Ever since I saw Leonardo Dalessandri’s Watchtower of Morocco on YouTube, Morocco has been on my bucket list. The video sparked a sense of curiosity in me that when I saw a seat sale from Oman Air, I immediately booked round-trip tickets for my friends and me. Fortunately, my friends were just as adventurous as I was and didn’t hesitate to join me on this trip. If you’re also dreaming of exploring this beautiful country, check out my Morocco itinerary for first time visitors!
PS. This post is quite long so please have patience as it loads. I hope you’ll agree it’s worth it.
Table of Contents
- Visa-free Morocco
- How to get to Morocco
- Where to Stay in Morocco?
- How to get around Morocco
- What to Eat and Drink in Morocco
- How much does food in Morocco cost?
- Morocco Itinerary for First-Time Visitors: The Exact Route We Took
- Casablanca (Day 1)
- Casablanca (Day 2)
- Casablanca to Fes (Day 3)
- Fes (Day 4)
- Chefchaouen Day Trip from Fes (Day 5)
- Fes (Day 6)
- Fes to Merzouga (Day 7)
- Merzouga to Dades Valley (Day 8)
- Dades Valley to Marrakech (Day 9)
- Marrakech (Day 10)
- Essaouira Day Trip from Marrakech (Day 11)
- Marrakech (Day 12)
- Marakkech (Day 13)
- Casablanca to Muscat (Day 14)
- How much did I spend on this trip?
- Morocco1-Week Sample Itinerary
- Morocco Travel Packing List
- Travel Insurance for Morocco Trip
- Staying connected in Morocco
- Pin this for future reference!
Visa-free Morocco
Morocco is visa-free for citizens of many countries, allowing stays of up to 90 days for tourism purposes. This includes travelers from countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and most European Union nations. However, travelers from other countries may need to apply for a visa before their trip, so it’s important to check the specific visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling.
Philippine passport holders can stay in Morocco for a total of 90 days, visa-free. You just have to present a current Philippine passport, valid for at least 6 months beyond the expected date of departure from Morocco. That’s it!
How to get to Morocco
From the US
There are several major airlines offering direct and connecting flights to Morocco. Royal Air Maroc, the national carrier, provides direct flights from cities like New York (JFK) and Washington D.C. (IAD) to Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport (CMN). The direct flight from New York typically takes around 7-8 hours.
For those not near a city with direct flights, you can opt for a connecting flight through major European hubs such as Paris, London, or Madrid. Airlines like Air France, British Airways, and Iberia offer flights from various U.S. cities with one-stop connections to Moroccan cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, and Fes.
From Europe
Many budget airlines, including Ryanair and EasyJet, offer direct flights from cities across Europe to various destinations in Morocco. Popular routes include flights from London, Paris, Madrid, and Barcelona to Moroccan cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes, and Agadir.
From The Philippines
While there are no direct flights, several routes are available through major hubs like Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Doha in Qatar, and Istanbul in Turkey. Airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Saudia offer flights to Morocco with these convenient connections. The journey typically takes between 19 to 25 hours, with round-trip tickets costing around 500-800 USD (25,000-45,000 pesos).
Where to Stay in Morocco?
In Morocco, accommodation options extend well beyond the standard hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. You’ll find a variety of unique stays, including dars, riads, kasbahs, Berber tents, and eco-lodges. These are quintessential Moroccan experiences that you won’t find anywhere else, so I highly recommend staying in these types of accommodation.
Note: If you will follow this Morocco itinerary for first time visitors, you’ll need to book accommodations in Casablanca, Fes, and Marrakech. The accommodations in the Sahara Desert and Atlas Mountains were included in the package we booked, so you can look for similar options that offer an all-inclusive experience in those areas.
Odyssee Center Hotel Casablanca
Odyssee Center Hotel is the perfect place to recharge, especially after flying halfway across the world and battling jetlag. Just a 5-minute walk from Casa Port Station and about 45 minutes by train from Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN), it offers easy access to the Old Medina, Hassan II Mosque, and the Corniche.
Even though it’s nestled in the heart of Fes Medina, the street where it’s located is surprisingly quiet. This is a budget accommodation, but it didn’t feel budget at all. The complimentary breakfast was delicious and consistently served on time. The rooftop terrace was a highlight, offering stunning views of the mountains and the walled city.
Riad Melhoun & Spa was the riad of my dreams. Located in the historical Medina, the riad is just 10 minutes from Jemaa El Fnaa square and 5 minute walk from Bahia Palace. The riad is stunning with meticulous details, and breakfast on the rooftop terrace was absolutely delicious. Our suite on the ground floor next to the indoor pool was outstanding and so Instagrammable.
Another place we stayed in Marrakech was Boho 27 Hostel Marrakech. Located in the heart of the city, it has a vibrant, laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for meeting fellow travelers. For around $10 per night, you get a comfortable dorm bed, free Moroccan tea, and friendly staff—two of whom I still keep in touch with today!
How to get around Morocco
Morocco’s inexpensive and generally reliable trains are the country’s preferred form of public transport. Operated by the national railway company, ONCF, they offer a convenient way to travel between major cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, and Fes. You can check prices and timetables on the ONCF website to plan your journey in advance.
Buses are another affordable and reliable option for getting around. Many local bus companies operate throughout the country, often with multiple providers competing on popular routes like Casablanca to Marrakech. However, comfort levels can vary widely between companies. Some buses are modern, air-conditioned, and even offer on-board snacks and entertainment, while others might be older, without air-conditioning and less comfortable.
For a more comfortable experience, I recommend using reputable bus companies like CTM and Nejme Chamal. These companies are known for their reliable service and higher standards of comfort, making long-distance travel more enjoyable.
What to Eat and Drink in Morocco
Moroccan cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors and spices. From hearty stews like tagine to sweet and savory pastries like pastilla, the food in Morocco is both aromatic and flavorful. Here are some must-try dishes that showcase Morocco’s rich culinary heritage:
- Tagine: A slow-cooked stew made with meat, vegetables, and spices, cooked in a conical clay pot.
- Couscous: Steamed semolina wheat topped with vegetables, meat, and a fragrant broth.
- Pastilla: A savory-sweet pie filled with pigeon or chicken, almonds, and spices.
- Harira: A traditional soup with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and lamb.
- Kefta: Spiced meatballs made from ground beef or lamb.
- Zaalouk: A salad made with cooked eggplant, tomatoes, and spices.
- Briouats: Flaky pastries filled with minced meat, cheese, or seafood.
- Mechoui: Whole roasted lamb seasoned with cumin and salt.
- Moroccan Mint Tea: Sweet green tea with fresh mint.
- Moroccan Sweets: Including Chebakia (enormously popular during the month of Ramadan), M’hancha, and Ghriba.
- Tangia: A Marrakech specialty, super-slow-cooked lamb or beef with garlic and preserved lemons.
- Harcha: A semolina griddle cake served with honey and butter.
How much does food in Morocco cost?
Just like the cost of transportation and accommodation, food is relatively cheap in Morocco. To give you an idea, the average price of a meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) is 50-150 dirhams (5-15 USD or 270-800 pesos). Check out the expense summary at the end of this Morocco itinerary for first-time visitors, and you’ll see that I only spent 158 USD (9,008 pesos) for the entire trip! Of course, this amount can vary depending on your food preferences and appetite.
Morocco Itinerary for First-Time Visitors: The Exact Route We Took
My Morocco itinerary for first time visitors was a circular route. It covers the most popular destinations in central and northern Morocco, with our starting and ending point in Casablanca.
Casablanca (Day 1)
After 30 hours of travel (2 plane rides, 1 long layover in Muscat, Oman and 1 train ride), we finally made it to Casablanca. My friends and I initially planned to explore the city as soon as we checked in to our hotel in Casablanca, but jet lag kicked in. Traveling from the Philippines to Africa messed up our biological clock so instead of seeing Casablanca’s best attractions, we ended up sleeping in our comfortable hotel beds.
My friends and I woke up at sunset, not realizing it was Ramadan in Morocco. We were worried that most restaurants would already be closed, but we decided to take a chance and try NKOA, a fusion restaurant in Casablanca. To our relief, they were open and welcomed us even without reservations. Since it was Ramadan, the restaurant offered a unique menu that combined Eurasian, Afro-Latin, and Moroccan flavors. The meal was a perfect introduction to Moroccan cuisine and a great way to start our trip.
Casablanca (Day 2)
On day 2, my friends and I woke up early to explore Casablanca. Most travelers skip the city but I would highly recommend to spend at least a day in the capital. You can join a guided tour in Casablanca. It’s a 4-hour walking tour exploring the most famous attractions of Casablanca.
Highlights:
- Hassan II Mosque
- Casablanca Medina
- Place Mohamed V
- Corniche
- Rick’s Cafe
Casablanca to Fes (Day 3)
On day 3, my friends and I headed to Casa Voyageurs train station for our trip to Fes. It was straightforward, and upon arriving at the Fes train station, we grabbed a taxi from the stand. The drive to the gates of the medina took about 10 minutes. Since the old Fes medina is car-free, we had to navigate its intricate labyrinth of alleyways on foot. It was our first taste of the medina’s complexity, and we quickly got lost trying to find our accommodation. By asking around, we found a local man who guided us right to the door of Dar Hlimi. To be honest, we were a bit nervous, knowing that scams can happen in Fes, but thankfully, everything turned out fine.
Travel Tip: When visiting Fes, it’s wise to arrange a transfer from the airport or train station directly with your accommodation, especially if it’s located in the old medina. The medina is a literal maze, and finding your way can be quite challenging, even for seasoned travelers.
Fes (Day 4)
I woke up early at our accommodation to catch the sunrise. Fes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, is perhaps the most authentic city we visited on this trip. While there were other tourists around, the vibrant local culture was unmistakable. Experiencing Ramadan here gave us a unique glimpse into Moroccan traditions and became one of the highlights of our adventure.
Highlights:
- The Royal Palace (Dar el Makhzen)
- The Blue Gate (Bab Bou Jeloud)
- Chouara Tannery
- Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts Crafts
- Al Quaraouiyine Mosque – the oldest university in the world est. 857 AD
- Merenid Tombs
Fes Medina Guided Tour
If you’re a first time visitor in Morocco, I highly recommend joining a guided tour in Fes. I guarantee that you will get lost if you do this on your own. With an expert guide, you can wander through the narrow streets and shop for local products, without the worry of getting lost or ripped off.
Chefchaouen Day Trip from Fes (Day 5)
On day 5 of our trip, my friends and I visited Chefchaouen, also known as the Blue City. You’ve probably seen it on social media – the city is famous for its beautiful blue-washed buildings. We initially planned to take a local bus, but unfortunately, all tickets were sold out days before our trip. We didn’t want to miss out on this beautiful destination, so we decided to avail a private transfer to Chefchaouen. Since there were five of us, the cost was not that expensive, and we split it equally. If you are solo traveling, you can join a group tour to Chefchaouen from Fes instead.
Fes (Day 6)
On day 6, about halfway through our trip, my friends and I experienced a traditional hammam in Fes. A hammam is Morocco’s version of the Turkish bath. In Morocco, you can choose between private and public hammams. We opted for a private session, which included a traditional Moroccan beauty treatment and a body massage using specialized local oils. To top it off, we enjoyed a light tapas menu. This was a much-needed break from our travels and a perfect preparation for our upcoming Sahara Desert adventure.
Fes to Merzouga (Day 7)
On day 7, our driver/tour guide picked us up from our accommodation in Fes. We opted for a private Sahara Desert tour with Mouhou Tours because we wanted more control over the itinerary and the flexibility to stop at places not included in the usual desert tour route. The private tour cost 2,200 Moroccan Dirhams (200 euros or 12,000 pesos) per person. Was it worth it? Absolutely.
Read about our 3-day Fes to Marrakech Sahara Desert Tour here!
Highlights:
- Ifrane City – the Moroccan Switzerland
- Wild Monkeys in Cedar Forest
- Midelt Town
- Middle Atlas Mountains
- Ziz Valley
- Camel trekking in Merzouga
- Overnight in Sahara Desert
Merzouga to Dades Valley (Day 8)
On day 8, I woke up to one of the most stunning sunrises I’ve ever seen. Our group spent the day exploring some of Morocco’s top destinations, and in the late afternoon, we checked into the beautiful Riad Dades. I was captivated by its breathtaking views of Dades Valley. Words can’t fully capture the beauty of this place.
Highlights:
- Sunrise in Sahara Desert
- Camel trekking back to Merzouga
- Fossil Gallery in Rissani
- Todra Valley
- Todra Gorge
- Dades Valley
- Overnight in Dades Valley
Dades Valley to Marrakech (Day 9)
After breakfast, we drove along the Rose Valley to Ouarzazate (pronounced Wa-za-zat) past Skoura Oasis, which is famed for its date palm trees. Then we visited the Atlas Film Studios, which is considered to be the largest film studio in the world. The main star of this day was Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the Slave City of Yunkai in the Game of Thrones. Seriously. My heart could not contain the excitement when I saw its iconic gate where some of the scenes of Daenaerys Targeryen were shot.
Highlights:
- Sunrise in Dades Valley
- Rose Valley
- Atlas Film Studios at Ouarzazate
- The Game of Thrones filming location Ait Benhaddou
- Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Marrakech
Our driver/tour guide Ali drove us to Marrakech before the day ended. My friends and I really had a great time with him and it felt like saying good bye to a friend. If you guys are planning to do a 3-day Sahara Desert Tour, you should definitely go with Mouhou Tours and specifically ask for Ali!
On our first night in Marrakech, after checking in at Riad Melhoun & Spa, we decided to check out Jemaa el-Fna Square. This historic square has been a significant cultural hub since the city’s establishment in the 11th century. This square showcases a concentration of cultural practices and Moroccan cuisine. It was a bit of a culture shock at first, but I soon got comfortable after exploring the whole square.
Marrakech (Day 10)
Marrakech is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Morocco, and it’s easy to see why. This vibrant city is brimming with fascinating sights and unique experiences, making it easy to get lost in its charm. To truly explore Marrakech, I recommend spending at least three days here to fully take in the attractions and immerse yourself in the local culture. Starting with a guided tour of Marrakech on your first day in the city, just like what we did. After that, you can spend the next couple of days exploring on your own, discovering the city’s hidden gems at your own pace.
Highlights:
- Jardin Majorelle and YSL Museum
- Koutoubia Mosque
- Bahia Palace
- Argan Oil Factory
- Saadian Tombs
- Jemaa el Fnaa
- Medina of Marrakech
- Ben Youssef Madrasa
Essaouira Day Trip from Marrakech (Day 11)
My friends and I joined a day-trip tour to Essaouira with iGoMorocco on day 11 of our Moroccan adventure. The travel company offers daily trips out of Marrakech to various destinations in Morocco. Although I initially planned an overnight trip to Essaouira, time constraints and heavy luggage made me decide against it. Nonetheless, Essaouira is a charming and laid-back city that quickly became one of my favorites on the trip. Fans of Game of Thrones will recognize its ramparts, as it was where Daenerys Targaryen bought the unsullied.
Marrakech (Day 12)
On Day 12 of our trip, we explored the Mellah of Marrakech, the city’s historic Jewish Quarter. Our first stop was the Lazama Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in Morocco. We then wandered through the Mellah Market, where we couldn’t resist picking up some leather goods—they were both affordable and stylish, making perfect gifts for friends and family back home. At the market’s entrance, we also visited the spice souk. The Mellah is conveniently located near El Badi Palace, so we took a short walk over. We ended the day back at Jemaa el-Fnaa, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere and sampling new foods.
Marakkech (Day 13)
On day 13, we woke up early for our highly anticipated hot air balloon ride in Marrakech, which turned out to be one of the trip’s highlights. We enjoyed a seamless experience with transfers to and from our hotel, greeted with welcome drinks and pastries upon arrival. The hot air balloon ride itself, which lasted about an hour, offered breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains. We concluded our adventure with a traditional breakfast served in a charming tent.
In the afternoon, we went shopping for some authentic Moroccan products and came across Sidi Yassine, which is known for its high-quality Argan Oil. We couldn’t resist buying some bottles of this precious oil, which is a staple in Moroccan beauty and skincare routines. It was, for me, the best thing anyone can buy in Morocco!
Casablanca to Muscat (Day 14)
On the final day of our Moroccan adventure, we had to catch an early morning flight to Muscat, Oman. We opted to spend our last night in Marrakech instead of traveling back to Casablanca. To make the most of our remaining time, we decided to let loose and have some fun at Boho 27 Hostel. We ended up partying and getting quite drunk, which made for a memorable experience.
Since there were no public transportation options available in the early hours of the morning, we arranged for a private airport transfer from Marrakech to Casablanca Airport.
How much did I spend on this trip?
In total, I spent 109,241.04 pesos (1,947.20 USD), covering airfare, food, accommodation, tours, local transportation, shopping, and more. For a two-week trip to Morocco, I found this amount quite reasonable. Costs can vary based on your choice of accommodation and the number of paid activities. Airfare can also be a significant expense; we were fortunate to secure a very affordable flight from Manila to Casablanca via Oman.
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 23,670.91 pesos |
| Airfare (incl. Philippine Travel Tax) | 25,500.00 pesos |
| Food | 9,008.18 pesos |
| Tours | 38,582.85 pesos |
| Transportation | 4,069.12 pesos |
| Shopping | 5,671.58 pesos |
| Holafly eSIM | 2,738.40 pesos |
| Total | 109,241.04 pesos |
| Total in USD | 1,947.20 USD |
Morocco1-Week Sample Itinerary
As you can see, this 1-week itinerary is quite packed. While a week is a short time to fully experience Morocco, I hope it serves you well. If you have the flexibility, consider adding an extra day to explore Chefchaouen (the Blue City) or Essaouira. For those with two weeks, the detailed itinerary in this Morocco Travel Guide will be ideal for a more comprehensive exploration.
Day 1 (Arrival in Casablanca)
Check in hotel
Hassan II Mosque Guided Tour
Explore the Corniche
Shopping at Casablanca Medina
Place Mohammed V
Day 2 (Casablanca to Fes)
Check out hotel
Train from Casa Voyageurs to Fes
Check in hotel
Afternoon tour of Fes
Day 3 to 5 – 3-day Sahara Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech
I really recommend taking this tour from Fes to Marrakech to maximize your time in Morocco. Lots of amazing places await you on this journey. Trust me.
Day 6 (Marrakech)
Jardin Majorelle
Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Koutoubia Mosque
Ben Youssef Madrasa
Jemaa el-Fnaa
Day 7 (Marrakech)
Bahia Palace
El Badi
Saadian Tombs
Flight back to Casablanca or land travel the next morning
Morocco Travel Packing List
When preparing for your Morocco trip, it’s essential to pack thoughtfully. Ensure you bring items suited for varied climates, including warm clothing for cooler evenings and lightweight layers for hot days. Here are some of the stuff I brought during our trip:
- Pashmina Shawl for warmth during cooler evenings and for modesty when visiting religious sites
- International Power Adapter Plug (220V, 50Hz)
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses
- Insect Repellent
- Day Pack for carrying essentials during our overnight desert stay and day trips
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water Bottle
- Basic First Aid Kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and over-the-counter medication)
- Lightweight layers
- Travel-Sized Toiletries – not all accommodations provide toiletries, so having a travel-sized set of shampoo, conditioner, and soap is handy
- Toilet Paper or Tissues
- Powerbank
- Headlamp just in case of power outages in the desert
Travel Insurance for Morocco Trip
While travel insurance isn’t mandatory for entering Morocco, it’s highly recommended. It offers peace of mind by covering unforeseen events like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost belongings. If you encounter food-related issues like food poisoning, insurance ensures proper care without extra stress. Before our trip, I purchased travel insurance from World Nomads, a reputable insurance provider. Thankfully, I never needed to use it during our 2-week stay in Morocco.
Staying connected in Morocco
Mobile phone coverage in Morocco is generally excellent in cities and metropolitan areas, though it can be spotty in remote desert or mountainous regions. During our 2-week trip, we only lost mobile data in Merzouga, while staying overnight in the Sahara Desert camp. Some parts of the Atlas Mountains also had weak coverage, but overall, our Holafly Morocco eSIM provided reliable connectivity throughout the trip.
Pin this for future reference!
So, there you have it! I spent a lot of time researching and planning for the perfect 2-week Morocco itinerary for first time visitors. I hope this post helps you save some time when creating your own trip. Do you have any questions? Suggestions? Let’s chat down below!
14 replies on “Morocco Itinerary for First Time Visitors (2 Weeks)”
[…] case you missed it, I created a Morocco itinerary for first time visitors. Check it out if you’re planning a trip to […]
Thank you so much. I wish I had known about this useful and valuable information before my trip to Morocco last year. I’m sure that a lot of tourists heading to Morocco will follow your advice and the best trip possible. I can’t wait to return to Morocco next year.
How much is your roundtrip airfare?
Hello Remy! I got my round trip tickets for only 25,500 pesos.
hello i just want to ask what did the moroccan immigration requires you to show upon entering morocco?
and what if i will show just 2 weeks IT and roundtrip ticket but then i will stay there for 60days is there any problem when i depart? thank you
Hello Justine. The Immigration officer in Morocco just asked me to show my passport. I wasn’t required to show anything. As Filipinos, we can stay Visa-free for 90 days. I think there won’t be any issue as long as you can support yourself. When exiting the country, you can tell them that you have made some changes in your travel plans and decided to stay longer.
You have great photos! What camera do you use?
Thank you! I was using GoPro Hero 7 and iPhone 8 plus.
Perfect! Love it!
Hi planning a trip to morocco sometime july 2023 with my family… thinking of following ur IT, however having some reservations about scammers et al, encountered any during ur trip?tia
Hello Michael. My friends and I did not encounter any scammers in Morocco. Just do some research about the common scams in Morocco and how to avoid them. Don’t forget to have fun. 🙂
Hi!
Mouhou Tours is aaking for a downpayment and the rest will be payable in cash or credit card with 5% surcharge.
Is this safe?
Thank you for the reply.
Bernard
Hey Bernard. We made a down payment with Mouhou Tours prior to our trip in Morocco. They’re a reliable tour operator in Morocco so I would say it’s safe. 🙂
Best view I have ever seen!