our two week morocco itinerary | the ultimate road trip

By: Gate to Paradise | Published: May 27, 2025 | Last Updated: July 26, 2025 | Jump to Comments

Our start was a little bumpy, to say the least. But once we adjusted to the rhythm of Morocco, everything began to unfold beautifully. We embraced the culture, learned to navigate the chaotic traffic and found ourselves falling in love with the different landscapes and the deep history woven into every city and village. For two unforgettable weeks, our Morocco road trip turned into one of the most adventurous travel experiences we’ve ever had. In this post, we’re sharing our full 2-week Morocco itinerary – complete with cultural highlights, road trip tips, must-see destinations, and lessons we learned along the way. No matter how you dream of your trip to morocco, this guide will help you plan a journey thats as enriching as it is unforgettable.

Our first night in Morocco was spent in the heart of Marrakech, at the Riad Rose Meryam – a place that was okay for the night (though it didn’t quite meet the parking expectations set by the website). Since we arrived in the evening, we were just happy to rest for one night before our big adventure began. To be honest, we had also been advised not to drive at night in Morocco, so it was a wise decision to settle in early.

We kicked off the road trip early the next morning, with our first destination being the stunning Ait Ben Haddou, about a 3.5-hour drive from Marrakech. Parking is available on-site (though it’s a paid service, costing around 10 Dirham), and from there, it’s a leisurely 8-minute walk to the famous Kasbah. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, and it’s easy to see why so many famous films and TV shows were shot here.

The entrance fee is minimal, around 20 Dirham per person, which is well worth it. However, the experience is slightly marred by locals at nearly every corner trying to collect additional “fees” – don’t be fooled by these unofficial requests, you’ve already paid at the entrance. We simply walked in the opposite direction or past them when possible to avoid any hassle.

For our overnight stay, we chose the Riad Chay in Ouarzazate, just a 35-minute drive from Ait Ben Haddou. This riad was absolutely gorgeous! Though it’s a bit remote (with a bumpy road leading to it), the clear signage made it easy to find. Being in a quiet, more secluded spot, we opted to enjoy a traditional dinner at the riad itself. The meal was delicious, and since they’re famous for their Chay (Moroccan tea), it was no surprise that both the food and tea were perfect, offering a wonderful start to our Morocco adventure.

Travel Tip: Be sure to visit the small village of Fint. It is only a 20-minute drive from the Riad Chay and is a beautiful little oasis in the desert.

This was by far the longest driving day of our entire trip. We drove directly to Midelt, a 7-hour drive from our previous destination, with plans to stop and explore the fascinating Dadès Gorge along the way. Unfortunately, when we arrived, the entire gorge was inaccessible, so we decided to turn it into a full driving day and head straight to our traditional riad in Midelt.

Midelt is essentially a stopover for travelers, and you can really feel that when you’re there. There’s not much to see or do in the town itself, as it’s mostly just a pitstop on the way to other destinations. Our riad, Riad Villa Midelt, was fine for a one-night stay, but the highlight was definitely the traditional dinner. It was absolutely delicious, and the portions were huge! Perfect for satisfying our appetites after such a long day on the road.

Refueled and ready, we continued our journey to Ifrane, a 2.5-hour drive away, often referred to as “Switzerland of Morocco.” This small, tranquil town is unlike any other in Morocco. With European-style buildings and a cool climate, it even gets snow in the winter — yes, you read that right! The locals are even known for their winter hobby: skiing! We had no idea about that before our visit. On the way to Ifrane, we drove through a small forest area, so keep your eyes peeled for wild monkeys! It’s a pretty unique experience.

From Ifrane, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive to the bustling city of Fès. As we got closer, we could already feel the intensity — the chaotic traffic started right in the suburbs, and it was a challenge to navigate, to say the least! Up until then, we’d been cruising along calm country roads, enjoying the changing landscapes, but once we hit Fès, our focus was solely on avoiding the madness of the traffic while trying not to hit anyone!
We arrived in Fès sweaty but excited, and checked into our stunning riad, Maison Bleue & Spa. Luckily, they had parking, so we could leave the car behind and dive into our three-day stop in the city.

Honestly, Fès is a whole other world — chaotic, yes, but incredibly authentic. It has the true Moroccan vibe that you expect when you visit Morocco. The best part? Our riad was just a stone’s throw away from the famous Fès Medina, one of the largest and oldest medinas in Morocco and North Africa!

With no idea what we were doing, we threw ourselves into the maze of Fès Medina. It swallowed us whole and, a few hours later, spit us out. Trust us, navigating the narrow, winding alleys is nearly impossible without a guide. The GPS doesn’t work, as it gets totally overwhelmed by the maze of streets, so we lost our bearings pretty quickly (and probably walked in circles).

Pro tip: Don’t wander aimlessly through the 9,000 alleyways like we did, because you’ll get lost faster than you can say “Medina!” Also, be prepared for locals offering to guide you for a fee or even leading you into their shops — they’re persistent! So try to stay aware and keep your bearings as best as you can.

Despite all that, the hustle and bustle, the smells, the leather goods, and the food — it’s all so mesmerizing. You’ll quickly feel like you’ve been transported to another world.

If you want to visit one of the world’s oldest tanneries, Fès is home to the famous Sidi Moussa Tannery. We recommend going early in the morning before the big tour groups arrive. But be cautious! There are many scammers around the tannery, as we’ve heard some not-so- pleasant stories. That said, our experience at the Tannery Sidi Moussa was fine. Yes, the guide tried to sell us some leather goods at the end of the free tour, but just politely decline if you’re not interested.

Next stop: Chefchaouen, the Blue City! A true highlight of Morocco, and it’s easy to see why. Almost every street, alley, and even the floors are painted in shades of blue, giving the city a peaceful, otherworldly atmosphere that’s unlike anywhere else. It truly lives up to its name.

We stayed at Casa Meftah Blue, which was fine for one night. It’s centrally located, making it easy to explore the town. We found parking at Bab El Mahrouk square, where you can leave your car for about 25 Dirham for the entire day. From there, it’s just a short walk to the heart of Chefchaouen, so it’s very convenient.

While you’re in Chefchaouen, don’t miss exploring the historic Plaza Uta el Hammam, the Kasbah, and the nearby Ras El Maa Waterfall. Each of these spots offers a unique experience and stunning views, making Chefchaouen a city you’ll want to fully immerse yourself in.

Next, we headed to Rabat, Morocco’s capital city. The 4.5-hour drive was mostly on the highway, and we passed Casablanca along the way. Unfortunately, we didn’t stop there due to rain, but if you have the time and the weather is better, maybe it’s worth a visit.

Rabat impressed us with its blend of modernity and cultural diversity. This city feels different from the others we’d visited in Morocco, with all the typical characteristics of a modern capital. Our hotel was classic and contemporary — the Imperial Boutique Hotel, which perfectly fit the vibe of the city.

There’s no shortage of things to see in Rabat! Make sure to visit the Kasbah of the Oudaias, the impressive Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Don’t miss the ancient Chellah ruins, the Royal Palace, and the beach area. And, of course, take time to explore the vibrant Medina of Rabat.

You’ll quickly notice that Rabat has a completely different atmosphere compared to the other Moroccan cities — it’s a peaceful yet bustling hub, with a perfect mix of history, modernity, and coastal charm. Truly enchanting!

After completing our loop through Morocco, we saved the final days for Marrakech — the city that had been on our minds the entire trip. We had booked a stay at Riad Roxanne for three nights, but to be honest, we can’t recommend it. While the courtyard is lovely and the breakfast was delicious, the rest of the experience didn’t meet our expectations. The rooms were, at best, average to poor for the price we paid, and the location was a huge letdown.

The riad is located deep in the chaotic Medina, which isn’t necessarily bad. However, it was situated in a rather unsafe area, and we were warned not to venture out at night. On our way in, we had already encountered some shady characters, and it gave us a glimpse into a side of Morocco that we hadn’t anticipated.

One of the biggest disappointments was that, despite being told otherwise, the riad didn’t offer parking. We had to return our car, and it became clear that many of the details communicated online weren’t accurate. If you’re planning to rent a car, be sure to ask specifically about parking when booking your accommodation. Don’t assume anything, as the parking situation can be unclear. The riad might tell you to park “somewhere” nearby, but Morocco is strict about towing, and you could end up with a ticket or worse — so always be cautious about where you park. And, never leave valuables in your car.

But despite this, we didn’t let it ruin our mood and set out to explore Marrakech with enthusiasm. There’s so much to see and do in this vibrant city! Be sure to visit the iconic Jemaa El-Fnaa square, the beating heart of Marrakesh. Other must-see spots include the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Jardin Majorelle, the Saadian Tombs, Medersa Ben Youssef, and the El Badi Palace. And of course, you can’t miss wandering through the famous Souks and the Medina.

A hidden gem we highly recommend is Maison de la Photographie — a fantastic museum with an amazing rooftop offering breathtaking views over Marrakesh. For a relaxing break, we loved Cafe des Epices, Zeitoun Cafe Kasbah and Le Fondouk Restaurant, both with beautiful rooftop terraces where you can unwind and enjoy the city from above.

Travel Tip: In Morocco, there are a lot of police checkpoints across the country. If you see a stop sign, slow down and make sure to come to a full stop. The first time we didn’t fully stop, and we were fined 180 Dirham on the spot. So, make sure to follow the rules!
And that’s a wrap on our Moroccan adventure! From the blue streets of Chefchaouen to the chaotic charm of Marrakesh, this trip was a whirlwind of vibrant colors, mouthwatering food, and more history than we could ever remember. So, pack your bags, grab your sunscreen (and maybe a map), and get ready to dive headfirst into one of the most unforgettable journeys you’ll ever take. Morocco is waiting — and it’s as wild and wonderful as you’ve heard.

See you on the road (or in the souks)!

And Please don’t miss the food in morocco : Tagine, Couscous, Harira, Kefta and our dessert favorite the Jawhara – delicious delicious delicious