One Week in Morocco: What to Do in 7 Days (Itinerary and Tips)
What should you do in one week in Morocco? A week is enough to see the imperial cities, cross the High Atlas, ride a camel in the Sahara and sleep in a desert camp. The classic 7-day plan runs from Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains and the desert to Fes. This guide gives you a day-by-day itinerary, travel times, what to book ahead and tips to avoid wasting days on the road.
Distances and times are approximate and change with traffic, weather and road works, so confirm the details with the team before you book.
One Week in Morocco at a Glance
| Day | Where | Main highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Marrakech | Medina, Jemaa el-Fna square, souks |
| Day 2 | Marrakech | Gardens, palaces, hammam or a short trip |
| Day 3 | Marrakech to Dades Valley | High Atlas, Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate |
| Day 4 | Dades to Merzouga | Todra Gorge, Erg Chebbi, camel ride, desert camp |
| Day 5 | Merzouga to Fes | Sunrise in the dunes, long drive through the Middle Atlas |
| Day 6 | Fes | Old medina, tanneries, madrasas |
| Day 7 | Fes or Chefchaouen | Departure, or a day in the blue city |
Day 1: Marrakech
Arrive in Marrakech, drop your bags and walk into the medina. Visit the souks, the Koutoubia Mosque and the Jemaa el-Fna square, which is at its best at sunset when the food stalls open. Dinner on a rooftop terrace is an easy first night.
Day 2: Marrakech
Spend the morning at the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs or the Majorelle Garden, and book tickets early when you can. In the afternoon, rest, try a traditional hammam or shop in the souks. If you prefer to leave the city, ask about a day trip to the Atlas Mountains or Essaouira.
Day 3: Marrakech to Aït Benhaddou and the Dades Valley
Leave early and cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n Tichka pass. Stop at the kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, a famous ksar listed by UNESCO and used in many films, then continue through Ouarzazate and the Dades Valley for the night. The drive is long, so a private driver makes the day much easier. See the 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga for this route.
Day 4: Todra Gorge to Merzouga and a Night in the Desert
Visit the Todra Gorge in the morning, then drive on to Merzouga. In the late afternoon you ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes for the sunset, then enjoy dinner, Berber music and a night under the stars in a desert camp. This is usually the highlight of the week. See the 1 night in the Merzouga desert programme and our desert camps.
Day 5: Sunrise in the Dunes and the Drive to Fes
Wake early for the sunrise over the dunes, have breakfast at the camp and ride back to Merzouga. Then drive north through Midelt and the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas to Fes. Plan for about 8 to 9 hours, with stops. A night in the desert is worth the drive.
Day 6: Fes
Fes has the largest car-free medieval medina in the world. Hire a local guide to explore the Al Quaraouiyine area, the madrasas, the souks and the tanneries. Allow a full day, as the streets are narrow and easy to get lost in.
Day 7: Fes or Chefchaouen
Fly out of Fes, or add a day trip or an overnight stay in Chefchaouen, the blue city in the Rif Mountains, about 3.5 to 4 hours from Fes by road. If you have a flight from Marrakech or Casablanca, check the timing carefully before you leave the desert, as the distances are long.
How Much Time Do You Really Need in the Desert?
| Option | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 night in a camp | One week trips | Camel ride, dinner and sunrise are enough for a short visit |
| 2 nights in the desert | Slower travellers | Add a 4×4 tour, quad, sandboarding or fossils |
| No desert | Cities only | You miss the main reason many people come to Morocco |
For ideas in Merzouga, read things to do in Erg Chebbi and the Erg Chebbi dunes guide.
Other Itinerary Ideas for 7 Days
- Marrakech round trip: Marrakech, Aït Benhaddou, Merzouga and back to Marrakech by a different road, see tours from Marrakech
- Imperial cities: Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Meknes and Chefchaouen, without the desert
- Slow trip: Marrakech, Essaouira and the Atlas, with fewer long drives
If this is your first visit, read first time in Morocco: what to do and how to plan.
Best Time for a Week in Morocco
| Season | Weather | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | Warm and pleasant | Very popular; book early |
| Summer (June to August) | Very hot inland and in the desert | Better for the coast and the mountains |
| Autumn (September to November) | Warm, then mild | Comfortable for cities and the desert |
| Winter (December to February) | Mild days, cold nights in the desert | Snow is possible in the Atlas |
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for a trip that includes the desert.
How to Travel Around Morocco in a Week
- Private driver: the easiest way to cover long distances and stop in the villages
- Group tour: cheaper, but with fixed times
- Rental car: flexible, but mountain roads and long drives are tiring
- Train and bus: good between the cities, but they do not go to the desert
See how to travel to Merzouga and our guide on Marrakech to Merzouga for the options.
What to Pack for One Week in Morocco
- Light, modest clothing for the cities, with a scarf or shawl
- Warm layers for the desert nights and the Atlas
- Comfortable shoes for the medinas
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat
- Cash in dirhams, as cash machines are few outside the big cities
- A phone charger or power bank
Tips for Your Week in Morocco
- Do not try to see everything: Morocco is big and drives are long
- Book the desert night and your driver in advance, especially in spring and autumn
- Agree on the price and what is included before you start
- Start early on the long driving days
- Respect the local culture and ask before taking photos of people
- Keep one flexible hour each day for rest or a surprise
For help choosing, read how to book a Merzouga desert tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is one week enough for Morocco?
Yes, for a first visit. You can see Marrakech, the Atlas, the Sahara and Fes if you accept some long drives.
Can I see the Sahara in one week?
Yes. Most week-long routes include one night in a desert camp near Merzouga, which is a very good fit.
What is the best route for 7 days?
The classic route is Marrakech, Aït Benhaddou, Merzouga, Fes. You can also do a round trip back to Marrakech.
How many days should I spend in Marrakech?
Two days are enough for a first visit if you also want to see the desert and Fes.
Is it better to go with a private driver?
For a week with long distances, a private driver saves time and lets you stop at viewpoints and villages.
Do I need to book in advance?
We recommend it for the desert camp and your transport, especially from March to May and from September to November.
Plan Your Week in Morocco With Local Help
We are a local team in Merzouga, and every tour is private and customizable. Message us on WhatsApp at +212 620 628 083 or use our contact page, and tell us your dates and what you like. We will suggest the best plan for your week.