7 Days Morocco Itinerary from Marrakech
Overview
This 7 Days Morocco Itinerary from Marrakech combines the vibrant culture of Marrakech, the scenic Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert adventure in Merzouga, and the charm of southern Morocco. Perfect for travelers who want one week of discovery with a mix of history, culture, and desert magic.
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Arrival at Marrakech airport and transfer to your riad. Depending on your arrival time, stroll through the famous Jemaa el-Fna square, filled with storytellers, musicians, and street food. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 2: Full Day in Marrakech
After breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour of Marrakech. The day begins with the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest in Marrakech, with its 77m-high minaret dominating the skyline. Next, visit the Saadian Tombs, a masterpiece of 16th-century architecture, and the ornate Bahia Palace, with its mosaics and tranquil gardens.
The narrow alleys of the medina will lead you to vibrant souks filled with spices, leather goods, and traditional handicrafts. After lunch, stroll through the enchanting Majorelle Garden, designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent. The cobalt-blue garden is one of Marrakech’s icons. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 3: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
After breakfast, depart Marrakech and cross the High Atlas Mountains via the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m). Along the way, you’ll pass Berber villages and terraced fields clinging to the mountainsides.
Stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ait Ben Haddou, a ksar (fortified village) of clay architecture. Famous as a backdrop in films such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones, the kasbah is one of Morocco’s architectural gems. Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” where you can visit the Atlas Film Studios and Taourirt Kasbah.
Travel through the Valley of Roses, famous for its annual rose harvest, before arriving in the Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Overnight in a riad with stunning views of the valley. Dinner included.
Day 4: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga (Sahara Desert)
After breakfast, drive through the dramatic Dades Gorges, where rock formations resemble monkey fingers. Continue to the Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon with cliffs rising up to 300m. Take time for a short hike or photography.
Travel onwards through palm groves and desert towns such as Erfoud, famous for its fossils and date palms. By late afternoon, arrive at Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara.
Here begins your camel trekking adventure: ride across the dunes of Erg Chebbi as the sun sets, painting the desert in shades of gold and red. Arrive at your luxury desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner around the fire with Berber music. Overnight in a private tent under a blanket of stars.
Day 5: Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – Ouarzazate
Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the Sahara. After breakfast, return by camel or 4×4 to Merzouga village. Visit Rissani, a historic caravan town once central to Saharan trade routes. Its souk (market) is one of the most authentic in Morocco, filled with spices, textiles, and donkeys carrying loads.
Continue your journey west, passing Alnif and Nkob, with stunning desert and mountain landscapes. By evening, you’ll reach Ouarzazate again, where you can relax and explore the kasbahs or enjoy a quiet dinner. Overnight in a riad.
Day 6: Ouarzazate – Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
After breakfast, visit the Kasbah Taourirt, once the residence of the powerful Glaoui family. Then, begin the scenic drive back to Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains, with stops in Berber villages for photos and tea.
Arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon. Evening free to relax, enjoy a hammam (traditional spa), or explore the lively souks once more. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 7: Marrakech – Departure
Enjoy breakfast at your riad. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for last-minute shopping in the souks or a visit to the Mellah (Jewish Quarter). Transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport for your flight home.
What’s Included
Private 4×4/minibus transport with driver-guide
6 nights accommodation in riads/hotels + 1 night in luxury desert camp
Daily breakfast + 2 dinners (Dades Valley & Desert Camp)
Camel trek in Erg Chebbi dunes (sunset & sunrise)
Local guides in Marrakech & desert camp activities
Airport transfers
What’s Not Included
International flights
Lunches & drinks
Entrance fees to monuments
Personal expenses & tips
Travel insurance
Highlights
Guided exploration of Marrakech Medina & Jemaa el-Fna
Crossing the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass
Visiting the UNESCO Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou
Scenic drive through the Dades Valley & Todra Gorge
Camel trekking at sunset in Erg Chebbi dunes
Overnight in a luxury Sahara desert camp
Exploring Ouarzazate & Taourirt Kasbah
FAQs
How long is the drive from Marrakech to Merzouga?
About 9 hours, usually split with an overnight in Dades Valley.
Is this tour private?
Yes, it’s a private tour with customizable options.
Best time to do this 7 Days Morocco Itinerary from Marrakech?
Spring (March–May) and Autumn (Sept–Nov) for mild weather.
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