The Perfect 7-Day Morocco Itinerary for First-Timers
A Week of Moroccan Magic: From Imperial Cities to the Sahara
Morocco is a country of immense diversity, and a week is just enough time to get a tantalizing taste of its most iconic landscapes and experiences. This packed 7-day itinerary is designed for first-time visitors who want to see it all, combining the vibrant energy of the imperial cities with the breathtaking majesty of the Sahara Desert. This route is one of the classic day trips in Morocco, stretched into an unforgettable week-long journey.
Transportation: Car Rental vs. Private Driver
For an itinerary this ambitious, your choice of transport is crucial.
- A car rental in Morocco offers the ultimate flexibility, allowing you to stop at viewpoints and villages at your leisure. The drive through the Atlas Mountains is spectacular, but be prepared for winding roads.
- A private driver in Morocco is the pinnacle of comfort and ease. You can relax and soak in the scenery while an experienced local handles the navigation. This is an excellent, stress-free option, especially for the long journey between the mountains and the desert.
The Itinerary: A Day-by-Day Guide
Day 1 & 2: Arrival and Exploration in Marrakech
Arrive at Marrakech-Menara Airport (RAK). Pick up your rental car or meet your pre-booked private driver for a seamless transfer to your accommodation. We recommend staying in a traditional riad within the medina for an authentic experience.
- Day 1: Dive headfirst into the sensory overload of the medina. Get lost in the souks, marvel at the artisan workshops, and as evening falls, witness the transformation of Jemaa el-Fnaa square into a massive open-air restaurant and theater.
- Day 2: Discover the city's historical gems. Visit the opulent Bahia Palace, the serene Saadian Tombs, and the tranquil Jardin Majorelle. Consider a guided tour in Morocco for your first morning to get your bearings in the maze-like medina.
Day 3: The High Atlas Mountains
Leave the city bustle behind and drive towards the magnificent High Atlas Mountains. The journey itself, over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, is a highlight, with stunning panoramic views. Your destination is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Benhaddou, an ancient fortified village (ksar) that has served as a backdrop for countless films, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Explore its earthen clay architecture and climb to the top for a spectacular sunset view. Spend the night in a nearby guesthouse in the Ounila Valley.
Day 4: Journey to the Desert's Edge
Continue your journey east, passing through Ouarzazate (the "Hollywood of Morocco") and the scenic Dadès Valley, often called the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs." The landscape transforms dramatically as you drive, from lush oases to stark, rocky canyons like the Todra Gorge. Your destination is Merzouga, a small town that serves as the gateway to the magnificent Erg Chebbi sand dunes. You'll arrive in the late afternoon, just in time for the next leg of your adventure.
Day 5: Sahara Desert Experience
This is a day many dream of. In Merzouga, you will trade your vehicle for a camel. Embark on a sunset camel trek deep into the Erg Chebbi dunes. The sight of the endless, undulating sea of orange sand is a truly humbling and magical experience. You'll arrive at a traditional Berber desert camp, where you'll enjoy a delicious tagine dinner under a sky blanketed with stars, accompanied by the rhythmic beat of Berber drums around a campfire. This is one of the most quintessential things to do in Morocco.
Day 6: The Long Road to Fes
Wake up early to witness a spectacular desert sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, you'll travel back to Merzouga by camel or 4x4. Today is a long travel day, but a scenic one. You'll journey north through the Ziz Valley, with its vast palm groves, and cross the Middle Atlas mountains, a region known for its cedar forests and Barbary macaque monkeys near Azrou. You'll arrive in Fes, Morocco's spiritual and cultural capital, in the evening.
Day 7: Discovering Fes and Departure
Spend your final morning exploring the Fes el-Bali, the world's largest living medieval medina. It's a bewildering, fascinating maze of over 9,000 alleys. Discover the famous Chouara Tannery, the Al-Attarine Madrasa, and the Nejjarine Fountain. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a final Moroccan meal before heading to Fes-Saïss Airport (FEZ) for your departure, filled with a week's worth of incredible memories.