Morocco is a country where you will never feel bored during your visit. As well as the diversity of its geographical regions, with long coastlines ,forests, deserts, and mountains, it also has a mixture of cultures, food, and architecture.
You can see influences from Andalusians, Arabs, Berbers, and sub-Saharan Africans, as well as from European colonial powers from times gone by and Jews.
Additionally, Moroccan people are known for their kindness and hospitality. Everything combines to make Morocco an unforgettable destination
Morocco is a big country. While it can be tempting to try and cram in as much as possible during your week, don’t!
If you try and cover too much ground you’ll likely spend too much time sitting on transport and missing things as you race around the sights.
It is better to focus on on particular area and include a variety of attractions and activities to get a good all-round view of the country.
Trying to decide where to spend your week in Morocco can be tough. To help you out, we’ve created four separate itineraries for a week in different parts of the country.
Table of Contents
Marrakech-Essaouira-Atlas Mountains
Arrive: Marrakech
Depart: Marrakech
Best for: History, culture, shopping
morocco itinerary 7 days
Day One
Don’t dash straight out of the airport, even though you may be eager to start your trip. Take time to admire the beautiful designs of Marrakech Airport as an introduction to the country.
Depending on the time of your arrival, and how long your flight was, spend your first day getting acquainted with your neighborhood.
Have a walk around, sample a Moroccan tagine for dinner, enjoy a Moroccan mint tea, and try to sleep early to wake up feeling refreshed and full of energy.
As a side note, book to stay in a traditional riad when planning your trip for the full Moroccan experience.
Day Two
Book a local guide for a convenient tour of the medina, exploring inside the walls and walking through the narrow alleys to see a totally different culture.
Take a look at the tanneries of Marrakech and after that go to the famous Djemaa el Fna for a delicious glass of fresh orange juice and to see the daytime action.
Have lunch at one of the market stalls before continuing to see the iconic Koutoubia Mosque.
Head back into the heart of the medina to visit the Madrassa Ben Youssef, a former religious school, and experience the energy of the colorful souks. Marrakech Museum offers insights into the city’s past, and is located close to the madrassa.
In the evening, reserve dinner at Chez Ali restaurant with its fascinating fantasia show. It’s a top place to experience Moroccan folklore and traditions and round off your busy day.
Day Three
Arrange a day trip to the Atlas Mountains, visiting the lush Ourika Valley, Ouzoud Waterfall, or Imlil. Alternatively, you could visit three valleys in one trip, including Ourika Valley, Ouirgan, and the Imlil plateau.
If you visit Imlil make sure to book lunch at Kasbat Tamadot, a luxury mountain estate owned by Richard Branson.
Alternatively, if you’re craving more history, take a trip to Ouarzazate. The drive through the scenic mountains will bring you to one of the country’s best-preserved traditional settlements, Ait Benhaddou, and you’ll also have the opportunity to visit a film studio and the ancient Taourirt Kasbah. Nature or history–you decide!
Day Four
After a day outside of the city, today continue visiting Marrakech’s important monuments and learning more about the city’s history.
Tour the old palaces of Bahia and Badii and visit the stunning Saadian Tombs.
Explore Mellah, the old Jewish Quarter, and spend some money in Semmarine Souk. In the evening, return to Djemaa el Fna to see the frenzy of activity after dark and enjoy dinner in one of the terrace restaurants.
Day Five
Book a day trip to Essaouira, a gem along the Atlantic coast. Enjoy seeing goats in the argan trees and see how local women prepare argan oil at one of the collectives.
Take a walk around the old medina, which is a lot calmer and smaller than the medina of Marrakech, spot places used to film Game of Thrones, and enjoy the views from skala.
The beach will probably be too windy for you to want to swim–Essaouira is known for being a windy city–but it’s pleasant for a stroll along the sides.
You could also try your hand at surfing if the ocean is calling to you, or sit and watch the talented surfers and kite surfers.
When you return to marrakech in the late afternoon, eat dinner, shower, and freshen up before taking a taxi to Gueliz to sample some of the local bars.
Day Six
For a different view of Marrakech, take a relaxing morning calleche ride around the walls of the city. Head to the newer colonial area of Guilez for shopping and art galleries and eat lunch in one of the area’s many restaurants.
In the afternoon, chill out in one of water resorts like Niki BeachOasiria or, if you prefer to be active, head to the Palmeraies for camel riding, ATV adventures, and more. You could also visit the Majorelle Gardens and the Berber Museum.
Day Seven
Take one last view of the souks and pick up any last-minute souvenirs. Depending on the time of your flight, leave early for the airport and make a stop at the lovely Menara Garden before checking in for your flight.
Casablanca-Rabat-Meknes-Fez
Arrive: Casablanca
Depart: Fez (or Casablanca)
Best for: History, modern cities, shopping, culture
morocco itinerary 7 days
Day one
Make the most of your first day in Casablanca by visiting the large Morocco Mall, one of the biggest in Africa, and marvelling at the mall’s aquarium. Take an evening stroll along the corniche and head to Sky 28 at the Twin Centre for sweeping city views and a drink.
Day Two
This is your main day of sightseeing in Morocco’s biggest city, also the nation’s financial heart, so wake up early!
Snap some pictures of the art deco buildings around the main square of Place Mohammed V and admire the disused Sacre Coeur Cathedral from the outside. See how locals shop at Marche Central before heading to the coast for lunch.
As much as it’s a cliche, Rick’s Cafe is the most iconic lunch stop in the city.
Take a quick walk around the old medina before going to the city’s main sight–the gleaming Hassan II Mosque.
Tours of the interior are only available at certain times of the day, so you should plan to be there for just before 3pm. Alternatively, the last tour is at 4pm.
Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach and soaking up the last of the sun’s rays before visiting the sophisticated La Sqala for dinner.
Day Three
Catch a morning bus to the Moroccan capital of Rabat, about an hour from Casablanca. One of the imperial cities of Morocco, it has a rich history combined with modern features.
After leaving your bags at your hotel, start your day by going to admire the Royal Palace from the outside (note that photography is forbidden) and chose from one of three nearby museums and galleries depending on your preferences: the Archeological Museum, Villa des Arts, or the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
Next stop is the Chella with its delightful gardens and Roman ruins.
Grab a quick lunch nearby before visiting the Mohammed V Mausoleum and the adjacent Hassan Tower. Continue to the Kabah of the Oudayas, one of the city’s most important historic sites.
After exploring inside the atmospheric walls, you might like to make a quick photo stop at Rabat lighthouse and have a stroll along the beach.
Enjoy dinner nearby in Le Dhow, a glorious restaurant on a boat.
Day Four
After breakfast take another bus journey, this time to Meknes, another imperial city. Start by visiting the old graneries and stables of Heri es Souani, marvelling at the enormous site.
Then return to the heart of the city to descend into the former underground prison of Habs Qara.
The opulent Mausoleum of Moulay is a short walk away. After admiring the splendid mausoleum, enjoy lunch in one of the many small restaurants in the nearby streets.
Next stop: Dar Jamai, a major cultural, art, and history museum. Snap pictures of the Medina Mosque and visit the marvellous Bou Inania Madrassa.
Put your feet up and relax now! Get an overview of the city with a calleche ride around the beautiful gates and walls, making sure to stop for photos at the grand gates of Bab el Khamis and Bab Mansour.
Finish your day at Place el Hedim, the city’s main square. Full of life in the evenings, there are plenty of places to eat and you can look in the adjacent souks for local souvenirs. Do keep your eyes open for damascene items, as Meknes is the only Moroccan city to still practice this technique.
Day Five
Pack your bags and store your luggage at your hotel before a morning visit to the historic Berber and Roman site of Volubilis. The earlier you go, the more chance you have of beating the heat and the crowds.
Spend a few hours wandering around the fascinating ruins and soaking up the views.
Return to Meknes for a late lunch, collect your bags, and catch a bus to Fez. Spend your first evening in Fez relaxing in a local coffee shop or sampling some of the modern bars in the New Town.
Day Six
Start your day by having breakfast in the medina, close to the beautiful Bab Boujloud, a gate that is green on one side and blue on the other. As a side note, Fez is known for its rich cuisine.
Take a medina tour, seeing the extensive souks and visiting some of the oldest leather tanneries in the world. Visit the first university in the world, Al Quaraouin, Dar al Makhzen with its beautiful handmade mosaics, and discover Mellah, the old Jewish Quarter.
Other highlights you may wish to include in your itinerary include the Nejjarine Museum, Dar Batha, and the Merinid Tombs. After your busy day of sightseeing, if you would like a panoramic view of the city, go to Mount Zalagh.
Day Seven
Enjoy your last Moroccan breakfast and visit the peaceful garden at Jnan Sbil, a perfect way to relax and unwind after your action-packed week exploring some of Morocco’s most exciting cities.
Tangier-Asilah-Chefchaouen
Arrive: Tangier
Depart: Tangier
morocco itinerary 7 days Best for: Beaches, culture, nature
Day One
Take a walk around the area near your hotel to familiarize yourself before heading to the beach for your first paddle in Tangier’s waters. Visit Hafa Cafe for awesome views over a glass of mint tea.
Day Two
Start your day with some sightseeing in the old medina and make your way through its narrow atmospheric alleyways. Tangier’s medina is generally pretty easy to explore independently, but guides are available too.
See the Portuguese castle and huge old villas from the colonial era. If you love cultural sites, don’t miss Dar el Mahkzen, two museums housed within a former palace.
Enjoy a seafood lunch before visiting the myth-surrounded Hercules Cave and Cap Spartel lighthouse.
Day Three
Admire the lush landscapes in the charming Mendoubia Gardens before visiting one of the beaches close to Tangier. Tetouan, Martil, Capo Negro, Rincoun … take your pick! They’re all ideal for enjoying the seaside life.
Day Four
Enjoy a day trip to Asilah, a small and cute city whose old medina has lots of attractive street art. Stroll the old streets admiring the art and explore the small local market.
Dine at one of the many local restaurants; the seafood establishments are especially popular.
Other local attractions include the Church of San Bartolome and the tower of El Hamra, and many locals enjoy hanging out on the nearby beaches. In the evening, take a ride on Agadir’s Ferris wheel and have a few drinks in one of the bars.
Don’t stay up too late, though, as you need to wake up pretty early the next day.
Day Five
Take the bus to Chefchaouen, the famous blue city of Morocco that is surrounded by the Rif Mountains. Its striking blue walls and narrow alleyways mixed with diverse cultural influences from the Moorish and the Jewish make the city exceptionally fascinating.
Aladin Restaurant is a great place to stop for lunch, close to the small but interesting Kasbah Museum, which features a lovely Andalusian garden and ethnographic displays.
See the Grand Mosque and the small waterfall of Ras el Ma. Chefchaouen’s major delights are in simply walking around the medina and admiring the shades of blue, small staircases, and colourful potted plants. Enjoy a traditional hammam and spa before spending the night in a local riad.
Day Six
Store your luggage at your riad and take a morning trip to Akchour Waterfall. Reaching the main falls will require a fair amount of walking / climbing so do be sure to wear comfortable shoes. The surrounding area is also great for hiking.
]Head back to Chefchaouen to catch a bus back to Tangier. Visit the Grand Mosque and St Andrew’s Church before heading into the souks for some souvenir shopping.
Day Seven
Make the most of your last morning in Tangier by visiting the American Legation Museum and enjoying a final glass of mint tea in a cafe. Alternatively, if your trip was mainly about sun, sea, and sand, hit the beach one last time before making your way to the airport.
Agadir-Taroudant
Arrive: Agadir
Depart: Agadir
morocco travel itinerary 1 week Best for: Beaches, family fun, nightlife
Agadir is one of best destinations in Morocco for beach lovers. After arriving and checking into your hotel, take a walk along the beach and stop into one of the many beachfront cafes and bars for your first sip of Moroccan mint tea.
Day Two
Wake up early in the morning and see the sun rise over the vast beach before it gets busy. Have your breakfast at the marina before setting out to see some of the local sights.
Start by visiting the Vallee des Oiseaux, a cute bird park with free admission, and then learn more about the local culture at the Amazigh Museum. Take a picture of the grand mosque have a leisurely seafood lunch at the port.
You might want to spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the sandy beach and taking a dip in the ocean. Head up the hill of Agadir Oufella in the late afternoon for great views of the area and to see the remains of the old kasbah.
Camel rides are also possible here. Stay to watch the sun set over the sparkling sea before going to Les Blancs for a tasty dinner of fresh fish, western cuisine, or vegetarian dishes.
Day Three
After breakfast, head to the beautiful Paradise Valley for a splendid day trip in a gorgeous place. Relax on the smooth rocks, swim in the natural pools, admire small waterfalls, and, if you’re feeling brave, jump from the high cliffs into the shimmering pools below.
The surrounding area is a top place for hiking and you’ll find many local Berber villages along the route. Furthermore, there are many argan farms managed by locals families.
You can see how women work hard to help produce the popular argan oil, and you may spot the famous goats in trees.
Day Four
Go shopping at Souk el-haad in the morning and pick up an assortment of local products. You’ll find argan products and Berber handicrafts as well as pottery, clothing, trinkets, and more.
After you’ve had your fill of shopping, go and chill out at Taghzout Beach for a change of scenery. Close to Agadir, it’s one of the best places in Morocco for surfing.
Day Five
It’s time to inject a little history into your Moroccan vacation! Take a day trip to Taroudant, around 80 kilometres from Agadir, and travel back in time. The small red city is often said to be a mini version of Marrakech, with its high defensive walls, narrow streets in the medina, tanneries, and local souks
You can also enjoy glorious views of the Atlas Mountains, and the area is a terrific place for cycling and hiking. Alternatively, if you’re up for a longer bus ride, you could take a day trip to Marrakech, one of Morocco’s most famous destinations, and still be back in Agadir by nightfall.
Day Six
Take a trip to Crocoparc and enjoy seeing the large variety of crocodile species that call the park home. The lush landscaped grounds are filled with beautiful plants and flowers too, making wandering around all that much more pleasant.
Head back into town for lunch and indulge in more fresh seafood by the sands before enjoying the rest of the day on the beach.
After all, you’ve probably chosen Agadir because it’s a beach destination! Visit a hammam in the late afternoon for a traditional Moroccan steam bath and experience the area’s nighttime energy with a walk along the promenade after dinner.
Day Seven
Depending on the time of your flight, hit the beach for one last swim and sunbathe after packing your bags.
Grab a quick shower before leaving your hotel and make your way to the airport. Alternatively, visit the souk to pick up any last-minute souvenirs before bidding farewell to Agadir.