3 DAYS IN MOROCCO: COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE
3 Days in Morocco: An Unforgettable Journey
Morocco, a land of vibrant colors, ancient traditions, and breathtaking landscapes, is a truly unique destination—even within a short period of time.
For travelers seeking an immersive cultural adventure, Exploring Morocco Trips can carefully craft a 3 day Morocco itinerary that captures the true essence of this North African gem.
This guide focuses on how to make the most of your 3 days in Morocco, highlighting the top destinations and experiences — including options for those arriving from Spain and special considerations for a 3 days New Year’s Eve in Morocco desert celebration.
Planning Your 3 Days in Morocco: Where to Go and What to See
If you are wondering “3 days in Morocco where to go” or “what to see in Morocco in 3 days”, proper planning is the key to an enjoyable and discovery-filled trip. Even in 3 days in Morocco, you can combine culture, history, nature, and adventure into a well-balanced itinerary.
Choosing the best places to visit in Morocco during 3 days depends on your interests: do you want to explore the imperial cities like Marrakech and Fes and learn about their history, enjoy the mountains and lush valleys, or experience the magical desert in Merzouga? Each option has its unique charm.
For a cultural journey, you can explore traditional markets, historic schools, and ancient kasbahs. Nature lovers can discover charming Berber villages, the green valleys of the Atlas Mountains, and enchanting forests. For those seeking a unique and highly popular Morocco desert tour, 3-day desert tours from Marrakech to Fes across the desert or from Fes to Marrakech through the desert offer the chance to ride camels, spend the night in traditional desert camps, and enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over golden dunes. These tours often include crossing the Atlas Mountain passes, visiting Berber villages, and stopping at famous sites like Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, offering a full and unforgettable Moroccan experience.
Top 3 Days Morocco Tours: From Marrakech and Fes
3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
Day 1: Marrakech → Tizi N’Tichka pass → Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah → Ouarzazate → Kalaat M’Gouna → Boumalne Dades
Day 2: Dades Valley → Tinghir → Todra Gorges → Touroug → Merzouga Desert → Camel trekking → Luxury Camp
Day 3: Merzouga Desert → Rissani → N’kob → Agdz → Ouarzazate → High Atlas Mountains → Marrakech
3 Days Tour from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga
Day 1: Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah → Rose Valley → Ouarzazate → Boumalne Dades
Day 2: Boumalne Dades→ Tinghir Oases → Todgha Gorge → Berber Shop → Merzouga → Camel trekking → Desert Camp
Day 3: Merzouga Desert → Rissani → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Cedar Forest → Ifrane → Middle Atlas Mountains → Fes
3 Days Tour from Fes to Merzouga and Back to Fes
Day 1: Fes → Ifrane → Cedar Forest → Ziz valley → Merzouga Desert → Luxury Camp
Day 2: Explore Merzouga region → Nomadic Familiy → Old mine→Khamlia → Erg Chebbi → Palm Grove → Riad
Day 3: Merzouga Desert → Rissani → Arfoud → Midelt → Cedar Forest → Middle Atlas Mountains → Fes
3 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga
Day 1: Fes → Ifrane → Cedar Forest→Ziz valley → Merzouga → Camel trekking → Desert Camp
Day 2: Merzouga Desert → Rissani → Berber Store→ Tinghir Oases → Berber Store→ Boumalne Dades (Dades Valley)
Day 3: Dades Valley → Kalaat M’Gouna→ Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah → Tizi n’Tichka Pass → Marrakech
Thanks to the excellent transportation network between cities, it’s easy to travel between Marrakech, Fes, Ouarzazate, and the southeastern desert regions. Proper planning allows you to make the most of every moment, turning your 3 days in Morocco into a rich, memorable experience full of Moroccan desert magic.
Arrival from Spain: Your Gateway to Morocco in 3 Days
If you are starting your 3 days in Morocco from Spain, the most common entry points are Tangier or Ceuta/Melilla. These northern cities offer a unique mix of culture and history.
In Tangier, you can explore the historic Kasbah, stroll through the bustling Grand and Petit Socco squares, and visit the American Legation Museum for a glimpse into Morocco’s diplomatic history. Don’t forget to visit Hercules Cave and Cap Spartel, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea, perfect spots for photos and enjoying nature.
After exploring Tangier, you can head the next day to one of the famous imperial cities like Fes or Marrakech via train, private car, or domestic flight.
From Ceuta or Melilla, travelers can go directly south toward Chefchaouen, Fes, or Meknes. For a 3-day intensive itinerary, it’s usually best to focus on one imperial city to explore it thoroughly, or combine it with a 3 days Morocco desert tour for a unique adventure.
What to See in Morocco in 3 Days: Top Destinations
Choosing what to see in Morocco in 3 days depends on your interests, but there are two famous destinations that offer an authentic Moroccan experience full of culture, history, and nature.
Imperial Cities: Fes and Marrakech
Fes
Fes is the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco, offering a complete historical journey. The old city, Fes el-Bali, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world.
Top attractions in Fes:
- Chouara Tannery: Watch the traditional leather tanning process in vibrant colors.
- Bou Inania Madrasa: Explore this historic Islamic school with traditional architecture.
- Al-Attarine Madrasa: Discover the rich history and architectural beauty.
- University of Al Quaraouiyine: The oldest operating university in the world, founded in 859 AD.
- Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate): A historic entrance and popular photography spot.
- Dar Batha Museum: Exhibits traditional Moroccan arts and crafts.
- Jewish Quarter (Mellah): A cultural area reflecting Fes’s diversity.
Markets in Fes:
Explore the Cloth Market, Sweets Market, Spice Souks, and traditional craft markets for an authentic Moroccan shopping experience.
Activities in Fes:
- Day trip to Chefchaouen.
- Day trip to Meknes and Volubilis.
- Guided tour with a local guide to understand Fes’s culture and history.
Marrakech
Marrakech is a vibrant city blending history, heritage, and modern culture. Jemaa el-Fnaa Square comes alive at sunset with storytellers, musicians, and food stalls, offering an unforgettable sensory experience.
Top attractions in Marrakech:
- Bahia Palace: A prime example of traditional Moroccan architecture.
- El Badi Palace: Explore the ruins of this historic and grand palace.
- Majorelle Garden: A peaceful oasis designed by Jacques Majorelle and restored by Yves Saint Laurent.
- Koutoubia Mosque: A historic architectural landmark.
- Saadian Tombs: Insight into Morocco’s history.
- Ben Youssef Madrasa: The largest Quranic school in Morocco, reflecting traditional education.
- Marrakech Museum of Contemporary Art: Showcasing works by contemporary Moroccan artists.
- Menara Gardens: A quiet natural retreat in the heart of the city.
Markets in Marrakech:
Visit the Carpet Souk, Copper Souk, Spice Souks, and Perfume Markets for a complete shopping experience.
Activities in Marrakech:
- Guided tour with a local guide to learn the city’s history.
- Traditional Hammam experience.
- Hot air balloon ride at sunrise with breakfast.
- Moroccan cooking class.
- Overnight experience in the Agafay Desert near Marrakech, including camel and quad rides, private tent, dinner, and breakfast.
- Day trip to Ouarzazate.
- Day trip to Essaouira.
- Day trip to Casablanca.
- Day trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls.
- Day trip to Ourika Valley.
- Day trip to Imlil Village.
Is 3 Days enough for Morocco?
In reality, 3 days in Morocco are definitely not enough if you truly want to experience the country’s rich culture and diverse landscapes. Morocco is not a small destination you can explore quickly; it’s a world of its own, blending ancient history, imperial cities, mountain villages, and the endless Sahara Desert.
In just three days, you can visit Marrakech, Fes, or take a quick desert tour, but you’ll only get a glimpse of what Morocco truly offers. You won’t have enough time to travel between cities, dive into local traditions, or fully enjoy its breathtaking natural beauty.
For a well-balanced and fulfilling trip that includes the imperial cities, the Atlas Mountains, the desert, and maybe even the coast, the ideal duration is between 7 to 14 days. This allows you to explore each region at a relaxed pace, connect with locals, and truly understand the essence of Morocco—a country that simply cannot be experienced in just a few days.
3 Days in Casablanca Morocco, and Rabat
Exploring Morocco in 3 days can include two distinctive cities that combine modern life with history: Casablanca and Rabat. This itinerary allows visitors to experience contemporary Morocco in Casablanca while exploring the historical and cultural heritage of the capital, Rabat.
Casablanca
Casablanca offers a glimpse of modern Morocco. The Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, is an architectural masterpiece on the Atlantic coast. Beyond the mosque, visitors can explore Art Deco architecture, modern restaurants, and cafes that reflect Morocco’s contemporary culture.
Rabat
Located about an hour from Casablanca, Morocco’s capital offers key historical and cultural landmarks. The Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V are iconic sites, while the Kasbah of the Udayas showcases traditional Moroccan architecture and scenic gardens overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can also stroll through traditional markets for an authentic cultural experience.
For those with limited time, a full day in Casablanca to explore modern attractions, combined with a day in Rabat to discover its history and culture, creates an ideal 3-day itinerary for experiencing Morocco.
3 Days New Year’s Eve in Morocco Desert: An Unforgettable Experience
For travelers seeking a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate, a 3 days New Year’s Eve in Morocco desert adventure is an exceptional choice. The journey usually starts from Marrakech or Fes, passing through the stunning Atlas Mountains, scenic valleys, traditional Berber villages, and historic kasbahs such as the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, offering a glimpse of authentic Moroccan life.
Upon reaching the desert, typically in Merzouga or Zagora, travelers embark on camel treks across the golden sand dunes. Spending one or two nights in a traditional desert camp under a sky full of stars provides an unparalleled sense of peace and wonder.
New Year’s Eve in the desert often includes a special dinner, traditional Berber music around the campfire, fireworks, and stargazing, creating a magical start to the new year with your loved ones. This journey combines adventure, culture, and nature, making it one of the most unique ways to celebrate New Year’s in Morocco.
For those planning this trip, Exploring Morocco Trips offers organized desert adventures from various cities at affordable prices, ensuring a complete and unforgettable desert experience.
Conclusion: How to Make Your 3 Days in Morocco Unforgettable
If you have 3 days in Morocco and aren’t sure where to start, a 3-day tour from Marrakech to Fes is the perfect choice. This tour combines all the essential experiences: visiting the most famous imperial cities, exploring Moroccan culture and history, and enjoying an overnight stay under millions of stars in the desert dunes while traveling between cities. It’s ideal whether you want to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the desert or explore Morocco intensively in a short period.
From vibrant Marrakech to historic Fes, passing through the Atlas Mountains and the desert, this tour offers a complete experience that blends culture, history, and adventure.
Don’t forget to book with Exploring Morocco Trips to ensure a comfortable and unforgettable journey.