1 Week in Morocco - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Imperial Cities & the Sahara Desert

If you only have one week in Morocco, a classic option is this grand tour, covering multiple imperial cities like Fes, Meknes, and Marrakesh and Roman ruins, the Sahara desert, and the Atlas mountains.

Itinerary #2: Marrakesh, Desert Tour & Essaouira

Focusing solely on one imperial city, Marrakesh, this week-long itinerary features the Sahara, Atlas mountains, and desert villages like the lesser-visited Zagora. Plus, you'll work your way to the coastal beach town of Essaouira.  

You'll start in Marrakesh amid the 1,000-year-old sandstone walls of the "Red City," exploring the medina and taking in the bustle of Jemaa el-Fna and its food vendors, musicians and even snake charmers. The following day, head into the desert and over the High Atlas mountains to Ouarzazate, which you may recognize from films like "Gladiator" and "Lawrence of Arabia." 

Drive through the date palms of the Draa Valley and deeper into the desert to the often-overlooked Zagora before camping in a tent under the stars. After an early wake-up to watch the sunrise over the dunes, you'll loop back via the kasbah of Aït Benhaddou. Spend the evening and morning here without the crowds before you go back along the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Marrakesh. Don't linger for too long, though; you have one destination left. Head to the seaside city of Essaouira to relax at the beach, or try hopping on a kiteboard before you go back to Marrakesh to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Cities of Northern Morocco

On this tour of northern Morocco, you'll work your way south from Tangier—a short ferry ride to and from Spain—cover two other imperial cities (Fes and Rabat) and overnight in the photogenic "Blue City" of Chefchaouen and spend time in Casablanca.

You'll start in the port city of Tangier, where its new marina contrasts with a history shaped by multiple cultures over the years. Then head to the "Blue City" of Chefchaouen, where you'll wander through a maze of bright blue buildings amid the Rif Mountains. After a quiet evening and morning exploring the city, you'll make your way first to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing Morocco's best-preserved Roman ruins. Stop in Meknes next, the imperial city of Moulay Ismail, which grew from a small town to a magnificent capital during his reign. End the day in Fes, Morocco's "cultural capital," staying the night in a riad.

On Day 4, follow a guide through the rugs, jewelry, and leather goods of Fes' medina. You'll also visit the hillside Marinid Tombs, the famous Chouara Tannery, and the 9th-century Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University. Next is the capital, Rabat, known for its white architecture. Spend the afternoon scoping out spots like the Royal Palace and Andalusian Gardens. Then hop over to Casablanca to see the Hassan II Mosque, the second-largest in the world, on your way to Marrakesh. End in the "Red City" with its famous Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens and the hustle and bustle of Jemaa el-Fna. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Highlights of Morocco from Beach to Desert

Explore some of Morocco's most popular sites on this sea-to-sand itinerary. Beginning in Casablanca and ending in Marrakesh, you'll visit the off-the-beaten-path coastal town of Asilah and hit all the major highlights from Chefchouan and Fes to Merzouga and Aït Benhaddou. Bonus, you'll indulge the senses in a hands-on pottery workshop in Fes.

You'll start in the seaside city of Asilah, an art-filled spot that Casablanca residents head to on the weekends. After scoping out the murals, you'll venture to Chefchaouen, the famous "Blue City," whose buildings are featured everywhere on postcards. On the way, stop at the Caves of Hercules outside Tangier, where the mythological hero rested before performing his 11th labor. From Chefchaouen, you'll travel to Fes, home to one of the most extensive old quarters in the world, and set out for a guided tour of the city. You'll stop for a pottery workshop to try your hand at the crafts found throughout the many souks. 

On Day 4, head over the Atlas mountains and out to the dunes of Erg Chebbi in the Sahara, where you'll ride camelback to a desert camp and spend the night under the stars. Make your way back to the city through the Dadès Valley and the impressive Todra Gorge. Follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to the town of Ouarzazate, also known as the "Hollywood of Morocco." Eventually, you'll reach Marrakesh, where a guide will lead you through all the city's top spots, including the souks, Saadian Tombs, and the Koutoubia Mosque. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Marrakesh, Desert Tour & Hiking in the Atlas Mountains 

Choose this diverse itinerary if you'd like to experience a mix of cultural education and outdoor adventure in Morocco. Within a week, you'll head into the desert from Marrakesh to cover the top attractions of the desert, including hiking in the foothills of the Atlas mountains, breaking bread with a Berber family, and stopping in at an argan oil co-op. 

More Great 1-Week Morocco Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Morocco? Check out these other one-week Morocco itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.