Morocco in 7 Days: Marrakech, Sahara, and Fes
A 7 day Morocco itinerary is a great way to see the country without too much rush if you are planning your trip to Morocco. This itinerary offers the ideal mix of culture, scenery and adventure, combining Marrakech, the High Atlas mountains, the Sahara Desert and Fes .
This 7 day Morocco itinerary is perfect for first-timers wanting to experience classic Morocco. The days are long on travel, but each stop makes it worthwhile.
7 Day Morocco Itinerary
Morocco is one of the most fulfilling countries to visit in a week. In just seven days you will be able to enjoy colorful medinas, mountain roads, desert landscapes and historic cities in a single unforgettable route.
Day 1: Arrive in Marrakech
Begin your journey in Marrakech, one of Morocco’s most vibrant and well known cities. Check into your riad and take the day slowly getting used to the rhythm of the city.
In the evening, visit Jemaa el-Fnaa and watch the square come alive with stalls, musicians and street performers. If you’re still got the energy, cap the night off with a rooftop terrace dinner.
Day 2: Discovering Marrakech
Explore the sights of Marrakech. Discover the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs and the Ben Youssef Madrasa and then lose yourself in the souks, shopping for spices, leather goods, lanterns and textiles.
Escape from the hustle and bustle of the streets by visiting a hammam or relax in a quiet cafe. Marrakech is a heady place, and that’s part of its allure.
Day 3: Marrakech to Aït Ben Haddou
You will leave the city today and cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. The scenery changes quickly, with views of mountains, small villages and winding roads.
Before heading to Ouarzazate for the night, stop at Aït Ben Haddou, a famous ksar and UNESCO-listed site. It is one of the most scenic days of the itinerary.
Day 4: Ouarzazate to Merzouga
This is your long road to the Sahara Desert. Depending on the route you take and the time you take it, you may pass through Skoura, the Dadès Valley and Todra Gorges en route.
Arrive in Merzouga in the evening and prepare for your desert adventure. A camel ride into the dunes and a night in a desert camp is often the highlight of the whole trip.
Day 7: Depart or Extend Your Trip
On your last day head to Casablanca for your flight or add an extra night in Chefchaouen if you want to see more of northern Morocco. If you have time on your hands, this is a good place to spread your trip out.
Alternatively you could take this day for a slower morning in Fes before heading to the airport or your next destination.
Day 5: Sahara to Fes
Get up early to see the sun rise over the dunes and then start driving north to Fes. Another long travel day, but one that gives a strong sense of changing landscapes in Morocco.
You can pass through Erfoud, Midelt and Ifrane on the way, arriving in Fes in the evening. Sleep well, tomorrow will be a day of sightseeing.
Day 6: Discover Fes
Fes is the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco and deserves a full day of exploring. With a guide, explore the old medina of Fes el-Bali so you don’t miss the major landmarks and hidden corners.
Highlights are Bab Boujloud, Al-Qarawiyyin, the Chouara tanneries and the colorful souks. End your day with sweeping views of the city
Yes, 7 days is enough to enjoy a classic first trip to Morocco. You will not see everything, but you can cover the main highlights in one well-planned route.
A popular route is Marrakech, Aït Ben Haddou, the Sahara Desert, and Fes. It gives you a mix of city life, mountains, and desert in a single trip.
Spring and autumn are usually the most comfortable seasons for this itinerary. Summer can be very hot in the desert, while winter nights can be cold.
For this 7 day Morocco itinerary, a car or private driver works best because the desert and mountain sections are easier by road. Trains are useful between some cities, but they do not cover the full route.