1 Week Itinerary for Morocco | Marrakech to Fez

Morocco is a fascinating country to travel to. From the maze-like medinas in the cities to the Sahara Desert. Coastal towns for surfing and rugged mountain ranges for hiking, there is so much to see and do. So, what if you only have 1 week in Morocco? Is it still worth it? Absolutely. Here are my suggestions for a 1 week itinerary for Morocco.

Day 1-2: Marrakech

For this itinerary for Morocco,  I suggest starting your trip in Marrakech as it’s very easy to fly into from any destination. Marrakech is also, in my opinion, a good introduction to the country. I would say it’s the easiest city, making it a good place to start and get an idea of the local people and the culture which can be overwhelming to some travellers (especially women).

Marrakech has a number of things to do based on your interests, but I suggest spending your first day just exploring the city. The medina, which is the old part of the city, is very picturesque with its winding alleyways and markets. You’ll also find the souks here which are fun to browse. However, I do suggest waiting until you get to Fez to shop.

In the evening head to Jamaa El Fnaa which is the famous square at the heart of the city. It’s busy throughout the day but really comes to life in the evenings. Here is where you’ll find snake charmers, men with monkeys, fresh juice stalls, music, dancing, and more.

For your second day of Marrakech, I suggest digging a little deeper than just the city exploring. Visit the famous Jardin Majorelle, which was bought by Yves St Laurent. You can visit both the gardens and the museum. Go early to avoid the crowds and the hottest part of the day while exploring the gardens.

For those who love architecture be sure to stop by the Ben Youssef Madrassa and Bahia Palace. Both of which are, at least partially, open to tourists.

Make sure to check out some of the rooftop cafes and restaurants as well for views over the city and listen for the call to prayer to play as you explore.

Day 3-5: Sahara Desert

A 1 week itinerary for Morocco wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Sahara Desert. You can visit the desert on a day trip from Marrakech but it’s not the true Sahara so I suggest a three-day tour that will start in Morocco and end in Fez. There are plenty of tour companies that offer this route so do some research ahead of time (and make sure to read reviews!)

Your tour should include:

• Overnight at a desert camp in the Sahara Desert (including camel ride)
• Todres Gorge
• Overnight in Ouarzazate
• Ben Ait Haddou

It will be a lot of time in a car, after all the Sahara Desert is pretty far away. However, the scenery is beautiful, and you will get lots of photo stops along the way where you can stretch your legs and take some pictures.

You could do this yourself if you wanted to rent a car, but I really enjoyed having a guide that knew the best picture places and, of course, told us some stories and history of the spots we visited.

This tour will end in Fez on the final night.

Day 6-7: Fez

The final stop in this 1 week itinerary for Morocco is Fez. Fez was probably my favourite spot in Morocco, but also the most chaotic (which is why I suggested starting in Marrakech). The shop owners here are much more aggressive, and the medina is absolutely massive with over 4,000 streets. Google Maps won’t help here so I really do suggest hiring a guide to show you around for at least a couple of hours.

Fez is also the best place to shop for souvenirs. It’s a city of artisans and you can find pretty much anything here. It’s definitely the best place to buy leather. A visit to one of the tanneries (Chaouwara is the most well-known) is a must, but be warned; it stinks!

You can also find rugs, blankets, jewellery, tea sets and ceramics, artwork, and more. It’s a shopping paradise, just be sure to haggle! If you have your heart set on something I suggest asking at your hotel or even your guide for an idea of how much something specific should cost. That way you know what price you should be aiming for to get a deal but also be fair to the vendor.

Fez has some beautiful buildings as well that are worth a visit. The blue gate at one of the entryways to the city is iconic. The Royal Palace, which you can’t enter but can visit the outside of, has stunning huge gold doors surrounded by blue tiles. Bou Anania Madrasa and Al-Attarine Madrasa are also must-sees if you are into architecture. And, for a great view of Fez from above, take the 30-minute walk to the Merenid Tombs where you can see the winding alleyways of Fez spread beneath you.

If you are interested in trying a traditional hammam spa experience, Fez is a good place for it. Your accommodation can direct you to the nearest traditional baths or, you can go to one of the hotel spas.

Where to stay for one week in Morocco

Morocco has tons of accommodation options ranging from backpacker hostels to luxurious over-the-top hotels and everything in-between. Prices are pretty reasonable so you may be able to afford a nicer property than you think.

While in Morocco I do suggest staying in at least one riad. A riad is a traditional home with a garden or courtyard inside. The designs of these buildings are beautiful and very different than what most of us are used to so it’s a fun experience.

Accommodation recommendations for Marrakech

• Hostels: Mosaic Hostel
• Midrange hotel: Hotel & Spa Riad El Walaa or Riad Farhan
• Luxury hotel: Ambre Epices Medina Riad or Riad Kniza

Accommodation recommendations for Fez

• Hostels: Riad El Blida
• Midrange hotel: Riad Sidrat Fes or Riad-Boutique Borj Dhab Fez
• Luxury hotel: Palais Faraj Suites & Spa or Riad Mayfez Suites & Spa

If you have more time

1 week in Morocco is enough to see the highlights but if you have a couple of extra days, say 10 days in Morocco, you can add on another city or maybe even two depending on how busy you want to be. From Fez, you can go to Chefchaouen, the famous Blue City of Morocco, Casablanca, or Rabat. Alternatively, you can add the extra time at the beginning of your trip and visit the seaside town of Essaouira which has a much more laid-back vibe than the inland cities.

Final tips for this itinerary For Morocco

Morocco is a beautiful country but can also be very difficult to travel through independently Especially for female travellers. I highly recommend taking guided tours throughout your visit, not just to learn and see the local spots, but also because it makes the experience more enjoyable. You won’t be harassed nearly as much when you are with a local. Many guided tours can be booked in advance or through your accommodation.

Speaking of women in Morocco, ladies please make sure to dress respectfully. Morocco is a Muslim country and very conservative. Pack lightweight and loose clothing to keep you cool but cover up your chest, shoulders, and legs to at least your knees. Wearing revealing clothing is disrespectful and will get a lot of negative and unwanted attention.

Finally, be mindful of the time of year you visit. A 1 week itinerary for Morocco can be incredibly hot during the summer months. The best times to visit are September-October or March-May. However, if you do decide to visit during the spring be mindful of when Ramadan falls. For those wondering about pricing, read how much does it cost to go to Morocco.