The Ultimate 7-Day Morocco Tour: Sahara & Imperial Cities

7 Days / 6 Nights Marrakech Circuit 4 Imperial Cities

Experience the Best of Morocco in One Week

Embark on the ultimate Moroccan adventure with our 7-day tour from Marrakech, a comprehensive journey that beautifully combines the awe-inspiring Sahara Desert with the grandeur of the Imperial Cities. This is the perfect one-week in Morocco itinerary for those who want to see it all. From the bustling souks of Marrakech, travel across the Atlas Mountains to the golden dunes of Merzouga, then delve into the rich history of Fes, Meknes, Rabat, and Casablanca before returning to the Red City.

This Morocco vacation package is meticulously crafted to offer a seamless and profound travel experience. You'll witness the country's incredible diversity, from the stark beauty of the desert to the lush cedar forests and the vibrant, labyrinthine medinas of its ancient capitals. Enjoy a magical sunset camel trek, a night under the Saharan stars, and expert-led tours of UNESCO World Heritage sites. This is more than a tour; it's a grand discovery of Morocco's soul.

Highlights of Your 7-Day Morocco Grand Tour

This immersive tour captures the essence of Morocco's desert landscapes and imperial history in a single, unforgettable week. Here are the key experiences:

  • Explore the four Imperial Cities: Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, and Rabat.
  • Cross the High Atlas Mountains and visit Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou.
  • Ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes for a spectacular sunset.
  • Spend a night in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga.
  • Guided tours of the historic medinas of Fes and Marrakech.
  • Discover the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO site.
  • Visit the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.
  • See wild Barbary apes in the Middle Atlas cedar forests.

Detailed 7-Day Morocco Itinerary from Marrakech

Day 1: Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Dades Valley

Your adventure begins with a departure from Marrakech, heading south across the stunning High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi n'Tichka pass. We descend to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a breathtaking fortified village that has served as a set for many famous films. After exploring, we continue through Ouarzazate to the beautiful Dades Valley for the night.

Day 2: Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)

After breakfast, we admire the views of Dades Valley before heading to the massive cliffs of Todra Gorge for a short walk. From there, the journey continues towards the Sahara, arriving in Merzouga. Here, you'll trade your vehicle for a camel and embark on a memorable trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes to watch the sunset and spend the night in a traditional desert camp.

Day 3: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Middle Atlas → Fes

Wake up early to witness a spectacular desert sunrise. After breakfast, we begin our longest day of driving, a scenic route to Fes. The journey takes us through the lush Ziz Valley, across the Middle Atlas mountains, and through the cedar forests near Azrou, where we'll stop to see the local Barbary apes. We arrive in the imperial city of Fes in the evening.

Day 4: Fes Guided City Tour

Today is dedicated to exploring Fes, Morocco's oldest Imperial City and cultural heartland. With a local guide, you will navigate the labyrinthine streets of Fes el Bali (the old medina), visiting key sites such as the Bou Inania Medersa, the famous tanneries, the Nejjarine Fountain, and the outside of the Royal Palace. You'll have the afternoon free to explore further at your own pace.

Day 5: Fes → Meknes → Volubilis → Rabat

We leave Fes for another Imperial City, Meknes. We'll admire the monumental Bab Mansour gate and explore the old city. Next, we travel to the nearby ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a remarkably preserved UNESCO site. In the afternoon, we continue our journey to Rabat, the modern capital of Morocco, for our overnight stay.

Day 6: Rabat → Casablanca → Marrakech

In the morning, we explore the highlights of Rabat, including the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas. We then drive down the coast to Casablanca to visit the exterior of the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Afterwards, we complete our loop and drive back to Marrakech, arriving in the evening.

Day 7: Marrakech Guided Tour & Departure

On your final day, enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech's vibrant medina. You will explore famous sites like the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, and the Bahia Palace. Dive into the bustling atmosphere of the souks and the famous Djemaa el-Fna square. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Marrakech-Menara Airport for your departure, filled with unforgettable memories of your one week in Morocco.

What's Included in Your 7-Day Tour

  • Airport transfers (arrival & departure in Marrakech).
  • Private A/C vehicle with an expert driver/guide.
  • 6 nights' accommodation in selected riads/hotels.
  • One night in a luxury desert camp.
  • Daily breakfast and dinners in desert/valleys.
  • Sunset camel trek in Erg Chebbi.
  • Guided city tours in Fes and Marrakech.
  • All sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary.

What's Not Included

  • Flights to and from Morocco.
  • Lunches and most dinners in cities.
  • Entrance fees to historical sites.
  • Drinks, personal expenses, and tips.

Frequently Asked Questions for Your 7-Day Tour

Is one week enough time for a Morocco desert and cities tour?

Yes, a 7-day itinerary is an excellent amount of time for a comprehensive introduction to Morocco's main highlights. It allows you to experience the journey from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert, explore Fes, and visit other key Imperial Cities like Meknes and Rabat without feeling overly rushed. It's our most popular 'grand tour' for a reason.

What Imperial Cities will we visit on this tour?

This tour is designed to showcase Morocco's imperial history. You will explore Fes (the spiritual capital), Meknes (the Ismaili capital), and Rabat (the modern capital). The tour begins and ends in Marrakech (the southern capital) and includes a major stop in Casablanca.

What should I pack for a 7-day tour covering different regions?

Layering is key. Pack lightweight clothing for the cities, but also include a warm jacket or fleece for the desert night and cooler mountain regions. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Also, bring sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) and modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees) for visiting religious sites like mosques.

Is this a private or a shared group tour?

This itinerary can be booked as a private tour for your group, offering maximum flexibility. We also offer this route as a small group tour on select dates, which is a great option for solo travelers or couples looking to share the experience.

Reviews of Our 7-Day Grand Tour

"The perfect one-week Morocco itinerary! We saw everything we dreamed of and more. From the Sahara to the bustling medina of Fes, every day was a new adventure. The organization was flawless. Thank you for an amazing trip!"

Jessica L., USA

"An incredible 7-day tour from Marrakech. Our guide, Omar, was a wealth of knowledge and made the history of the Imperial Cities come alive. The night in the desert was a spiritual experience. We felt safe and well-cared for the entire time."

Robert and Helen, UK

"This was the best way to spend a week in Morocco. The tour covered so much ground but never felt rushed. Seeing Casablanca's mosque after visiting the ancient cities was a great contrast. Highly recommend this comprehensive package."

Chloe P., Canada