How many days do you need in Morocco?

The honest answer depends on whether you want to see one part of Morocco properly or several parts quickly. Both are valid. Here is how the arithmetic actually works on our own programmes.

Six days: one region, done well

Our Red Pearl programme runs six days and stays in the Marrakech orbit. That is enough for the medina and its monuments, a full day in the Ourika Valley in the Atlas foothills, a day trip to Essaouira on the Atlantic, and a night in Casablanca before flying home. You are not rushing, but you are not crossing the country either.

Seven days: the northern cities

Seven days opens up the north. Our northern programme covers Rabat, Meknes, the Roman site at Volubilis, two days in Fes, then Chefchaouen, Tetouan, Tanger and Asilah on the way back. It is the richest week Morocco offers for history and medinas.

If it is your first visit and you only have a week, choose one of these two rather than trying to combine them.

Ten days: north to south

Ten days is the point where Morocco stops being a city break and becomes a country. Our north-to-south circuit runs from the Mediterranean coast down through the imperial cities to the desert, which is the itinerary most people picture when they imagine Morocco.

What we would not recommend

Trying to see Fes, Marrakech and the Sahara in five days. It can be sold, and you will spend most of it in a vehicle. Pick a region, or add the days.