9 Days Morocco Itinerary Starting In Fes

Morocco is a land of vibrant colors, delicious food, and stunning landscapes. I recently had the chance to explore this amazing country on a 9 days Morocco itinerary starting in Fes, and it was an unforgettable experience. If you’re looking for an adventure that combines culture, history, and natural beauty, this is the perfect trip for you.

This 9-day Morocco adventure, beginning in the cultural heart of Fes, offers a deep dive into the country’s most captivating regions. From the bustling medinas to the serene Sahara Desert, this itinerary is designed to give you a taste of everything Morocco has to offer. Get ready for an incredible journey!

Highlights of 9 Days Morocco Itinerary Starting In Fes

• Explore the ancient Fes el Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Ride a camel through the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset.
• Spend a night in a traditional Berber desert camp under the stars.
• Discover the stunning Todra Gorge and Dades Valley.
• Visit the Kasbahs of Ait Benhaddou, a filming location for many famous movies.
• Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Marrakech’s Djemaa el-Fna square.
• Learn about Berber culture and traditions from local guides.
• Enjoy delicious Moroccan cuisine, from tagines to mint tea.

Why This 9 Days Morocco Itinerary Starting In Fes is Special

This 9-day Morocco tour is more than just a trip; it’s a chance to connect with the heart and soul of the country. I met so many wonderful people along the way, from the friendly locals in Fes to the Berber families in the Sahara. Their hospitality and warmth made the experience truly special.

What sets this particular 9 days Morocco itinerary starting in Fes apart is the careful balance between adventure and comfort. We stayed in beautiful riads and kasbahs, enjoyed delicious meals, and had plenty of opportunities to relax and soak in the atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to experience the magic of Morocco without sacrificing comfort.

Planning Your Journey: Essential Tips for 9 Days Morocco Itinerary Starting In Fes

Private vs. Shared Tour

• Private Tour: More flexibility, personalized attention, and a chance to tailor the itinerary to your interests. Great for families or small groups.
• Shared Tour: More budget-friendly, a chance to meet other travelers, and often includes fixed departure dates and itineraries.

Costs and Inclusions

Included:

• Accommodation in riads, hotels, and desert camp
• Transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles
• Experienced English-speaking driver/guide
• Camel trek in the Sahara Desert
• Breakfast and dinner daily

Not Included:

• Flights
• Lunches
• Drinks
• Entrance fees to monuments and attractions
• Tips and gratuities

Best Time to Go & What to Pack

• Best Time to Go: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures for exploring.
• What to Pack:

  • Lightweight clothing for warm days
  • Layers for cooler evenings, especially in the desert
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
  • Scarf or shawl for visiting mosques and covering your head in the desert
  • Basic first-aid kit
  • Adapters for European-style outlets

Itinerary of 9 Days Morocco Itinerary Starting In Fes

Day 1: Arrival in Fes

Welcome to Fes! I arrived at Fes–Saïs Airport and was greeted by my friendly driver, who took me to my riad in the heart of the medina. The riad was a beautiful oasis of calm, with a peaceful courtyard and intricately decorated rooms. After settling in, I spent the afternoon exploring the narrow, winding streets of the medina, getting lost in the maze of shops and stalls.

I grabbed dinner at a local restaurant, savoring a delicious tagine with couscous. The flavors were incredible! The energy of Fes at night is something special.

🕒 Drive Time: Around 30 minutes from the airport to the riad.
🏨 Accommodation: Overnight at Riad Fes Maya.

Day 2: Exploring Fes el Bali

Today was all about immersing myself in the rich history and culture of Fes el Bali, the oldest part of the city. I started with a guided tour of the medina, visiting the Al-Attarine Madrasa, the Kairaouine Mosque (from the outside, as it’s only open to Muslims), and the Chouara tanneries, where leather is still processed using traditional methods. The smells were intense, but the sight of the colorful dyes was unforgettable!

In the afternoon, I explored the artisan workshops, watching craftsmen create intricate pottery, textiles, and metalwork. I even tried my hand at bargaining for souvenirs – it’s all part of the fun! The medina is a sensory overload, but it’s an experience you won’t forget.

🕒 Drive Time: None (walking tour).
🏨 Accommodation: Overnight at Riad Fes Maya.

Day 3: Fes to Chefchaouen

After breakfast, we drove to Chefchaouen, the famous “Blue Pearl” of Morocco. The drive was scenic, winding through rolling hills and small villages. As we approached Chefchaouen, the first glimpse of the blue-washed buildings was breathtaking.

I spent the afternoon wandering through the narrow streets, taking photos of the colorful buildings and soaking in the relaxed atmosphere. Chefchaouen is a photographer’s dream! I enjoyed a delicious dinner at a rooftop restaurant, overlooking the illuminated town.

🕒 Drive Time: Around 4 hours.
🏨 Accommodation: Overnight at Dar Chefchaouen.

Day 4: Chefchaouen to Volubilis and Meknes

Today we departed Chefchaouen and headed towards Volubilis, an ancient Roman city. Exploring the ruins, I was transported back in time, imagining what life must have been like centuries ago. The mosaics were incredibly well-preserved!

Next, we visited Meknes, another of Morocco’s imperial cities. We explored the Bab Mansour gate, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the bustling medina. Meknes has a more laid-back vibe than Fes or Marrakech, which I really enjoyed.

🕒 Drive Time: Around 4-5 hours, including stops.
🏨 Accommodation: Overnight at Riad Yacouta in Meknes.

Day 5: Meknes to Merzouga (Sahara Desert)

This was a long but rewarding day of driving towards the Sahara Desert. The landscape changed dramatically as we traveled south, from fertile plains to rocky desert. We stopped along the way to admire the Ziz Valley, a stunning oasis with palm trees stretching as far as the eye could see.

In the late afternoon, we arrived in Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. After a quick stop at our hotel to freshen up, it was time for the camel trek! Riding a camel into the sunset over the dunes was an experience I’ll never forget.

🕒 Drive Time: Around 7-8 hours, including scenic stops.
🏨 Accommodation: Overnight at a desert camp in Erg Chebbi (e.g., Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp).

Day 6: Sahara Desert Experience

I woke up early to watch the sunrise over the Sahara. It was magical! After breakfast, we explored the desert landscape, visiting a nomadic Berber family and learning about their traditional way of life.

In the afternoon, I tried sandboarding down the dunes – it was a lot harder than it looks! In the evening, we enjoyed a traditional Berber dinner at the camp, followed by music and storytelling around the campfire under the stars.

🕒 Drive Time: Minimal, mainly exploring the desert by camel or 4×4.
🏨 Accommodation: Overnight at a desert camp in Erg Chebbi (e.g., Sahara Sky Camp).

Day 7: Merzouga to Dades Valley

After saying goodbye to the Sahara, we drove towards the Dades Valley, known for its stunning rock formations and dramatic landscapes. We stopped at Todra Gorge, a narrow canyon with towering cliffs, perfect for rock climbing and hiking.

We continued our journey along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, admiring the ancient fortified villages along the way. The Dades Valley is truly breathtaking!

🕒 Drive Time: Around 5-6 hours, including stops.
🏨 Accommodation: Overnight at Riad Rihana Dades.

Day 8: Dades Valley to Marrakech

Today we drove to Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas Mountains. We stopped at Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular filming location for movies like “Gladiator” and “Game of Thrones.” Exploring the Kasbah was like stepping back in time.

We arrived in Marrakech in the late afternoon and checked into our riad in the medina. I spent the evening exploring Djemaa el-Fna square, a vibrant marketplace filled with food stalls, storytellers, and musicians.

🕒 Drive Time: Around 5-6 hours, including stops.
🏨 Accommodation: Overnight at Riad Kniza in Marrakech.

Day 9: Exploring Marrakech and Departure

My final day was spent exploring Marrakech. I visited the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the Jardin Majorelle, a beautiful botanical garden designed by Yves Saint Laurent. I also explored the souks, bargaining for souvenirs and soaking in the atmosphere.

In the evening, I enjoyed a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant, reflecting on my incredible 9 days Morocco itinerary starting in Fes. The next morning, I transferred to Marrakech Menara Airport for my flight home.

🕒 Drive Time: Depends on airport transfer time.
🏨 Accommodation: N/A.

Optional Add-Ons for 9 Days Morocco Itinerary Starting In Fes

• Quad Biking in the Sahara: Experience the thrill of riding a quad bike through the Erg Chebbi dunes.
• Cooking Class in Marrakech: Learn to prepare traditional Moroccan dishes with a local chef.
• Hot Air Balloon Ride over Marrakech: See the city from a different perspective with a sunrise hot air balloon ride.
• Luxury Desert Camp Upgrade: Enjoy a more luxurious desert experience with private tents and enhanced amenities.
• Hammem Experience: Indulge in a traditional Moroccan spa treatment with a hammam.

Travel Tips for 9 Days Morocco Itinerary Starting In Fes

• Bargain respectfully: Bargaining is expected in the souks, but always be polite and respectful.
• Learn a few basic Arabic phrases: Knowing a few phrases like “Salam” (hello) and “Shukran” (thank you) will go a long way.
• Dress modestly: When visiting religious sites, dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially in the desert.
• Be aware of scams: Be cautious of people offering unsolicited help or tours, as they may try to scam you.
• Carry small change: Small change is useful for tipping and buying small items in the souks.
• Respect local customs: Be mindful of local customs and traditions, and avoid public displays of affection.

Honest Review: What I Loved and What I’d Change

What I Loved:

• The people: The warmth and hospitality of the Moroccan people were incredible.
• The landscapes: From the bustling medinas to the serene Sahara, Morocco is a land of stunning beauty.
• The food: I loved trying all the different tagines, couscous, and mint tea.
• The sense of adventure: Every day brought new experiences and challenges.

What I’d Change:

• Long drives: Some of the drives were quite long, but the scenery made up for it. Perhaps breaking up the long drives with more frequent stops could help.
• The hard sell in the souks: Sometimes the vendors in the souks could be quite persistent. Just be firm and polite, and don’t be afraid to walk away if you’re not interested.

FAQs About 9 Days Morocco Itinerary Starting In Fes

Is 9 days enough time to see Morocco?

Yes, 9 days is a good amount of time to see some of the highlights of Morocco, especially when focusing on the region accessible from Fes. You’ll get a taste of the imperial cities, the Sahara Desert, and the Atlas Mountains. You’ll likely want to return to see more.

What is the best way to get around Morocco?

For this type of 9 days Morocco itinerary starting in Fes, having a private driver is highly recommended. It’s the most comfortable and convenient way to travel long distances. Public transportation is also an option, but it can be slow and crowded.

What should I wear in Morocco?

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing is ideal for the warm weather. Bring layers for cooler evenings, especially in the desert.

Is it safe to travel to Morocco?

Morocco is generally a safe country for tourists. However, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.

Do I need a visa to enter Morocco?

Citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, and the European Union, do not need a visa to enter Morocco for tourism purposes for stays of up to 90 days. However, it’s always a good idea to check the latest visa requirements before you travel.

Traveler Reviews

1. “My trip using this 9 Days Morocco Itinerary Starting In Fes was absolutely incredible! I saw so many amazing places and experienced so much culture. The Sahara Desert was definitely the highlight for me. Highly recommend! – Sarah, USA”
2. “This 9-day tour was the perfect way to see Morocco for the first time. Everything was well-organized, and our guide was fantastic. We especially enjoyed exploring the medinas and trying all the delicious food. Thank you! – John, UK”
3. “I had an unforgettable time on this 9 Days Morocco Itinerary Starting In Fes! The camel trek in the Sahara was a dream come true, and the riads were so beautiful and comfortable. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for an authentic Moroccan experience. – Marie, France”

Conclusion

My 9 days Morocco itinerary starting in Fes was an incredible journey that I will never forget. From the bustling medinas to the serene Sahara Desert, Morocco is a land of contrasts and surprises. The warmth and hospitality of the people, the stunning landscapes, and the delicious food made this trip truly special.

If you’re looking for an adventure that will challenge you, inspire you, and leave you with lasting memories, I highly recommend this 9-day Morocco tour. Don’t just dream about it – book your trip today and experience the magic of Morocco for yourself! I promise, you won’t regret it.