The Perfect Morocco Itinerary: 7 Days from Marrakech

Seven days in Morocco is enough time to experience the country's greatest contrasts — ancient medinas and endless desert dunes, mountain passes and Atlantic coastlines, royal cities and Berber villages. But only if you plan it right.

Day 1 — Arrive in Marrakech: Transfer from the airport to your riad in the medina. Head to Djemaa El Fna square at sunset — the greatest open-air theatre in the world, with snake charmers, musicians, and dozens of food stalls.

Day 2 — Explore Marrakech: Visit the Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, the Mellah (old Jewish quarter), and the labyrinthine souks. Afternoon at Majorelle Garden. Rooftop dinner overlooking Djemaa El Fna.

Day 3 — Marrakech to Dades Gorge: Cross the High Atlas via Tizi n'Tichka (2,260m). Stop at the UNESCO kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou (filming location for Gladiator and Game of Thrones). Drive through the Valley of Roses. Arrive at the dramatic red-rock Dades Gorge for sunset.

Day 4 — Dades Gorge to Merzouga Sahara: Walk the 300-metre Todra Gorge canyon walls in the morning. Drive through the Ziz Palm Valley. Arrive Merzouga by afternoon — camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset. Overnight in a luxury desert camp with traditional dinner and live Gnawa music.

Day 5 — Merzouga to Fes: Wake before sunrise for the Sahara at first light — the most photographed moment of the whole trip. Drive north through Rissani, the dramatic Ziz Gorges, and the cedar forests of Ifrane (watch for wild Barbary macaques). Arrive in Fes by evening.

Day 6 — Explore Fes El Bali: The world's largest car-free urban area and a 9th-century city that has barely changed in a thousand years. Visit the Chouara Tanneries, Al-Qarawiyyin University (the oldest in the world), and the ornate Bou Inania Madrasa. Hire a local guide — the medina has 9,400 streets.

Day 7 — Fes or Fly Home: Morning flight from Fes airport direct to Europe, or transfer to Casablanca (3.5 hours) for international connections. This one-way Marrakech-to-Fes route means you see twice the country without repeating roads.