Casablanca is Morocco’s main international gateway and its largest city. While it is more modern compared to other destinations, it features one of the country’s most significant landmarks, the Hassan II Mosque, located directly over the Atlantic Ocean. The Corniche area offers seaside walks, cafés, and restaurants, making it a good place to recover from a long flight before continuing the journey.
Traveling north leads to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Rabat is known for its relaxed atmosphere, wide streets, and historical sites such as the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Oudayas. From there, many travelers continue toward the Rif Mountains to reach Chefchaouen. The town is well known for its blue-painted streets, calm pace of life, and scenic surroundings, making it a favorite stop for photography and short walks.
The route then continues to Fes, often considered the cultural and spiritual center of Morocco. Its historic medina, Fes el-Bali, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest car-free medina in the world. Visitors typically explore traditional markets, madrasas, tanneries, and historic mosques. Due to the complexity of the medina, many travelers choose to explore Fes with a local guide to better understand its history and layout.
From Fes, the journey heads south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. The scenery changes noticeably, passing through cedar forests and highland towns before reaching the Ziz Valley, known for its long stretches of palm groves. This route leads to Merzouga Desert, located near the dunes of Erg Chebbi on the edge of the Sahara.
Visiting the Sahara Desert is often described as one of the most memorable parts of a Morocco trip. In Merzouga, travelers usually experience a camel ride across the dunes at sunset and spend the night in a desert camp. Evenings are typically quiet and include local food, traditional music, and clear night skies ideal for stargazing.
After leaving the desert, the journey continues through southern Morocco, passing natural landmarks such as Todgha Gorge and the Dades Valley. These areas are known for dramatic rock formations, river valleys, and scenic roads. The route then reaches Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known for its traditional earthen architecture.
Crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass brings travelers to Marrakech. Marrakech is one of Morocco’s most visited cities, offering lively souks, historic palaces, gardens, and the famous Jemaa el-Fna square. It provides a strong contrast to the quieter towns and landscapes visited earlier in the trip.
This Morocco 2-week itinerary from Casablanca offers a comprehensive overview of the country while keeping travel distances manageable. Travelers researching similar routes often find it helpful to compare itineraries shared by local operators or travel specialists, such as those published on independent Morocco travel websites, to better understand timing, routes, and regional highlights.
Short Recommendations
The best time to follow this itinerary is during spring or autumn for moderate temperatures. Distances can be longer than expected, so planning realistic travel times is important. In historic cities, local guides can add valuable context, while private or small-group travel is often the most practical option for reaching desert and mountain areas.