Experience the best of Morocco in one week with this carefully crafted itinerary. From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the serene Sahara Desert, we’ve designed this journey to maximize your time while maintaining a comfortable pace.
Before You Start
Best Time to Follow This Itinerary
- Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) are ideal
- Winter (December-February) can be cold in the desert
- Summer (June-August) can be extremely hot inland
Transportation Options
- Private driver (recommended for this itinerary)
- Public transportation (requires schedule adjustments)
- Self-drive (challenging but possible)
- Domestic flights for longer distances
Accommodation Types
- Luxury riads
- Boutique hotels
- Traditional guesthouses
- Desert luxury camps
Day 1: Marrakech – The Red City
Theme: Cultural Immersion
Morning
- Arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport
- Check-in at your riad in the medina
- Fresh mint tea welcome
- Rest and refresh
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
- Guided medina orientation walk
- Visit Koutoubia Mosque (exterior)
- Explore main souks
- Photography stops at iconic locations
Evening (6:00 PM onwards)
- Sunset at Djemaa el-Fna Square
- Dinner at rooftop restaurant
- Night market exploration
Where to Stay:
- Luxury: La Mamounia
- Mid-range: Riad Kheirredine
- Budget: Equity Point Hostel
Local Tip: Book a guide for your first medina walk to avoid getting lost and learn the layout.
Day 2: Marrakech Deep Dive
Theme: Arts and Architecture
Morning (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
- Bahia Palace visit
- Ben Youssef Madrasa
- Photography Museum
- Spice souk exploration
Afternoon
- Majorelle Gardens
- Yves Saint Laurent Museum
- Traditional hammam experience
Evening
- Cooking class with local chef
- Dinner with your created dishes
- Optional: Sunset camel ride in palm grove
Activity Costs:
- Palace entrance: 70 MAD
- Gardens: 120 MAD
- Museums: 100 MAD
- Cooking class: 600 MAD
Day 3: Atlas Mountains Day Trip
Theme: Nature and Berber Culture
Morning (8:00 AM departure)
- Scenic drive through Atlas Mountains
- Visit traditional Berber village
- Short hiking opportunity
- Local home visit
Afternoon
- Traditional lunch with Berber family
- Visit women’s argan oil cooperative
- Tea ceremony
- Mountain photography stops
Evening
- Return to Marrakech
- Free evening for shopping or relaxation
What to Pack for the Day:
- Walking shoes
- Sun protection
- Light jacket (mountains can be cool)
- Camera
Day 4: Journey to Sahara
Theme: Desert Adventure
Morning (7:00 AM departure)
- Early departure for desert
- Cross Tizi n’Tichka pass
- Photo stops at panoramic points
- Visit Ait Benhaddou Kasbah
Afternoon
- Lunch in Ouarzazate
- Drive through Draa Valley
- Stop at oasis points
- Arrive at desert camp
Evening
- Camel trek to camp
- Sunset over dunes
- Traditional dinner
- Stargazing and music
Desert Camp Amenities:
- Private luxury tents
- En-suite bathrooms
- Proper beds
- Electricity until midnight
Day 5: Sahara Desert
Theme: Desert Life
Morning
- Sunrise camel trek
- Desert breakfast
- Sandboarding
- Visit nomad family
Afternoon
- 4×4 desert exploration
- Fossil hunting
- Desert oasis visit
- Traditional music workshop
Evening
- Second night in desert
- Traditional feast
- Berber astronomy lesson
- Campfire stories
What to Pack for Desert:
- Warm clothes for night
- Head scarf
- Comfortable shoes
- Camera protection
Day 6: Fes via Middle Atlas
Theme: Imperial City
Morning
- Departure from desert
- Drive through Middle Atlas
- Stop in cedar forests
- Visit Barbary apes
Afternoon
- Arrive in Fes
- Check into riad
- Brief medina orientation
- Roof terrace dinner
Evening
- Relaxation at riad
- Optional: Traditional music show
Where to Stay in Fes:
- Luxury: Riad Fes
- Mid-range: Dar Roumana
- Budget: Riad Verus
Day 7: Fes Exploration
Theme: Artisan Crafts
Morning
- Guided medina tour
- Visit leather tanneries
- Ceramic workshops
- Metal craftsmen
Afternoon
- Free time for shopping
- Optional spa treatment
- Last-minute purchases
- Farewell dinner
Evening
- Transfer to Fes airport
- Departure
Shopping Tips:
- Leather goods best bought in Fes
- Ceramics are local specialty
- Bargaining expected
Budget Considerations
Daily Costs (Average)
- Luxury: 3000-5000 MAD
- Mid-range: 1500-3000 MAD
- Budget: 500-1500 MAD
What’s Usually Included:
- Accommodation
- Breakfast
- Desert camp full board
- Some activities
Additional Costs:
- Flights
- Most lunches and dinners
- Optional activities
- Shopping
- Tips
Practical Tips
Packing Essentials
- Modest clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Power adapter
- Sun protection
- Light jacket for evenings
Photography Tips
- Ask permission for people photos
- Best light early morning/late afternoon
- Protect camera from desert sand
- Bring extra batteries
Cultural Considerations
- Dress modestly
- Learn basic Arabic greetings
- Respect prayer times
- Ask before photographing people
Optional Add-ons
Extra Activities
- Hot air balloon in Marrakech
- Spa treatments
- Cooking classes
- Photography tours
Extended Stays
- Extra day in Marrakech
- Beach extension to Essaouira
- Mountain trekking
- Blue city of Chefchaouen
Conclusion
This 7-day itinerary offers a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation. While it moves at a comfortable pace, each day is filled with unique experiences that showcase the best of Morocco. Remember, this itinerary can be customized based on your interests and travel style.
Ready to experience this incredible journey? Contact us to book this itinerary or create your own customized version. Our expert team will handle all the details while you focus on enjoying your Moroccan adventure.