1 Week Morocco itinerary from Marrakech to Fes crossing some of the best landscapes in Morocco as well as some of the most iconic places. This enriching trip leads you from the spectacular High Atlas, visiting ancient, fortified cities such as Ait Ben Haddou, across fertile valleys and dramatic gorges to the desert beyond. In Merzouga, you’ll ride camels across golden sand dunes, listen to traditional music beneath the stars and spend a night in a luxury desert camp. The journey takes you north, past palm-laden oases, cedar forests and picturesque mountain towns to Fes spiritual and cultural home to all Moroccans. It’s a mix of nature, tradition and genuine local interactions, just the right combination for travelers looking to experience comfort and adventure.
If you want absolute flexibility, comfort and a one-on-one personalized experience, consider booking a private Morocco tour. Offering visits to historic cities, the sweeping Sahara, and the beautiful Atlas Mountains, personal travel with a private tour means you can set the pace and only focus on the sites and activities which you want to do and see. You’ll receive greater cultural insights and smoother logistics from beginning to end with the help of local experts. Private tours are fully tailor-made exactly to your schedule, interests, group size and travel-styles, for any couples, families, friends, and solo travelers. And the larger your group, the cheaper it is per person, while transportation costs are consistent regardless of the season.
Your 1 Week Morocco itinerary begins from the moment you touch down in the colorful city of Marrakech. Your driver from Private Moroccan Tour will meet you at the airport then you will be driven to your riad/hotel in the medina. Depending on when you arrive you’ll have the opportunity to visit the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square where the streets come alive with people selling traditional food, musicians and story tellers. Dine at leisure and stay for the night.
After breakfast you will leave Marrakech and head to the High Atlas Mountains by taking the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Along the way, you will pause at panoramic vista points and Berber villages before arriving at UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, a stunning earthen village with a history stretching back centuries and a Hollywood résumé. After getting lost in its labyrinthine alleys and mud-brick architecture, drive southwest to Ouarzazate, or the “Hollywood of Morocco.” You’ll have time to explore the ancient Taourirt Kasbah or the nearby film studios before checking into your hotel for the night.
Today’s drive cuts through the stunning Skoura Oasis of palm trees and crusader-era kasbahs, and visits the fragrant Valley of Roses in all its springtime brilliance. You’ll traverse traditional Berber villages and see beautiful landscapes. Next drive to the Dades Valley, home to red rock cliffs and spectacular rock formations. On the route, visit viewpoints of the meandering Dades River. You’ll spend the night in a comfy guesthouse or hotel nestled atop the valley; dinner is provided.
Drive east after breakfast to the stunning Todgha Gorges, magnificent walls of a series of limestone river canyons. There will be time to stretch your legs with a little walk in the canyon of the gorge, taking in the cool mountain air, before setting off further into the desert for the day. Stop at the towns of Tinjdad, Erfoud (known for fossils) and Rissani, the economic centre of the area and a typical desert city. Arrive in Merzouga by late afternoon and hop on a camel for a sunset trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes. Stay overnight in an upscale desert camp with a traditional Moroccan dinner, campfire music, and more stars than you can imagine.
Begin your day early to witness that magical desert sunrise. After breakfast you will start an explorative journey of the area, get to visit the oases, with a stop in Khamlia (village of Gnaoua) you will have the chance to hear a little concert of gnaoua music. Meet local nomadic families, later visit the seasonal Salt Lake along with various fossils area in Mifiss. In the afternoon, head back to Merzouga and check in to a lovely desert hotel or riad with dune views.
Today Is a long and rewarding travel day from Merzouga. You will travel north to Fes after breakfast, on the way we will pass through the beautiful Ziz Valley, which is covered in thousands of date palms and home to many old kasbahs. Have lunch in Midelt, a mountain town that lies between the High and Middle Atlas. Wind your way through cedar forests near Azrou, where you might find wild Barbary macaques, and then through Ifrane, a town with an alpine-style architecture. In late afternoon or evening we reach Fes where will drop you off in a charming riad inside the ancient Medina.
Enjoy breakfast before you meet your local guide and embark on an interesting tour of Fes, the spiritual and intellectual capital of Morocco. Discover the ancient medina of Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with highlights such as Al Quaraouiyine University, Bou Inania Madrasa, the Chouara Tannery, and neighborhoods full of medieval craft shops. Depending on when you are flying you will be taken back to Fes airport or helped with your onward travel. Today marks the end of your 1 Week Morocco itinerary.
⇒ Important Note:
This 1 Week Morocco itinerary is a bespoke tour, so it can be tailored to meet your specific requirements and can be adjusted within your schedule and style of travel. If you’re looking for a more cultural emphasis, a bit more time, or some upgraded accommodations, we are delighted to be able to customize the trip for you to make it just what you’re looking for.
Note that prices can change according to the number of participants and the kind of accommodation you choose (standard or luxury). The larger the group that takes the tour, the cheaper it gets per person. But the cost of transportation remains the same since it is per vehicle and not per person. Feel free to contact our team for a custom quote or to customize your itinerary — it is available 24/7 to take your call!
I recently completed a 1 Week Morocco itinerary from Marrakech to Fes with Private Moroccan Tour, and I can’t thank Hassan enough for making it such a memorable experience. From the very first day, Hassan was welcoming, professional, and full of knowledge about every region we visited. He made sure we were always comfortable and helped us connect with local culture in a real, personal way not just as tourists. The desert camp experience, especially, was magical. Everything ran smoothly, and we felt safe and cared for the entire time. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Hassan to anyone wanting to explore Morocco the right way.
Traveling with Mustapha from Private Moroccan Tour was like being shown around Morocco by a trusted friend. He was incredibly warm, patient, and passionate about sharing the history and beauty of his country. From the winding alleys of Fes to the vast silence of the Sahara, Mustapha made every moment special. He had a great sense of timing, avoided tourist traps, and always made sure we had the best possible experience. What stood out most was his genuine care he truly wanted us to love Morocco as much as he does. Thank you, Mustapha, for an unforgettable journey.
Customization Available: All our tours can be personalized to match your itinerary, desires, and travel style. If you want to make modifications such as adding stops, upgrading the accommodations or taking it a bit slower feel free to ask, we take care of it all.
Tour costs depend on many factors:
To get a booking confirmation you will need to make a few small deposits. The balance can be paid on arrival.
What to Pack:
Travel INSURANCE: Travel insurance covering medical, trip cancellation, and lost luggage is recommended.
Local Guides & Drivers: Our guides and drivers are experienced and knowledgeable of the local ingredients, history and culture, speak English, French and other languages! They are not only drivers they are also storytellers, cultural ambassadors and confidants.
Luggage: A small daypack is recommended for overnight stays (especially desert camps). Your primary luggage will be locked in the vehicle.
Weather & Conditions: Morocco’s weather can be changeable hot days, cold nights especially in the mountains and desert. Make sure you consider the seasonal conditions before heading on the trip.
Responsible Travel: We promote respect for local traditions and culture. Our Tours are all about Sustainable and real Moroccan experience.
Private Moroccan Tours is available 24/7. So please do not hesitate to contact our team of experienced and friendly human beings who are always available to help you create your own Moroccan experience according to your area of interest and schedule. With great insight into the beautiful country of Morocco, its culture, nature and tourism we are dedicated to offering you a memorable experience. There is the small deposit needed to secure your Moroccan trip, please do keep in mind that!
