Experience the best of Morocco on this One Week in Morocco from Marrakech to Fes, packed with culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. Explore the vibrant souks and landmarks of Marrakech before crossing the Atlas Mountains to visit the ancient Ait Benhaddou. Journey through the dramatic Todra Gorge and into the Sahara Desert, where camel rides, nomadic encounters, and a magical night under the stars await.
Discover the rich history of Fes, wander the charming blue streets of Chefchaouen, and end your trip in Tangier, where Moroccan and European influences blend beautifully. This One Week in Morocco offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, making it ideal for travelers of all ages!
Your Morocco Itinerary 7 Days begins with a warm welcome upon your arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK). Your friendly driver will be there to greet you and transfer you directly to your comfortable riad or hotel in Marrakech. After checking in and settling down, you’ll have the rest of the day to leisurely explore this vibrant “Red City” at your own pace. You might choose to wander through the bustling Djemaa el-Fna square as it comes alive in the evening, sample some local street food, or simply soak in the sensory delights of the medina. Enjoy your first Moroccan dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in Marrakech.
Today is dedicated to exploring the vibrant “Red City” of Marrakech, a sensory delight and a highlight of your 7 days Morocco itinerary. With a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll embark on a comprehensive tour of the city’s most iconic sites. You’ll visit the exquisite Bahia Palace, marvel at the intricate architecture of the Koutoubia Mosque (from outside), and explore the serene Jardin Majorelle, with its vibrant blue buildings and exotic plants. You’ll delve into the bustling medina, navigating its vibrant souks filled with spices, leather goods, textiles, and traditional crafts.
The afternoon will bring you back to the famous Djemaa el-Fna square, a UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage, where storytellers, musicians, snake charmers, and acrobats create an unforgettable spectacle. Enjoy dinner at your leisure, perhaps trying some more local delicacies. Overnight stay in Marrakech.
Your desert adventure begins bright and early as you depart from Marrakech, heading east towards the Sahara. The first leg of your journey takes you through the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest major mountain pass in North Africa (2,260 meters / 7,415 ft), where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of rugged peaks and traditional Berber villages, with plenty of photo stops.
Descending from the Atlas Mountains, you’ll arrive at the legendary Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah (approx. 180 km from Marrakech), a UNESCO World Heritage site and fortified village made of mud and straw; you’ll explore its narrow alleys and ancient buildings, noting its fame as a backdrop for numerous Hollywood films, before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant with views of the Kasbah.
In the afternoon, you’ll continue to Ouarzazate (approx. 30 km from Ait Ben Haddou), often called the “Hollywood of Africa,” where you have the option to visit the Atlas Film Studios or explore the historic Taourirt Kasbah. Your day concludes with a scenic drive through the “Valley of Roses” to the Dades Valley (approx. 100 km from Ouarzazate), famous for its dramatic rock formations and lush groves, where you’ll check into your guesthouse or hotel, enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner, and relax.
Today is the day you reach the Sahara Desert, so prepare for a truly magical experience! After breakfast, you’ll explore more of the Dades Gorges, known for their unique “monkey fingers” rock formations, before continuing your journey to the impressive Todra Gorges (approx. 60 km from Dades Valley), a magnificent canyon with towering walls up to 300 meters (984 ft) high, where you can take a walk along the riverbed.
You’ll then pass through various Berber villages and palm groves, driving through towns like Erfoud (approx. 140 km from Todra Gorges), known for its fossil workshops, and Rissani, a traditional market town. Upon arrival in Merzouga (approx. 70 km from Erfoud), the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes, you’ll meet your camel caravan and embark on an unforgettable camel trek deep into the golden sands of the Erg Chebbi dunes, witnessing a spectacular Sahara sunset from atop a dune. You’ll then reach your traditional luxury Berber desert camp, nestled amidst the towering dunes, where you’ll enjoy a delicious traditional dinner under the vast, star-filled desert sky, experience authentic Berber music around a campfire, and spend the night in comfortable, private tents. This is the first of your two magical desert nights.
After experiencing a magical Sahara sunrise and enjoying breakfast at the desert camp, today is dedicated to exploring the fascinating surroundings of Merzouga and delving deeper into the local culture. You’ll have the option to explore the area by 4×4, visiting a local nomadic family to learn about their traditional way of life and share a cup of mint tea. Next, you’ll head to the village of Khamlia, famous for its Gnawa music, where you’ll enjoy a captivating live performance of this spiritual African music. Depending on the season, you might also visit the seasonal Merzouga Lake (Dayet Srij), a serene oasis that attracts various bird species.
You’ll have lunch at a local restaurant, perhaps trying a traditional Berber pizza. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to your desert camp for a second night under the stars, allowing for more time to relax, enjoy the tranquility of the desert, and perhaps try sandboarding on the dunes. Another delicious dinner and evening around the campfire await, deepening your One Week in Morocco experience.
Wake up early today to witness another breathtaking Sahara sunrise over the dunes, a perfect farewell to the desert. After breakfast at the desert camp, you’ll enjoy a final camel trek back to Merzouga, or opt for a 4×4 transfer, where your driver will be waiting.
Today, your journey takes you north towards Fes. You’ll travel through the vast and picturesque Ziz Valley, famous for its impressive palm oases and ancient Kasbahs, offering stunning views and photo opportunities. You’ll then continue into the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping at the Azrou cedar forest where you might spot Barbary apes. A brief stop in Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland,” will offer a refreshing break. Your 7-day Morocco tour from Marrakech to Fes concludes upon arrival in Fes (approximately late afternoon/early evening), where you’ll be dropped off at your riad or hotel, filled with incredible memories of your comprehensive Sahara and Atlas adventure.
After a final Moroccan breakfast at your riad or hotel in Fes, you’ll have some free time depending on your flight schedule. You might use this opportunity for some last-minute souvenir shopping in the medina, revisit a favorite spot, or simply relax. At the appropriate time, your driver will pick you up from your accommodation and transfer you to Fes-Saïss Airport (FEZ) for your departure, concluding your unforgettable One week in Morocco from Marrakech to Fes.
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The two nights in the Sahara are designed for full immersion. The first night is the classic camel trek and camp experience. The second day is dedicated to exploring the Merzouga region by 4×4, visiting nomadic families, and enjoying Gnawa music in Khamlia. This extended stay allows for a more profound connection with the desert’s tranquility and local culture, far beyond a quick stop
The Morocco itinerary 7 days involves moderate physical activity. You’ll have guided walking tours in Marrakech, opportunities for walks in the Todra Gorges, and the camel trek in the desert is a gentle ride. Most travel between destinations is by comfortable vehicle. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes to fully enjoy the exploration.
Wi-Fi is typically available at most hotels and riads where you’ll be staying. Connectivity might be limited or unavailable in certain remote desert areas, but this is part of the charm of disconnecting and enjoying the vastness of the Sahara. For consistent connectivity, you might consider purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival.
We just returned from a 7-day tour starting in Marrakech, and it was beyond amazing! From the colorful medina of Marrakech to the vast dunes of Merzouga, every day brought something new and unforgettable. Our driver-guide was knowledgeable, professional, and so kind – he made us feel safe and welcomed everywhere we went. The highlight was definitely the night in the Sahara desert under the stars. The camp was beautiful, and the camel ride at sunset was magical. Highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to see the real Morocco
