With one week in Morocco you have time to experience Marrakech, overnight in the magnificent Moroccan Sahara Desert, visit the UNESCO hillside village of Ait Benhaddou and the incredible Todra Gorges. On this 7-day Morocco itinerary, we cover everything you need to know to plan your perfect first visit to this beautiful country.
- About this Morocco itinerary
- Summary
- Highlights
- Best time to visit?
- 7-DAY MOROCCO ITINERARY
Day 1 – 2 – Marrakech
Day 3 – Ait Benhaddou
Day 4 – 5 – Merzouga (Sahara)
Day 6 – Ouarzazate
Day 7 – Marrakech - Have more than 7 days in Morocco?
- Where to stay in Marrakech
- More about Morocco
About this 7-day Morocco itinerary
This Morocco itinerary is ideal for a first time visit. It starts and ends in Marrakech, making it convenient for flights and economical for transport within Morocco.
With 7-days in Morocco you have the chance to explore the arid inland desert, see some of the most historic villages and Kasbah forts, go camel riding in the famous sand dunes of the Moroccan Sahara and spend a night in the desert camping under the stars.
Planning a trip to Morocco doesn’t have to be complicated if you’re armed with the right knowledge.
This is a detailed Morocco itinerary for anyone visiting for the first time!
Summary – 7-day Morocco itinerary – Marrakech to Merzouga
See your complete adventure below.
- Day 1 – Marrakech – Arrival
- Day 2 – Marrakech
- Day 3 – High Atlas to Ait Benhaddou
- Day 4 – Merzouga
- Day 5 – Merzouga (Sahara Desert)
- Day 6 – Ouarzazate
- Day 7 – Marrakech*
*Optional Day 8 trip from Marrakech to Ourika Valley.
Highlights – 7-day Morocco itinerary – Marrakech to Merzouga
There is so much of Morocco to choose from!
Highlights of this 7-day Morocco itinerary include:
- Marrakech Medina
- Jmaa El-Fnaa Square (Marrakech)
- Bahia Palace
- Saadian Tombs
- Jardin Majorelle YSL Garden
- High Atlas Mountains
- Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Ait Ben Haddou (Ouarzazate)
- Atlas Film Studios (Ouarzazate)
- Ouarzazate Kasbah
- Skoura Pottery
- Todra Gorges
- Towering Sand Dunes of Erg Chebbi
- Camel Ride in Erg Chebbi
- Bedouin Tent Camp
- Hammam Mouassine
You can see a more detailed list in our articles about each Morocco destination.
What is the best time of year for this Morocco itinerary?
Contrary to thoughts of endless scorching sunshine in the Sahara, Morocco is a fantastic year-round destination.
Albeit there are different seasons weather-wise. But some of those make for quieter times of year for tourism and are an ideal time to visit.
- Summer (June-August): Summers can be very hot, especially in the interior, and the sirocco wind can bring dust from the Sahara. Coastal regions like Essaouira and Tangier are relatively cooler.
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures are warm and sunny during the day but not extreme, making it ideal for exploring the cities or visiting the Atlas Mountains.
- Autumn/Fall (September-November): The weather cools down after the summer heat, and the crowds thin out, making it a pleasant time to visit.
- Winter (December-February): Temperatures can be mild in the coastal regions, while the High Atlas Mountains can get snow.
The winter in Morocco is a great time to visit. This is a quieter season for tourism. (Except for longterm European travellers overlanding in motorhomes for months on end!).
- Read about visiting Morocco during Ramadan.
Transportation. What is the best way to get around in Morocco?
Renting a car is the best way to travel independently, especially for this Morocco itinerary.
Morocco does have the option of train travel between the cities. Or it is straightforward to book an intercity bus.
However, this itinerary for 7 days in Morocco travels out to the east of the country to Merzouga in the desert. There are no trains in this region of Morocco.
The other option is to book the itinerary as a tour with a guide and driver.
- Read about driving in Morocco.
THE COMPLETE ADVENTURE – 7 DAYS IN MOROCCO
Read on for the full details of each days travel itinerary.
Day 1 – Marrakech
Welcome to Morocco! This 7-day Morocco itinerary starts and ends in Marrakech. Because any Morocco itinerary has to start within the colourful chaos of Marrakech!
So today, depending on what time of day you arrive, settle in to your accommodation and set out for a first introduction to Marrakech.
The main square inside the Marrakech medina (old city) is called Jemaa El-Fnaa. This is a busy place in the late afternoon from sunset and is a great hive of activity and place to get a first Moroccan meal.
- Read our detailed Marrakech itinerary.
- Stay overnight in a Riad hotel in Marrakech (1 of 2 nights).
Day 2 – Marrakech – 7-Day Morocco itinerary
Day 2 of your Morocco itinerary is a full and busy day exploring Marrakech. You can choose to explore independently or book a day tour of Marrakech.
After breakfast, visit the famous Koutoubia Mosque first. This is main mosque in the city and the tallest structure in the old town.
From there walk towards the historic Saadian Tombs. This is a popular attraction in Marrakech and there can often be a queue. It is best visited early on your itinerary for today.
Then go on to Bahia Palace, which is considered one of the grandest palaces in the Morocco.
Explore the unique Jemaa el Fna Square and make the most of the incredible rooftop restaurants atop of the Marrakech medina.
Marrakech is one of the largest cities of the country and is filled with incredible history, culture, shopping, food stops and sites to see!
- Marrakech Medina: UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Jardin Majorelle: Exotic gardens and the famous house of Yves Saint Laurent.
- Bahia Palace: 19th century palace with a photogenic courtyard and fountains.
- Saadian Tombs: Royal necropolis from the 16th century with marble columns and detailed mosaics.
- Koutoubia Mosque: Largest mosque in Marrakesh, built in the 12th century.
- Chez Lamine: Dine where Gordon Ramsay did!
- Hammam Mouassine: Try the oldest Hammam in Marrakech (in operation since 1562).
Most of the main highlights are centred around the busy Jmaa El-Fnaa Square.
- Book a day tour through GetYourGuide.
- Read more about things to do in Marrakech.
- Stay overnight in a Riad hotel in Marrakech (2 of 2 nights).
Day 3 – Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou Village
Depart mid-morning from Marrakech.
The destination today is the iconic Moroccan village of Ait Benhaddou. This famous village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most famous historic landmarks.
But first, the drive from the city heads east towards the desert ascending the High Atlas mountains.
It is an impressive journey up and over the winding road to the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest mountain pass in North Africa.
Make sure to stop to appreciate the panoramic view from the top!
Ait Benhaddou is considered a great example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture. It is a historic Ighrem or Ksar (fortified village) along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh in Morocco.
The site has also been used as a background set for a lot of famous movies, including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, and Game of Thrones.
On arrival in Ait Benhaddou, take a wander down to the river.
The view across the river is magical. Plus, it’s great for photos. It is easy to see why this place has been featured in so many Hollywood movies.
The late afternoon is the best time for a wander up through the historic village to the viewpoint at the top.
Enjoy dinner at one of the many beautifully designed restaurants overlooking the village from across the river.
- Stop en route to Benhaddou at the top of Tizi n’Tichka Pass for photos.
- Drive 3.5-hours from Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou.
- Stay overnight in Ait Benhaddou (1 night).
Day 4 – Ait Benhaddou to Tinghir and Merzouga
Today is the biggest driving day on the itinerary. But don’t despair! There is an amazing stopover at the incredible Todra Gorges and arriving in the late afternoon to Merzouga means you will be just in time for the Saharan sunset.
Depart from Ait Benhaddou and stop for a Moroccan tea (or coffee) in nearby Ouarzazate. This is the hub of the film industry in Morocco. (But we are coming back this way to explore more!).
Continue on to Tinghir, the base for the Todra Gorges.
Stop to see the famous pottery in Skoura before arriving for lunch in Tinghir.
Tinghir was once one of the richest towns in Morocco due to its silver mines. It sn’t a huge or thriving town these days. But locals are friendly and it is surrounded by natural wonders with the gorges and historic Kasbahs.
Todra Gorge is a magnificently beautiful oasis, with a river running through tall limestone cliffs up to 400m in height.
Continue on through the arid desert landscapes and little oases on the way to Merzouga, the gateway to the Moroccan Sahara.
Merzouga is home to the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. These are the iconic images of the Sahara Desert you see promoted. It really does look like that!
Enjoy dinner at your accommodation and take in the sunset over the dunes.
- Stop for a mint tea in Ouarzazate and see the famous pottery in Skoura.
- Drive 6-hours from Ait Benhaddou to Merzouga.
- Stay overnight in Merzouga (1 of 2 nights).
Day 5 – Camel Safari in the Sahara Desert and Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes
Today is the much-awaited desert adventure for your 7-day Morocco itinerary! A camel ride and an overnight stay in the Sahara Desert is spectacular, and something you will never forget.
The overnight desert experience starts in the mid-afternoon. So, you have the morning free to wander into town.
Merzouga is just a small desert town. But it is the main township for the Erg Chebbi sand dunes.
There are three or four small shops selling brightly coloured scarves for the desert and Moroccan Djeleba (hooded cloaks). Having a proper desert outfit makes the photos more fun when you go on your camel ride – which is next on the itinerary!
Pack your bags and transfers those to the tour company vehicle. Then depart – by camel – from your accommodation in Merzouga.
It’s time for a camel ride into the desert!
If this is your first time riding a camel, it can be a bit intimidating, but it gets easier as you go. Once you are up and riding you will feel more comfortable. We were even able to take photos and videos while we rode.
The ride into the desert is around one hour in duration.
Once you arrive at your camp for the night you will have free time to explore the dunes or go sand boarding near the camp.
Eat dinner cooked traditionally at the camp. Then after dark, enjoy a bonfire, some songs and dancing.
- Stay overnight at a desert camp in the Sahara.
Day 6 – Return from Merzouga to Ouarzazate
On the last morning in Merzouga, you’ll wake up early for another camel ride at sunrise. This is optional, and you can go back in a car if you prefer.
From Merzouga you depart around 9:00am this morning. Today again, we have a long day of driving ahead, but we take it easy because we have time enough.
The destination today is the film-famous town of Ouarzazate.
- Read about visiting Ouarzazate Souk and Tabounte Market (Ouarzazate).
- Drive 5.5-hours from Ait Benhaddou to Merzouga.
- Stay overnight in Ouarzazate (1 night).
Day 7 – Return to Marrakech
Today is another driving day from Ouarzazate back to to Marrakech.
The journey includes the incredible mountain pass of Tizi n’Tichka again, winding up to an elevation of 2,205 meters (7,234 feet).
Arrive in Marrakech and check into your accommodation.
Celebrate first by relaxing and enjoying a traditional Moroccan hammam at Hammam Mouassine. This is the oldest hammam in Marrakech and it has been in operation since 1562!
Then head straight out for dinner in the famous Jmaa El-Fnaa Square.
We hope you have enjoyed this Morocco itinerary, perfect for a first time experience.
- Stay overnight in Marrakech (1 night).
Have longer than 7 days in Morocco?
This is a great 7-day Morocco itinerary option for your first trip.
But if you have extra time to plan, 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.
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.
But 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.
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 the above 7-day Morocco itinerary!