From Tangier and Chefchaouen to the Sahara and Marrakesh, this 12-day Morocco itinerary shows how to travel independently using public transport and smart planning.

1. Overview

Morocco had been on our list for a long time, and this trip finally allowed us to stitch together a journey that felt varied without being rushed. Over 12 days, we travelled from the northern coast down to the edge of the Sahara, mixing cities, medinas, desert landscapes and long train rides that gave us time to slow down and observe everyday life.

We relied almost entirely on public transport, stayed mostly in reliable mid‑range hotels and riads, and planned the route so that each leg flowed naturally into the next.

If you’re visiting Morocco for the first time and want to see a bit of everything, this itinerary is a solid starting point.

Day 1: Arrival in Tangier

We flew from London to Tangier, which immediately felt different from the Morocco many people imagine. Tangier is breezier, more European in parts, and a gentle introduction to the country.

We stayed at ibis Tanger City Center, which worked well for a short stay. It’s close to the promenade, easy to reach from the airport, and practical if you’re arriving late or leaving early the next day.

After checking in, we kept things simple: a walk along the seafront and an easy dinner nearby. No rushing on day one – just easing into Morocco.

🏨Where we stayed: ibis Tanger City Center

Day 2: Day Trip to Chefchaouen from Tangier

We set off early for our day trip to Chefchaouen, travelling by public transport through the Rif Mountains. The journey itself was part of the experience, gradually revealing greener landscapes before the blue-washed town came into view.

Once in Chefchaouen, we spent the day wandering without a strict plan. We explored the medina’s blue-painted streets, made our way up to the Kasbah, and climbed the Portuguese tower for elevated views across the town.

Along the way, we stopped for a freshly squeezed orange juice from one of the natural waterfall spots, which felt like a simple but memorable pause in the day.

Later on, we walked up towards the Spanish Mosque just in time for sunset, watching the light change over Chefchaouen and the surrounding hills. After dinner in the medina, we made our way back to Tangier in the evening, feeling we’d seen enough in a single, well-paced day.

🏨Where we stayed: ibis Tanger City Center

Day 3: Tangier Medina, Kasbah & Train to Rabat

We dedicated the morning to Tangier’s historic core, starting with a visit to the Phoenician tombs, where the elevated position offers some particularly impressive vistas over the coastline, especially in the clear morning light.

From there, we made our way through the medina, soaking up the everyday rhythm of the streets before stopping at Petit Socco for a cup of mint tea and some people-watching.

Later, we headed to the train station for our journey south to Rabat. The train ride was comfortable and efficient, and by the afternoon we had arrived and checked in at ibis Rabat Agdal, located right next to the high-speed station.

We quickly headed out for a relaxed seafood lunch, which turned out to be one of the best meals of the trip. After that, we explored the Kasbah of the Udayas, enjoying views over the marina, wandered through the Andalusian Gardens — where we inevitably ended up playing with a few resident cats — and visited the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, where the craftsmanship and attention to detail were genuinely impressive.

We ended the day with a traditional dinner accompanied by live music, and being the only diners meant we had the band’s full attention, a memorable and unexpected way to finish the day.

🏨Where we stayed: ibis Rabat Agdal

Day 4: Exploring Rabat & Onward to Casablanca

Rabat surprised us with its calm, elegant feel. In the morning, we explored Chellah, the atmospheric Roman and medieval necropolis, taking our time to enjoy the sunny weather and stopping for a drink at the on-site café, which is a lovely spot to slow down and take in the surroundings.

From there, we headed towards the Royal Palace to see the iconic gates. While the craftsmanship and scale are impressive, it’s worth noting that the palace itself can’t be visited, so whether it’s worth the detour will depend on how much time you have. We then visited the Museum of History and Civilisations, which, didn’t really resonate with us, and in hindsight we’d suggest skipping it.

Instead, lunch at a well-rated local grill house more than made up for it. The skewers were excellent and gave us just the right energy boost before heading to the station.

Later in the afternoon, we boarded the train to Casablanca and, on arrival, checked in at Hôtel Ibis Casa Voyageurs, chosen mainly for its unbeatable location next to the main station, making onward travel simple and stress-free.

The train ride to Casablanca was quick and easy. We stayed at Hotel Ibis Casa Voyageurs, directly next to Casa Voyageurs station, which made arriving and departing very straightforward.

Casablanca immediately felt busier and more modern, a sharp contrast to Rabat’s calm atmosphere.

🏨Where we stayed: Hotel Ibis Casa Voyageurs

Day 5: Casablanca Highlights & Train to Marrakesh

Casablanca felt fast-paced and modern, a clear contrast to Rabat. We spent the morning visiting the Hassan II Mosque, one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims, and its scale and oceanfront setting made it one of the most striking landmarks of the trip.

After that, we explored both the Old and New Medina. While the Old Medina is more authentic (read it as in rough), we found the New Medina to be far more presentable and easier to enjoy. We stopped to pick up Bennis Habous pastries, a local Casablanca icon, which we packed up and took with us to Marrakech later on.

We spent the rest of the day wandering through the city centre, soaking up the everyday atmosphere. Lunch was at a seafood restaurant near the Old Medina, where the food was fresh and flavourful, before we wrapped up our time in Casablanca ahead of our onward journey.

We had planned to spend the evening in Casablanca, but heavy rain changed our plans. Instead, we decided to bring our Marrakech leg forward and rebooked our train tickets.

By evening, we had arrived in Marrakech and checked into Riad Jona, tucked away inside the medina, which immediately felt worlds apart from the city we’d just left.

🏨Where we stayed: Riad Jona

Day 6: Day Trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakesh

Before even exploring Marrakesh, we booked a day trip to the Ouzoud Waterfalls via Headout.

Set in the Atlas Mountains, these are Morocco’s tallest waterfalls, plunging 110 metres and flowing year-round, making them a dependable escape from the city.

We loved the mix of nature and simple experiences, from feeding the monkeys to taking a small boat close to the falls. The views all around made the day feel calm and refreshing.

🏨Where we stayed: Riad Jona

Day 7: First Taste of Marrakesh & Night Bus to Zagora

Knowing we would return to Marrakech later, we kept these two days intentionally light. We explored the medina and its lively souks, learning more about the Berber carpet tradition and the stories behind the patterns and techniques.

We also visited the Saadian Tombs, one of the city’s most impressive historical sites, which gave us a deeper sense of Marrakech’s past.

For lunch, we stopped in a popular alley within the medina known for its spit‑roast lamb. It was rich, flavourful and easily one of the most memorable meals we had in the city.

Before heading to Zagora, we spent time in Jemaa el‑Fnaa, watching the square come to life while enjoying a fresh juice as we waited for our night coach. On the evening of Day 7, we then boarded the long but practical overnight journey towards the Sahara.

Day 8: Arrival at Arawan Luxury Desert Camp

We arrived in Zagora in the morning and transferred to Arawan Luxury Desert Camp.

The shift in pace was immediate. After days of cities and transport hubs, the desert felt quiet and expansive. We spent the day settling in, enjoying the surroundings, doing a desert safari and taking part in the camp’s activities.

🏨Where we stayed: Arawan Luxury Desert Camp

Day 9: Nomadic Camping Experience in the Sahara

This was one of the most memorable parts of the trip. We joined the Nomadic Experience Camp, travelling deeper into the Sahara for a more traditional, stripped‑back experience.

Sleeping under the stars, sharing meals, and moving at a completely different rhythm gave us a new perspective on desert life. It’s an experience that contrasts beautifully with the comfort of a luxury camp.

Day 10: Return to Camp & Relaxed Desert Day

We returned to Arawan Luxury Camp for a slower day. We joined a cooking class and learnt how to make lemon chicken tagine.

After several early mornings and long travel days, having time to simply relax in the desert felt well earned.

🏨Where we stayed: Arawan Luxury Desert Camp

Day 11: Sand Storm in the Desert & Back to Marrakesh

On our final morning in the desert, we woke up to an unexpected sandstorm, which turned out to be a surprisingly beautiful experience.

Once the wind eased, we headed to the dunes for one last look before travelling to Zagora and continuing on to Marrakesh.

It also taught us a valuable lesson about the importance of proper clothing and a good headscarf in desert conditions.

Day 12: Marrakesh & Journey Home

In the late afternoon, we travelled back to Zagora to catch the night coach to Marrakech, arriving around 3am. For convenience, we stayed at ibis Marrakech Centre Gare, located right next to the coach and train stations.

After some rest, we joined a guided tour of Marrakech, which added a completely different dimension to our final day. Having a knowledgeable local guide brought much-needed context to what we were seeing and helped us understand the city beyond first impressions.

During the tour, we visited the Koutoubia Mosque from the outside, explored Le Jardin Secret, and wandered through the elegant Bahia Palace, all of which we found genuinely captivating.

We finished our time in the city soaking up the atmosphere at Jemaa el-Fnaa once more before heading to the airport. Ending the trip in the heart of Marrakech felt like a fitting full-circle moment before our return flight to London.

🏨Where we stayed: ibis Marrakesh Centre Gare

How Many Days Is Enough for Morocco?

For a first visit, 10–14 days works well if you want to combine cities with the desert. Shorter trips can feel rushed, especially if you include long distances like Marrakesh to Zagora.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Morocco?

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most comfortable temperatures. We travelled in Novermber/December 2025 and found it ideal for both cities and the desert.

If you are considering a desert camp, and there is no AC in the camp rooms (i.e. just a tent) make sure you go during the shoulder months as temperatures during the day are milder and during the night, not as cold.

In November for reference, we had in the Sahara at Zagora, Erg Lihoudi, 25 degrees Celsius during the day and 8-12 degrees Celsius during the night.

How Do You Get Around Morocco?

Getting around Morocco is easier than many first-time visitors expect, especially if you’re happy to rely on public transport. For this itinerary, we didn’t rent a car at all and still managed to move efficiently between cities, towns and the desert.

Trains in Morocco

Morocco’s train network is run by ONCF (Office National des Chemins de Fer), and it connects most major cities including Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakesh. Trains are modern, clean and reliable, particularly on the high-speed TGV line.

• High-speed trains (Al Boraq / TGV) operate between Tangier, Rabat and Casablanca, significantly cutting travel times.
• Regular intercity trains cover routes like Rabat–Marrakesh and Casablanca–Marrakesh.

Tickets can be bought:

• Online via the official ONCF website (www.oncf-voyages.ma) or online via 12go.com (in English)
• At train stations (ticket offices and machines)

We generally found trains to be excellent value for money and far more comfortable than long-distance buses for daytime travel.

Coaches and Buses in Morocco

For destinations not served by trains, coaches are the best option. We used them for:

• Tangier → Chefchaouen (day trip)
• Marrakesh → Zagora (night bus)

Popular and reliable coach companies include:

• CTM – the most reputable operator, slightly more expensive but very comfortable
• Supratours – often linked with train services and a good alternative to CTM

Tickets can be purchased:

• Online via company websites
• At bus stations
• Through platforms like 12go.com or similar regional booking sites

Night buses are long but practical if you want to save time and avoid losing a full travel day, particularly for routes into southern Morocco.

Taxis and Local Transport

Within cities, taxis are widely available and inexpensive.

• Petit taxis operate within city limits and are ideal for short journeys
• Grand taxis cover longer routes or intercity travel, often shared with other passengers

In most cases, fares are negotiable, so it helps to agree on a price before starting the journey, especially outside major hubs.

Ride-Hailing Apps in Morocco

In addition to traditional taxis, ride-hailing apps work surprisingly well in Morocco’s major cities.

The two apps we used were:

• Careem – similar to Uber, reliable and easy to use
• InDrive – consistently the cheapest option during our trip

With InDrive, you effectively put forward a price for your journey, and nearby drivers can either accept it or counter with a slightly higher amount. This tender-style system worked well for us and gave a good sense of what a fair local fare should be.

To give you a realistic idea of costs, we used taxis five to six times per day across cities like Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakesh. By the end of the trip, our total taxi spend was around £60.

For short urban journeys, taxis and ride-hailing apps were not only affordable but also saved a huge amount of time compared to walking or navigating local buses.

Organised Transfers & Desert Tours

For the Sahara, organised transfers are often the most practical solution. Desert camps typically arrange:

• Pick-up from Zagora or nearby towns
• Transfers by 4×4 into the desert

This removes a lot of logistical stress and ensures you reach remote areas safely.

Do You Need a Car in Morocco?

For city-based itineraries like ours, a car isn’t necessary. Public transport is affordable and efficient, and parking in cities can be stressful.

However, renting a car can make sense if:

• You’re exploring remote mountain villages
• You want complete flexibility in rural areas
• You’re travelling with more than two people and splitting costs

For most first-time visitors, combining trains, coaches and organised desert transfers strikes the best balance between comfort, cost and convenience.

What Should You Wear in Morocco?

Light layers work best. In cities, casual clothing is fine, but modest outfits are appreciated, especially in medinas and rural areas – think outfits you don’t mind getting dusty with.

In the desert, evenings can get cold, so warm layers are essential. You can read more here on what to wear in Morocco.

Do You Need a Visa to Visit Morocco?

UK and most European passport holders can enter Morocco visa‑free for stays of up to 90 days. Always double‑check current requirements before travelling.

Our Morocco Travel Budget

We tracked our spending throughout the trip to get a realistic picture of what travelling independently in Morocco actually costs. Overall, Morocco felt very good value, especially considering the distances covered and the variety of experiences we included.

Here’s a rough breakdown of our total spend for two people over the 12 days:

Category	Approx. Cost (GBP)	Notes
Flights	~£110	Return flights from London to Tangier and back from Marrakesh. Prices can fluctuate, but we found good value booking in advance.
Accommodation	~£780	A mix of ibis hotels in major cities, a riad and a desert camp
Food	~£450	Daily meals, coffees, snacks and a few sit-down dinners. Eating locally keeps costs very reasonable.
Transport	~£170	Trains between cities, buses to Chefchaouen, and night coaches to and from Zagora. Trains offered particularly good value.
Activities & Sightseeing	~£260	Hassan II Mosque entry, medina attractions, and guided experiences. Many city sights were free or low-cost.
Other / Miscellaneous	~£300	Taxis, Tips, small purchases, and unexpected changes like rebooking train tickets.

Total estimated budget: ~£2,070 for two people

A few observations that might help you plan your own budget:

• Accommodation and food were the main costs, but both felt good value compared to many European destinations.
• Public transport kept costs down. Trains in Morocco are comfortable, reliable, and far cheaper than renting a car for a long route like this.
• Marrakesh attractions were the most expensive of the entire trip. There is no way either to save on those tickets by getting a city card or some sort of combo ticket.

If you’re travelling as a couple and mixing mid-range hotels with one or two standout experiences, this budget is a realistic benchmark for an 12-day Morocco itinerary.

Data Connectivity in Morocco

Staying connected in Morocco was easy, and having mobile data made a big difference for navigation, transport bookings and ride-hailing apps.

We used Saily as our eSIM for Morocco and found it reliable throughout the trip, including in major cities like Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakesh, as well as in more remote areas such as Zagora. Setup was straightforward before departure, and activation worked as soon as we landed.

Coverage was strong enough for everyday use: Google Maps, messaging apps, ride-hailing (Careem and InDrive), and quick searches on the go. Speeds were generally good in cities and perfectly usable in smaller towns. In the desert, connectivity was understandably more limited, but still available around camps and towns.

Using an eSIM meant we didn’t need to visit mobile shops or swap physical SIM cards, which saved time and hassle. If you’re travelling independently and relying on public transport, taxis and online bookings, having a data plan like this is well worth it.

Is Morocco Safe for Travellers?

Safety was something we were asked about a lot before travelling, and based on our experience, Morocco felt safe and welcoming throughout the trip.

People were generally friendly, fair and genuinely helpful, especially once they realised we were visiting independently and making an effort to get around on our own. Like in many tourist destinations, you’ll occasionally encounter someone offering to guide you to your hotel in exchange for a small tip. This happened mostly near medinas and transport hubs, but it never felt aggressive and a polite “no” was always respected.

What stood out far more were the small, unexpected acts of kindness. On our first night in Tangier, a local noticed us struggling with the menu and offered to speak to the waiter and translate our order, simply to help us out. On another occasion in Zagora, two guys on a moped actually stopped to check that we weren’t being overcharged by taxi drivers and made sure the price was fair before we got in.

Moments like these happened repeatedly and really shaped how we felt about travelling in Morocco. As long as you use common sense, stay aware of your surroundings and don’t be afraid to politely decline offers you’re not comfortable with, Morocco is a country where warmth and hospitality consistently outweigh the negatives.

There are a few content creators out there that try to create the wrong impressions, this is purely for hype reasons and is unfair how they portray every day Moroccans.

Final Thoughts

This itinerary gave us a balanced introduction to Morocco, from coastal cities to imperial capitals and finally the vastness of the Sahara. It’s a trip that shows how diverse the country really is, and one we’d happily recommend to first‑time visitors looking for variety without over‑planning.

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