7 Days Morocco Tour from Marrakech to Rabat | One Week Morocco Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech – Guided City Tour

Your journey begins in the heart of Morocco — Marrakech, the red-walled city bursting with color, sound, and life. After a warm welcome, you’ll meet your licensed local guide for a half- or full-day guided tour exploring the best of the city. Begin at the Koutoubia Mosque, followed by the Bahia Palace, showcasing intricate Islamic architecture and serene courtyards.

Wander through the Jemaa el-Fna Square, filled with storytellers, snake charmers, and market stalls. Visit the Majorelle Garden, formerly owned by Yves Saint Laurent, with its cobalt-blue walls and exotic plants. You’ll also explore the souks — a labyrinth of colors, spices, and traditional handicrafts. End your day relaxing in a beautiful riad inside the medina, with dinner and mint tea.

Day 2: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

We depart Marrakech after breakfast, heading east into the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the scenic Tizi-n-Tichka Pass. The winding roads offer sweeping views of Berber villages, terraced farmlands, and snow-capped peaks in winter.

Our first cultural stop is the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and iconic backdrop for films like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. After exploring the kasbah’s ancient alleyways, we stop for lunch nearby and continue to Ouarzazate, home of the Atlas Film Studios.

Later in the day, we drive through the Valley of Roses and Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, arriving in the Dades Valley, where nature has carved stunning canyons and “monkey fingers” rock formations. Overnight in a charming guesthouse, including dinner.

Day 3: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga (Sahara Desert)

After breakfast, the road takes us toward the Todra Gorges, one of Morocco’s most dramatic natural wonders. These limestone canyons reach heights over 300 meters, with a narrow path ideal for a short scenic walk.

We continue the journey through Erfoud and the edge of the Sahara, arriving in the desert gateway town of Merzouga. Here, your camel trekking experience begins. Cross the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes during the golden hours of sunset, guided by local camel handlers.

At the heart of the dunes, you’ll arrive at your Berber desert camp. After a delicious dinner, enjoy traditional drumming, stargazing, and storytelling around the campfire. It’s a magical evening under the Sahara sky.

Day 4: Full Day in Merzouga – Desert Culture & Nomads

This day offers an authentic immersion into Sahara desert life. Wake up to watch the sunrise over the dunes, followed by breakfast. Then, you’ll embark on a 4×4 tour of the Merzouga region.

Visit the village of Khamlia, where you’ll meet Gnawa musicians and hear their spiritual Afro-Berber rhythms. Drive into the black desert to meet nomadic families living in traditional tents. You’ll learn about their lifestyle, share tea, and see their handwoven carpets and simple cooking methods.

In the afternoon, visit fossil workshops or relax by the dunes. You’ll spend the night in a traditional desert hotel in Merzouga, with dinner and time to rest after your rich day of exploration.

Day 5: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Ifrane – Fes

Today, we journey through some of Morocco’s most scenic and diverse landscapes. Leaving the desert behind, we travel north through the lush palm groves of the Ziz Valley, with stops for panoramic views and photography.

Lunch in Midelt, a cool town nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains. Afterward, we cross cedar forests near Azrou, where you might meet the Barbary macaques. Before reaching Fes, we pass by Ifrane, a charming alpine town known for its European-style architecture and clean air.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Fes, the country’s cultural capital, where you’ll check in to a comfortable riad inside the old medina.

Day 6: Full Day Fes Sightseeing – Drive to Chefchaouen

After breakfast, meet your certified local guide for a deep-dive tour of Fes, one of the most historically rich cities in the Islamic world. Explore the ancient medina of Fes el-Bali, filled with tanneries, madrasas, and bustling souks.

Highlights include the Al Quaraouiyine University (the oldest existing university in the world), Bou Inania Madrasa, the Royal Palace gates, and the Chouara Tannery, where leather is dyed in vibrant colors using traditional methods.

In the afternoon, we head toward the Rif Mountains and drive to the enchanting Chefchaouen, the famous blue-washed town. Check in to your riad and enjoy a quiet evening in this peaceful and photogenic city.

Day 7: Explore Chefchaouen – Transfer to Rabat (End of Tour)

Start the day with a relaxed stroll through Chefchaouen’s medina, famous for its narrow blue-painted alleys, artisanal shops, and friendly locals. Visit the Ras El-Maa waterfall, the Kasbah Museum, or just sip tea on a rooftop terrace with views over the town.

By midday, we begin our final leg of the journey toward Rabat, Morocco’s political capital and a coastal gem. Depending on your time of arrival, you can stop briefly at Hassan Tower, the Royal Mausoleum, or Kasbah of the Udayas for one last taste of Moroccan history.

Your 7-day Morocco tour from Marrakech to Rabat ends with drop-off at your accommodation or Rabat airport — leaving you with beautiful memories of cities, sand, music, and medinas.