Our recommended itinerary to discover the essentials of Morocco in one week, without rushing.
7 days is the sweet spot for a first trip to Morocco. Enough to see the essentials, not too much to saturate. Here is our recommended itinerary from Marrakech.
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
- Airport pickup, transfer to the riad
- Settle in, first mint tea
- Quiet walk in the medina, Jemaa el-Fnaa square at the end of the day
- Dinner in a medina restaurant (avoid the Jemaa el-Fnaa stalls, often touristy)
Day 2: Marrakech the Medina
- Morning: Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Ben Youssef Madrasa
- Noon: break at the Secret Garden or Majorelle Garden
- Afternoon: souks (start with the dyers' souks, then the spice souk)
- Evening: Fantasia dinner-show (Chez Ali) or quiet night at the riad
Day 3: Essaouira Excursion
- Departure 7:30am from your riad
- 2h45 drive through the argan forest (stop at a cooperative)
- Day in Essaouira: medina, port, beach, fresh fish lunch
- Return to Marrakech around 7:30pm
- *Alternative*: day in the Ourika valley (1h drive, more nature)
Day 4: Atlas & Berbers
- Departure 8am to Imlil (1h30)
- 5-6h hike through the 3 Berber valleys, home-cooked lunch
- Return to Marrakech late afternoon
- *Alternative*: Toubkal trek (2 days instead of a day excursion)
Day 5: Hot Air Balloon + Free Day
- Sunrise hot air balloon (5am-9am) — optional but magical
- Free day: spa, hammam, shopping
- Dinner on a medina rooftop (Le Foundouk, Nomad, La Famille)
Day 6-7: Sahara & Merzouga (2 days)
Day 6: Departure 7am. Drive to Aït Ben Haddou (UNESCO), Ouarzazate, Dadès, Todra. Overnight in kasbah.
Day 7: Merzouga, camel trek, overnight bivouac under the stars. (Then long return to Marrakech, or domestic flight)
The 5-day alternative
If you only have 5 days, keep days 1, 2, 3, 4, and replace 6-7 with a day trip to Ouzoud or Agafay (quad + dinner).
The 10-day extension
With 3 more days, add Fez (1 night): domestic flight from Marrakech, UNESCO medina, return to Marrakech.
Timing tips
- Ideal season: April, May, September, October
- Avoid: July-August (too hot in the South)
- Average budget: €80-150/day all inclusive
- Accommodation tip: stay in Marrakech the whole time, it's the most practical base for excursions
This trip in one sentence
Marrakech base, medina + Essaouira + Atlas + Sahara, 7 days = the essential Morocco.
