Planning a trip to Morocco can be exciting, but also a bit overwhelming. Many travelers dream of experiencing the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and historical cities, but aren’t sure where to start. This detailed Morocco Travel Itinerary is designed to guide you through an incredible week-long adventure, balancing iconic destinations with a touch of spontaneity, just like my own memorable journey. Forget rigid schedules and embrace the magic of Morocco with this flexible yet comprehensive guide.
Getting to Morocco: Smart Flight Strategies
Finding affordable flights is key to any successful trip. To save money on my Morocco adventure, I utilized a flight booking strategy that involves booking individual one-way flights with different airlines. This approach often unlocks better deals compared to a standard round-trip ticket. For my trip, instead of a single roundtrip flight to Morocco, I booked four separate flights: Boston to London, London to Marrakech, Tangier to Barcelona, and finally Barcelona back to Boston.
This method not only saved money but also provided greater flexibility in my Morocco travel itinerary. Flying into Marrakech and out of Tangier allowed me to traverse the country “one-way,” maximizing my time and avoiding unnecessary backtracking.
Your 7-Day Morocco Itinerary: A Day-by-Day Guide
This itinerary focuses on experiencing the best of Morocco in one week, moving from the bustling city of Marrakech to the serene blue streets of Chefchaouen, with a memorable desert adventure in between.
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech – Immersing Yourself in Moroccan Hospitality
My Moroccan journey began with landing at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) around 7:20 PM. Arriving at night in a new country can be a little daunting, so I pre-arranged an airport transfer through my accommodation, Riad Dar Tiflet. This simple step made my arrival seamless and stress-free. A driver greeted me with a sign, and I was quickly whisked away from the airport chaos to the tranquility of the Riad.
Upon arrival at Riad Dar Tiflet, I was immediately enveloped in Moroccan hospitality. I was welcomed with refreshing mint tea and engaging conversation with the Riad owners. Later, I found myself on the rooftop, overlooking the captivating cityscape of Marrakech under the stars. Sipping mint tea with newfound friends in North Africa, I knew this Morocco travel itinerary was off to an amazing start.
Accommodation: Riad Dar Tiflet (Marrakech) – A highly recommended traditional Riad experience.
Luxury Upgrade: The Oberoi Marrakech – For an opulent stay with exceptional service and amenities.
Tip: Consider booking luxury accommodations through a Fora Travel Advisor for complimentary perks like upgrades and spa treatments.
Day 2: Exploring the Ancient Medina of Marrakech
After a restful first night, I woke up eager to explore Marrakech. I dedicated the day to discovering the Medina, the old walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Getting intentionally lost in the labyrinthine alleyways and vibrant souks (markets) is a quintessential Marrakech experience. While I tried to rely on my intuition, my GPS did come in handy a few times in navigating the maze!
Marrakech Medina Highlights:
- Jemaa El-Fna: The vibrant main square, alive with storytellers, food stalls, and performers, especially captivating in the evening.
- Bahia Palace: An opulent 19th-century palace showcasing stunning Moroccan architecture and intricate tilework.
- Badi Palace: Impressive ruins of a once-grand palace, offering a glimpse into Morocco’s rich history.
- Koutoubia Mosque: An iconic Marrakech landmark with a towering minaret, influencing Moroccan architecture.
Accommodation: Riad Dar Tiflet (Marrakech)
Consider a guided private tour of Marrakech Medina to delve deeper into its history and culture, especially if you prefer a structured exploration.
Day 3: Marrakech to Dades Valley – Journey Through the High Atlas Mountains
Embracing the spontaneous spirit of my trip, I booked my Sahara Desert tour after arriving in Marrakech. Integrating a desert excursion into a one-week Morocco travel itinerary is highly recommended for an unforgettable experience. While you can pre-book online, booking locally can sometimes offer more flexibility and last-minute deals.
Through Riad Dar Tiflet, I arranged a 3-day, 2-night Sahara Desert tour. Choosing a reputable tour operator is crucial for a safe and enjoyable desert adventure. Fortunately, the tour turned out to be a highlight of my entire Morocco trip.
The first day of the tour involved approximately 7 hours of driving, traversing the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains. The journey itself is a visual feast, with panoramic views of rugged peaks and Berber villages clinging to hillsides.
Key Stops on the way to Dades Valley:
- Kasbah Ait Benhaddou: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this stunning fortified village is a remarkable example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture and has been featured in numerous films.
- Ouarzazate: Known as the “door of the desert,” this town is a popular filming location and a convenient lunch stop.
- Kasbah Amridil: Located in the Skoura oasis, this historic kasbah offers insight into traditional Moroccan life and architecture within a lush palm grove.
Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast in Dades Valley (included in the tour) – Typically basic but comfortable accommodations are provided as part of desert tours.
Day 4: Sahara Desert Experience – Camel Trek and Desert Camp
It’s important to clarify that most 2-3 day “Sahara Desert” tours actually take you to Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, which is part of the Sahara region but not the deep Sahara Desert itself. However, for most travelers, this experience is still authentically “Sahara-like” and incredibly memorable.
Day four was dedicated to the quintessential desert experience: a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. We rode camels to a desert camp nestled amongst the towering sand dunes. Upon arrival, some travelers opted for sandboarding, while others simply relaxed and watched the mesmerizing sunset paint the desert landscape in vibrant hues.
As night fell, we gathered around a campfire under a starlit sky. Local Berber nomads played traditional drums and sang songs, creating a magical and immersive cultural experience.
Accommodation: Tent in the Sahara Desert (included in the tour) – Desert camps range from basic to luxury “glamping” options, but expect a rustic and unique experience.
Day 5: Sahara Desert to Fes – Barbary Apes and Ancient City Arrival
Waking up in the desert to witness the sunrise over the dunes is an unforgettable moment. After breakfast, we rode camels back out of the camp to meet our driver for the journey to Fes.
The drive to Fes took us through the Middle Atlas Mountains. We made a brief stop to stretch our legs in a cedar forest, where we were surprised and delighted to encounter Barbary macaques (apes) playing in the trees!
Arriving in Fes in the early evening, I bid farewell to my desert tour group and navigated the Medina to find my Riad, Dar Hafsa. The Fes Medina can be even more labyrinthine than Marrakech, adding to its mystique and charm.
Accommodation: Dar Hafsa (Fes) – A charming Riad in a great location within the Fes Medina.
Luxury Upgrade: Hotel Sahrai – A modern and luxurious hotel offering stunning views and exceptional amenities just outside the Medina.
Again, consider booking luxury hotels through a Fora Travel Advisor to unlock exclusive perks.
Day 6: Exploring Fes Medina – Morocco’s Cultural Heart
Fes is considered the cultural capital of Morocco and deserves at least two days to truly appreciate. However, with a one-week Morocco travel itinerary, one day in Fes is still enough to experience its highlights. Start your day early to maximize your time. Navigating the Fes Medina on your own can be incredibly challenging, and getting lost is almost guaranteed. Therefore, hiring a local guide is highly recommended to make the most of your visit.
I arranged a guide through Dar Hafsa the evening before. A knowledgeable guide is invaluable for navigating the complex Medina and understanding its rich history and culture.
Key Fes Medina Experiences:
- Madrasa Bou Inania: A stunning 14th-century theological college, showcasing exquisite Marinid architecture.
- Chouara Tannery: The oldest and most famous tannery in Fes, a sensory experience (be prepared for strong odors!) and a fascinating glimpse into traditional leather production.
- Jnan Sbil Garden: A peaceful oasis within the city, offering respite from the bustling Medina.
- Gates of the Royal Palace: While not open to the public, the impressive gates offer a photo opportunity and a glimpse of royal grandeur.
- Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate): An iconic and ornate gate, one of the main entrances to the Fes Medina.
- Souks (Markets): Explore the diverse souks specializing in everything from spices and carpets to metalwork and ceramics.
After a full day of exploration, I took an evening bus from Fes to Chefchaouen, the famous “Blue City.” Buses are a comfortable and affordable way to travel between Moroccan cities.
Accommodation: Airbnb in Chefchaouen – Airbnbs offer great value and a local experience in Chefchaouen.
Day 7: Chefchaouen – The Blue Pearl and Departure to Tangier
Chefchaouen is renowned for its striking blue-washed buildings, creating a visually stunning and tranquil atmosphere. This small mountain town is perfect for leisurely exploration. Without a set plan, I spent the day wandering through the charming blue streets, browsing the local artisan shops, and soaking in the unique ambiance.
In the late afternoon, I took a bus to Tangier, my final stop in Morocco. For dinner, I opted for a change of pace and enjoyed Italian cuisine at Anna e Paolo in Tangier, a nice break after a week of delicious Moroccan food.
Accommodation: Hotel Maram (Tangier) – A comfortable and well-located hotel in Tangier.
Luxury Upgrade: Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier – Experience opulent luxury and stunning views at this Fairmont property in Tangier.
Don’t forget to inquire about Fora Travel Advisor perks when booking luxury accommodations.
Day 8: Departure from Tangier
With an early morning flight, I arranged a taxi through Hotel Maram to take me to Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG) for my departure, concluding my one-week Morocco travel itinerary.
One Week Morocco Itinerary: Accommodation Recap
For easy reference, here’s a quick recap of the suggested accommodations:
- Marrakech: Riad Dar Tiflet / Splurge: The Oberoi Marrakech
- Sahara Desert: Desert Camp (included in tours)
- Fes: Dar Hafsa / Splurge: Hotel Sahrai
- Chefchaouen: Airbnb / Splurge: Dar Jasmine
- Tangier: Hotel Maram / Splurge: Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier
Final Thoughts on Your Morocco Travel Itinerary
Morocco is a destination that captivates and challenges in equal measure. It’s a country that engages all your senses and leaves a lasting impression. While my personal experience had moments of feeling culturally exposed, particularly as a solo female traveler, the beauty, history, and hospitality of Morocco far outweighed any discomfort.
Would I return to Morocco? While it might not be at the very top of my return-trip list, I wholeheartedly recommend it as a must-visit destination. It’s a “bucket-list” trip that is truly unlike any other. For future visits, I might consider splurging a bit more on luxury accommodations and private guides to enhance relaxation and comfort.
If you’re seeking a culturally rich, adventurous, and visually stunning travel experience, Morocco should be high on your list. From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the serene desert landscapes and the blue-washed charm of Chefchaouen, a Morocco travel itinerary promises an unforgettable journey.
Looking for more bucket-list travel ideas? Explore my guide on One Day in Iceland for more travel inspiration!
