Welcome to Morocco! One week in Morocco is a fabulous plan for a first visit to North Africa. The only challenge is choosing where to go and what not to miss! We list five different sample 7-day Morocco itinerary options with details for how to spend one week in Morocco.
Albeit five itineraries are a lot to choose from. So, with each one-week itinerary, we have listed some pros and cons for each choice.
Then at the end this article, we give suggestions to help pick one to suit best and share our favourite Morocco itinerary.
- Why 7 days in Morocco?
- Getting there
- Choosing a 7-day Morocco itinerary
- 7-Day Morocco itinerary
– #1 Tangier to Marrakech
– #2 Tangier to Casablanca
– #3 Fes to Marrakech
– #4 Marrakech to Sahara (Marrakech)
– #5 Marrakech to Essaouira (Marrakech) - Pros and cons of each Morocco itinerary
- Which itinerary do we suggest?
- Other Morocco itineraries
- Accommodation in Morocco
Why do we suggest a 7-day Morocco itinerary?
One week in Morocco is a great first experience of North Africa. It is an amazing country rich in culture and history, well-connected to Europe and home to a plethora of incredible destinations.
With 7 days in Morocco there is enough time for a quick tour of multiple regions, experience some of the imperial cities, go surfing on the coast or witness sunset from a camel safari in the Sahara Desert.
A 7-day Morocco itinerary is plenty of time to take in some of Morocco’s main highlights. From the ancient medinas to the Sahara Desert, Morocco is a bucket list trip unlike any other!
Getting there
Most travellers begin and end their Morocco trip in Marrakech because of the large, international airport there.
It is easy to find flights to Marrakech from all over the world with connections in Europe, Middle East and North America.
However, some of these Morocco itinerary options start in Tangier or Fes. Both of these cities are also well connected with flights to Europe.
Getting to and arriving in Marrakech
Flights to Marrakech arrive at Menara Airport (RAK). There are daily flights connecting Marrakech with Europe, Middle East and North America.
From the airport you can transfer to the city by bus to Jmaa El-Fnaa Square, taxi or private transfer.
- Read about visiting Marrakech.
What is the best time of year to visit Morocco?
The best time to visit Morocco is generally during the autumn (September-November) or early spring (March-April). This is when the climate is pleasant and summery throughout the country without being too hot for day-time exploration. But Morocco really is a year-round destination.
In our experience we would also recommend the wintertime (December, January and February) as a perfect escape from the Northern-hemisphere to make the most of the sunshine and pleasant day-time temperature.
Winter is also a good time to explore the south and the Sahara fringes and further inland without overwhelming heat. Though do remember that even in the desert it can get bitterly cold during the night.
Choosing a Morocco itinerary
Morocco is huge! It includes the Atlantic coast stretching lengthways and mountainous ranges inland to the Sahara Desert.
Size-wise it is a large country and has an incredibly varied landscape and culture. But one thing that is constant all over the country is the Moroccan culture and warm hospitality.
On the northern Atlantic coast the first cities that welcome any traveller are the coastal towns of Tangier and Asilah.
Inland, the famous imperial cities of Marrakesh and Fez do not disappoint. Marrakesh is more modern and popular as a starting point, but Fez is iconic and traditional and definitely worth adding to your Morocco itinerary.
Agadir, Rabat and Casablanca are Morocco’s other large cities and offer the coastline as well as street food and the famous Hassan II Mosque (the only mosque you can visit as a tourist in Morocco).
The Sahara Desert and historic hillside city of Ait Ben Haddou are iconic features of Morocco’s inland landscape. Or hidden away in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is arguably Morocco’s most iconic and prettiest town.
It really depends on what you are looking for with 7 days in Morocco.
Each of these 7-day Morocco itineraries has different highlights and with the varied directions of travel means there are choices to make to move between cities and where to start and end.
Option #1 – Tangier to Marrakech
- START: Tangier
- END: Marrakech
- Tangier – 1 night
- Tetouan
- Chefchaouen – 2 nights
- Fes – 2 nights
- Volubilis and/or Casablanca
- Marrakech – 2 nights
This itinerary is for 7 nights and either 7 or 8 days in Morocco.
About Morocco Itinerary Option #1
This is a great one-way itinerary for 7 days in Morocco starting at Tangier in the north of Morocco. There are regular flights to Tangier from Europe daily.
From Tangier this itinerary is easiest with a one-way rental car.
The itinerary covers Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes and Marrakech with a stopover in Tetouan, Volubilis and Casablanca.
HIGHLIGHTS – OPTION #1
These are the top highlights of this itinerary.
- Café Hafa Tangier
- Tetouan Medina
- Self-guided Chefchaouen walking tour
- Spanish Mosque (Chefchaouen)
- Volubilis Roman city
- Tanneries (Fes)
- Hassan II Mosque (Casablanca)
- Jardin Majorelle YSL Garden
- Jmaa El-Fnaa Square
- Marrakech Medina
You can see a more detailed list in our articles about each Morocco destination.
PROS – OPTION #1
This 7-day Morocco itinerary is ideal to experience the very different cultures of Morocco’s Mediterranean coast, Atlantic and famous imperial cities.
There are daily flights to Tangier from Europe. Or take the ferry from Spain to reach Morocco in less than two hours to start!
ANY CHALLENGES WITH THIS ITINERARY?
Not particularly. The possible only downside is the distance from Fes to Marrakech.
But on the upside this day of travel allows for a stopover at Volubilis, the historic Roman city near Meknes. Or you could break up the journey with a visit to Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.
- Read more about visiting Volubilis and things to do in Tangier, Chefchaouen and Fes.
- Read about driving in Morocco.
Further options with Morocco Itinerary #1
If you do have extra time, you could either add a night in Meknes or Casablanca between Fes and Marrakech.
OPTION #2 – Tangier to Casablanca
- START: Tangier
- END: Casablanca
- Tangier – Start
- Chefchaouen – 2 nights
- Fes – 2 nights
- Rabat – 2 nights
- Casablanca – 1 night
About 7-Day Morocco Itinerary Option #2
This is an ideal 7-day Morocco itinerary to explore the north of the country. See the highlights of Morocco with a weeklong exploration of its cities, culture, and cuisine.
Start with a wander through the port city of Tangier and the blue streets of Chefchaouen before heading to Fes, Morocco’s cultural capital.
With two days and two nights in each of Chefchaouen, Fes and Rabat you can see the highlights of Chefchaouen, visit the tanneries of Fes and experience the contrasting city of Rabat and Sale, just across the river.
HIGHLIGHTS – OPTION #2
These are the top highlights of this itinerary.
- Café Hafa Tangier
- Tetouan Medina
- Self-guided Chefchaouen walking tour
- Spanish Mosque (Chefchaouen)
- Volubilis Roman city
- Tanneries (Fes)
- Rabat Medina
- Boat ride to Sale
- Hassan II Mosque
- Moroccan Hammam
You can see a more detailed list in our articles about each Morocco destination.
PROS OF OPTION #2
This journey across Morocco squeezes cityscapes, mountain vistas, UNESCO Heritage Sites and coastal charm into a single week.
It is a great 7-day Morocco itinerary without huge distances for driving each day but covering a range of culture and destinations.
This option includes Rabat, which is the capital city of Morocco.
The capital is often confused with Marrakech. Which although it is a popular destination for tourism (and the most touristic of Morocco’s city’s). Though Rabat is a beautiful and compact historic city with lots of things to do.
- Read more about things to do in Rabat.
ANY CHALLENGES WITH THIS ITINERARY?
The only real downside of this itinerary is that it doesn’t include Marrakech.
Marrakech is arguably the most popular city destination in Morocco.
However, with only 7-days in Morocco it makes more sense to enjoy Rabat and Casablanca without rushing. (And save Marrakech for next time!).
Further options with Morocco Itinerary #2
The best addition to this 7-day Morocco itinerary would be to add an extra two nights making it a 9-day itinerary and including Marrakech too.
Otherwise, there is the option to skip Casablanca and instead travel from Rabat to end the itinerary in Marrakech.
- Read more about things to do in Marrakech.
Option #3 – Marrakech to Sahara, Fes and Chefchaouen
- START: Marrakech
- END: Fes
- Marrakech – 2 nights
- Ait Ben Haddou + Ouarzazate
- Tinghir – 1 night
- Merzouga (Sahara) – 1 night
- Fes (Chefchaouen) – 3 nights
About Itinerary Option #3
This itinerary is ideal for a first time in Morocco. It not only includes the vibrant city of Marrakech but also the golden hued sand dunes of Erg Chebbi and historic Fes too.
Starting in Marrakech you have a day to explore the famous Medina, visit Bahia Palace and enjoy the atmospheric Jmaa El F’naa Square at night.
Then start the journey to the Sahara region stopping at the beautiful old hillside city of Ait Ben Haddou.
Take a camel safari in the sunset out into the desert and go glamping under the stars.
From the desert, journey north to Fes with a day trip to Chefchaouen.
HIGHLIGHTS – OPTIONS #3
These are the top highlights of this itinerary.
- Marrakech Medina
- Jardin Majorelle YSL Gardens
- Jmaa El’Fnaa Square
- Bahia Palace
- Ait Ben Haddou
- Ouarzazate Atlas Film Studio
- Todra Gorge (Tinghir)
- Camel Safari
- Overnight in Sahara Desert
- Tanneries (Fes)
- Self-guided Chefchaouen tour
You can see a more detailed list in our articles about each Morocco destination.
PROS OF OPTIONS #3
This is possibly the most iconic experience of Morocco.
It is an all-encompassing itinerary showcasing the best of Morocco, from cultural stops in the imperial cities to the incredible nature or the Sahara and desert landscapes.
- Read about visiting the weekly market in Ouarzazate.
ANY CHALLENGES WITH THIS ITINERARY?
The only snag with this option for a 7-day Morocco itinerary is the driving distance to get to the desert and onwards to Fes.
However, this is a popular one-week Morocco itinerary. The wow-factor of the desert and the imperial cities make it well worth the drive.
- Tip: It can be done as a self-driven trip or if you would rather book a driver and tour it is easy and economical.
Option #4 – Marrakech to Sahara, Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate
- START: Marrakech
- END: Marrakech
- Marrakech – 2 nights
- Ait Ben Haddou + Ouarzazate – 1 night
- Merzouga (Sahara) – 1 night
- Tinghir – 1 night
- Marrakech – 1 night
About Itinerary Option #4
This itinerary covers the most famous city of Morocco and the incredible Sahara Desert and surrounding sites.
HIGHLIGHTS – OPTION #4
These are the top highlights of this itinerary.
- Marrakech Medina
- Jmaa El-Fnaa Square
- Mouassine Hammam
- Atlas Film Studio (Ouarzazate)
- Todra Gorge (Tinghir)
- Ait Ben Haddou
- Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes (Merzouga)
- Camel Ride in Sahara Desert
- Lunch at Chez Lamine (Marrakech)
- Bahia Palace
- Jardin Majorelle YSL Gardens
You can see a more detailed list in our articles about each Morocco destination.
PROS OF OPTION #4
The best thing about this 7-day Morocco itinerary is that it includes Marrakech, the Sahara Desert and the iconic Ait Ben Haddou village.
Marrakech is inarguably the most famous city in Morocco. And while Ait Ben Haddou is the most Instagram-able desert city perched up on the hillside near Ouarzazate. The Sahara Desert is another of the most iconic images of Morocco.
It is also convenient starting and ending in Marrakech. If you are planning on renting a car this will decrease the cost of a rental with an otherwise one-way rental fee.
- Read about driving in Morocco.
ANY CHALLENGES WITH THIS ITINERARY?
The only major downside to this itinerary is the distance from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert at Merzouga.
But although there are a few big days of driving to get all the way to Merzouga and back. I would recommend this as one of my favourite options for 7 days in Morocco.
Option #5 – Marrakech to Agafay Desert and Essaouira
- START: Marrakech
- END: Marrakech
- Marrakech – 2 nights
- Agafay Desert – 2 nights
- Essaouira – 2 nights
- Marrakech – 1 night
About Itinerary Option #5
With outdoor activities, ancient culture, and exciting excursions, this week-long Moroccan adventure combines the beautiful coast, the desert and history.
HIGHLIGHTS – OPTIONS #5
These are the top highlights of this itinerary.
- Marrakech Medina
- Jmaa El-Fnaa Square
- Hammam Mouassine
- Camel Ride in Agafay Desert
- Agafay Desert Camp
- Essaouira Medina
- Surfing in Sidi Kaouki (Essaouira)
- Essaouira Ramparts
- Port du Skala
- Fish Market (Essaouira)
- Bahia Palace (Marrakech)
- Jardin Majorelle YSL Gardens
- Chez Lamine (Marrakech)
You can see a more detailed list in our articles about each Morocco destination.
PROS OF OPTIONS #5
This is a good option for seven days in Morocco starting and ending in Marrakech.
If you aren’t keen on the long drive to the Sahara Desert, the Agafay Desert is a desolate terrain, albeit rockier than the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. But it is an iconic desert experience in Morocco with breathtaking landscapes not far from Marrakech.
ANY CHALLENGES WITH THIS ITINERARY?
This is a simple yet varied itinerary option for a week in Morocco.
I can’t think of any downsides to this one; except that you don’t get to see the other famous imperial cities further north. (Though that isn’t technically a fair snag to this itinerary!).
Further options with Morocco Itinerary #5
The best option for this 7-day Morocco itinerary is to consider a day trip from Marrakech to the beautiful Ourika Valley.
This could either be at the end of the tour (on return to Marrakech).
Or you could swap a night or two in Agafay Desert and instead stay an extra night in Essaouira and Marrakech to allow for a visit to Ourika.
- Read about taking a day trip to Ourika Valley from Marrakech.
Which option would we recommend?
If this is your first visit, we would recommend Option #3 or #4.
Both of these itineraries for 7 days in Morocco cover the highlights of Marrakech, Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate and the incredible Sahara Desert.
If you are visiting Morocco with kids, I would suggest Option #5. This itinerary has shorter distances for driving and includes the chance for surfing and beach time in Essaouira as well as the Agafay Desert experience.
- Read all about planning a first visit to Morocco.
Other Morocco itinerary ideas and inspiration
So now you know about the range of 7-day Morocco itinerary options. B
ut what if you would like to take in more of Morocco? Like the inland cities of the Atlas Mountains or the southern coastal towns of Taghazout, Tamraght or Imsouane?
Here are some other itinerary ideas and city guides for more of Morocco.
- Read more about the things to do in Chefcahouen, Casablanca, Tangier, Tetouan, Agadir, Taghazout and Tamraght, Fes and Rabat.
Or if you are considering staying longer in Morocco or crossing south to Mauritania, see our travel guides for border crossings with Morocco.
- Read about crossing the Morocco Mauritania border from Dakhla.
- Read about crossing the border from F’nideq (Morocco) to Ceuta (Spain).
Where to stay in Marrakech
We highly recommend staying in a traditional Moroccan riad in the heart of the Medina in Marrakech. There are a range of options to suit all budgets.
Obviously, there are lot more destinations and accommodation options in Morocco to consider.
But here are some of the best rated riads in Marrakech to start with.
Budget riads in Marrakech:
Mid-range riads in Marrakech:
Luxury riads in Marrakech:
Overnight motorhome parking in Marrakech
There are a few campsites on the outskirts of Marrakech with motorhome parking and services.
The best place to park with a motorhome close to all the things to do in Marrakech (walking distance) is in the guarded carpark near Koutoubia Mosque.
Parking Et Lavage La Koutoubia
- Location: Avenue Hommane Al Fatouaki
- Type: Paying Motorhome Area
- Park4Night: #29651
- Cost: 150 MAD 24hr
- Facilities: Toilets, Rubbish.
About: A private guarded parking lot in the heart of Marrakech. Campers are parked at the end of the car parking area with 24-hour security.
There are basic (very) toilets in the carpark. But the best thing about it is the proximity to all the things to do in Marrakech.
More about planning for travel in Morocco and beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before embarking on any of the above 7-day Morocco itinerary options!
