7-Day Morocco Itinerary: The Perfect First-Time Travel Guide

Written By
Jyoti Bhatt
Last Updated
May 29, 2025
Read
8 min

Are you planning a trip to Morocco? Is one week enough? Good news: while Morocco could easily take a month to explore, seven days is enough time to experience vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable adventures. In just one week, you can wander through ancient medinas, sleep under a blanket of stars in the Sahara, taste tagine that melts in your mouth, and lose yourself in the blue-washed magic of Chefchaouen. Whether you're chasing history, desert adventure, or just a new perspective, Morocco delivers a sensory overload in the best way possible.

We have made a 7-day Morocco itinerary, especially for first-time visitors who want to see the most iconic parts of Morocco without feeling rushed. It blends the buzz of the cities with the stillness of the dunes, weaving in just enough road-tripping, culture, and culinary bliss to keep things exciting every day. 

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Morocco Travel Itinerary for 7 Days

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Your Moroccan journey begins at Marrakech airport, one of the busiest gateways into the country. Before you even step into a colourful souk or sip your first mint tea, let’s talk about the numbers: How much should you budget for a 7-day trip to Morocco?

Morocco is often seen as a budget-friendly destination, but the truth is, it’s incredibly flexible. Whether you’re a budget backpacker, a mid-range comfort-seeker, or a luxury lover, Morocco has options to match your style. Here’s a rough breakdown of what you can expect:

Estimated Daily Budget (Per Person)

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Total Estimated Cost for 7 Days (Per Person)

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Day 1: Welcome to Marrakech

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Welcome to Marrakech. You will be transferred to your booked hotel in Marrakech. Touch down in Marrakech, a city that practically hums with energy. After checking into your riad, head straight to Jemaa el-Fnaa, the famous main square filled with storytellers, snake charmers, and sizzling street food stalls. Spend your first evening sipping mint tea on a rooftop café as the call to prayer echoes through the medina.

Stay Options:

  • Luxury: La Mamounia, Royal Mansour

  • Mid-range: Riad Yasmine, Riad BE Marrakech

  • Budget: Riad NayaNour, Equity Point Hostel

Places to Eat:

  • Nomad (modern Moroccan cuisine with rooftop views)

  • Café des Épices (great for lunch or mint tea)

  • Chez Chegrouni (authentic, casual local food)

Optional Add-ons:

  • Le Jardin Majorelle & Yves Saint Laurent Museum

  • Traditional Hammam Experience (e.g., Hammam de la Rose or Les Bains de Marrakech)

Day 2: Marrakech:  Explore the Red City

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Your accommodation remains the same as the previous night. Have a scrumptious breakfast and dedicate your second day to discovering Marrakech's historical and cultural gems. Begin with visits to the opulent Bahia Palace and the ruins of El Badi Palace. Continue to the Saadian Tombs and the impressive Koutoubia Mosque. Spend the afternoon wandering through the medina's vibrant souks and artisan quarters. 

 Dining:

  • Al Fassia (women-run institution known for traditional dishes)

  • Le Jardin (beautiful hidden garden restaurant)

Optional Add-ons:

  • Moroccan cooking class

  • Guided walking tour of the medina

Day 3: Day Trip to the Atlas Mountains & Berber Villages

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Today offers a refreshing change of pace with a day trip to the scenic Atlas Mountains. Choose between the Ourika Valley and Imlil, and enjoy a drive through picturesque landscapes. Visit a Berber village to share mint tea with locals and learn about their traditions. A light hike will reward you with stunning views of Mount Toubkal. After your excursion, return to Marrakech for the night. Enjoy a packed picnic lunch during your journey or opt for a traditional meal in a local home. Optional experiences include a visit to an Argan oil cooperative, a mule trek or a guided mountain hike.

Optional Add-ons:

  • Visit to an Argan oil cooperative

  • Mule trek or guided hike

Day 4: Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou via the High Atlas

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Start your day with a healthy breakfast, and get ready to check out of your hotel. Depart from Marrakech and journey through the dramatic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Stop to explore the historic Kasbah Telouet before continuing to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a striking mudbrick kasbah known as a filming location for movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Enjoy dinner at your riad or a rooftop spot overlooking the ancient kasbah. Consider a sunset photo walk for breathtaking views and memorable snapshots.

Activities:

  • Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass

  • Stop at the Kasbah Telouet

  • Explore the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou kasbah (movie location for Gladiator and Game of Thrones)

Stay Options:

  • Luxury: Riad Ksar Ighnda

  • Mid-range: Kasbah Valentine

  • Budget: Auberge Bagdad Café

Optional Add-ons:

  • Sunset photo walk through the Kasbah

Day 5: Merzouga-Ait Ben Haddou to the Sahara Desert

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En route to Merzouga, you will travel through Ouarzazate and along the lush Draa Valley. Upon arrival, transfer to a camel caravan for an unforgettable sunset trek through the dunes. Spend the night in a luxury desert camp, surrounded by stars and the silence of the Sahara. Savour a traditional Berber dinner around a campfire, accompanied by music.

Stay Options:

  • Luxury: Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp

  • Mid-range: Beldi Camp, Desert Heart

  • Budget: Nomad Camp Merzouga

Dining:

  • Traditional Berber dinner around a campfire with music

Optional Add-ons:

  • Sandboarding, 4x4 dune driving, stargazing

Day 6: Sahara to Fes: Souvenir Shopping

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Wake up early to witness the magical sunrise over the dunes before returning to Merzouga by camel or 4x4. After having your breakfast, begin a long yet scenic drive through the stunning Ziz Valley, with stops in Midelt and the cedar forests of Azroukeep an eye out for the playful Barbary macaques that inhabit the area. Upon arriving in Fes, check into your chosen accommodation and take some time to relax. In the late afternoon or early evening, explore the vibrant souks of Fes, known for their traditional crafts, leather goods, ceramics, and intricate metalwork, perfect for picking up authentic souvenirs. 

Stay Options in Fes:

  • Luxury: Riad Fes, Palais Amani

  • Mid-range: Riad Laaroussa, Riad El Amine

  • Budget: Dar Elinor, Riad Verus

Dining:

  • The Ruined Garden (creative Moroccan food in a romantic setting)

  • Dar Roumana (elegant riad dining)

Day 7: Goodbye to the Spiritual Heart of Morocco: Fes

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Spend your final day exploring the spiritual and cultural heritage of Fes. Visit Al Quaraouiyine University, considered the oldest in the world, then wander through the medina, Bou Inania Madrasa, and the colourful tanneries. Don’t miss the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) and the grand gates of the Royal Palace. Be sure to sample traditional Fassi specialities such as pastilla. Depart from Fes or Casablanca airport.

Optional Add-ons:

  • Ceramics workshop

  • Hammam or spa experience

  • Try Fassi specialities like pastilla.

Tip: You can extend to Chefchaouen (Blue City) or depart from Fes or Casablanca airport.

Things to Keep in Mind When Travelling to Morocco

Here are few tips to help you get a great experience in Morocco: 

  • Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD); cash is king in local markets, small shops, and rural areas. ATMs are widely available in cities.

  • Dress Code: Modest clothing is recommended, especially in rural areas and religious sites. Swimming costumes are acceptable at beaches and hotel pools, but be sure to change into regular clothes once you leave the swimming area.

  • Language: Arabic and French are widely spoken. English is common in tourist areas, especially in hotels, restaurants, and with guides.

  • Tipping: Tipping is expected in restaurants, taxis, and for guides. A tip of 10-15% is the standard.

  • Connectivity: SIM cards are affordable and available at airports and local shops. Wi-Fi is common in hotels, riads, and cafes, though speeds may vary.

  • Transport: Trains are great for intercity travel and are clean and reliable. Within cities, taxis and private transfers are the most convenient options—always confirm fares or ensure meters are used.

  • Photography: Always ask before photographing people, especially in traditional settings or rural areas. Avoid taking pictures near military or government buildings.

Ready to Experience Morocco?

A week in Morocco is more than just a holiday, it’s a dive into centuries of history, warm hospitality, vivid culture, and stunning scenery. This 7-day itinerary is designed for first-time travelers who want a balanced taste of Morocco, the rhythm of city life, the calm of the mountains, and the magic of the desert. It’s a journey that combines adventure and comfort, culture and cuisine, movement and mindfulness. So pack your curiosity, leave space in your bag for souvenirs, and let Morocco surprise you.
Because one week might be just enough to fall in love and start planning your return.

What is the best time of year to visit Morocco?

The best times are spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) for pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.

Is Morocco safe for solo travelers, especially women?

Yes, Morocco is generally safe. However, female travellers should dress modestly, avoid walking alone late at night, and use trusted transportation.

Guide for Is Morocco safe for women.

Should I book a guided tour or travel independently?

Morocco is doable independently, but a mix of self-guided city time and guided desert or mountain excursions offers the best experience for first-time visitors.

Are SIM cards and internet access easily available in Morocco?

Yes, SIM cards with data are cheap and available at the airport. Most accommodations offer Wi-Fi, though it can be slower in rural areas.

What are some must-try Moroccan dishes?

Tagine, couscous, pastilla, harira soup, and mint tea are must-tries. Street food like msemen and brochettes are also delicious.