Morocco is one of the most diverse travel destinations in North Africa — a country where medieval medinas, mountain landscapes and vast Sahara dunes exist within a single journey.
This 7 days Morocco itinerary is designed for first-time visitors who want to see the highlights at a comfortable pace: imperial cities, the Atlas Mountains and a desert night under the stars.
Route overview:
Casablanca → Fes → Sahara Desert (Merzouga) → Ait Benhaddou → Marrakech
You’ll experience:
- UNESCO medinas and historic cities
- Scenic mountain drives through the Atlas Mountains
- Camel trekking in the Sahara Desert
- Traditional riads and desert camps
- Moroccan food, markets and culture
This guide explains travel times, what to expect each day, where to stay and practical tips so you can plan your trip with confidence.
Morocco itinerary at a glance
Total duration: 7 days
Best for: First-time visitors
Travel style: Cultural + scenic + adventure balanced
Transport: Private driver recommended
Approximate travel times
| Route | Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Casablanca → Fes | 3–4 hours |
| Fes → Merzouga (Sahara) | 7–8 hours |
| Merzouga → Dades/Todra | 4–5 hours |
| Ouarzazate → Marrakech | 4–5 hours |
Why this 7 day Morocco itinerary works
Many travellers try to see Morocco in a week and end up rushing.
This route avoids backtracking and follows a natural geographic progression:
Cities → Mountains → Desert → Kasbahs → Marrakech
You gradually move from urban culture into nature, making the trip feel richer instead of exhausting.
Day-by-Day Morocco Travel Plan
Day 1 — Casablanca arrival & Rabat (or stay in Casablanca)
Highlights
- Hassan II Mosque
- Atlantic coast views
- Relaxed first night
Arrive at Casablanca Mohammed V Airport. Visit the famous Hassan II Mosque — one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors.
Then choose:
Option A (recommended): Drive to Rabat (1 hr) for a quieter historic capital
Option B: Stay in Casablanca if arriving late
Where to stay: Hotel or riad
Day 2 — Travel to Fes & first medina walk
Drive to Fes (approx. 3–4 hours).
After check-in, enjoy a gentle introduction to the medina:
- Rooftop tea
- Evening orientation walk
- Traditional dinner
Fes feels overwhelming at first — easing in makes Day 3 much more enjoyable.
Day 3 — Full day exploring Fes (UNESCO Medina)
Fes is the cultural heart of Morocco and the oldest imperial city.
Top sights in Fes:
- Al-Qarawiyyin University area
- Bou Inania Madrasa
- Al-Attarine Madrasa
- Chouara Tanneries
- Nejjarine Fountain
- Artisan quarters
A local guide is highly recommended — the medina contains over 9,000 alleys.
Where to stay: Riad inside the medina
Day 4 — Fes to Sahara Desert (Merzouga)
This is the most scenic drive of the trip.
You’ll cross the Middle Atlas Mountains through:
- Ifrane (the “Switzerland of Morocco”)
- Azrou cedar forests (Barbary macaques)
- Ziz Valley palm oasis
Arrive in Merzouga late afternoon.
Desert experience:
- Camel trek at sunset
- Sand dunes of Erg Chebbi
- Dinner & Berber music
- Night in desert camp
Day 5 — Sunrise & Todra Gorge / Dades Valley
Wake early for sunrise over the Sahara — one of Morocco’s most memorable moments.
After breakfast, drive west:
Stops:
- Rissani oasis towns
- Todra Gorge canyon walk
- Dades Valley viewpoints
Where to stay: Kasbah-style guesthouse or hotel
Day 6 — Ait Benhaddou & Atlas Mountains to Marrakech
Travel through Morocco’s famous “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs”.
Visit:
- Ouarzazate film studios
- Ait Benhaddou UNESCO ksar
- High Atlas Mountains
- Tizi n’Tichka pass
Arrive Marrakech evening.
Day 7 — Marrakech sightseeing
Explore Morocco’s most vibrant city.
Top attractions:
- Jemaa el-Fna square
- Koutoubia Mosque gardens
- Bahia Palace
- Saadian Tombs
- Majorelle Garden
Finish with a rooftop dinner overlooking the square.
Sahara Desert Camps — What to Expect
Types of camps
| Type | Comfort |
|---|---|
| Basic | Shared bathroom, simple bedding |
| Standard | Private tent, shared facilities |
| Luxury | Ensuite bathroom, electricity, hot showers |
Most travellers choose luxury camps for comfort after long driving days.
Where to Stay: Riads vs Hotels
Riads
- Traditional houses inside medinas
- Authentic experience
- Smaller rooms
Hotels
- Easier access
- Larger rooms
- More facilities
Best approach:
Stay in riads in Fes & Marrakech, hotel in transit towns, desert camp in Sahara
Best Time to Visit Morocco
| Season | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Ideal temperatures |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Best overall |
| Summer | Very hot in desert |
| Winter | Cold desert nights |
Practical Travel Tips
Packing
- Layers (desert nights are cold)
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunscreen & hat
- Small overnight bag for desert
Money
- Moroccan dirham (cash useful)
- ATMs in cities
- Tipping customary
Safety
Morocco is generally safe.
Use guides in medinas and agree taxi prices beforehand.
Transport: Why a Private Driver Is Recommended
Distances are long and public transport does not reach desert areas easily.
Advantages:
- Flexible stops
- No navigation stress
- Cultural explanations
- Door-to-door transfers
Most travellers consider this essential for a one-week itinerary.
Can You Do Morocco in 7 Days?
Yes — if you follow a logical route.
This itinerary balances:
- Cultural immersion
- Scenic landscapes
- Travel time
- Comfort
You will see Morocco’s most famous experiences without feeling rushed.
Final Thoughts
This 7 days Morocco itinerary covers the country’s essential contrasts — imperial cities, mountain roads, desert dunes and vibrant markets — in a single well-paced journey.
It works especially well for first-time visitors who want both adventure and comfort, and it can easily be extended by adding extra nights in Fes, the Sahara or Marrakech.