Duration
1 week
Best Time
Mar - May
Countries
1
Budget
$1,500 - $2,500
Overview
A sensory overload in the best possible way. Morocco offers ancient medinas, starlit desert nights, mountain passes, and hospitality that will warm your soul. This itinerary covers the essential highlights in one action-packed week.
Highlights
Day by day
Click on each day to expand details
Arrive at Marrakech. Check into a traditional riad. Afternoon wandering the souks. Sunset at Jemaa el-Fnaa square watching the chaos unfold.
Tips
- —Pre-arrange airport transfer through your riad
- —Expect to get lost in the medina – it's part of the charm
Morning at Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs. Lunch in the medina. Afternoon at Jardin Majorelle (Yves Saint Laurent's garden).
Tips
- —Book Majorelle tickets online
- —Hire an official guide for the morning
Early departure over the Atlas Mountains via Tizi n'Tichka pass. Lunch in Ouarzazate. Continue to Merzouga at the edge of the Sahara.
Tips
- —This is a long drive – bring snacks
- —Motion sickness meds for mountain roads
Camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset. Sleep in a luxury desert camp. Dinner under more stars than you've ever seen.
Tips
- —Bring warm layers – desert nights are cold
- —Phone cameras struggle with stars – just enjoy it
Sunrise over the dunes. Drive through the Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas to Fes. Evening walk around the blue gate of the medina.
Tips
- —Another long drive day
- —Fes medina is best explored with a guide
Full day exploring the world's largest car-free urban area. Tanneries, madrasas, craftsmen at work. Cooking class in the evening.
Tips
- —The tanneries smell – mint helps
- —Book cooking class in advance
Last morning shopping for leather goods and ceramics. Transfer to Fes airport (or train to Casablanca for international flights).
Tips
- —Bargain hard in the souks
- —Leave time for traffic to airport
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