A 7 night trip to Morocco offers an ideal blend of culture, mountains, desert landscapes, and historic sites. Travelers often choose a route that begins in Marrakech, crosses the High Atlas Mountains, reaches the Sahara Desert, and loops back through Ouarzazate. This itinerary highlights some of the most iconic places in the country while allowing time to enjoy local traditions and memorable experiences.
Below is an example of how many travelers structure a 7 night Morocco journey, including activities, landscapes, and cultural moments you can expect along the way.
Day 1. Arrival in Marrakech
Most trips begin in Marrakech, one of the most colorful and energetic cities in North Africa. After landing at the airport, travelers usually settle into a riad in the medina. The rest of the day is often spent relaxing or taking a short walk through nearby streets filled with shops, cafes, and traditional architecture.
Day 2. Marrakech to Boumalne Dades
From Marrakech, the journey heads toward the High Atlas Mountains. The drive through the Tichka Pass is known for its dramatic landscapes and mountain villages. Along the way, many travelers stop in a traditional Amazigh village or visit Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its mudbrick architecture and film appearances. The day often ends in Boumalne Dades, located at the entrance of the picturesque Dades Valley.
Day 3. Dades Valley to Merzouga Sahara
The route continues through canyons and oasis towns. The Todra Gorge near Tinghir is a popular stop thanks to its towering rock walls and scenic walking paths. By afternoon, travelers reach Merzouga and the dunes of Erg Chebbi. A sunset camel ride is a classic experience, followed by dinner and music at a desert camp beneath clear desert skies.
Day 4. Exploring the Sahara Desert
A full day in the desert allows time to appreciate the region beyond the dunes. Many travelers explore by SUV, crossing sandy tracks, visiting a Gnawa music village, searching for fossils, and sharing tea with nomadic families who call the desert home. Lunch in Merzouga and a relaxing stop at a riad pool are common ways to enjoy the afternoon before returning to camp for dinner and live music around a bonfire.
Optional activities include an ATV or dune buggy ride at sunrise for those who want more adventure.
Day 5. Sahara to Ouarzazate
The day often begins before sunrise for those who want to watch the colors shift across the dunes. Temperatures are cool in the morning, so a warm jacket is recommended. The route moves through Rissani, the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty, and continues past mountain scenery and several small Berber villages. Lunch is often taken in a town like N Kob before arriving in Ouarzazate for the night.
Day 6. Ouarzazate to Marrakech
Ouarzazate is known as the gateway to the Sahara and also as a major filmmaking location. Many visitors begin the day by exploring Atlas Film Studio and other nearby shooting sites from well known movies. After sightseeing, the journey returns toward Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas once again through the winding Tichka Pass. Arrival in the late afternoon offers time to check in and relax in the medina.
Day 7. Discovering Marrakech
A full day in Marrakech provides an opportunity to explore its history and lively markets.
Highlights often include the Koutoubia Minaret, the largest mosque in the city, followed by a visit to a spice market to learn about traditional herbal uses. Dar Bacha’s Museum of Confluences is another favorite for its architecture and collection of Berber, Arab, and Jewish artifacts. The museum’s café is known for offering more than 200 types of coffee. Many travelers end their walking tour in Jemaa el Fna, a UNESCO recognized cultural square that transforms in the evening with performers, food stalls, and vibrant energy. The remainder of the day can be spent wandering the souks, relaxing at a hammam, or enjoying Moroccan cuisine.
Day 8. Departure
The final morning is usually reserved for airport transfers or last minute shopping.
After one week in Morocco, travelers head home with a deeper connection to the country’s landscapes, traditions, and warm hospitality.