7 Days in Morocco Itinerary: The Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide

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As a travel content creator who’s explored over 40 countries, I’ve learned that some destinations linger with you long after you’ve returned home—and Morocco is one of them. I scored an incredible 2-for-1 flight deal from NYC to Casablanca (with a bonus stop in Lisbon!) for just $474, including travel insurance. Naturally, I packed as much as possible into my 7-day Morocco itinerary—and what followed was a colorful, captivating, whirlwind of history and hospitality.

Whether you’re planning your first trip to North Africa or you’ve had Morocco on your bucket list for years, this 7-day Morocco itinerary is crafted to help first-time visitors experience the very best of Morocco.

Why spend 7 days in Morocco?

A week in Morocco is the perfect amount of time to soak up its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality. In just seven days, you can wander the colorful souks of Marrakech, ride camels through the Sahara, sip mint tea on a rooftop in Fes, and admire centuries-old architecture that tells a thousand stories.

Morocco offers a blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural depth that makes every day feel like a discovery. Whether you’re chasing sunrises in the desert or getting lost (on purpose) in ancient medinas, seven days here will leave you full of awe, stories, and maybe a few tajines too.

If you’re craving a travel experience full of depth, beauty, and adventure, Morocco delivers on all fronts.

7-Day Morocco itinerary: Overview

➡️ Day 1: Travel to Marrakech
➡️ Day 2: Explore Dades Valley

➡️Day 3: Camel Trekking and Luxury Camping in the Sahara Desert
➡️Day 4: Travel to Fes

➡️Day 5: Explore Fes
➡️Day 6: Explore Chefchaouen

➡️Day 7: Travel back home

Day 1:Travel to Marrakech

Morocco Excursions and Morocco Tour Packages

We landed in Casablanca early in the morning after an overnight flight from New York City. To make the most of our short time in Morocco, we booked a custom private tour with Morocco Easy Tours, based on a friend’s recommendation.

Our tour included:

• A 3-day trip from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara
• A guided tour of Fes
• An overnight stay in Chefchaouen
• Airport drop-off in Casablanca
• Private driver, accommodations, breakfast + dinner, and transfers

Our driver, Mohammad, was incredible—professional, kind, and so familiar with the country he didn’t need GPS. He made the experience smooth, informative, and unforgettable.

Booking with Morocco Easy Tours was the best decision for our Morocco vacation. The accommodations that they set us up with were of high quality, and the restaurants we visited for lunch were all great local choices that we wouldn’t have found on our own.

Day 2: Marrakech to Dades Valley

Mohammad picked us up from our riad at 9 AM, and we began the scenic drive through the Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we made stops for panoramic views and fresh mint tea.

Highlights:

• Aït Ben Haddou: A UNESCO-listed ksar known for its appearances in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
• Dades Valley: Our overnight stop, surrounded by dramatic rock formations and Berber villages.

Pro-Tip: Be sure to pack layers, as the weather can change quickly in the mountains.

Day 3: Dades Valley to the Sahara Desert

We continued our journey east, stopping to admire the views of the Todra Valley and Todra Gorge, with cliffs towering over 500 feet.

At one scenic stop, we met a local vendor who joyfully welcomed us with, “Africa! We have the same skin!”—a moment that turned into an impromptu dress-up and selfie session in traditional Berber attire.

By early evening, we reached the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga and began a 2-hour camel trek to our luxury desert camp. That night included a delicious dinner, live Berber music, dancing, and even drum lessons under the stars.

Day 4: Sahara Desert to Fes

On the way to Fes, we stopped at:

• Azrou: A small town in the Middle Atlas known for wild Barbary apes
• Ifrane: Nicknamed “Little Switzerland” for its alpine architecture and mountain town vibe

By evening, we arrived in Fes for a well-earned rest.

Day 5: Explore Fes

We spent half a day exploring the Fes Medina and surrounding areas with a local guide. Our guide, Hassan, was super knowledgeable and was once Usher’s guide around the medina!

Highlights:

• Al-Qarawiyyin University (the oldest in the world)
• The Fes Palace
• Leather tannery
• Ceramic and tile workshops

Pro-tip: Book a tour, the medina could be overwhelming to navigate alone, as there are more than 10,000 turns and over 20 entrances and exits. It was nice to be with someone who could educate us on the history of the medina rather than blindly exploring.

⬇ Explore and book popular Fes tours

Day 6: Fes to Chefchaouen

We hit the road early for the 3.5-hour drive to Chefchaouen, famously known as Morocco’s “Blue Pearl City.” Chefchaouen is known for its blue-washed buildings.

This practice goes back to the 15th century when Jewish refugees fled the Spanish Inquisition and settled in large numbers in Chefchaouen. They brought their tradition of painting things blue to mimic the sky and remind them of God.

The medina here is much smaller and easier to explore than Marrakech or Fes, which made wandering on our own a breeze. We spent the afternoon strolling blue-washed alleys, shopping for handicrafts, and soaking in the relaxed mountain town atmosphere.

Day 7: Chefchaouen to CMN

Our final day started at 4 AM with a 4.5-hour drive to Casablanca to catch our flight to Lisbon. Although it was an early wake-up call, the views along the way made it worthwhile.

Where to Stay

Here are some of the best budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodations in Morocco.

Where to stay in Marrakech

📍Best Budget Spot: Riad Shama – A charming riad located near Marrakech Museum, offering a rooftop terrace, Turkish bath, and complimentary breakfast. ​

📍Best Mid-Range Spot: Riad Hikaya -An intimate riad known for its beautiful decor and personalized service, providing a tranquil retreat within the bustling medina.​

📍Best Luxury Spot: Villa des Orangers -A luxurious riad offering exquisite rooms, a serene courtyard, and top-notch amenities, perfect for a lavish stay in Marrakech.

Where to stay in Dades Valley

📍Best Budget Spot: Riad Gabsi Dades – A cozy riad offering comfortable accommodations and stunning views of the Dades Valley, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.​

📍Best Mid-Range Spot: Hotel Riad Bahammou – A well-appointed hotel featuring traditional architecture, modern comforts, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of the valley.​

📍Best Luxury Spot: Dar Rihana Dades – An upscale guesthouse offering elegant rooms, exceptional service, and panoramic views, providing a luxurious experience in Dades Valley.

Where to stay in Merzouga

📍Best Budget Spot: : Auberge Le Petit Prince -A traditional auberge providing basic yet comfortable rooms, local cuisine, and easy access to desert excursions. ​

📍Best Mid-Range Spot: Auberge Les Roches – A welcoming inn offering comfortable accommodations, a restaurant, and proximity to the dunes, ideal for mid-range travelers.​

📍Best Luxury Spot: Sahara Luxury Camps – An exclusive desert camp providing luxurious tents, gourmet dining, and unforgettable experiences under the stars.​

Where to Stay in Fes

📍Best Budget Spot: Riad Guennoun – A family-run riad offering personalized service, comfortable rooms, and a rooftop terrace with views of the medina. ​

📍Best Mid-Range Spot: Riad Fes Maya– A beautifully restored riad featuring elegant rooms, a spa, and a rooftop restaurant, blending traditional design with modern amenities. ​

📍Best Luxury Spot: Riad Fès – Relais & Châteaux – A prestigious riad offering opulent accommodations, fine dining, and exceptional service in the heart of Fes.

Where to stay in Chefchaouen

📍Best Budget Spot: Darechchaouen Maison d’hores – A favorite among travelers for its stunning views, delicious breakfast, and perfect blue-hued vibes.

📍Best Mid-Range Spot: Casa Perleta -Cozy, colorful, and right in the heart of the medina—like staying inside a postcard.

📍Best Luxury Spot: Lina Ryad & Spa – A boutique riad with a luxe spa, panoramic rooftop, and dreamy interiors just steps from the blue-washed alleys.

FAQs

Here are a few helpful tips to make your trip to Morocco smoother and more enjoyable.

When is the best time to visit morocco?

The best months to visit Morocco are in Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November), when the temperatures are pleasant and there are fewer crowds.

What is morocco Currency?

Morocco uses the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). It would be helpful if you had Dirhams, as most places do not accept debit or credit cards. 

I suggest withdrawing money before you arrive in Morocco and exchanging it for the local currency. Most ATMs allow you to take out 2,000 Dirhams (or $200) max, and they will only allow you to do that twice before they block your debit/credit card. 

What Language is spoken in morocco?

While many people speak English in Morocco, Arabic and Berber are the official languages and French is widely spoken.

Pro-Tip: I recommend learning a few basic Arabic phrases. My go-to phrases were As-Salaam-Alaikum (“Peace be unto you”), to which people would respond Wa-Alaikum-Salaam (“And unto you Peace”). Another important word is shukraan (“thank you”).

What to wear in Morocco as a female traveler?

Women’s attire in Morocco should include modest, breathable clothing—think loose-fitting dresses, flowy pants, and tops that cover your shoulders. While you don’t need to wear a hijab, being respectful of the culture by dressing conservatively (especially in rural areas or religious sites) is appreciated. A lightweight scarf is also a great accessory—it can double as sun protection or a quick cover-up when needed.

How to Get around morocco?

Getting around Morocco is relatively easy thanks to its excellent train network, which connects most major cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes, and Rabat. For places not served by trains, comfortable and affordable long-distance buses like CTM or Supratours are great options. In smaller towns or for more flexibility, taxis or hiring a private driver can be a convenient and stress-free way to explore.

Is morocco safe for women?

Before visiting, I read tons of warnings about scams and harassment, but my experience was much calmer than expected—I actually felt safer walking the medina than I have in some Western cities. Sure, there were a few catcalls and awkward compliments, but nothing overly aggressive, and a firm “no” usually did the trick. With smart decisions (like asking business owners for directions or having a restaurant call a tuk-tuk at night), my friend and I felt safe, welcomed, and had some of our best moments thanks to kind locals.

Final Thoughts: 7 days in Morocco itinerary

This 7 days in Morocco itinerary gave us a little taste of everything—from ancient medinas to the serenity of the Sahara. It was fast-paced but incredibly fulfilling. As a first-time visitor to Morocco, I left with so much love for Morocco’s people, culture, and landscapes. If you have more time, consider extending your trip—this 4-week itinerary offers more off-the-beaten-path gems.

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