Discover Morocco in 7 Nights: From Marrakech to the Desert
If you’re planning to visit Morocco and want a well-rounded adventure in just one week, this 8-day itinerary takes you from the cultural heart of Marrakech to the golden dunes of Merzouga — passing through ancient kasbahs, mountain passes, palm valleys, and the Sahara.
It’s the perfect balance of culture, nature, and local experiences — without rushing.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrive in Marrakech
Transfer from the airport to your riad. Spend your first evening soaking up the atmosphere of the medina.
Day 2: Marrakech – Tizi-N-Tichka – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Dades
Depart Marrakech in the morning and cross the Atlas Mountains via the winding Tichka Pass. Stop by Telouet, a traditional Amazigh “Berber” village.
Continue to Ait Ben-Haddou, an ancient Ksar that has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located along the former trade caravan route between the Sahara Desert and Marrakech, the Ksar is now often used as a filming location for movies including The Jewel of the Nile, The Mummy, and Kingdom of Heaven. Continue on through the Valley of 1000 Kasbahs to reach Boumalne Dades and check into your riad.
Overnight in Boumalne Dades.
Day 3: Dades – Tinghir – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga
Continue to Tinghir and visit the stunning Todra Gorge, carved into red rock by a winding river. Pass through Tinjdad, Jorf, and Erfoud, where you’ll feel the desert air of the Tafilalet oasis.
Arrive in the Sahara Desert in the afternoon and meet your camels for a trek to your desert camp. Capture memorable photos as you journey through the dunes. Upon arrival, enjoy mint tea and relax before a delicious included dinner. Afterward, unwind with live music by the bonfire or stargaze from a dune. Watch out for wandering camels!
Overnight in the Sahara Desert.
Day 4: Merzouga
After breakfast, spend the day exploring the Sahara’s unique landscape. Take an SUV excursion over the dunes, enjoying Gnawa music, fossil hunting, and tea with a nomadic family. Pause for lunch in Merzouga, then relax by the pool at a local riad. Return to camp at your leisure. Enjoy an included dinner followed by live music around the bonfire.
Overnight in the Sahara Desert.
Day 5: Merzouga – Alnif – Daraa Valley – Agdez – Ouarzazate
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes. Remember it gets cold in the desert overnight, so don’t forget your jacket! Early morning departure through Rissani (cradle of the Alaouite dynasty) and the immense mountain of Bougafer. We will pass through several old Berber villages and have Lunch in one of them like N’Kob (3rd town on the way).
Overnight in Ouarzazate.
Day 6: Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – Tizi-N-Tichka – Marrakech
After breakfast we will start the day by visiting the Atlas Film Studio and other local spots used in filming. Continue across the Atlas Mountains via the winding Tichka Pass to arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon. Check into your riad in the medina. Explore Jemaa el Fna, which comes to life with street performers as the sun goes down.
Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 7: Marrakech
Tour Marrakech with a private guide.
Start at the Koutoubia Minaret, Marrakech’s tallest structure at 253 feet, part of the city’s largest mosque, completed in 1199. Visit a spice market to discover the traditional medicinal uses of Moroccan herbs. Explore Dar Bacha’s Museum of Confluences, showcasing Berber, Arab, and Jewish artifacts, and enjoy a coffee from over 200 varieties in this historic palace. Discover Jemaa el Fna, a UNESCO site bustling with performers and vendors, and then wander the surrounding souks to see artisans like shoemakers and bakers at work. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon at your leisure.
Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to airport for your departure flight.
What’s Included
- 7 nights in authentic accommodations (Riads, Desert Camp, Guesthouses or/and Hotels)
- Daily breakfast and selected dinners
- Private transport, experienced local guide
- Camel ride and Sahara overnight experience
- All transfers and scheduled activities
Why This Itinerary Works
- Covers Morocco’s top highlights in one week
- Mix of history, landscapes, and cultural immersion
- Seamless transitions between desert, mountain, and city
- Perfect for first-time travelers