Discovering...
7-Day Itinerary
Best of Morocco
From the vibrant souks of Marrakech to the golden dunes of the Sahara, the ancient medina of Fes, and the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen -- seven days that capture the essence of Morocco.
7 Days / 6 Nights
5 Destinations
~1,200 km Total
$85-350/day
Trip Overview
This carefully crafted 7-day itinerary is the most popular route through Morocco, combining the country's three greatest hits -- Marrakech, the Sahara, and Fes -- with the stunning bonus of the Atlas Mountains and Chefchaouen. You will cross dramatic mountain passes, sleep under a blanket of stars in the desert, navigate the world's largest car-free urban area, and wander through streets painted every shade of blue. The route moves from south to north, covering approximately 1,200 kilometers with a mix of private transfers and scenic drives.
Route Overview
MarrakechAtlas MountainsOuarzazateTodra GorgeMerzouga (Sahara)MideltFesChefchaouen
Best Season
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Temperature
18-32 C average
Budget Range
$600-$2,500 total
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Marrakech -- The Red City Awaits
Arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) and transfer to your riad in the medina. Spend the afternoon exploring the ancient heart of Marrakech at a gentle pace, letting the sensory overload of colors, sounds, and scents wash over you.
Morning / Afternoon: Arrival & Check-in
Airport transfer to medina riad (20-30 min, ~150-200 MAD / $15-20 by taxi). Settle in, enjoy mint tea on the rooftop terrace. If arriving early, visit the nearby Bahia Palace (70 MAD / $7 entry) -- a stunning 19th-century palace with intricate zellige tilework and painted cedar ceilings.
Late Afternoon: Souk Exploration
Dive into the labyrinthine souks near the Ben Youssef Medersa. Browse leather goods, lanterns, spices, and carpets. A guided souk tour costs around 200-400 MAD ($20-40) for 2-3 hours and is highly recommended for first-timers to learn the art of negotiation.
Evening: Jemaa el-Fnaa & Dinner
As the sun sets, head to Jemaa el-Fnaa -- the most famous square in Africa. Watch the nightly spectacle of snake charmers, storytellers, and musicians unfold. Dine at the food stalls (30-60 MAD / $3-6 per person) or head to a rooftop restaurant like Nomad or Le Jardin for refined Moroccan cuisine (200-400 MAD / $20-40 per person).
Where to Stay
Budget: Riad Laayoun (350-500 MAD / $35-50/night) -- Mid-range: Riad Kniza (800-1,500 MAD / $80-150/night) -- Luxury: Royal Mansour (5,000+ MAD / $500+/night)
Day 2
Marrakech Deep Dive -- Gardens, Palaces & Hammam
A full day to explore the best of Marrakech. From Art Deco gardens to ancient palaces, today you will uncover the layers of history that make this city endlessly fascinating.
Morning: Jardin Majorelle & YSL Museum
Open at 8:00 AM -- arrive early to beat the crowds. The Majorelle Garden (70 MAD / $7) is a cobalt-blue oasis created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent. Next door, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum (100 MAD / $10) showcases the designer's iconic creations. Allow 2-3 hours for both.
Midday: Saadian Tombs & Koutoubia Mosque
Visit the Saadian Tombs (70 MAD / $7), a hidden necropolis discovered in 1917 featuring stunning Italian Carrara marble and intricate stucco. Walk past the Koutoubia Mosque -- Marrakech's most iconic landmark with its 77-meter minaret (exterior only for non-Muslims). Lunch at a traditional riad restaurant (80-150 MAD / $8-15).
Afternoon: Traditional Hammam Experience
Indulge in a traditional Moroccan hammam -- a steam bath ritual dating back centuries. Budget option: public hammam like Hammam Mouassine (20-50 MAD / $2-5). Luxury option: Heritage Spa at La Mamounia or Les Bains de Marrakech (500-1,000 MAD / $50-100). Includes exfoliation with black soap and a kessa glove scrub.
Evening: Rooftop Dinner
End the day with dinner at one of Marrakech's celebrated rooftop restaurants. Cafe Arabe offers panoramic medina views with Italian-Moroccan fusion (250-400 MAD / $25-40). Or try Al Fassia for some of the best traditional Moroccan cuisine in the city, run entirely by women (200-350 MAD / $20-35).
Where to Stay
Same riad as Day 1 in Marrakech medina.
Day 3
Atlas Mountains -- Over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass
Leave Marrakech and cross the High Atlas Mountains via the dramatic Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2,260 meters. The scenery shifts from red desert plains to lush green valleys, terraced Berber villages, and snow-capped peaks.
7:00 AM: Depart Marrakech
Early departure heading southeast on the N9 highway. The drive to Ait Ben Haddou is approximately 3.5 hours (185 km). Private transfer costs 1,500-2,000 MAD ($150-200) or join a shared tour for 300-500 MAD ($30-50). Stop at scenic viewpoints along the winding mountain road.
10:30 AM: Ait Ben Haddou
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage ksar (fortified village) of Ait Ben Haddou -- the filming location for Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia. Cross the river (wade or take the bridge) and climb to the granary at the top for panoramic views. Entry is free, but a local guide (50-100 MAD / $5-10) adds context. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
1:00 PM: Lunch in Ouarzazate
Continue 30 km to Ouarzazate, the "Hollywood of Morocco." Lunch at Chez Dimitri or Restaurant Douyria (60-120 MAD / $6-12). Optional visit to Atlas Studios (50 MAD / $5) -- Africa's largest film studio where sets from Kingdom of Heaven and The Mummy still stand.
3:00 PM: Dades Valley Drive
Drive the spectacular "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" through the Dades Valley (160 km, ~2.5 hours). Dramatic red-rock canyons and crumbling kasbahs dot the landscape. Arrive at Todra Gorge or continue to Tinghir for the night.
Where to Stay
Budget: Auberge Le Festival, Todra Gorge (250-400 MAD / $25-40) -- Mid-range: Dar Ayour, Tinghir (500-800 MAD / $50-80) -- Luxury: Kasbah Tamadot (2,000+ MAD / $200+)
Day 4
Into the Sahara -- Merzouga & Camel Trek
Today you will journey deep into the Sahara Desert, arriving at the towering golden dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga. The afternoon camel trek into the desert to your camp is an unforgettable experience.
8:00 AM: Todra Gorge Morning Walk
If staying near Todra Gorge, take an early morning walk through the 300-meter-high canyon walls -- a favorite with rock climbers. The morning light creates extraordinary photographic conditions. Free entry.
10:00 AM: Drive to Merzouga
Drive southeast through the Ziz Valley oasis and across the hammada (rocky desert) to Merzouga (220 km, ~3.5 hours). The landscape becomes increasingly arid, and then suddenly the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon -- some reaching 150 meters high.
4:00 PM: Camel Trek into the Dunes
Mount your dromedary camel for a 1.5-hour trek deep into the dunes. Your Berber guide leads you through the undulating sand sea as the light turns golden. Standard camel trek + desert camp: 500-800 MAD ($50-80) per person. Luxury camps with private tents: 2,000-4,000 MAD ($200-400).
Evening: Desert Camp Under the Stars
Arrive at your desert camp as the sun sets over the dunes. Enjoy traditional Berber tagine dinner, drumming and music around the campfire, and the most extraordinary stargazing you have ever experienced -- the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. Sleep in a Berber tent on the dunes.
Where to Stay
Standard: Shared desert camp with communal tent (500-800 MAD / $50-80 all-inclusive) -- Luxury: Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp or Erg Chebbi Luxury Camp (2,000-4,000 MAD / $200-400)
Day 5
Sahara Sunrise & Journey to Fes
Wake before dawn to witness a Saharan sunrise -- one of the most magical moments of the trip. Then begin the long but scenic drive north to Fes, passing through the Middle Atlas cedar forests.
5:30 AM: Sahara Sunrise
Climb to the top of the nearest dune to watch the sunrise paint the desert in shades of orange, pink, and gold. This is a bucket-list moment. Return to camp for breakfast, then camel ride back to Merzouga.
9:00 AM: Drive North via Midelt
The drive from Merzouga to Fes is approximately 460 km (7-8 hours with stops). The route passes through Errachidia, the dramatic Ziz Gorge, the Middle Atlas town of Midelt (good lunch stop), and the cedar forests of Azrou where you may spot Barbary macaques -- the only wild monkeys in Africa north of the Sahara.
1:00 PM: Lunch in Midelt
Stop in Midelt, known as the "apple capital" of Morocco. Restaurant Kasbah Myriem serves excellent Berber dishes (60-100 MAD / $6-10). Browse the local market for fossils and mineral specimens from the nearby Atlas mines.
5:00 PM: Arrive in Fes
Arrive in Fes, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco. Check into your riad in the Fes el-Bali medina and rest before an evening stroll through the atmospheric alleyways. The medina of Fes is the world's largest car-free urban area with over 9,000 winding streets.
Where to Stay
Budget: Dar Seffarine (300-500 MAD / $30-50) -- Mid-range: Riad Fes (1,200-2,000 MAD / $120-200) -- Luxury: Palais Faraj (2,500+ MAD / $250+)
Day 6
Fes -- The World's Largest Medieval City
A full day to explore Fes el-Bali, founded in 789 AD and home to the world's oldest continuously operating university. The medina is a living, breathing medieval city where donkeys carry goods through alleyways unchanged for centuries.
9:00 AM: Guided Medina Tour
A licensed guide is essential in the Fes medina (half-day: 300-500 MAD / $30-50). Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University (founded 859 AD, exterior only for non-Muslims), the Bou Inania Medersa (30 MAD / $3) with its exquisite carved stucco and cedar, and the Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts (20 MAD / $2).
11:00 AM: Chouara Tannery
Visit the famous Chouara Tannery from one of the surrounding leather shops for an aerial view. The centuries-old honeycomb of stone vessels filled with colorful dyes is an iconic sight. You will be offered a sprig of mint to combat the smell. Access is usually free but expect to be shown leather goods for sale. Best photographed in the morning light.
1:00 PM: Street Food & Lunch
Fes is Morocco's culinary capital. Try a traditional Fassi pastilla (pigeon pie with almonds and cinnamon) at Cafe Clock (80-150 MAD / $8-15), or do a street food crawl: harira soup (5-10 MAD), msemen flatbread (3-5 MAD), and freshly squeezed pomegranate juice (10-15 MAD).
Afternoon: Artisan Workshops & Royal Palace
Visit traditional artisan workshops -- zellige tile making, brass work, and embroidery. Walk past the Royal Palace gates (Dar el-Makhzen) with their massive brass doors. End at the Borj Nord viewpoint for a panoramic sunset view over the entire medina spread out below.
Where to Stay
Same riad as Day 5 in Fes el-Bali.
Day 7
Chefchaouen -- The Blue Pearl of Morocco
The grand finale of your Morocco adventure. Drive through the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, one of the most photogenic towns on earth, where every building is painted in shades of blue.
7:00 AM: Drive to Chefchaouen
Depart Fes heading north through the Rif Mountains. The drive is approximately 210 km (4 hours). The road winds through spectacular mountain scenery with occasional stops at roadside fruit stands. Private transfer: 1,200-1,800 MAD ($120-180). Shared grand taxi: 75-100 MAD ($8-10) per person. CTM bus: 75 MAD ($8).
11:00 AM: Explore the Blue Medina
Wander through the photogenic blue-washed streets of the medina. Every turn reveals a new shade of blue -- from powder to cobalt to cerulean. Visit the Place Outa el Hammam, the main square, and explore the small Kasbah museum (10 MAD / $1) with its garden and ethnographic exhibits.
1:00 PM: Lunch with a View
Enjoy lunch at Casa Aladdin or Lala Mesouda overlooking the medina rooftops (60-120 MAD / $6-12). Try the local specialty: goat cheese with fresh bread and olive oil, accompanied by sweet mint tea.
Afternoon: Spanish Mosque Hike
Hike up to the abandoned Spanish Mosque on the hill above town (20-30 min walk). The sunset view from here -- overlooking the entire blue-washed town with the Rif Mountains behind -- is the perfect ending to your Morocco journey. Free, no entry fee.
Onward Travel
From Chefchaouen, you can take a CTM bus to Tangier (100 MAD / $10, 3 hours) for flights out, or return to Fes (75 MAD, 4 hours). Tangier has an international airport with flights to major European cities. Alternatively, extend your stay with a night in Chefchaouen.
Estimated Budget Breakdown
Budget
$600-900
Per person, 7 days
- Accommodation$210-350
- Transport$100-150
- Food$105-175
- Activities$80-120
- Desert Camp$50-80
- Daily Average$85-130
Mid-Range
$1,200-1,800
Per person, 7 days
- Accommodation$490-840
- Transport$250-350
- Food$175-280
- Activities$150-200
- Desert Camp$100-150
- Daily Average$170-260
Luxury
$2,500-5,000+
Per person, 7 days
- Accommodation$1,400-2,800
- Private Transport$500-700
- Fine Dining$280-490
- Activities & Guides$300-500
- Luxury Desert Camp$200-400
- Daily Average$350-700+
Packing List
Clothing
- Lightweight, breathable layers
- Long trousers/skirts (modest dress for medinas)
- Scarf or shawl (women, for mosque areas)
- Warm fleece/jacket (desert nights, mountains)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals for riads and hammam
- Sun hat with brim
- Swimwear (hotel pools)
Essentials
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Travel insurance documents
- Cash in MAD (ATMs widely available)
- Credit card (Visa/Mastercard)
- Phone with offline maps (Maps.me)
- Power adapter (Type C/E, 220V)
- Reusable water bottle
- Small daypack
Desert Specific
- High SPF sunscreen (50+)
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Bandana/buff (sand protection)
- Moisturizer (dry desert air)
- Camera with extra batteries
- Warm socks (desert nights drop to 5C)
- Earplugs and eye mask
Ready to Experience the Best of Morocco?
Let our local travel experts customize this 7-day itinerary to your preferences, budget, and travel dates. Private guides, handpicked riads, and seamless logistics included.
