A practical 7-day Morocco itinerary: Marrakech, Ait Ben Haddou, the Sahara, Fes and the coast, with distances, tips and how to adapt it.
Written by the Highlights Morocco Tours team in Marrakech
The short answer
A good 7-day Morocco itinerary starts in Marrakech, crosses the High Atlas to Ait Ben Haddou and the Dades Valley, spends a night in a Sahara desert camp at Merzouga, continues north through the Middle Atlas to Fes, and ends on the coast in Rabat and Casablanca. It can be done as a private tour with a driver and a local guide, such as the tailor-made trips of Highlights Morocco Tours. The price is on request, with a free quote and no obligation.
Seven days is enough to see the best of Morocco if you plan the route well: one city for the first day, three days for the south and the desert, and the imperial cities and the coast to finish. This itinerary is a classic because it avoids going back on yourself.
It is a typical route, not a fixed script. At Highlights Morocco Tours we build it around your dates and pace, with a private driver and a local guide, and we can change the cities, add a night in the desert or end in Marrakech instead.
The 7-day Morocco itinerary at a glance
| Day | Route | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Marrakech | Arrive in Marrakech and explore the medina, Jemaa el-Fnaa, the Koutoubia and the souks. Sleep in a riad. |
| Day 2 | Marrakech to the Dades Valley | Cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass, visit Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, and sleep in the Dades Valley. |
| Day 3 | Todra Gorges to Merzouga | Visit the Todra Gorges and reach the Erg Chebbi dunes for a sunset camel ride and a night in a desert camp. |
| Day 4 | Merzouga to Fes | Watch the sunrise, then drive north through the Middle Atlas and its cedar forests to Fes. |
| Day 5 | Fes | Explore Fes el-Bali, the Chouara tanneries and the old madrasas with a local guide. |
| Day 6 | Fes to Rabat | Visit Volubilis and Meknes on the way, then arrive in Rabat for the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas. |
| Day 7 | Rabat to Casablanca | Drive along the coast to Casablanca and visit the Hassan II Mosque before your flight or onward trip. |
Want this 7-day itinerary as a private tour?
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We build the route around you and send a free quote.
Day by day
Day 1: Marrakech
Arrive in Marrakech and explore the medina, Jemaa el-Fnaa, the Koutoubia and the souks. Sleep in a riad. See more: Marrakech.
Day 2: Marrakech to the Dades Valley
Cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass, visit Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, and sleep in the Dades Valley. See more: Marrakech to the Dades Valley.
Day 3: Todra Gorges to Merzouga
Visit the Todra Gorges and reach the Erg Chebbi dunes for a sunset camel ride and a night in a desert camp. See more: Todra Gorges to Merzouga.
Day 4: Merzouga to Fes
Watch the sunrise, then drive north through the Middle Atlas and its cedar forests to Fes. See more: Merzouga to Fes.
Day 5: Fes
Explore Fes el-Bali, the Chouara tanneries and the old madrasas with a local guide. See more: Fes.
Day 6: Fes to Rabat
Visit Volubilis and Meknes on the way, then arrive in Rabat for the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas. See more: Fes to Rabat.
Day 7: Rabat to Casablanca
Drive along the coast to Casablanca and visit the Hassan II Mosque before your flight or onward trip. See more: Rabat to Casablanca.
Best time to follow this itinerary
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | Warm days and mild nights. One of the best seasons for the whole route. |
| Summer (June to August) | Very hot in Marrakech, the desert and Fes. |
| Autumn (September to November) | Warm days, cooler nights, another very good season. |
| Winter (December to February) | Mild days, cold desert nights and possible snow in the Atlas. |
Ramadan dates change every year and can affect opening hours and transport. Tell us when you plan to travel and we adapt the plan.
Tips for this itinerary
- Distances are long. Plan the longest days for the road and keep museum visits for the shorter ones.
- Bring light layers and a warm jacket for the desert night, and modest clothes for villages and religious sites.
- Carry some dirham in cash for markets, drinks and tips.
- Stay in riads in the medinas: they are part of the experience.
- Tell us if you want to slow down: we can add nights or remove a city.
Ready to plan your Morocco trip?
Send us your dates and we reply with a free, no-obligation quote.
7-day Morocco itinerary: frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Morocco?
Seven days is a good length to see Marrakech, the Sahara, Fes and the coast. With fewer days, we recommend a Marrakech and desert trip of 3 or 4 days; with more, you can add Tangier, the Atlantic coast and more nights in the dunes.
What is the best 7-day Morocco itinerary?
A classic 7-day itinerary goes Marrakech, Ait Ben Haddou, Dades Valley, Merzouga, Fes, Rabat and Casablanca. It crosses the country in one direction and avoids repeating the same road.
Can I do this itinerary in the opposite direction?
Yes. You can start in Casablanca or Fes and finish in Marrakech. Tell us your arrival and departure cities and we adapt the route.
Is a 7-day Morocco itinerary too fast?
It has several long driving days, especially from the Dades Valley to Merzouga and from Merzouga to Fes. If you prefer a slower pace, we recommend the 10-day itinerary or removing one city.
Should I take a private tour or travel on my own?
A private tour with a driver and a local guide saves time on long distances and in the medinas, and you can change the route as you go. Travelling on your own is cheaper but takes more planning.
How much does a 7-day Morocco tour cost?
The price depends on your dates, the number of travellers, the accommodation and the cities. We quote on request, and quotes are free and come with no obligation.
When is the best time to follow this itinerary?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are usually the most comfortable. Summer is very hot in the desert and the interior, and winter nights in the Sahara are cold.
How do I book a 7-day Morocco itinerary with Highlights Morocco Tours?
Send us your dates and number of travellers with the contact form, by WhatsApp or by email. We reply with a free, no-obligation quote and, when you are happy with it, we confirm the booking.
Plan your Morocco itinerary with us
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you would like to see. We reply with a free, no-obligation quote.
