Ultimate 7-Day Morocco Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech: Imperial Cities, Chefchaouen & Luxury Sahara Adventure

Why Choose This Optimized 7-Day Private Morocco Tour?

This Morocco 7-day itinerary combines comfort and adventure, providing a personalized experience that is not found in standard group tours.

This 7-day Morocco tour is private and can be tailored to your own schedules and interests. Whereas with most group tours, you will have to follow the same itinerary as other members of your group; with this tour, the pace of your trip and what you see will all be based on what you would like to do.

This Morocco road trip will take you from Casablanca to Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes, and the Sahara Desert, providing a completely comprehensive view of how diverse Morocco is. You will see everything from coastal cities to mountain villages, deserts, and everything in between during your one-week trip through Morocco.

During your 7-day Sahara desert experience, you will have a night in an upscale desert camp in Erg Chebbi, which offers private lavatories and hot shower facilities for maximum comfort. When you stay in an upscale desert camp, you will not be camping; you will experience luxury hospitality under the stars.

7-Day Morocco Private Tour with Local Guides: During your seven-day tour of Morocco, you will have the use of a private vehicle, accompanied by a driver who speaks English. You will also have local guides in Fes and Marrakech that have an incredible amount of knowledge about the cities' cultures and histories and will help you to experience Fes and Marrakech through engaging stories.

Detailed Day-by-Day Morocco Itinerary (Casablanca to Marrakech)

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca – The Largest City of Morocco

The initial stop on your week-long itinerary through Morocco is Casablanca, which is considered Morocco's economic capital and largest city. When you arrive, you will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, which is one of the largest mosques that you will find around the globe and will also provide you with a stunning display of architecture blending traditional Moroccan craftsmanship with modern engineering. The breathtaking sight of the 210-meter minaret that towers over the Atlantic Ocean will create a lasting memory of your first moments in Morocco.

Depending upon the time of day that you arrive in Casablanca, you may want to take a little time to explore the beautiful architecture of Mohammed V Square and get a few photos taken at the famous Rick's Café that was made famous by the movie Casablanca. If possible, you may want to finish up your visit by taking a leisurely stroll down the Corniche of Casablanca to enjoy the stunning views of the ocean and fresh seafood offered at several restaurants that line the shoreline.

Overnight: Casablanca (or Rabat, depending on arrival time and preferred pacing)

Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat (Capital) – The Blue City of Chefchaouen

The second day of your Morocco Adventure Tour takes us along a scenic coastal route to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, which is known for its beauty. While in Rabat, you will visit some historical sites, including Hassan Tower, an incomplete minaret from the 12th century. You will also stop by the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, which showcases the amazing architectural work built in the modern Alaouite dynastic style, including the colorful tilework and carved stone.

Next, you will visit the Kasbah of Oudaya, a fortress located above the Bou Regreg River, where the narrow streets are painted in both blue and white. The colors of these streets are similar to those found in Chefchaouen. From here, we continue north through the agricultural area of Ouazzane and into the Rif Mountains. You will arrive in Chefchaouen around sunset, giving you a chance to see the sun set on these buildings painted in blue.

Overnight: Chefchaouen

Day 3: Chefchaouen Exploration – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes

Spend your morning enjoying the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of the beautiful alleyways of Chefchaouen while photographing the amazing blue-colored buildings. You'll also want to check out the many local handicraft shops and enjoy the mountain town environment that has drawn tourists to this area for many years. As part of this 7-day Morocco cultural tour, Chefchaouen is an important part of your tour.

After leaving Chefchaouen, head to the ruins of the ancient city of Volubilis—an incredibly well-preserved example of a Roman site in North Africa that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see incredible mosaics on the floors and beautiful triumphal arches and columns that illustrate the great Roman influence that exists throughout North Africa. Then, visit Meknes—the former capital of the Ismaili dynasty, where you'll have the chance to see the impressive Bab Al-Mansour gate, the giant Sahrij Souani basin, and the tomb of Moulay Ismail.

Overnight: Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco

Day 4: Sightseeing Fes with a Local Guide

Today is the opportunity to see Fes, the oldest city in Morocco, as well as its most interesting. This part of your Morocco 7-day itinerary includes a visit to Fes and Marrakech and an exploration of the desert with a guide that is knowledgeable about the city, explaining its secrets and telling you about the construction of the town, which is a medieval construction.

Your morning will be dedicated to a driving tour, where you will see the impressive brass doors of the Royal Palace Gate, visit "The Mellah," the old Jewish section of Fes, enjoy a view from Borj Sud fortress above the medina, and meet local artisans who create handmade pottery in a ceramic village & school.

In the afternoon, with your guide, you will experience a walking tour of the Medina, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and will have a chance to visit some historic buildings such as the Al Attarine Madrasa, whose courtyard is impressive, and Al Quaraouiyine University, which was founded in 859 A.D. above the city. You will also have an opportunity to see the colorful, aromatic Chouara Tanneries, where leather has been produced by hand for well over a thousand years.

Overnight: Fes

Day 5: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Sahara

Fes is your starting point for your longest driving day in Morocco. This is also the most scenic and rewarding part of your week-long itinerary. Many visitors are surprised by the beautiful scenery that surrounds them as they leave Fes and drive into the Middle Atlas Mountains. Your first stop is Ifrane, known as "The Switzerland of Morocco" because of its mountainous architecture, its clean high streets, and its cool mountain climate.

From Ifrane, you will travel through beautiful Cedar Forests where wild Barbary macaques often come to greet visitors. After passing the Tizi-n-Tilghmt mountain pass (altitude 1,907), you will continue along the Ziz Valley, where you can take in the stunning views and the many palm trees and ancient ksours (fortified villages) located in the valley.

Once you reach Merzouga, located near the entrance to the Erg Chebbi sand dunes, you will switch to camels (or if you prefer a 4x4) and will begin the trek into the sea of golden sand dunes. Here you will be able to view the famous sunset from the high dunes. This is a magical experience, as you will see the desert change through a range of colors from orange to pink to purple and all the in-between! After arriving at the luxury camp, you will be treated with dinner and will be entertained with traditional Berber music and dancing around the campfire under a sky filled with incredibly bright stars.

Overnight: Luxury Desert Camp, Erg Chebbi

Day 6: Sahara Sunrise – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

You will be awakened in the early morning hours to witness the incredible desert sun rising in contrast with the equally stunning desert sunset that was witnessed the previous night, both a feast for the eyes. After breakfast, you will make your way back to Merzouga, either by camel or by 4x4. For those who are visiting on Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday, you will have the opportunity to visit a traditional market that showcases the array of goods for sale within the local community. You'll have the chance to stop in Erfoud, at a fossilized marble workshop, to witness the process of how ancient marine fossils are transformed into decorative pieces.

After leaving Erfoud, you will drive on to the majestic cliffs of the Todra Gorges, which are home to an array of vertical walls that rise up to 300 meters on each side of this narrow canyon. This area is one of the most popular rock climbing destinations around the world. You will continue on from the Todra Gorges through Boumalne Dades, taking photographs of the strange "monkey fingers" rock formations and enjoying a panoramic view over the green and beautiful Dades Valley with its many kasbahs and terraced agricultural fields.

Overnight: Dades Valley

Day 7: Dades Valley – Ait Benhaddou – High Atlas – Conclusion in Marrakech

On the last day of your 7-day custom Morocco itinerary, you will explore Kalaa Magouna, also known as Rose Valley, is well known for producing Damascus roses, which are harvested for use in the perfume and cosmetics industry each spring.

Skoura's palm groves are lined with fortified kasbahs before arriving in Ouarzazate, Africa's "Hollywood" due to its many film studios. You can opt to take a tour of Atlas Studios, where many famous films were shot, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

You will see Ait Benhaddou, one of the many fortified villages. It is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been used in numerous movies over the years. This ksar (fortified village) consists of earthen buildings clustered together on the hillside and shows the rich history of traditional Moroccan building practices in its architecture.

Cross the breathtakingly beautiful High Atlas Mountain range via the Tizi-N-Tichka road, and enjoy the stunning vistas at the highest point of North Africa (2260 m).

Drop-off: Arrive at your accommodation or the airport in Marrakech, typically between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, completing your unforgettable Moroccan adventure.

Gallery of Your Morocco Adventure

Tour Pricing, Accommodation, and Logistics

Inclusions and Exclusions

Understanding what's included in your Morocco 7 days tour price helps you budget accurately for this adventure.

Accommodation Options and Price Factors

The total cost for a Morocco trip consisting of seven days will differ according to a number of factors, including how many people are travelling (since transportation costs are shared by all the members within the travelling group) and what type of hotel you have selected; however, we will provide you with hotel choices that fit your needs and budget:

In both hotel categories, you will receive hotels where the quality of cleanliness, comfort, and service is high. The only differences between our two hotel categories are the size of the rooms, the types of amenities available, and the level of luxury. For price information specific to your travel dates and the number of people travelling, please contact us.

Explore Alternative and Extended Morocco Itineraries

Should this 7-day tour not provide you with the exact experience you desire, we can create a custom and tailor-made tour that will better suit your individual needs.

• If you're looking for shorter options, there are two possibilities: If time is of the essence and you want to travel very quickly through Morocco, a 5-day Morocco itinerary is a good choice because it does not include Fes, allowing you to make faster progress. Alternatively, there is a 6-day itinerary that does not include Chefchaouen but gives you opportunities to spend more time in other locations.
• If you want more time to explore Marrakech, consider extending your itinerary for 8 to 12 days, during which you could take a guided tour of the city and continue on to the Sahara Desert in a 4x4 vehicle to see the incredible dunes and remote desert areas. You could also add in other location highlights by visiting Tangier and Essaouira.
• If you wish to start your trip at different starting points, we offer similar 7-day itinerary options beginning either in Marrakech and traveling this route backwards or starting your trip in Tangier if you are entering Morocco from Spain. This gives you the flexibility to select where you will arrive and what international flight options fit your schedule.
• We can slightly alter any itinerary to accommodate any interests you may have, including photography, culinary experiences, hiking, culture, or just relaxation. You can contact us to create the ideal Moroccan experience for you and to find out about hidden corners of Morocco as well as other lesser-known treasures.

What Makes This Morocco 7 Day Tour Package Stand Out?

The search for the best itinerary for a week in Morocco will yield many results. However, there is one from purely planning & through consideration of what travellers want; it compares favourably to other available travel options, mainly standard group tours, in that we have put emphasis on experience rather than merely visiting places.

The overall design of the Morocco 7 days itinerary has been created to have a smooth flow through the lands of Morocco. Starting in Casablanca allows for an initial introduction into Moroccan culture through a modern cosmopolitan environment before heading into Imperial cities, as well as the far-off Desert areas within Morocco. The movement from coast to mountains, then to desert, before returning back again also tells a story through anticipation and increases in quality experiences.

While the English-speaking driver provides transport for your journey, the driver also acts as a cultural bridge between you and Moroccan culture by providing insights into how Moroccans live, their history and customs. Additionally, local guides in Fes and Marrakech offer experienced knowledge about complicated, historic cities and have the ability to navigate through complex medinas as well as locate places that are often not noticeable to independent travellers.

Planning Your Morocco 7 Day Trip: Practical Considerations

Understanding the Morocco 7 Day Trip Cost

In determining a budget for your 7-day tour of Morocco, you will probably find the cost of tours to average from €600 to €1500+, depending on several factors, including group size, lodging level, & seasonality. Generally, as group size increases, the per-person cost decreases since all members can share transportation costs, whereas couples & solo travelers tend to pay a higher price for personalized/private tours but receive the greatest amount of flexibility in scheduling as well as tailored service.

In addition to the price of the tour package, there will be a budgeted amount of approximately €250-400 per individual to cover:

• Entrance fees to monuments (approximately €36)
• Lunches & dinners that are not included in the package (about €10-25 per meal)
• Any Beverages or Snacks
• Any Shopping or Souvenirs
• Any optional activities such as cooking classes, quad biking, or hammam experiences
• Gratuity for the driver and tour guides (typically €50-100 total for good service).

Packing Essentials for Your One Week Morocco Itinerary

Successful packing for a Morocco road trip 7 days requires preparing for diverse climates and cultural contexts:

Attire: Plan to dress in a way that is layered because of rapid changes in temperature from cool mountain mornings to hot desert afternoons. You must also pack clothing that is respectful of the local culture, so covering shoulders and knees is required in many instances when visiting religious sites. While walking through the Medina, it will be important for you to possess a comfortable pair of shoes due to a lot of the Medina being built on cobblestones with uneven walking surfaces.

What to Bring for the Desert: You will need sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen, a hat or scarf to protect yourself from the sun, and a light scarf or shawl for the evening camel ride. For the evening ride, you will want a very light jacket or fleece to remain warm during the cooler temperatures at night.

What Equipment to Take for Photography: There are amazing photo opportunities everywhere you turn in Morocco. You should bring along extra memory cards and batteries for your camera, as well as possibly a polarizing lens for photographing the desert landscape. If you want to use a drone for aerial photography, you will need to check the regulations in advance to obtain the required permit.

Health and Comfort Items: You should carry hand sanitizer, prescription medication, basic first aid supplies, and potentially an anti-diarrheal medication while adjusting to new food and water sources.

Maximizing Your Morocco Cultural Tour 7 Days Experience

Cultural Etiquette and Respectful Travel

Every year, millions of international tourists visit Morocco, a country that is largely Muslim and is considered a conservative society. To enhance your time in Morocco and increase your chances for a warm welcome, it is advisable to follow the cultural customs of the country. As you participate in your guided tour over the course of seven days, keep the following guidelines in mind:

• Be mindful of Ramadan; eat in private and avoid eating and drinking in public during the daylight hours. (The dates of Ramadan vary each year based on the Islamic calendar.) Most restaurants are open to tourists, but their hours may be limited during this time.
• When taking photographs of people, particularly women, be respectful and seek permission first. Many sites prohibit photography, while others may charge a fee for using a camera.
• Bargaining is expected in souks and markets and is considered an essential part of the experience. Begin your negotiations with the seller at 40-50% of the original asking price and negotiate in a respectful manner. Bargaining in fixed-price stores is not acceptable.
• As a general rule, no mosques are accessible to non-Muslims in Morocco, with the exception of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, which permits non-Muslim visitors to enter only at specific tour times.

Culinary Highlights Throughout Your Journey

The Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour offers a unique opportunity to experience Moroccan cuisine, which has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. The specific styles and characteristics of food vary by geographic region throughout the country:

• The Coastal Region (Casablanca and Rabat): Fish and seafood are featured prominently in this region's cuisine. Some examples of seafood include grilled sardines, shrimp tagged with olives, and fish couscous. To experience these delicacies, travelers can dine at restaurants located along the Corniche or at traditional port-side eateries.
• The Mountains (Chefchaouen): This mountain town is known for producing goat cheese, honey, and local breads. The restaurants in Chefchaouen often offer outdoor dining on rooftop patios along with great views of the Rif Mountains.
• The Culinary Capital of Morocco (Fes): Fes is known as the culinary capital of Morocco and serves high-quality dishes, such as pastilla (a sweet-savory stuffed pastry made with pigeon or chicken), traditional tagine, and street food, including makouda (potato fritters) and harira soup. Within the medina (a maze of winding alleyways), there are many historic fondouks (caravanserais) that have been converted into restaurants that have a unique atmosphere.
• The Desert: Travelers can sample unique dishes from the Berber culture in desert regions throughout Morocco. Medfouna (a type of "Berber pizza"), traditional tagines that are slow-cooked at low temperatures, and ceremonial mint tea preparation are all part of the dining experience that visitors to a desert camp will enjoy. Guests are typically served a traditional dinner of tajine and salads, fresh bread, and seasonal fruits when they stay at a desert campsite.
• Throughout Morocco: Mint tea (sometimes referred to as "atay" or "ataybek") is offered to visitors as part of traditional Moroccan hospitality. In general, it is considered impolite to decline an offer of more than one serving of tea. Additionally, travelers should try all of the many varieties of tagines (such as chicken with preserved lemon and olives, beef with prunes and almonds, and vegetable combinations), traditionally served on Fridays, as well as Moroccan pastries, including chebakia and briwat.

Photography Opportunities Not to Miss

The 7-Day Morocco Tour Package will provide you with an endless supply of social media posts and professional on-site camera shots!

• Blue Streets of Chefchaouen: The AM morning light (before 9 AM) provides perfect blue-tone photography due to the lack of crowds. However, if you plan to visit Chefchaouen, look for higher viewpoints to take in panoramic views of the entire town. Spanish Mosque Trail is the pathway you should look for.
• Fes Tanneries: The stunning dyeing vats create amazing scenes! The mid-morning sun provides amazing light for you to take stunning photos, and take along a telephoto lens to be able to capture the fine details from the viewing terrace as well.
• Erg Chebbi Dunes: The dunes are perfect for photography when the sun is rising or setting (golden hour) because the light transforms the dunes and will provide you with a stunning photograph. Climb to the top of the high dunes to get a broad view of the surrounding desert, and take those classic camel silhouette photos at sunset. There will be many opportunities for nighttime photography, especially with the visibility of the Milky Way under the dark desert sky (just bring a tripod and know your camera's long-exposure settings).
• Ait Benhaddou: The afternoon light will provide a wonderful view of the kasbah's earthen architecture. For traditional frontal photos, walk across the river and capture a panoramic view of the kasbah with afternoon light. Once inside the kasbah, explore the narrow passages to discover many beautiful detail shots, including traditional doorways, windows, and architectural features.
• High Atlas: The Tizi-N-Tichka Pass is located in the High Atlas mountain range and has many dramatic mountain scenes, Berber villages that cling to the side of the mountains, and seasonal changes that occur. If you visit during the winter/spring seasons, the mountains will have snow on them; during springtime, the valley floors will be green and lush.

Reviews and Insights from Travellers: Travel Insights and Travel Trust Signals

This travel tour is often complimented by travelers for its well-rounded tour, the pace being at ease, and having knowledgeable tour guides. The most recent reviews provide the following insight into what customers thought: