Morocco Itinerary 7 Days - What to Do and See in Morocco in a Week

Morocco is an increasingly popular travel destination with something for every taste and budget. Once you visit it, you will want to return again and again. The country has so much to offer, from a rich culture to breathtaking landscapes, delicious food, and the friendliest people you can imagine. You could easily spend a month there and never get travel fatigue. However, if your vacation time is limited, this Morocco itinerary for 7 days will make for an unforgettable trip.

A week-long holiday in Morocco will be one of the highlights of your travels. The North African country abounds in unique sightseeing spots, large towns with impressive architecture, and small, cozy villages with hospitable locals. You can venture from the Sahara desert to the Atlantic Ocean across the majestic Atlas mountains and experience a diverse and beautiful culture.

We know that a seven-day trip to Morocco may not be enough to cover everything the country has to offer. So, we suggest three ideas for a 7-day itinerary in Morocco for you to choose from or combine depending on what you want to do and see.

Dive deep into this travel guide to Morocco and prepare for an immersive experience in one of the best places to travel worldwide!

Is 7 days enough for Morocco?

Seven days in Morocco is enough to explore many of the country’s beautiful sights unrushed and leave yearning to return. In a week, you can tour the Imperial cities at your own pace and still have time for trekking in the Atlas mountains. Visit the sunny ocean coast and dive deep inland for a journey to the Sahara desert. Alternatively, you can travel to less-visited cities and villages like Imlil to have a taste of authentic Moroccan culture.

Is it worth going to Morocco for a week?

Morocco has a rich offer of things to do and see. Some people go there for a week and end up staying for a month. Others return annually because there’s so much left to explore. A week in Morocco is just enough to discover the vibrant local culture and explore must-see sights and attractions, some unique worldwide.

How much money do I need for 7 days in Morocco?

Morocco is an affordable travel destination for most travelers. Depending on what you want to do, you may need to spend around $70-$80 per person per day. This should cover travel costs. The North African country is famous for hitchhiking, and camping suits travelers on a budget. However, if you prefer luxurious vacations, Morocco has you covered with high-end hotel resorts, fine dining establishments, and anything a lavish lifestyle can offer.

What to do in Morocco for a week

Spending a week in Morocco will never leave you feeling bored. Past visitors speak of a nearly endless list of things to do in Morocco, including:

Journeys into the Sahara desert.
Driving through the Atlas Mountains.
Roam along the ocean coast.
Visit popular and unique cities.
Explore mosques, palaces, riads, and medinas.

What to see in Morocco in 7 days?

Morocco is a captivating country ripe for exploration with stunning sightseeing spots, such as:

Morocco’s imperial cities: Rabat, Marrakesh, Fez, and Meknes.
Rustic mountain villages like Imlil
Ocean-side towns like Casablanca and Essaouira
The majestic sand dunes in the Sahara desert

Visiting Morocco is ideal in 7-day trips that will take you across the country from the Sahara desert through the Atlas mountains and to the Atlantic Ocean. Find examples below with all the details you need.

Morocco Itinerary 7 days: Marrakech & The Sahara Desert

The Sahara desert is a must-see attraction at least once in your lifetime, and Morocco is the ideal place for this journey. You can rent a car, hitchhike, or use buses to move in this area of South Morocco. However, the most recommended option is to book a tour and have locals show you around.

Here’s a 7-day itinerary that will take you from Marrakech to the Sahara desert and back to the imperial city.

Day 1: Arrive in Marrakech

Marrakech is Morocco’s most popular city and tourist destination, combining the rich Moroccan culture with modern amenities. After arrival, take the time to immerse yourself in the unique local vibe.

Explore the medieval medina hosting Morocco’s largest traditional market (souks). The heart of the city is full of artisans, merchants, and restaurants serving delicious local cuisine. Shop for authentic tapestries and leather bags, and try traditional sweets and pastries. End the day with a refreshing Moroccan fruit juice in the Jemaa el Fna Square.

Day 2: Explore Marrakech

Assuming you booked an early morning departure toward the Sahara desert, you may have a full day and night to spend in Marrakech before departing for the sand dunes. Use this time to visit iconic sights in Marrakech, such as the Jemaa el Fna Square, the Jardin Majorelle botanical garden, and the Saadian tombs. Enjoy an evening walk and maybe find a rooftop to see the city shimmering in the sunset light as the locals go to pray in the towering Kutubiyya Mosque.

Day 3: From Marrakech, drive through the Atlas Mountains to explore Ait Ben Haddou and arrive in Ouarzazate city

A trip by car from Marrakech to the Sahara desert will take you through the stunning Atlas mountains. Along the way, you will pass through the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass at an altitude of 2,260m. This route will then take you down to the Ounila Valley, where you will find the glorious Ait Ben Haddou – an ancient fortified mud-brick village declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Driving east for half an hour from Ait Ben Haddou will take you to Ouarzazate, known as the Gateway to the Sahara. This old city is a fabulous display of red-earth, North African architecture made famous by many Hollywood movies that chose it as a filming location. You can spend the night in Ouarzazate to prepare for the journey’s second half.

Day 4: From Ouarzazate -> Todra Gorge / Dades Valley -> Merzouga / Erg Chebbi

Leaving Ouarzazate in the morning will allow you to visit the remarkable Todra Gorges, with its colossal cliffs standing 300 meters high. Next, you will pass through the eye-catching Dades Valley on a popular road, also known as “The Road of the Thousand Kasbahs.”

Your next destination should be Merzouga, the largest city near the Saharan sand dunes. However, there are plenty of smaller towns and villages along the way where you can stop for a delicious traditional lunch.

In Merzouga, you will find plenty of locals organizing short tours into the desert. Hop on a camel and go for a two-hour ride outside the city to see the famous Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Many tourists come here for sandboarding and to snap selfies with the incredible sunsets.

Day 5: Sahara Desert

If you have a more adventurous spirit, you can skip accommodation in Merzouga and go for an overnight trip deeper into the Sahara desert. Typically, a local guide tour will include transportation using camels and accommodation in a tent, with dinner and breakfast included. This option will allow you to experience the North African desert closely and spend the night among the silent sand dunes far from civilization.

Day 6: Back To Marrakech

Traveling back to Marrakech will take you through the beautiful Rose Valley, a fertile area known for its apricot orchards and rose plantations. You will pass through the Atlas Mountains again before reaching Marrakech for a well-deserved rest.

Day 7: Depart Morocco from Marrakech

Stop in the medina for some souvenirs before departing for the airport. Marrakesh is served by the Marrakesh Menara International Airport, accommodating flights from and to Europe, Casablanca, and nearby countries. It is located only 6 km from the city, and you can use public buses or a taxi to get there.

7 days in Morocco Itinerary: The Imperial Cities

Whether you are a historical architecture buff or prefer city life to nature outings, a tour of the Imperial Cities in Morocco will come right down your alley. This circuit is the ideal vacation plan for discovering the rich Moroccan culture across the vast North African country. You will get to visit important landmarks, learn more about traditional art and practices, and enjoy a firsthand experience of the vibrant and unique Moroccan lifestyle.

Casablanca – Rabat – Meknas – Fes

Start your tour early in the morning in majestic Casablanca, where you can visit the impressive Hassan 2 Mosque and chic Anfa Palace. Next, head to the country’s capital, Rabat, which is only an hour’s drive up the coast. Stop for lunch and take a city stroll to see the Kasbah of the Oudayas, the Hassan Tower, or the Mohamed V mausoleum. Leave Rabat to travel inland to Meknes, another stupendous Moroccan imperial city. Here, you should visit the mausoleum of Moulay Ismaïl, one of the country’s few religious monuments accessible to non-Muslims. On your way to Fes, stop to see the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a remarkable testament to the country’s diverse history. Dinner and accommodation in Fez.

Fes

Many regard Fes as Morocco’s cultural capital, a lively city where ancient, well-kept traditions blend with modern innovations. The city is so beautiful, it deserves a full day of your trip. Start with a tour of the old medina, the heart of Moroccan culture, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, an iconic religious building, the Royal Palace (Dar Al-Makhzen), and shop for authentic Moroccan rugs, leather, and other artisanal goods in the maze-like souks.

Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga desert

Have an early breakfast and hit the road toward the Merzouga desert. On the way, you will see many changes in beautiful landscapes. As you travel through the Atlas mountains, you will reach Ifrane, a glamorous ski resort located at an elevation of 1,665 m. Next, you will carve your way through the Zad mountain pass to reach Midelt, a commercial center ideal for your lunch break. Spend the afternoon crossing the beautiful Ziz valley dotted with palm trees before reaching the Erg Chebbi sand dunes in the Merzouga desert. Hire a local tour for a short desert trip and end your day with a traditional tajine dinner in a cozy desert campsite.

Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Ouarzazate

Start your day freshly in the morning and leave Merzouga for the enchanting Todra Gorges. These limestone river canyons, locally known as wadi, accompany the Todgha and Dades Rivers through the mountains. Hike the cliffs for spectacular views or stroll along the river banks for an unforgettable experience. Next, take a 3-hour drive southwest to Ouarzazate, a rugged city with a beautiful skyline owed to typical red-earth brick architecture. Spend the evening exploring the city and delight your tastebuds with a couscous meal – Morocco’s national dish – at one of the local restaurants.

Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Atlas mountains- Marrakech

Leaving Ouarzazate in the early morning will give you plenty of time to reach Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Historically, the small fortress served as a much-needed caravan stop en route between the Sahara and Marrakesh. After taking pictures of the majestic surroundings, head toward Marrakech, crossing the Atlas mountains. The three-and-a-half-hour drive will take you through beautiful landscapes showcasing Morocco’s breathtaking scenery.

Marrakech

You should reach gorgeous Marrakech in the afternoon. The city is renowned for its vibrant lifestyle, quick-paced local market, and rich culture. Stop for a late lunch near the Jemaa el Fna Square before taking a stroll through the medina – the city’s historic heart. Make time to see the superb Jardin Majorelle botanical garden and the solemn Saadian tombs. End the day with a relaxing promenade and a delicious Moroccan dinner.

Depart from Marrakech Or Casablanca

Leaving beautiful Morocco is hard for everyone visiting the giving North African country. As your vacation comes to an end, you can depart from the Marrakesh Menara International Airport, which is only a 15-minute drive away from the city. Alternatively, you can drive back to Casablanca and fly out from the Mohammed V Airport, which serves numerous international destinations.

One week Morocco Itinerary: From Marrakech to the mountains and ocean

Our last proposal for a Morocco itinerary 7 days will see you visit the popular city of Marrakech and explore ocean-side towns like Essaouira and rustic villages like Imlil in the Atlas Mountains. This circuit is ideal for those seeking to discover as much as possible from richly diverse Morocco at a comfortable pace.