

Day 10: Return & Farewell

Casablanca, Morocco on November 20, 2025

8:00am

Travel Essaouira → Casablanca (car, ~4–4.5h)

Drive along the Atlantic back to Casablanca for last-minute shopping or an afternoon flight; leave mid-morning for a comfortable arrival.
MAD300, 4h30m

1:30pm

Lunch — Habous Quarter or Marché Central

Enjoy a final Moroccan meal; Habous offers pastries and cafes while the central market has fresh seafood and quick bites.
MAD120, 1h

3:00pm

Mahkama of Rabat? Visit Mohammed V Square & shopping

If time allows, explore Casablanca’s Habous area and Mohammed V Square for last-minute crafts and souvenirs; most shops open until early evening.
MAD0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner & departure prep — airport transfer

Have an early dinner near your hotel or head to the airport; allow ample time for Casablanca airport check-in (2–3 hours recommended for international flights).
MAD0, 1h
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