The Ultimate 14-Day Morocco Itinerary: Sahara Desert, Riads & Coastal Charm

Welcome to Morocco! After arriving in Casablanca, settle into your hotel and ease into the rhythm of the country before the adventure really begins. I recommend starting with a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, which is one of the most impressive buildings in all of Morocco. Sitting right along the Atlantic Ocean, the architecture and craftsmanship here immediately give you a glimpse into Morocco’s incredible attention to detail.

Spend the rest of the day exploring the Corniche, wandering through parts of the city center or enjoying a relaxed dinner overlooking the water.

Enjoy a slower morning in Casablanca before boarding the train to Fes, one of Morocco’s most fascinating and historic cities. Traveling by train in Morocco is surprisingly easy and comfortable, and the route between Casablanca and Fes is a great way to experience another side of the country.

Once you arrive in Fes, check into a traditional riad for the full experience and spend the evening soaking in the atmosphere of the city. Staying in a riad is one of the best parts of visiting Morocco, with intricate tilework, carved wood details, and peaceful courtyards everywhere you look. End the evening with dinner at your riad and enjoy a slower introduction to the rhythm of daily life in Fes.

Today is all about experiencing the magic of Fes. I highly recommend hiring a private guide for Fes because the medina is massive, maze-like, and honestly very overwhelming without one. Having a local guide completely changed the experience for me and helped bring the city’s history, culture, and hidden corners to life.

Visit iconic sites like the Chouara Tannery, Bou Inania Madrasa, and Al Qaraouiyine University while weaving through narrow alleyways filled with spice shops, artisan workshops, and bustling souks. Fes genuinely felt like stepping back in time, and every street seemed to reveal something new. End the day with dinner at one of the city’s beautiful riad restaurants for a more elevated Moroccan dining experience.

Spend another full day in Fes diving deeper into the local culture and food scene. One of my favorite experiences here was doing a street food tour because it gave me the chance to try traditional Moroccan dishes and local specialties I probably wouldn’t have discovered on my own.

Beyond the food, Fes is the kind of city where wandering without a plan becomes part of the experience. Browse artisan shops, stop for mint tea, and take in the incredible architecture around every corner. The city can feel chaotic at times, but that energy is also what makes it so unforgettable.

Today is one of the biggest highlights of the entire itinerary. Depart Fes early in the morning and begin the scenic drive toward the Sahara Desert with multiple stops along the way to take in the changing landscapes and viewpoints.

By evening, arrive at the desert meeting point, where you’ll meet the camp staff before riding camels through the dunes at sunset on the way to camp. Spending the night glamping in the Sahara under the stars was honestly one of the most surreal travel experiences I’ve ever had and something I think everyone should experience at least once.

Wake up early for sunrise over the Sahara dunes before enjoying breakfast at camp and heading out for a buggy ride and sandboarding through the desert.

Afterward, depart the Sahara and continue on toward Ouarzazate for the evening. Ouarzazate serves as a convenient stopping point between the Sahara and Morocco’s coastal cities, while also offering access to famous filming locations and dramatic desert scenery along the route.

Today, make the scenic journey from Ouarzazate to Essaouira with a stop at Aït Benhaddou along the way. This UNESCO-listed ksar is one of Morocco’s most famous historic sites and has appeared in productions like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

By evening, arrive in Essaouira—my personal favorite stop on this trip. After the intensity of Fes, the Sahara, and multiple long driving days, Essaouira felt like the perfect place in the itinerary to finally slow down and relax a bit. The white-and-blue buildings, ocean views, and laid-back coastal energy immediately made me fall in love with this city.

Spend today soaking up the atmosphere of Essaouira’s charming medina and Atlantic coastline. Wander through art galleries, browse local boutiques, and watch fishermen bring in fresh catches at the harbor.

Essaouira is also a great place for a horseback ride along the beach at sunset or a seafood dinner overlooking the water.

Today is perfect for adding a little adventure to your itinerary with a quad biking experience along the coast and surrounding dunes. Essaouira’s landscape makes it ideal for outdoor activities, and exploring the area this way gives you an entirely different perspective beyond the medina.

Afterward, spend the rest of the day at a slower pace—enjoy a beach day, relax by the hotel pool, or simply wander the city’s quiet streets and cafés.

Today, head from Essaouira to Marrakech, either by private transfer or the Supratours bus route, which is one of the easiest and most popular ways to travel between the two cities. The drive takes around three hours and transitions from Morocco’s relaxed coastline back into the energy of one of its busiest cities.

Spend the evening exploring Jemaa el-Fnaa, where street performers, food stalls, and musicians fill the square late into the night. Marrakech is sensory overload in the best possible way, and the atmosphere here is unlike anywhere else.

Today, explore some of Marrakech’s most famous highlights, including Bahia Palace, the Medina, and the city’s colorful souks. The architecture and design throughout Marrakech are incredible, from ornate riads and colorful tilework to hidden courtyards and rooftop cafés.

Shopping here is an experience in itself, whether you’re browsing handmade rugs, lanterns, ceramics, or leather goods. For dinner, book one of Marrakech’s traditional dinner-and-a-show experiences for a fun night with Moroccan food, music, and performances.

Spend today diving deeper into Moroccan culture with a cooking class and market visit, which ended up being such a fun and memorable experience for me. Visiting the markets with a local before learning how to prepare traditional dishes gives you a much better appreciation for Moroccan cuisine and spices.

Later, visit Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, two of Marrakech’s most iconic attractions. The gardens are absolutely stunning and provide a peaceful escape from the city’s energy. End the evening with rooftop drinks or dinner overlooking the medina.

Spend your final full day in Morocco enjoying a traditional hammam and spa experience, which honestly felt like the perfect way to end the trip. After days of exploring medinas, riding camels through the Sahara, and navigating busy cities, slowing down for a spa day in Marrakech was exactly what I needed.

Spend the rest of the day enjoying the city at your own pace—whether that means shopping for last-minute souvenirs, relaxing at a rooftop café, or enjoying one final Moroccan dinner overlooking the medina.

Enjoy one final slow morning in Marrakech with breakfast at your hotel or riad before preparing for your journey home. Depending on your flight time, you may have a little extra time for a final stroll through the medina, one last mint tea, or some last-minute souvenir shopping before leaving the city. Arrange a private transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport for a smoother departure experience.