This 7-day itinerary is the classic first trip to Morocco: two nights in Marrakech, a journey across the High Atlas to the kasbahs of the south, a night among the Sahara dunes, and two days in Fes. It balances cities, landscapes and long drives, with ideas for shortening or extending the route.
At a glance
- Route
- Marrakech, Ait Benhaddou, Tinghir, Merzouga, Fes
- Duration
- 7 days
- Best time
- October to April for the desert
- Transport
- Private driver or small-group tour for days 3 to 5
Itinerary at a glance
| Day | Plan | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Marrakech, evening at Jemaa el-Fna | None |
| 2 | Marrakech sights | None |
| 3 | Over the Atlas to Ait Benhaddou and the Dades or Tinghir area | About 6 to 8 hours with stops |
| 4 | Todra Gorge, then Merzouga and the dunes | About 4 to 5 hours |
| 5 | Sunrise in the dunes, drive to Fes via the Middle Atlas | About 8 to 9 hours |
| 6 | Fes medina | None |
| 7 | Optional Meknes and Volubilis, depart | Varies |
Days 1 and 2: Marrakech
Arrive and settle into a riad. On day 2, start early at the Bahia Palace and Ben Youssef Madrasa, explore the souks, and visit the Jardin Majorelle in the afternoon. Return to Jemaa el-Fna at sunset for dinner. Read the full Marrakech guide.
Day 3: Over the High Atlas
Cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Ait Benhaddou, the UNESCO-listed kasbah near Ouarzazate. Continue through the Dades valley to your overnight in the Dades or Tinghir area. This is a long day, so start early.
Day 4: Todra Gorge and the dunes
Walk through the Todra Gorge in the morning, then drive to Merzouga. Ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset and sleep in a desert camp. See the Sahara desert tour guide for how to choose a camp.
Day 5: Dunes to Fes
Watch the sunrise, have breakfast, and begin the long drive to Fes. The route passes Midelt and the cedar forests near Azrou and Ifrane. Arrive in the evening and rest.
Day 6: Fes
Spend the day in the medina with an official guide: Bab Boujloud, the Al Attarine Madrasa, Bou Inania, the tanneries and the souks. See our Fes guide.
Day 7: Meknes, Volubilis or departure
If your flight is later, visit Meknes and Volubilis. Otherwise, fly out of Fes or take the train to Casablanca or Rabat for a connection.
Variations
- Shorter (5 days): Marrakech (2 nights), Ait Benhaddou, Zagora and back; see Zagora.
- Longer (10 days): add Essaouira before Marrakech and Chefchaouen after Fes.
- North and coast: Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes, Meknes, Rabat and Casablanca, using trains, as described in getting around Morocco.
Tips for this route
- Book a private driver or a small-group tour for days 3 to 5 rather than driving yourself.
- Pack layers: desert nights can be cold, even after hot days.
- Check the best time to visit before you book, and arrange your accommodation early.
Frequently asked questions
Is 7 days enough for Morocco?
Yes, for a classic route covering Marrakech, the desert and Fes, although it involves long drives. Ten days is more relaxed.
Should I go from Marrakech to Fes or Fes to Marrakech?
Either works. Starting in Marrakech and finishing in Fes is common, but you can reverse it depending on your flights.
Can I do this itinerary without a car?
Yes, with a small-group tour or private driver for the desert section, and trains for the cities.