7 Days in Morocco Itinerary from Marrakech (One Week)

The second day of our 7-Day Morocco Desert tour to Merzouga begins after breakfast. Continue your journey into Tissadrine to witness the panoramic view of the Dades valley and the striking rock formations known as the “Monkey Fingers”. Following this, leave the Dades gorge and travel along roads flanked by ancient Kasbahs towards the Todra Gorge, a place encircled by towering vertical limestone cliffs, some reaching heights of 300 meters, earning it the nickname “Morocco’s Grand Canyon”. It’s a well-loved destination for hikers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts who come to explore the rugged terrain and savor the breathtaking vistas. Take some time to admire this spectacle before moving onward to the Erg Chebbi in Merzouga, with a stop for lunch in the town of Tinejdad on the way.

Upon your arrival at the renowned Erg Chebbi dunes, an iconic landscape with towering dunes reaching heights of up to 500 feet, embark on a camel ride to your campsite. Enjoy the enchanting scenery of the surrounding sand dunes during the journey and be sure to catch the sunset in the heart of the desert. Additionally, relish a delightful dinner, listen to traditional Berber music, spend a memorable night under the starry sky, and absorb the desert’s unparalleled beauty, creating lasting memories of your desert exploration.

◈ Overnight: Merzouga Desert

◈ Meals: Dinner & Breakfast

Following a truly breathtaking sunrise, freshen up and have breakfast at your camp before setting out on an expedition to uncover the hidden gems of Merzouga, nestled on the fringes of the Sahara Desert. Commence your adventure with a visit to the Gnawa tribe in the quaint village of Khamlia, where you can immerse yourself in the live sounds of Gnawa Music, a traditional practice in Morocco with its origins in the sub-Saharan regions. Along the way, keep an eye out for potential wildlife sightings, including the elusive Fennec fox. Proceed to a vantage point in the Galb Nass Mountains for a mesmerizing panoramic view of the Erg Chebbi Dunes. From this spot, you’ll also catch your initial glimpse of Morocco’s nomadic Berbers, traversing the desert and often setting up makeshift tents as they journey to their next destination.

⇒ Visit Nomadic Tribes » Desert Oasis

While en route, take a pause to share tea with warm-hearted local families inside their handwoven tents, all while relishing the serene ambiance of the Sahara Desert. Following this, return to Khamlia village, where you can savor your lunch at a local eatery, and you might want to try Medfouna, also known as “Berber pizza”. This traditional stuffed bread is prepared with a combination of meat, herbs, and spices by the nomadic people. The Sahara excursion concludes at the Oasis of Merzouga, a small oasis of greenery amidst the desert. Afterwards, make your way back to your beautifully adorned riad. In the afternoon, consider taking a walk to the Erg Chebbi dunes for another opportunity to witness the sunset, or opt for a Quad Bike Tour or a Dune Buggy Ride, both of which offer unforgettable experiences that you shouldn’t miss out on.

◈ Overnight: Merzouga village

◈ Meals: Dinner & Breakfast

◊ Activities in Merzouga Desert:

→ Dune Buggy Ride in the Erg Chebbi Dunes

→ Quad Biking Tour in the Erg Chebbi Dunes

In the morning, the desert expedition from Marrakech to Fes proceeds northward, taking you through a diverse array of breathtaking landscapes: lush valleys, forests of cedar and pine trees, as well as rugged, barren terrain, leading to the quaint town of Midelt. After a leisurely lunch, the journey continues over the Middle Atlas Mountains and the Cedar Forest, which is the habitat of the Barbary Macaque. The next destination is Ifrane, a charming town often compared to a Swiss Alpine resort, known for its cool climate and a variety of outdoor activities, including snowboarding, which draw visitors from across the kingdom. Later in the evening, you’ll reach your Fes hotel, where you can check in and enjoy your free time.

◈ Overnight: Fes

◈ Meals: Breakfast

Following breakfast, embark on a half-day guided excursion through the historic district, locally referred to as Fes el Bali. This area is renowned worldwide as a hub of education and culture, encompassing both Islamic and Jewish heritage. Your local guide will regale you with tales of the city’s rich history as you navigate the labyrinthine streets and alleys, observing donkeys laden with merchandise and immersing yourself in the distinct sections of the bustling market. The tour encompasses visits to significant sites such as the King’s Palace, the tanneries, Al Qaraouine University, and the Attarine Madrasa. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a Mosaic museum to gain further insight into this renowned local craft. Finally, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of the Medina, offering a clear perspective of its vast expanse.

Upon concluding the walking tour, you’ll be at Bab Boujloud, known as the “Blue Gate”, and then depart from Fes to reach Chefchaouen. Perched high in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is most known for its buildings adorned in vibrant hues of blue, rendering it one of the most visually appealing cities on the planet. Upon arrival, check-in at your Riad and savor the remainder of the day for personal exploration. Wander through its winding alleyways, cobbled squares, and distinctive doorways, immersing yourself in the town’s unique charm.

◈ Overnight: Chefchaouen

◈ Meal: Breakfast

This morning, you’ll leave the picturesque blue city and make your way to the capital of Morocco, Rabat, situated along the Atlantic coast. Upon arrival, your exploration of the city’s key attractions will commence. This includes a visit to the remarkable walled quarter known as Udayas Kasbah, where you can stroll through its labyrinthine alleys, admire the blue and white adorned houses, and explore the 17th-century Andalusian gardens. The next stop on your itinerary is Hassan Tower, constructed in the 12th century with the grand vision of being the world’s largest mosque. Additionally, you’ll visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the final resting place of three prominent members of the royal family. You’ll have some free time to relish your lunch at one of the splendid restaurants with a view of the ocean.

Subsequently, your journey will continue to Casablanca, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Hassan II Mosque, renowned for having the world’s tallest minaret and being the seventh-largest mosque globally. Following your visit to the mosque, you’ll check in at your hotel and have the remainder of the evening to enjoy at your own pace.

◈ Overnight: Casablanca

◈ Meals: Breakfast

Your 1 week in Marrakech • 7-Day Morocco trip with us ends today after hotel check out. An included onward departure transfer to Casablanca airport will be provided. If you have any desire to prolong your stay in Morocco, please feel free to inform us, and we’ll be happy to assist with your extended plans.

⟐ Meals: Breakfast

It takes around 9–10 hours drive to get to Merzouga desert from Marrakech, approximately 563 kilometers (350 miles). But it’s possible to break up this long journey with overnight stops, either in Ouarzazate or Dades Gorge along the way.

Booking a private tour offers a unique and personalized experience tailored to your interests. You enjoy privacy, comfort, and the freedom to customize the itinerary and pace. With exclusive access and an expert guide dedicated to your group, you gain a deeper understanding of the destinations. While private tours can be more expensive, the benefits outweigh the cost for those seeking an exceptional and unforgettable travel experience.

It’s recommended to pack comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather during the day and cooler temperatures at night. Essentials include sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a scarf for protection from the desert wind, comfortable shoes for walking, and a small backpack for personal items. It’s also advisable to bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and memorable moments.

You don’t need a sleeping bag since there are well-equipped Desert camps provides all the bedding you need including pillows, blankets and even a private bathroom in the tent if you need to take a shower (Luxury camp).

The camel trek is about an hour, with a break in the heart of the desert in order to witness the sunset. If you prefer to walk, then you can walk alongside our camel caravan, but bear in mind that walking in the sand can be tiring.

Whether you choose to embrace the adventure of a camel ride or opt for the convenience of a 4×4 transfer, the choice is yours. Erg Chebbi’s enchanting desert camp awaits, promising an unforgettable getaway amidst the breathtaking dunes.

Wi-Fi availability in the desert camps can vary depending on the specific camp you choose. Some desert camps may offer Wi-Fi access to their guests, while others may not have this facility available.

• Camel Trekking: Enjoy a camel ride through the majestic Sahara desert, immersing yourself in the serene landscape.
• Sand-boarding: Slide down the sandy slopes of the dunes on a sand-board, experiencing the thrill of this desert sport.
• Desert Camping: Spend a night in a desert camp, where you can relax, enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine, and marvel at the starry night sky.
• Quad Biking: Embark on an adrenaline-filled quad bike ride across the desert, exploring the sandy terrain and experiencing the exhilaration of off-road riding.
• Dune Buggy Rides: Hop on a dune buggy and embark on an adventure across the dunes. These off-road vehicles offer a thrilling and fast-paced experience in the desert.
• Off-Road Adventures: Embark on off-road excursions in 4×4 vehicles, exploring the rugged desert landscape, visiting hidden oases, and discovering remote areas not easily accessible by regular vehicles.