A Two-Week Itinerary for a Solo Female Traveler’s Luxury Trip to Morocco

Many blogs and articles for solo female travelers focus on budget tips for backpackers. That’s great; the more money you save, the more trips you can take! But what if you also have a little princess side who longs to be pampered in between those loud, crowded hostel stays?

Below is a basic itinerary that you can tweak and adjust to your personal travel style. Perhaps you want to save as much as possible but would love to splurge on hammam and luxury spas. Or maybe your plan is to upgrade to fancier accommodations so you can dine at the finest restaurants, or to sign up for tours so you will feel safer, but you’ll be able to do more activities. Below is a general plan, including some tips on where you might choose to budget.

2-Week Itinerary

Day 1-2: Arrival in Marrakech. For a dream luxury vacation, you can stay at La Mamounia, voted the world’s best hotel, or at Royal Monsour. Or for a less pricey option (but not necessarily less elegant), check into a luxury riad in the Medina, such as Palais la Blanc, Riad Yasmine, or Riad Kniza. Spend the first two days exploring the sights and sounds of this vibrant city:

• Even if you choose less expensive accommodations, consider spending the day at La Mamounia’s day spa for a massage or another treatment, and later use your day pass to lounge by the pool and enjoy a decadent feast; all included in the price. Royal Monsour also has a spa package. One of the best spa days I’ve ever had was at La Mamounia and I cannot wait to return!

• Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech

• Take a walking tour of Djemma al Fna, the souks, the traditional markets in the Medina, and shop for spices, textiles, and souvenirs

• Visit Jardin Majorelle, a garden designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle

• Visit the Bahia Palace, a palace built in the 19th century, featuring intricate tilework and beautiful gardens.

Day 3-4: Travel to the Atlas Mountains and stay in a traditional Berber village such as Auberge Kasbah Angel or Auberge D’Ifrane.

• Take a private car or organized tour from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains

• Take a guided hike through the mountains and visit a traditional Berber village
• Visit a local Berber home and learn about traditional Berber culture and customs
• Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner in the village

Day 5-6: Travel to the coastal city of Essaouira and check into a luxury boutique hotel such as Hotel Le Jardin des Douars or Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa. Spend the days exploring the medina, visiting the local artisans, and relaxing on the beach:

• Take a private car or organized tour from the Atlas Mountains to Essaouira, or it’s quite easy to book a day trip tour, or even take a bus from Marrakech for about $20. Surprisingly, taxis are about the same cost
• Explore the Essaouira medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Visit local artisans and shop for traditional Moroccan crafts
• Relax on the beach or take a boat trip to explore the coast
• Have lunch near the fishing village where prices are low and the seafood is freshly caught by local fishermen

Day 7-8: Travel to the desert town of Merzouga and take a camel trek into the Sahara Desert. Spend the night in a luxury desert camp, complete with private tents and en-suite bathrooms:

• Take a private car or organized tour from Essaouira to Merzouga
• Luxury camp prices can vary wildly, but you will be amazed at the gorgeous accommodations you can find no matter what your budget
• Take a camel trek into the Sahara Desert and spend the night in a luxury desert camp
• Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and music around a campfire
• Go sand surfing, ride an ATV, or take a sand bath
• Beware the bad boys, especially the gorgeous guides and sexy musicians, but have fun dancing and ask them to teach you to play the drums. And ps be careful dancing barefoot in the dark as there may be scorpions.

Day 9-10: Travel to the imperial city of Fes and check into a luxury riad such as Riad Fes or Riad Dar Batha. Spend the days exploring the medina, visiting the Bou Inania Madrasa, and taking a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Moroccan dishes:

• Take a private car or organized tour from Merzouga to Fes
• Explore the Fes medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, a 14th-century Islamic college
• Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Moroccan dishes

Day 11-12: Travel to the coastal town of Asilah and check into a luxury beach resort such as Hotel Villa de la Plage or Hotel La Gazelle d’Or. Spend days relaxing on the beach, exploring the medina, or taking a day trip to the nearby town of Chefchaouen:

• Take a private car or organized tour from Fes to Asilah
• Relax on the beach or
• Take a stroll along the coastal promenade
• Explore the Asilah medina, known for its traditional blue and white buildings
• Take a day trip to the nearby town of Chefchaouen, also known as the “blue city” and famous for its charming streets and buildings painted in shades of blue

• Day 13-14: Return to Marrakech and spend the last two days shopping in the souks, visiting the Jardin Majorelle, and relaxing in a traditional hammam.

• Take a private car or organized tour from Asilah to Marrakech
• Shop in the souks for last-minute souvenirs
• Visit the Jardin Majorelle, a garden designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle
• Relax in a traditional hammam, a type of Moroccan bathhouse, a bit less fancy than a spa but for a much more affordable price, and just as lovely.

Transportation options:

Private car rentals: You can rent a car with a driver to travel between cities.

Organized tours: You can book organized tours to travel between cities with a guide.

Public transport: you can also travel by bus or train between cities but it’s not recommended for solo female travelers, as it can be less safe and less comfortable.

It’s important to note that this itinerary is only a sample, and can be customized as per the traveler’s preference. Also, the availability and prices of luxury accommodations and tours may vary depending on the season and demand. You should always make sure to verify prices and availability before making any final bookings.

• Here are some tips for doing this luxury travel itinerary on a budget:

• Plan ahead: Research prices of accommodations, transportation, and tours, and book them in advance to get the best deals.
• Be flexible: Be open to different accommodation options, such as budget-friendly riads or guesthouses, instead of luxury hotels.
• Negotiate prices: In Morocco, haggling is a common practice. Be prepared to negotiate prices for transportation, tours and souvenirs.
• Cook your own meals: Instead of eating out at restaurants, consider cooking your own meals. Many riads and guesthouses offer kitchen facilities or offer breakfast included in the price.
• Use public transportation: Instead of renting a private car or taking organized tours, consider using public transportation such as buses or trains. This is less comfortable and less safe for a solo female traveler, however, you can save a lot of money.
• Avoid peak travel season: Traveling during the shoulder season (spring or fall) can save you money on accommodation, transportation, and tours.
• Look for deals and promotions: Look for deals and promotions on travel websites, such as discounts on tours or packages that bundle accommodations and activities together.
• Be mindful of your budget: Keep track of your expenses and stick to your budget. It’s easy to get carried away while traveling, but setting a budget and sticking to it can help you save money.
• It’s important to note that while it is possible to make this luxury itinerary more budget-friendly, it is important to prioritize your safety and comfort while traveling. Some budget-friendly options may compromise these aspects, and it’s important to weigh your options and make the best decision for you.

Have you ever been to Morocco, or is it on your bucket list? Please share your tips or your questions below!