Morocco 1 Week Itinerary & Desert Tour from Marrakech

After enjoying a nourishing breakfast, your driver will pick you up from your hotel at 8:30 a.m. Kick off your Morocco 1 week itinerary by traversing the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka Pass, soaring 2,260 meters above sea level. Along the way, soak in sweeping views of the High Atlas Mountains and pass through charming Berber villages, with photo stops to capture the stunning scenery.

Our first major stop is the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the backdrop to films like Gladiator, The Mummy, and Sahara. Enjoy some free time and lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Ouarzazate to visit the renowned Oscar Atlas Film Studios and the historical Taourirt Kasbah. 

We then drive through the lush palm groves of Skoura and the fragrant Rose Valley, famous for its annual festival and natural cosmetics. Traveling through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, we admire ancient adobe fortresses before reaching the scenic Dades Valley by afternoon, where you’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at a charming hotel or riad overlooking the valley.

Your morocco travel 7 days continues toward the breathtaking Todra Gorge. As you journey onward, you'll wind through remote Berber villages and reach the town of Tinghir, where a stop awaits to take in the verdant beauty of the palm filled Todra Valley. Upon reaching the gorge renowned as one of Morocco’s top rock climbing destinations you’ll take a short walk through its striking grey and pink canyon walls, which soar up to 300 meters high.

After soaking in the dramatic scenery and snapping some memorable photos, we’ll head to Tinjdad and Touroug, where you’ll enjoy free time for lunch at a local restaurant. The journey then leads to Erfoud, the gateway to the vast Saharan oasis of Tafilalet. From there, the road leads us to Merzouga and the breathtaking expanse of the Erg Chebbi dunes, where golden sands stretch endlessly into the horizon.

Here, you’ll mount a camel for an hour and a half trek into the heart of the desert. During the ride, you’ll stop mid dunes to marvel at the sunset, try sandboarding if you wish, and capture incredible views. As twilight falls, you’ll arrive at your nomadic Berber camp where a warm welcome awaits complete with mint tea, a delicious dinner, lively music by the campfire, and an overnight stay under the starlit Sahara sky. 

Today, you’ll either ride camels or take a 4WD back to Merzouga village. From there, your desert adventure continues with a 4×4 excursion around the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes. We’ll begin at Hassi Labied oasis to explore its traditional irrigation canals and farmland, then visit the seasonal Srij Lake (when it holds water). In Khamlia village, you’ll be welcomed with the hypnotic rhythms of Gnawa music, performed by descendants of African slaves. 

Next, we’ll head to the Mifis mines, known for their rich fossil and mineral deposits. A highlight of the day is visiting a nomadic Berber family, sharing mint tea and learning about their resilient desert lifestyle. With several scenic stops for photos along the way, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel in Merzouga for dinner and an overnight stay with breathtaking views of the dunes.

After enjoying a healthy breakfast at your hotel, you’ll meet your driver and set off toward Ouarzazate. If your visit aligns with one of Rissani’s market days Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday you’ll have the chance to explore its lively traditional souk, rich with local flavor. As the journey unfolds, the scenery transforms into a pre-desert landscape, where sparse acacia trees stand resilient across the sunbaked, arid expanse. 

Along the scenic Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river winds through palm groves and rocky hills, and we’ll pause to soak in its breathtaking views. Crossing the dramatic Anti Atlas Mountains, we’ll stop for a relaxed lunch before arriving in Ouarzazate by late afternoon. Here, you’ll unwind over dinner and enjoy a peaceful overnight stay at your hotel.

After a delightful breakfast at your hotel in Ouarzazate, we’ll begin our scenic drive back to Marrakech, crossing the majestic High Atlas Mountains with plenty of stops along the way to capture panoramic views, snap photos, and stretch your legs. By midday, we’ll arrive in the Red City, where a local guide will lead you through its most iconic sights marvel at the Koutoubia Minaret, Stroll through the tranquil Saadian Tombs, take in the elegance of Bahia Palace, and step into the timeless halls of Medersa Ben Youssef. 

Discover the tranquility of Majorelle Garden, then dive into the spirited rhythm of Jemaa el Fnaa square. As your culturally immersive day draws to a close, we’ll return you to your hotel, your mind brimming with vivid moments and colorful impressions.

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace whether you choose to relax, wander Marrakech’s colorful streets, or do a bit of last minute shopping. When the time is right for your flight, we’ll pick you up from your hotel or riad and transfer you comfortably to Marrakech Airport. And with that, your unforgettable Morocco 1 week itinerary comes to a heartfelt close, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.