The Most Epic 7 Day Morocco Itinerary (2025)

Day 1: Arrive in Casablanca and Visit the Hassan II Mosque

Start your itinerary in Morocco’s largest city: Casablanca.

Most international flights land here, so it makes a convenient place to begin.

Spend your afternoon visiting the Hassan II Mosque, one of the only mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors.

Its scale is massive, and the setting on the Atlantic makes it unforgettable.

Enjoy eating dinner on the waterfront and get some rest before heading inland.

Hyperfocus Pro Tips

• Book a mosque tour in advance if you’re visiting on Friday. Non-Muslim visitors are only allowed at specific times.
• The Corniche is less crowded in the early evening. Aim for golden hour for the best views and photos.
• Skip hotel restaurants. Try La Sqala for Moroccan fare in a courtyard setting or Rick’s Café for the movie nostalgia.
  

Day 2: Head to Chefchaouen and Discover the Blue City

The drive to Chefchaouen is long but scenic.

Once you arrive, you’ll understand why it’s included in this itinerary.

Tucked in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is known for its blue-washed buildings and quiet pace, a peaceful escape from the intensity of Morocco’s larger cities, where every alley feels like a postcard and the air smells of orange blossoms and mountain breeze.

Wander without a map, stop for fresh orange juice or local goat cheese, and hike to the Spanish Mosque at sunset for one of the best views in the country.

Hyperfocus Pro Tips

• Pack snacks and water. The drive is long, and roadside options are limited.
• Chefchaouen is very walkable, but slippery. Wear shoes with grip for the steep, tiled streets.
• The Spanish Mosque is an easy 20 minute uphill walk. Go 45 minutes before sunset for a quiet spot and incredible light.

Want a guided introduction to the medina?

Day 3: Journey to Fes and Step into the Past

Fes is intense in the best way.

It’s a maze of history, craftsmanship, and daily life layered into narrow alleyways.

Tour a medersa, watch leather being dyed in the tanneries, and learn how traditional ceramics are still made by hand.

The medina can be disorienting, so hiring a licensed local guide is money well spent.

End your day with a rooftop dinner overlooking the old city.

Hyperfocus Pro Tips

• Hire a certified local guide for the medina. DIY wandering is fun, but you’ll miss the context.
• The best tannery view is from the leather shops above the pits, but be prepared for the smell. Mint sprigs are often offered at the door.
• Stay inside the old medina for the most immersive experience, but expect early morning calls to prayer.

Looking for a full-day guided experience?

Book this Full-Day Fes Tour to explore the highlights with an expert, covering ancient architecture, artisan workshops, and local flavors.

It is perfect for diving deeper into your itinerary.

Day 4: Travel to Merzouga and Enter the Sahara

This is a long travel day, but it’s where the trip really shifts.

You’ll drive through cedar forests, alpine villages, and eventually arrive in the desert.

In Merzouga, trade your car for a camel and ride into the dunes of Erg Chebbi.

At your camp, enjoy a traditional meal and music around the fire before falling asleep beneath a blanket of stars.

Hyperfocus Pro Tips

• Start early and build in buffer time. Road delays happen in the mountains.
• • Bring sunglasses, a scarf, and a jacket. Desert temperatures swing hard from hot days to cold nights.
• Choose a desert camp that includes private tents and en-suite bathrooms if comfort matters to you. Not all are created equal.

Book this Camel Excursion and Overnight Desert Camp Tour to ride into the dunes, dine with nomads around the fire, and spend an incredible night in an oasis camp.

It’s one of the highlights of any itinerary.

Day 5: Explore Todra Gorge and the Dades Valley

Wake up early to watch the sun rise over the dunes, then head west.

Todra Gorge is a dramatic canyon perfect for stretching your legs.

Continue into the Dades Valley, where red rock cliffs and winding roads make for excellent photography and quiet guesthouse stays.

This region feels far removed from the cities and offers a glimpse into rural Moroccan life.

Hyperfocus Pro Tips

• Stop at Tinghir market en route for fruit and local snacks.
• The gorge is great for short walks. Go early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and better light.
• Choose a guesthouse that includes dinner. Restaurants are scarce, and homemade Moroccan meals here are some of the best you’ll find.

Want to add an active twist?

Book this private hike and rock‑climbing adventure through the iconic “Monkey Fingers” canyon.

This epic experience combines canyon walking and beginner-friendly climbs.

It’s a memorable way to elevate your Morocco itinerary.

Day 6: Visit Aït Ben Haddou and Cross the High Atlas Mountains

Aït Ben Haddou is one of the best preserved ksars in Morocco.

It has been used as a backdrop for everything from Gladiator to Game of Thrones.

Walk through its earthen alleys and climb to the top for panoramic views.

From here, drive over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass through the High Atlas Mountains toward Marrakech.

The route is winding but stunning, so take your time and enjoy the changing landscape.

Hyperfocus Pro Tips

• Hire a local guide at the entrance to Aït Ben Haddou. They’ll help you appreciate what you’re looking at.
• Bring cash. There’s a small entry fee for most houses, and some vendors sell beautiful handmade crafts without card readers.
• The Tizi n’Tichka pass is dramatic but winding. Motion sickness pills are smart if you’re prone.

Want an organized full‑day trip with expert insights?

Book this Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate day trip to explore the kasbah.

You will learn about traditional life, and enjoy seamless transport over the High Atlas mountain range.

It’s a rich, hassle‑free way to enhance your Morocco itinerary.

Day 7: Experience the Mystery of Marrakech

Marrakech is energetic, colorful, and full of contrasts.

Spend your day browsing the souks, visiting the Bahia Palace, and relaxing in the Majorelle Garden.

If you need a break from the crowds, book a spa treatment or rooftop lunch away from the medina.

It’s the perfect place to reflect on your week before flying out or continuing your journey.

Hyperfocus Pro Tips

• Jemaa el-Fnaa is best in the evening when the food stalls open. Be sure to watch your belongings and agree on prices before sitting.
• For a quieter escape, visit Majorelle Garden early when it opens. Combine it with the Yves Saint Laurent Museum next door.
• Don’t over-schedule. Marrakech can be sensory overload. Take breaks at rooftop cafés to regroup and recharge.

Want a personalized private tour?

Book this private tour of Marrakech for a customizable day guided by a local expert.

It’s the perfect way to wrap up your Morocco itinerary with insight, ease, and style.

Morocco’s climate varies by region and time of year, so layers are key.

Bring lightweight, breathable clothes for warm days, and a fleece or jacket for cool nights, especially in the desert.

Women may want a scarf for visiting religious sites.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must, and a universal adapter will keep your devices charged.

Refillable water bottles are easy to carry and help reduce plastic waste.

Hyperfocus Pro Tips

• Morocco is modest but modern. You don’t need to cover your head, but avoid short shorts and tank tops in conservative areas.
• A lightweight travel scarf is your MVP. It will be useful for sun, style, and respect.
• Baby wipes are a must-have in the desert. You know why.
• Bring a power bank for long drives and remote locations.

Check out this guide to help you pack for your trip to Morocco.

This Morocco itinerary can be done on a mid-range budget or upgraded for more comfort.

Expect to spend the following per person:

Lodging: Morocco offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and travel style.

Backpackers and minimalist travelers can find clean, comfortable hostel beds or simple guesthouses for around $25 per night.

For a more immersive experience, consider a mid-range riad (a traditional Moroccan home with an interior courtyard), which typically runs $50 to $80.

Higher-end riads or boutique hotels offer elevated design, premium service, and central locations for around $100 per night.

In more rural areas or desert towns, you’ll often get more value for less.

Many rates include breakfast, so double-check before booking.

• Food: Eating well in Morocco doesn’t have to cost much.

Street food, cafés, and local restaurants offer hearty meals like tagine, couscous, or grilled meats for just a few dollars.

A full breakfast or lunch might cost $3 to $6, while dinner at a modest sit-down restaurant generally runs $8 to $12.

If you’re dining at high-end restaurants or hotel eateries, expect to pay closer to $25 or more per meal.

Many riads include breakfast, and food tours or cooking classes are a worthwhile splurge if you want a deeper connection to Morocco’s culinary traditions.

• Transportation: Transportation is one of the biggest variables in your Morocco itinerary budget.

A private driver for a full week typically costs between $200 and $300 per person when split among two or more travelers.

This option offers the most flexibility, especially for reaching places like Chefchaouen or Merzouga.

Self-driving is another option, with rental cars costing $30 to $50 per day depending on size and insurance.

For tighter budgets, long-distance buses like CTM or Supratours are clean, safe, and extremely affordable, though slower.

Taxis within cities are inexpensive but require cash and a little negotiation.

• Experiences: Experiences are where Morocco shines, and where it’s worth spending a little more.

A guided medina tour in Fes or Marrakech ranges from $25 to $60 and adds tremendous value.

Desert excursions, including camel rides and overnight camps in Merzouga, typically cost between $60 and $120 depending on comfort level and inclusions.

Entry fees for sites like Bahia Palace, Majorelle Garden, or historical madrasas range from $5 to $15.

Add-on experiences like cooking classes, hammams, and guided hikes are also popular and reasonably priced.

Expect to spend $100 to $200 total if you plan 2–3 immersive experiences.

Hyperfocus Pro Tips

• Carry cash in small denominations. Many places don’t accept cards, especially in rural areas.
• Tipping is customary for guides, drivers, and hotel staff. Tipping about 10 percent is standard.
• Bargain respectfully. In souks, expect to negotiate, but do it with a smile.

How to Time Your Morocco Visit

Spring and fall are ideal for travel with this itinerary.

You’ll get sunny days and cool evenings without the crowds of peak summer.

Summer is best avoided in the desert unless you’re fully prepared for the heat.

Winter is a good time to visit cities and the coast, though mountain areas can get cold.

Regardless of the season, the diversity of landscapes means Morocco is always in season somewhere.

Hyperfocus Pro Tips

• Ramadan changes everything. While it can be a meaningful time to visit, some shops and restaurants may have limited hours.
• Shoulder seasons (March to May, September to November) give you the best combo of weather and pricing.
• If you’re visiting in winter, check ahead. Mountain roads can be icy, and desert nights require real insulation.

Check out this guide to help you find the ideal time to visit Morocco.

If you’re short on time, skip Chefchaouen and start in Fes.

This will work to bring it down to a possible 6 or 5 day Morocco itinerary.

If you’re craving more downtime, add an extra night in the desert or along the coast.

You can also reverse the route by starting in Marrakech and ending in Casablanca depending on your flight availability.

This Morocco itinerary is flexible enough to scale up or down depending on

Hyperfocus Pro Tips

• Flying into Marrakech and out of Casablanca (or vice versa) saves you from backtracking. Look for open-jaw flights.
• If you want more cultural depth, add time in Fes or Marrakech. If you want more nature, build in days in the High Atlas or along the coast in Essaouira.