8 day Morocco itinerary

Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Marrakech Airport, your guide will be waiting to transfer you to your riad in the heart of the medina. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where snake charmers, storytellers, and food stalls bring the city to life. Wander through the souks, admire the stunning Koutoubia Mosque, or simply relax before your adventure begins. Overnight in Marrakech.

After breakfast, set off on a scenic drive over the High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), offering breathtaking views. Stop at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed kasbah famous for its role in movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

Continue to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa” due to its film studios. Visit the Kasbah Taourirt, then drive through the Valley of Roses before arriving in the Dades Valley, known for its majestic rock formations. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in a traditional guesthouse.

Start the day with a drive through the stunning Dades Gorges, stopping at Todra Gorges, where towering cliffs create a dramatic canyon perfect for walking and photos.

Continue towards Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Upon arrival, switch from your car to camels and trek across the golden dunes, arriving at your luxury desert camp just in time for a spectacular sunset. Enjoy a traditional Berber dinner, listen to local music around the campfire, and sleep under a sky full of stars in your private tent.

Wake up early to witness the magical sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, ride your camel back to the village and begin your journey toward the north.

Stop at Rissani, a historic desert town known for its traditional souk. Then, drive through the Ziz Valley, where lush palm groves contrast with the surrounding desert. Arrive in Midelt, a peaceful town nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains, where you’ll spend the night in a comfortable guesthouse.

Today, continue your journey through the Cedar Forests of Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaque monkeys. Stop in Ifrane, a charming mountain town often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its European-style houses.

By afternoon, arrive in Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check into your riad and relax before exploring the city the next day.

Fes is a living museum, and today, a local guide will take you through its fascinating medina. Walk through the narrow alleys, visiting:

• Al Quaraouiyine University, the oldest in the world
• Bou Inania Madrasa, a stunning example of Moroccan architecture
• The famous Chouara Tanneries, where leather is dyed using traditional methods
• The Royal Palace Gates and the historic Jewish Quarter (Mellah)

Enjoy lunch in a traditional Moroccan restaurant and continue exploring the bustling souks. Overnight in Fes.

After breakfast, start your drive back to Marrakech through scenic mountain landscapes and Berber villages. Stop in Beni Mellal, an agricultural town surrounded by olive groves and orchards.

Arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon and enjoy a relaxed evening in the medina, sipping mint tea on a rooftop café overlooking the city. Overnight in Marrakech.

Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final stroll through the medina before your driver transfers you to the airport. Safe travels and thank you for visiting Morocco!