The Ultimate 10-Day Morocco Desert Honeymoon Itinerary
Take your partner’s hand and get ready to be whisked away on an unforgettable romantic adventure across Morocco’s mesmerizing landscapes. From vibrant imperial cities to the dramatic Sahara Desert, prepare for stunning sights, luxe accommodations, and exciting activities on this comprehensive 10-day honeymoon itinerary crafted specially for adventurous couples wanting to make lifelong memories amid beauty and intimacy.
Why Choose Morocco and the Sahara For Your Honeymoon?
Of all the exotic locales vying for newlyweds’ attention, Morocco stands tall when imagining our picture-perfect honeymoon adventure abroad.
But what exactly makes Morocco so special?
For starters, Morocco has been enchanting lovebirds for centuries – literally. The iconic image of lantern-lit alleyways with impromptu marriage proposals around every corner remains rooted in Tangier’s 20th century literary salons. That timeless romanticism prevails today right across this North African kingdom in myriad inviting ways for couples in love…
Today’s Morocco presents honeymooners endless faces to fall in love with – from the Sahara’s endless golden dunes to Chefchaouen’s joyfully blue-washed mountain walls. Its fabric is woven from equally vibrant strands of adventure and rejuvenation. The textures impress as much as rich cultural fiber seen in distances as vast as the rolling dunes, in intricate tilework catchinng Casablanca’s afternoon glow – even the warm hospitality shown whilst breaking bread with locals in Fes’s millennia-old medina food stalls after nightfall.
Behind the exotic first impressions lies accessibility and affordability. This honeymoon in Morocco checks all the boxes whilst keeping budget in check for couples:
Landscapes
Does sun-kissed adventure amid adobe fortresses and Saharan serenity under star-studded skies sound romantic? Then Morocco is your match.
Cultural Immersion
Morocco’s Berber hospitality knows how to charm. Learn ancient customs from bread-making to tea traditions as you dine with local families.
Luxury on a Budget
Live like Moroccan royalty without royal price tags. Private desert camp glamping, infinity pools in historic mansions and more without blowing the budget.
Safety A rare gem in today’s world, Morocco offers North African exoticism paired with European-standard infrastructure. And its people are delighted to share it with lovebirds!
So let yourself be spirited away to the promised land for Adventurous honeymooners!
Is Morocco Really THAT Romantic?
if YOU ask those lovebirds who have honeymooned or gotten engaged here – absolutely! Let’s count just some of the reasons Morocco has cemented its reputation as the iconic romantic destination…
Quintessential Honeymoon Backdrops
- Candle-lit riad courtyards with pink bougainvilleas & secret gardens
- Sunsets over the Sahara whilst snuggled atop a dune
- Dawn hot air balloon rides drifting over ancient Marrakech
Adventure Honeymoons Made Easy
- Quad biking & dune parties in the desert
- Surfing lessons for two in tropical Essaouira
- Cooking & dance classes in Fes’s mesmerizing medina
- Trekking lush valleys outside cosmopolitan Casablanca
easily Accessible Exoticism
- Direct budget flights connect most European cities easily
- Comfortable private transfers arranged seamlessly
- Affordable luxury & European standard infrastructure
For those needing extra reassurance, Condé Nast Traveller magazine named Morocco 2020’s Top Honeymoon Destination for cave-hotels, sandboarding Saharan dunes, staying in cliffside bungalows, luxury riad retreats and more!
So yes darling, Morocco IS that romantically perfect!
Choosing the Best Time to Visit Morocco
With desert, mountains and sea – Morocco’s diverse landscapes mean climate varies greatly by region. Figuring optimal times for honeymoons needs understanding the country’s microclimates:
The Imperial Cities like Marrakech bask on the northern edge of the Sahara Desert. Here, April-May then mid-September-October tend to offer peak weather – reliably sunny days without intense heat or cold nights.
In the High Atlas Mountains, temperatures cool a few degrees, making summertime hiking still enjoyable. By November, prepare for crisp mornings and ski season through March.
Morocco’s Atlantic Coast stays pleasingly warmer, although strong winds or storms occur more likely from December-February. For the best sunshine without humidity, target spring and early autumn.
Generally the spring (mid-March to mid-June) and fall (mid-September to October) across Morocco offer peak comfort for sight-seeing: comfortably warm days and cooler nights.
As well, bear in mind cultural considerations around choosing travel dates. The major Islamic holidays of Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha dictate when cities empty and rates rise at remaining accommodation. School summer holidays equally spike demand especially Marrakech and the coastal resorts. For quieter visits with better prices, late spring and early autumn remain ideal.
Top 5 Most Popular Honeymoon Destinations in Morocco
From desert dunes to the Atlantic Coast, here are Morocco’s most sought-after locales for romance according to seasoned honeymoon planners:
Dynamic Marrakech
North Africa’s most enchanting imperial city overflows with atmosphere amid mosques, souks, gardens and iconic Djemaa el Fna Square. By night, intimate restaurants and luxury riad hideaways set the mood. No wonder some 60% of honeymooners in Morocco begin their adventures here!
Laidback Essaouira
For a relaxing Atlantic seaside break, head to this breezy Portuguese-built resort town with lively fishing port and honey-colored beachfront ramparts. Mix relaxation on the beach with charming cafes and some of Morocco’s best seafood dining alfresco.
Blue Chefchaouen
Nestled high in the cedar-clad Rif Mountains, this villages bucolic lanes and cubist white& blue houses never fail to charm. Hike lush valleys by day then wander the medina’s cobbled steps seeking perfect Instagram shots!
Majestic Sahara
Sleep beneath infinite starry skies. Lounge atop golden dunes for fiery sunrises. Ride camels or sandboard down 300m slopes…Morocco’s Sahara Desert promises adventure and enchantment in one spectacular iconic landscape.
Hollywood Ouarzazate
This gateway to the Sahara Desert enjoys 320 days of annual sunshine. Take a studio tour then stay overnight in boutique movie set hotels amidst ever-changing desert scenery spreading to the horizon.
Soak up Morocco’s magic deciding your special itinerary as a couple. The options for adventure await!
10 Days Discovering Morocco’s Highlights
To delight a diversity of travel tastes, this 10-day guided tour handpicks Moroccan highlights from buzzing imperial cities to Saharan serenity. Starting from Marrakech, you’ll venture south then loop back via Ouarzazate seeing iconic locations tailored for honeymooners wanting a perfect blend of culture, scenery and romance:
Marrakech (3 nights)
In Marrakech time slows to let lovebirds indulge the senses amid fragrant culinary secrets and meditterranean bustle wrapping around Moorish refinement. By dusk, retire to majestic riad hideaways with private rooftop terraces offering quintessential honeymoon views over the pink city.
Luxury Riad Stay – Pool, spa, open-air terrace views
Included Tour: Marrakech Historical Walking Tour
Activities:
- Hot Air Balloon Sunrise Flight
- Day Trek in High Atlas Mountains
Culinary Delights:
- Literary Café Dar Moha – Writer jetset haunt
- Jnane Tamsna – Garden oasis gourmet by organic pioneer Meryanne Loum-Martin
- Maison MK – Michelin dining in surgically-restored riad
Next stop, Sahara magic…
The Road to Merzouga Sahara (3 nights)
Enroute to the mighty Erg Chebbi dunes bridging Algeria, stop to unlock ancient legends at the Taourirt Kasbah and iconic film set backdrop Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou – with majestic views worth capturing over lunch.
In the afternoon, hop aboard dromedary steads to arrive just as amber sands glow meteorite-red in dusk’s light. After celebratory desert nightfall picnics, retire to private luxury tents nestled at the dune line – the perfect vantage spot for daybreak’s golden ‘reveal’.
Accommodation – Luxury desert camp – pool, private tents with en suite bathrooms
Included Activities
- 4WD shuttle transfers to Merzouga Erg Chebbi Dunes
- Sunset camel ride & Tuareg camp dinner
- Quad biking over epic Merzouga dunes
Unique Optional Activities * From Merzouga
- Scenic flight over Todra Gorges & Atlas Mountains
- Sandboarding down 300m high dunes
- Overnight traditional caravan trek deeper into Sahara
Venture where Hollywood dreams are made…
Ouarzazate & the Kasbah Trail (1 night)
Journey back towards Marrakech via the Draa Valley dotted with ancient kasbahs seeming to emerge from biscuit colored ridges fading southwards into Africa’s largest desert.
In Ouarzazate, Africa’s film capital, tour the studios then stay overnight in Tombouctou Hotel – once the set for 2000’s Gladiator. Wander into dreamscapes from Lawrence of Arabia to Game of Thrones as backdrops shift past every hilltop town and oasis en route to iconic Ait Ben Haddou – the most photographed kasbah on Earth.
Accommodation – 4* Kasbah-style Hotel – pool, views, spa
Included Tours
- Atlas Film Studios – props & filming locations
- Guided Walking Tour – Famous Ait Ben Haddou UNESCO Kasbah
- Scenic drive through Draa Valley over High Atlas pass
Top Photo Stops
- Ouarzazate Film Studio Props
- Panoramas overlooking Ait Ben Haddou kasbah
Unique Optional Activities – Ouarzazate
- Hot Air Balooning over desert & Palmerie palm oasis
Then it’s farewell to desert landscapes, onwards to imperial luxury…
Marrakech Again (2 nights)
Wind down explorations amongst Marrakech’s vibrant souks, secret gardens and iconic landmarks – Djemma El Fna Square with snake charmers, acrobats and food stalls abuzz. Wander alongside fairy tale palaces and medieval colleges as your expert historian guide parts the curtain on their hidden secrets.
Luxury Riad Stay – Relais & Chateaux level – pool, spa, views
Included Tours
- Historical Guided Walking Tour Marrakech Medina & Landmarks
Exclusive Activities
- Afternoon itinerary customization
- Farewell 5 Course candlelit rooftop dinner
After a spectacular trans-Moroccan trip embracing all the treasures coveted by honeymooners, finally lay your heads down one last magical night feeling on top of the world – literally!
Custom Add-Ons Always Available
- Additional nights, upgraded hotels, exclusive experiences fully built around your budget and wishes from local destination experts
So darling, what do you say – ready for the adventure of a lifetime across the Moroccan kingdoms?
Top 10 Activities For Adventurous Couples
While lounging poolside has its place in honeymoons, more couples today seek adventures creating lifelong memories together.
Luckily action-loving duos are spoiled for choice with Morocco’s Sahara dunes, Atlantic surf beaches, Atlas Mountain valleys and more just waiting to be explored side-by-side!
Get your pulse racing with Morocco’s most popular private or group couple excursions:
Sahara Expedition Thrills
- Quad Biking Sunset Tour – Tear up Merzouga’s epic golden dunes as the setting sun sets them ablaze
- Dromedary Trekking Overnight Escapade – Sway through palm groves to a luxury nomadic camp for Tuareg hospitality under the Milky Way
- Sandboarding Adventures Down Dunes – Try standing or sledding instead of surfing ocean waves!
Marrakech Must-Do’s
- Hot Air Balloon Over the Red City – Float peacefully over palm groves and the Atlas Mountains
- Ourika Valley Hike – Follow age-old trails through Berber villages then lunch by waterfalls surrounded by valley views
Coastal Fun
- Surfing Lessons – Whether Essaouira, Agadir or wilder Taghazout – learn to ride waves together!
- Quad Biking to Paradise Beaches – Rev over dunes through argan forests to discover hidden Atlantic jewels
- Horse Riding on the Beach – Canter through the surf at sunset along endless golden sands
More Daring Deeds
- Paragliding off Jbel Toubkal – Run off North Africa’s highest Atlas peak into the valleys below
- Piloting Light Aircraft – Charter your own Cessna to discover Morocco’s beauty from above!
Thrills come bundled alongside utter relaxation when the mood strikes. However you envision starting forever, Morocco was made for couples wanting adventure and romance all wrapped up in one unforgettable destination!
Best Accommodation For Morocco Honeymoons
Traditional Moroccan hospitality believes in delighting all one’s senses – never more so than special occasions like honeymoons. Behind historic walls, enchanting gardens and intricate moucharabiehs await, becoming your own secret world cocooned amidst luxury:
- Fragrant rose petals lining lantern-lit pathways
- Candlelight dancing to live oud lute music
- Night swimming under starlit desert skies
Follow our insider favorites to unlock the most romantic dwellings in Morocco’s best honeymoon destinations showcasing honeymooners bed down stylishly no matter your budget.
Most Exceptional Luxury
Marrakech – Royal Mansour – Grand luxe crafted by King Mohammed as his own citadel with private riad suites attended by personal butlers.
Essaouira – L’Heure Bleue – Stunning erstwhile 19thC fortified palace transformed into Relais & Chateaux boutique hotel of Arab-Andalousian luxury showcasing views over the coast.
Sahara Camps – Sahara Night Luxury Camp – Situated Erg Chebbi’s dune lines for literally stepping outside your deluxe private tent into desert scenery spreading eternally.
Boutique Charm & Character
Marrakech – Riad Kniza – Conrad hotelier scion’s 11th century palace transformed into a museum displaying his lifelong antiquities collecting amidst art deco rooms and gourmet dining.
Tangier – El Minzah – Legendary literary expat haunt from the Jazz Age with sophisticated Old World charm.
Essaouira – Madada Mogador – Aladdin’s cave riad bursting with psychedelic sophistication thanks to owner British furniture designers Sally Arnold.
Chefchaouen – Lina Ryad & Spa – Stunning azure mosaic-lined plunge pool framed by breathtaking mountain views. The place for iconic Instagrammable moments capturing Morocco’s ‘blue pearl’.
Boutique Stays Uniquely Moroccan
Marrakech – Jnane Tamsna – Set like an oasis within palm groves by organic pioneer Meryanne Loum-Martin who makes her own beauty products provided gratis.
Skoura Oasis Kasbah Ait Ben Moro – Bivouac under the stars on private roof terraces peeking out over the Dadès Valley.
Tangier Dar Nour – Historic tangine blogger’s carefully restored 1940s family home charming guests with homecooked North Moroccan specialities.
Mirleft Dar L’Aouinate Luxury Surf & Yoga lodge – Traditional Berber family compound modernized into barefoot luxury self-catering beach houses with surfing, yoga, Pilates.
So lovers, experience Morocco’s revered hospitality unlocking the kingdom’s most majestic homes – exclusively yours for feeling like royalty on a pauper’s budget!
Getting Around Morocco
Beyond cities, public transport options are limited – making pre-arranged private transport essential for honeymooners seeking comfort, efficiency and convenience unlocking Morocco’s endless treasures waiting to be discovered together.
Here’s an overview to help decide what works best navigating every destination:
Flying & Airport Transfers
- Most international visitors enter & exit Morocco via Casablanca or Marrakech airports. Regular connecting budget flights operate across domestic hubs.
- Private pre-booked arrivals & departures airport transfers arranged efficiently on the ground in advance ensure no hassles, delays or negotiating frustrations – letting you start & end journeys relaxed.
Inter-City Transport
- Private Driver – For ultimate comfort, Exclusive chauffeured vehicles with experienced guides let you design entire custom itineraries door-to-door
- 4WD Vehicles – Essential for desert routes between dunes and discovering off the beaten track adventures into Sahara wilds & Atlas
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