An immersive journey through medinas, mountains, desert dunes, and blue-washed cities.
Day 1: Welcome to Morocco – Arrive in Marrakech & Explore the Medina
Your adventure begins in the energetic heart of Morocco — Marrakech. A vibrant fusion of history, chaos, colour, and culture, Marrakech is the perfect introduction to the country’s soulful spirit.
✈️ Getting from the Airport to the City:
- Bus: ~30 MAD to Jemaa el-Fnaa (30 mins).
- Taxi: Expect to pay 50–100 MAD. Be sure to agree on a fare or ensure the meter is running.
- Private Transfer: The smoothest option to avoid scams and ensure comfort.
🕌 What to Do:
Spend your first day wandering the medina with no set destination. Let your senses guide you through:
- Koutoubia Mosque & Gardens – A peaceful start.
- Souk Semmarine & Raba Kedima Square – Dive into the maze of local crafts, colours, and scents.
- Bahia Palace – Arrive by 3 PM to explore before closing.
As the sun sets, head to Jemaa el-Fnaa for:
- Street food stalls.
- Traditional musicians and snake charmers.
- A buzzing atmosphere that awakens after dark.
Optional: Book a Marrakech street food tour for an insider’s experience of Moroccan cuisine.
Day 2: Cultural Treasures of Marrakech
It’s time to explore Marrakech’s architectural and historical highlights:
🏛️ Must-See Landmarks:
- Ben Youssef Madrasa – A breathtaking example of Islamic artistry and serenity.
- El Badi Palace – Ruins of a once-magnificent palace, with nesting storks and stunning tower views.
- Saadian Tombs – Ornate resting place of royalty, hidden behind the Kasbah Mosque.
For a tranquil break:
- Visit Le Jardin Secret, a hidden oasis in the medina.
- Or opt for Le Jardin Majorelle — Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic blue-and-cactus garden (arrive early and pre-book tickets).
🏨 Where to Stay in Marrakech:
- Budget: Riad Sijane – Friendly service and delicious breakfast.
- Mid-Range: Riad L’Etoile D’Orient – Rooftop hot tub and hammam.
- Luxury: Riad Ekla Boutique Hotel – Pool, rooftop views, and elegant charm.
🍽️ Where to Eat:
- Café des Épices | NOMAD | L’Mida
- Amal Center (supports local women)
- Restaurant Lafarmacie (modern Moroccan cuisine)
Days 3–5: Into the Sahara – Mountains, Kasbahs & Desert Magic
No trip to Morocco is complete without experiencing the vast, golden expanse of the Sahara Desert. These three days are dedicated to a scenic and soul-stirring road trip that will take you from the bustling city of Marrakech to the tranquil dunes of Merzouga, through cinematic landscapes and historic wonders.
Day 3: Marrakech → Tinghir via Aït Ben Haddou
Your journey begins with a drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass — the highest road pass in Morocco, offering spectacular panoramic views.
🛑 En Route Highlights:
- Aït Ben Haddou – A UNESCO-listed ksar and iconic film location (Game of Thrones, Gladiator).
Take your time to walk up to the summit for unmatched views over the desert plains. - Valley of the Roses – Especially beautiful from April to May, this lush valley contrasts dramatically with the surrounding red cliffs.
You’ll arrive in Tinghir, a charming town set among palm groves and rocky escarpments.
🏡 Recommended Stay in Tinghir:
• Budget: Hike & Chill Homestay – Local vibes, rooftop views, and warm hospitality.
• Mid-Range: Riad Dar Bab Todra – Traditional riad with a pool and great food.
📍 Approx. Drive Time: 5.5 hours (with scenic stops)
Day 4: Tinghir → Merzouga (Sahara Desert)
Wake early for a visit to the awe-inspiring Todra Gorge — a dramatic canyon with 400m cliffs and a clear stream running through its base. It’s a haven for hikers and rock climbers.
After your morning stroll, continue the journey deeper into Morocco’s desert terrain.
By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in cc, gateway to the Erg Chebbi Dunes — towering sand hills that shift and shimmer with the wind.
🐫 The Sahara Experience Includes:
- Camel ride or 4×4 journey into the desert.
- Watching the sunset from the top of a dune.
- A traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars.
- Music and dancing by the campfire.
- Sleeping in a Berber-style tent — or request your bed be moved outside to sleep beneath the Milky Way.
🏕️ Recommended Desert Camps:
• Budget: Desert Berber Fire Camp – Authentic and full of energy.
• Mid-Range: Sahara Elegance Camp – Private bathrooms & WiFi in the dunes.
• Luxury: Sunrise Sahara Camp – Stylish domes with panoramic views.
📍 Pro Tip: Stay two nights if your schedule allows. It’s worth it.
Day 5: Merzouga → Fes
Start the day with sunrise over the dunes — a moment of pure magic you’ll never forget.
After breakfast, you’ll travel back to the edge of the desert and begin the long but beautiful journey to Fes.
🛑 En Route Highlights:
- Erfoud – Known for fossils and sweet Medjool dates.
- Cedar Forests – You might spot wild Barbary macaques along the road.
- Middle Atlas Mountains – A dramatic change of scenery as you climb in elevation.
You’ll arrive in Fes by evening. Unwind in your riad, grab a delicious dinner in the medina, and get some rest for your next adventure.
🏨 Recommended Riads in Fes:
• Budget: Palais Fes Yahya – Elegant architecture, prime location.
• Mid-Range: Riad Sidrat Fes – Sophisticated and serene.
• Luxury: Riad Ommeyad Suite & Spa – A luxurious sanctuary in the heart of the old city.
📍 Approx. Drive Time: 8 hours (with multiple scenic breaks)
Day 6: Day Trip to Chefchaouen – The Blue Pearl of Morocco
Today’s journey takes you to one of Morocco’s most photogenic and serene towns — Chefchaouen, also known as The Blue Pearl. Tucked away in the Rif Mountains, this town is famous for its blue-washed alleys, relaxed atmosphere, and breathtaking mountain views.
Although it’s a long day trip from Fes, the experience is unforgettable and absolutely worth it.
🚗 Getting There:
- Private tour or car rental is the best option (approx. 3.5 hours each way).
- Public transport is not ideal for a day trip, as it limits your time in the town.
📷 What to Do in Chefchaouen:
- Stroll the blue-painted streets — every corner is postcard-perfect.
- Hike or take a short walk to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views over the town.
- Visit the Kasbah Museum and Plaza Uta el-Hammam.
- Shop for artisanal souvenirs and handmade textiles.
- Refresh at Ras El Maa, a natural spring where locals gather.
You’ll return to Fes in the evening, with your camera full of dreamy blue memories and your heart even fuller.
🧃 Don’t Miss: Freshly squeezed orange juice from a street vendor. It’s the best in town.
📍 Drive Time: 3.5 hours each way
⏳ Exploration Time: ~4 hours in Chefchaouen
Day 7: Discover the Soul of Fes
Spend your final day exploring Fes el-Bali, the oldest walled part of Fes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as one of the most authentic medinas in Morocco, it offers a deep dive into the country’s history, art, and daily life.
🗺️ What to See in Fes:
- Souks of Fes el-Bali – Less intense than Marrakech, but equally rich in culture.
- Chouara Tannery – Watch leather being dyed using traditional methods (mint leaves help with the smell!).
- Al Attarine Madrasa – Stunning 14th-century Islamic school known for its intricate carvings and tiles.
- Bou Inania Madrasa – A functioning mosque and learning center with beautiful architecture.
- Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate) – The symbolic entryway into the old medina.
- Fes Royal Palace (Dar el Makhzen) – You can’t enter, but the golden gates and zellige tilework are worth admiring.
- Jnan Sbil Gardens – A peaceful retreat just outside the medina.
- Shpigel Lookout – For sweeping views of the city at sunset.
🍽️ Where to Eat:
• Café Clock – Iconic rooftop views and legendary camel burger
• Fez & Friends – Cozy, vegetarian-friendly option
• Restaurant Boujloud – For the best vegetable pastilla in town
Departure Tips: Getting to Fes Airport
Choose what fits your budget and convenience:
- Bus #16 – Cheap (~4 MAD), but slow (around 1 hour).
- Grand Taxi – ~150 MAD, quicker if shared.
- Private Transfer – Most comfortable and efficient (30–60 minutes depending on traffic).
Final Thoughts
In just 7 days, you’ll have explored Morocco’s most iconic landscapes — from the bustling souks of Marrakech to the silence of the Sahara dunes, from historic medinas to the mountain-wrapped blue city of Chefchaouen.
This itinerary is fast-paced yet fulfilling, designed to give you a rich and balanced taste of Morocco’s heritage, nature, and hospitality.
✨ Once you leave, a piece of Morocco stays with you.
You’ll long to return — and next time, maybe for longer.