The ULTIMATE Morocco Itinerary 7 Days | A Step-by-Step Guide

For this Morocco itinerary, I suggest to land in Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport and leave from Marrakesh Menara Airport. As these two cities are on opposite sides of Morocco, there’s no need to waste time on routes already visited.

I didn’t stop in Rabat or Casablanca because I thought the route along the North Atlantic Ocean forgoes the rich sceneries that define Morocco – the old medinas of Fes, the dramatic Ziz Valley, the Todgha Gorge-a string of river canyons, and of course, the Sahara Desert.
Most importantly, this 7 day Morocco  itinerary is a scenically diverse haven.

Day 1. Tangier – Chefchaouen

2.30 hours

If your flight arrives early at the Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport, opt for the old Medina of Tangier for a half-day tour before driving towards Chefchaouen through the Rif. Dar Tanger Medina has beautiful narrow streets and small stalls that sell a variety of goods. The architecture, the mosques, and the intersecting alleyways are a definite treat that will give you a window into a culture so rich and inviting.

If your flight arrives later, you might want to head directly towards Chefchaouen. Although Tangier is beautiful, more time should be spent wandering through the streets of Morocco’s Blue City. A 2.30 hrs drive between the two destinations and a quick dinner along the way should bring you into Chefchaouen just before nightfall.

Find a riad in the city and spend some time wandering the neighborhoods before hitting the sack!

Chefchaouen, blue city in Morocco

Day 2. Chefchaouen – Fes

3.30 hours

Chefchaouen is a Imazighen city north of Morocco. The varying shades of blue houses are arranged in different planes that dot the green field surrounded by the Lau River. The color blue is said to have the magical power of repelling mosquitoes.

A traditional breakfast should be followed by another visit around town, with spots including the viewpoint from Chefchaouen Ras Elma, and neighborhoods like Souika, Bab El Sor, and Rif As-Sabanin Oven.

After Chefchaouen, continue your Morocco itinerary by driving to Fes, a beautiful city founded in the eighth century. Fes is the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities, with a medina that dates back to the thirteenth century. Artisans gather by streets reminiscent of ancient guilds, forming marketplaces that offer a diverse range of craftsmanship.

If you spend half a day wandering Chefchaouen and 3.30hrs driving to Fes, you should arrive in the city around the evening. Have a bite at one of the restaurants and take some time to enjoy the night markets at Andalous Quarter or Souk el Henna.

Day 3. Explore Fez

Fez is the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities, with a medina that extends back to the thirteenth century. From splendid palaces to religious sanctuaries, the city is often called “Mecca of the West.” Its artisans and activities are spread across maze-like bazaars. Begin the day by visiting the Royal Palace of Fez (Dar el Makhzen).

Later, enjoy the beautiful sight of the medina from Fez el-Bali. This ‘old wall’ provides a great view of the whole city. Visit more bazaars and markets like the souk at R’cif Square or Souk Al-Attarine and discover mosques and religious sites along the way. After lunch, continue visiting the artisan neighborhood.

Fes is known for its handicrafts. From woven scarfs to hand-painted ceramics, the city and its medinas have ample hidden treasures that can make great gifts for those back home.

Bazaar in Fez, Morocco

Fez, Morroco

Day 4. Fes – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

3.20 hours-2.05 hours – 2 hours

The road between Fez and the Merzouga Desert is long and beautiful. Although 7 days in Morocco means little time for long stops, there are many sites along the way that are worth a short layover.

The drive along N13 passes by the Cedar Forest, the Port of Midelt, the Errachidia Reservoir, the magnificent Valley of Ziz, and the town of Erfoud (the door leading to the Merzouga Desert). It’s a great idea to witness the sunset on top of Borj Adoumoue, a fort that offers a wonderful view of Erfoud.

Afterward, continue along highway N13 to reach the dunes of Erg Chebbi (Merzouga). Then, join a camel escapade into the dunes for the night.

Merzouga Desert in Morocco

Day 5. Todra Gorges Desert – Dades Gorges

1.09 hours

Following a night in the desert, drive out of the dunes towards Erfoud towards Tinerhir. Visit the Fougartas-an old sewer system of the 15th century. After lunch at Todra Gorge, cross Tinghir and the Dades Boumalne Valley to get to Dades Gorges, a place where over time, the river has eroded the rocks to form a wonderful scenery.

Day 6. Dades Gorges – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

2.30 hours-3.20 hours

Leave early and drive through the Valley of Roses and the Village of Boutghrart. Follow the Kasbahs Mille road and stop at various lookout points, including Kasbahs, valleys, caves and scenic view spots. From Skoura, head towards Ouarzazate Ciudad, which is famous for its film studios. Visit the splendid Kasbah ait ben Haddou where some films like Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, etc. were filmed.

Ouarzazate ciudade famous for its film studios

Jemaa El Fna square in Marrakesh, Morocco

Lanterns in the Bazaar in Fez, Morocco

Morocco 7 Day Itinerary

Day 7. Explore Marrakech

Arrive in Marrakech through the Tizi n’Tichka, a mountain pass linking Ouarzazate and Marrakesh with scenic High Atlas mountains.

The last day (or couple) should be spent touring Marrakech and all its beauty. As a former imperial city in Western Morocco, Marrakech is a major economic and historical hub that offers a splendid medina, numerous historical monuments (tombs and mosques), kasbahs, Jemaa El Fna Square, and other famous sites. Personally, the most enticing thing about this culturally-rich city its the number of eateries. From pizza to tajine, options are limitless.

Additional Information for this Morocco Itinerary

Final Thoughts

Morocco remains one of my favorite road-trip destinations. With its diverse geography and welcoming people. It’s as if 5 different countries were rolled into one! I thought Morocco was perfectly safe for tourists! For more of my Morocco travels, feel free to read my 5 must-dos in Morocco or see what I did in Morocco for a week!will help keep the site alive!