Magical Morocco: 4-Days in Morocco Itinerary of Must-See Wonders
Author:
Alyssa Faraji
Published:
A 4-day trip to Morocco is not nearly long enough to see all its fascinating locations. Still, with careful planning, you can pack plenty of exploring in just 4 days. You may need a holiday after to recover from your whirlwind Moroccan adventure!
A 4-day Morocco itinerary can cover the major cities such as Rabat, Meknes, Casablanca, and Fes or spend four days in Marrakesh. Another option is a 4-day desert trip, spending time exploring on camel-back and sleeping under the stars. Nature lovers can opt for a 4-day mountain hiking experience.
There are many popular routes for a 4-day Morocco tour, and your choice of itinerary will depend on budget, stamina, and preference. Let’s look at some exciting options for a 4-day Morocco excursion.
The ultimate 4-day Morocco itinerary should be something you will not typically experience in your day-to-day life. Exploring the desert on camel-back is not only exciting but something different altogether. Imagine the stories you can tell your friends and family!
You will see the beautiful red sands of the Saharah desert, mountains, and, if you’re lucky, a lush oasis surrounded by tall date palms and greenery, all to the background music of camel noises. They love to protest—a lot.
Day 2 – you will explore the dunes of Erg Chebbi and the Todra Gorge
Day 3 – is spent in the Draa Valley and the door of the desert city Ouarzazate
Day 4 – is spent in the Ait Benhaddou kasbah and exploring the city of Marrakech before departure
Day 1 – Arrive in Marrakesh And Scenic Atlas Mountain Drive
You will arrive in Marrakesh (nicknamed the red city) as your main entry point and meet your tour guide or operator. From Marrakesh, you will travel towards the High Atlas mountains while taking a scenic drive through the beautiful region.
The indigenous, ethnic Berber tribe inhabits the middle Atlas mountains, and you will likely see several Berber villages along the way. Your tour operator will stop at a Berber village where you can encounter their day-to-day activities.
The Berber people are hardworking, amicable, and welcoming. It’s an honor to experience their way of life in the stark landscape. The climate behind the mountains is dry and, in contrast with the Mediterranean sea climate on the other side.
Your first night will be in a beautiful hotel in the Dades Valley after spending the rest of the day exploring the kasbahs and exotic oases.
Day 2 – Early Rise – Torda Gorge / Camel Ride On The Red Dunes Of Erg Chebbi
Expect to rise at dawn, so get an early night and drive into the sunrise. Your first stop is at Torda Gorge, where time is spent exploring the beautiful limestone rock and sparkling stream at the bottom of the 984-foot-deep ravine.
There are date palm plantations at Todra that provide magnificent scenery, and you can eat some fresh dates when available. Later in the morning, you depart towards Rissani to enjoy lunch. Afterwards, you can explore a souk for a short time.
After lunch, you depart towards the 650ft high dunes of Erg Chebbi. You will be shown to your camel and you will ride camels and explore the massive orange sand dunes the way it has been done for centuries until the sun sets over the amber sand.
The evening is spent enjoying a traditional Bedouin dinner accompanied by music and drumming in the desert camp.
Day 3 – Spend Time In The Draa Valley And Explore Ouarzazate
Early in the morning of day 3, you depart for Rissani to spend time at the cultural center and shop in the Maison Touareg souk/bazaar. This is an excellent opportunity to buy small gifts and hand-crafted items before your final day.
After the shopping, you will drive towards the Draa Valley through desert sands and mountains before arriving at the deep green Draa Valley. Take time to enjoy fresh dates and other products from the locals.
From the Draa Valley, you will travel to Quarzazate, also known as the “doorway of the desert,” where you will have dinner and sleep in a riad with accommodation.
Day 4 – Explore The Ait Benhaddou Kasbah And Depart From Marrakech
On your last day, you can opt to stay in Quarzazate and explore the Taourirt kasbah or visit a film studio.
Afterwards, you will depart to the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah. This site connects Marrakesh and the ancient Sahara desert trade route. From there, you will arrive in Marrakesh in the afternoon and be dropped off at the airport.
4-Day Morocco Tour – Northern Cities – Tangier To Rabat
If a desert trip on camel-back is not your thing, but you want to experience the hustle and bustle of Morocco, then look at this 4-day Northern city itinerary instead.
Explore the beautiful and famous blue city of Chefchaouen (see the amazing blue streets) and enjoy the Roman historical ruins in Volubilis. Lots of early mornings, so keep that in mind if you love the nightlife.
Trip Highlights
Day 1 – Arrival in Tangier, explore, and depart for the blue city of Chefchaouen
Day 2 – Explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Depart for Meknes and then Fes
Day 3 – Explore the imperial city of Fes and the ancient medina
Day 4 – Travel to Rabat and depart from Tangier
Day 1 – Arrive in Tangier And Travel To The Blue City – Chefchaouen
As you arrive in Tangier, your tour guide will meet you, sporting a massive sign with your name and a smile to match. Your first stop is the old quarter to get a quick snack at a café.
From Tangier, you will depart to the magnificent blue city of Chefchaouen, located in the Rif mountain region. Most buildings in the blue city are washed with white and blue or light and dark blue paint. You can spend time visiting shops and cafes.
You can visit the site of the Grand Mosque, but if you are a non-Muslim, you will not be allowed to enter. You can explore the old kasbah and end up on the roof of the Atlas Hotel. Here you can get a breathtaking 360 view of the city.
Day 2 – Explore Ruins at Volubilis – Travel To Fes And Meknes
To see how far the Romans occupied Africa, you must get up early and travel to the Ruins at Volubilis. It’s a largely intact town with temples, baths, and beautiful mosaic artwork.
After spending time at the ruins, you will travel to the imperial city of Meknes to explore the medina and imperial village. If you enjoy archeology, you can visit the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. If you adore horses, visiting the Royal Stables is a must.
After spending time in Meknes, you will drive to the larger imperial city of Fes. The medina is much larger than the one in Meknes. After exploring parts of Fes, you have dinner and retire for the night.
Day 3 – Exploring The Imperial City Of Fez
Rise early and have a lovely breakfast before exploring the rest of the imperial city of Fes. Much of Fes is a world heritage site and still contains original buildings and architecture.
You can visit the souks and the famous Chouara tannery, with striking round baths filled with vibrant colors. Be sure to go past the amazing tile works for a souvenir. Fes is home to the world’s first university, started in 859 CE.
Day 4 – Visit The Artisan Collective And Museum Before You Depart
If you love history and artifacts, stopping at the Batha Museum is pivotal to add to your itinerary.
After the Museum, if time allows, you should go past the artisan collective to pick up some last-minute ceramics, mosaics, or traditional Moroccan pottery as souvenirs or gifts.
4-Day Morocco Mountain Hiking Tour Itinerary
So you’ve had enough of the city hustle and bustle, you’re not prepared to face the Sahara on a protesting, sometimes smelly camel and want to connect with nature.
If that describes you, this is the perfect 4-day Moroccan trip to consider. A blissful but sweaty 4 days in the mountains with boots, a hat, and lots of water awaits you. Snakes? What snakes? Never heard of them.
This 4-day hike is not recommended for beginners as there are some challenging parts in the trails.
Trip Highlights
Day 1 – Arrive in Marrakesh and travel to Imlil through Tizi n’ Tamatert and Tacchedirt
Day 2 – Tacchedirt to Imsker
Day 3 – Imsker to Tizi Oussem
Day 4 – Return to Imlil and then Marrakesh for departure
Day 1 – Arrive in Marrakesh – Travel To Imlil And Hike To Tacheddirt
After arriving in Marrakesh, you will be driven to have breakfast outside the city at the trail start point at Imlil. It’s too late to change your mind now, so put those booties on and lace ‘em up!
The trail walking time is around 6 hours, and you will end up at 2300 meters above sea level. The trail takes you through Tizi n’ Tamatert, where you will have lunch midway through. Expect to encounter several different landscapes and Berber villages.
After the day’s hike, you end up at a guest house in Tacheddirt where you can relax, freshen up and enjoy a traditional dinner.
Day 2 – Depart From Tacchedirt And Hike To Imsker
Are you ready for another 5 to 6 hours of walking? Great! You are expected to get up early and have a power breakfast before heading off to the Imenane valley, where you will hike for most of the day.
The red village is simply awe-inspiring and not a sight you will forget easily. Later in the afternoon, you will arrive in Imsker. Time to kick off your boots, shake out the sand and relax in a traditional abode.
Day 3 – Depart From Imsker To Tizi Oussem
The third day’s hike is the longest, and you’ll need the stamina to make it. The hike time for day 3 is 7 hours. You depart from Imsker and hike to Tizi n’Techt at 2100 meters above sea level with a breathtaking view of the Azzadene valley during lunch.
After a much-needed refreshment and lunch, you start hiking towards Tizi Oussem for the famous hammam or steam baths. Enjoy the bath and a delicious dinner and collapse on your bed; the worst is over!
Day 4 – Depart From Tizi Oussem To Imlil
Just kidding, day 4 has another 6 hours of hiking in store for you, but you can stop for lunch at the height of 2500 meters above sea level in the beautiful Tiki Mzik. Along the way, you will see the region’s biggest waterfall and quickly take a dip.
As you reach Imlil at the end of your 4-day Atlas mountain hiking tour, you will be assisted to any hotel, backpackers, or airport if you need to depart. If you have a spare hour or three, make a quick stop at any of the souks to pick up a souvenir or gift.
4-Day Morocco Coastal Itinerary – Marrakesh to Essaouira
If you love the white sands of the coast, balmy temperatures, and beautiful blue water, consider making a 4-day Morroco coastal trip.
This itinerary is manageable and very relaxing, with ample free time to work on your tan and do some shopping! What’s not to love? Sunburn, that’s what, so remember to bring ample sunblock!
Trip Highlights
Day 1 – Arrive in Marrakesh and explore the city
Day 2 – Depart Marrakesh for Essaouira, go to the beach, or spend time shopping
Day 3 -Spend time at the beach and explore the souks
Day 4 -Dapart from Essaouria to Marrakesh
Day 1 – Arrival In Marrakesh – Spend Time Exploring The City
Arrive in the gorgeous and bustling city of Marrakesh, where you will be picked up at the airport. You get transported to your hotel and allowed to spend the day exploring.
You can request a tour guide to take you around the souks and the medina if you are not confident to explore on your own. If you watch a lot of crime doccies, insert relevant music here. Travel in groups rather than alone.
In the evening, go to any of the suggested restaurants to enjoy traditional music, food, and dance before retiring.
Day 2 Depart From Marrakech To Essaouira
Be ready for an early morning departure from your hotel via minibus to the coastal gem of Essaouira. There will be some rest stops along the way to have a snack and aromatic local coffee.
The minivan should arrive in Essaouira by lunch, and you will be dropped at your hotel. Enjoy a quick snack, head off to the beach to soak up some rays, and later you are free to explore the town for some leisurely early evening shopping.
Enjoy a traditional coastal dinner, enjoy the clean sea air, and retire to your room.
Day 3 – Spend The Day Exploring Essaouira
After an early breakfast, take the opportunity to enjoy the morning on the beach and work on your tan. Your day is free for the most part, and later you will be accompanied to the local souks close to the beachfront.
The souks sell various locally produced items such as spices, fine jewelry, leather goods, and clothing. Remember, it’s common practice to haggle for a price, don’t push your luck though you might lose the bargain!
A significant trademark of Essouria is the narrow winding streets full of interesting shops and cafes to explore.
Day 4 – Depart Essaouira To Marrakesh
If you wake up at dawn, you can quickly sneak in a final splash in the ocean before breakfast. The minivan will pick you up at checkout time and head off to Marrakesh.
Once back in Marrakesh, you will be transferred to the airport or a hotel if you plan to stay longer.
Essential Things To Know Before Traveling To Morocco
While Morocco is a trendy tourist destination, you should know some basic rules before you hit the town. Here are some of the generally unspoken tourist rules:
You may need a visitor’s visa to enter Morocco; check your eligibility
Always tip well – good service always deserves a reward
Feel free to bargain at the market – not too hard but just enough to get some discount
What Do I Need To Bring?
Speaking from experience as a well-traveled wanderluster, you will need some essential items for any 4-day Morocco itinerary options. Rather have them and not need them is a motto to stick with – here goes:
Sunscreen – this is an absolute must, no matter the season.
A well-fitting sun hat – preferably a wide brim. If you are hiking, your hat needs to be ventilated.
Any chronic medications – take the scrip with
Travel insurance – is one item you cannot go without, as anything can happen.
Tummy meds – different foods and water can cause more bathroom stops than you bargained for – be prepared
A good attitude – This is the number one thing you need to have a fantastic adventure!
Take Away
While all the 4-day Moroccan tour itineraries seem similar, prices and accommodation quality will vary from operator to operator. This exotic country offers everything from surfing to camel rides to immersing yourself in the berber culture. When visiting morocco, check out the Morocco tours which suit your interests as there literally is something for everyone!
Researching their trip ratings on various websites and reading the feedback on all stopovers and transfers is always a great idea. Bon voyage!
FAQs on Morocco 4 days
Is 4 days enough for Morocco?
While you won’t be able to see everything Morocco has to offer in just 4 days, it’s still possible to have a rewarding and memorable trip. A well-planned itinerary will allow you to visit key attractions, explore local culture, and enjoy unique experiences in a short amount of time.
Is 4 days in Marrakech enough?
Four days in Marrakech is sufficient to explore the city’s main attractions, such as the Medina, Bahia Palace, and Jardin Majorelle. It also allows time for day trips to nearby destinations like the Ourika Valley, Ouzoud Waterfalls, or Essaouira.
How many days in Morocco is enough?
The ideal length of a Morocco trip varies depending on your interests and the destinations you wish to visit. Generally, 7-10 days are recommended for a well-rounded experience if you visit Morocco, allowing you to visit multiple cities and regions while still having time to relax and immerse yourself in local culture.
Is 5 days enough for Morocco?
Five days in Morocco will enable you to visit several key cities or attractions, such as Marrakech, Fes, and the Sahara Desert. However, you may need to prioritise your interests and plan your itinerary carefully to make the most of your time.
Can you do Marrakech in 4 days?
Yes, 4 days is a suitable duration for a trip to Marrakech. This timeframe allows you to explore the city’s main sights, indulge in local cuisine, and participate in cultural activities. It also provides the opportunity for a day trip to nearby attractions.
How many days is enough for Morocco?
A: Ideally, spending 7-10 days in Morocco will give you a comprehensive experience, allowing you to visit multiple cities and regions. However, shorter trips of 3-5 days can still be enjoyable, focusing on specific destinations or interests.
Is 5 days enough in Morocco?
While you can’t explore all of Morocco in 5 days, you can still have a rewarding trip by prioritising your interests and visiting key attractions. This duration allows for a combination of city exploration and natural wonders, such as the Sahara Desert.
