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Unravel Morocco’s Mystique With the Best 1 Week Morocco Itinerary
This post is all about a 1 week Morocco Itinerary.
1 week in Morocco can seem daunting, especially if this is your first glimpse of Africa. I can assure you though, with 1 week in Morocco you will have a wondrous trip you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Morocco is a truly captivating North African gem. It’s no wonder why travelers are flocking to such an enchanting country that offers diverse landscapes, vibrant markets, and the warm embrace of its hospitable people.
I’m sharing with you the ultimate 1 week Morocco itinerary which will give you a bit of adventure in the city, desert, and beach all in one trip – offering a true taste of what Morocco has to offer.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
Why You Must Visit Morocco
Just saying “Morocco”, I can nearly smell the mint tea and hear the snake-charming music erupt from Marrakesh’s main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa. Morocco is one of the most magical places I have explored.
With just 1-week in Morocco, you will wander through ancient medinas filled with vibrant colors and the intoxicating scent of spices. Explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Atlas Mountains and Sahara desert, where you can ride camels and camp under the starlit sky. And of course, visit the picturesque city of Essaouira.
Planning your trip
My trip to Morocco is one of my most memorable. However, to make this trip as epic as it was, it took quite a bit of research. If you could take any bit of information from this post, it is these 3 words right here:
MOROCCO IS BIG.
The most common mistake I hear is people get stuck riding in between destinations nearly their entire trip because they didn’t study the distance between them.
Even if you really narrow your trip down, you will likely be riding in a car for a while. This trimmed-down itinerary will have you in the car for about 23 hours total throughout your 1-week Morocco trip.
Don’t Forget Your FREE Marrakech Printable
Here’s your free Marrakech printable to take with you on your Morocco trip so you don’t miss a thing.
Is Morocco Safe for Female Travelers?
While I’ve heard so many varied comments on if female travelers have felt safe in Morocco, I personally felt very safe and found Moroccan people to be so lovely.
My best friend and I traveled at the age of twenty to Morocco together. We did get a lot of unwanted attention while walking the streets, especially in Marrakech, but it wasn’t anything we couldn’t handle. Plus, we did our research and knew exactly what to expect.
If you are a solo female traveler going to Morocco, know that you will get attention, be verbally harassed, and maybe get an arm around your shoulder. These people may be annoying, but the odds of them harming you are slim.
Like most countries. the biggest danger is theft!
Tips on safe travel in Morocco:
Here are some extra precautions I take while not just traveling in Morocco, but really anywhere.
- Carry your bag in front of you, and/or secure locks on your bags. Little children are the ones you have to especially look out for in Morocco. They are smart, quick, and incredibly adorable!
- Men WILL come up and catcall you. Most of the time they are harmless, just annoying.
- Set yourself a curfew. We actually didn’t do this, some of our Riads enforced an 11 pm curfew.
- Stay where people can see you. This is my #1 rule when traveling anywhere. There are lots of private tours offered in Morocco for cheap prices but perhaps opt for the group tours where you will be surrounded by a few other travelers. I tend to think there is safety in numbers, especially if you are alone.
- Establish a set price BEFORE you get into a taxi. All of our taxis were pre-booked before our trip. Meaning our Airbnb Riad’s had their own taxi arrangements set up for us, with a reasonable fare we agreed upon beforehand.
Morocco Essentials
Here is the Best 1 Week Morocco Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Marrakesh
Marrakech is a vibrant jewel nestled in the heart of Morocco. The city entices travelers with its display of colors, bustling souks, and enchanting blend of tradition and modernity. Wander the streets and weave through the historic medina, where the aroma of exotic spices mingles with the allure of intricate architecture. Marrakech’s soul comes alive in its bustling marketplaces, where artisans showcase their intricate crafts and the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
Where to stay in Marrakesh
Marrakesh is filled with some of the most beautiful accommodations. A Riad is a traditional Moroccan home or palace with an interior courtyard/garden and is most likely what you’ll be staying at during your trip.
When searching for accommodations, I recommend you find one near Jemaa el-Fnaa Square (the main square) and read reviews very thoroughly to be sure you are getting the best value.
$ – Central House Marrakech or Earth. Hostel
$$ – Riad Abaka Hotel or Dar El Qadi or Koutobia Royal
$$$ – Ambre Epices Medina Riad or Riad L’orange Bleue or Riad Mur Akush
How Long to Stay
Spending 2-3 days in Marrakech offers a perfect window into the city’s captivating essence.
Getting From the Airport to the Medina
Stepping outside the Marrakesh Airport can be chaos, so get ready to wear your poker face and haggle taxi prices! Don’t pay more than $15 (150 MAD) max for a taxi to the Medina, however, try to talk them down to $10 if you can. The taxi ride should take about 15-20 minutes.
If you’re arriving late and don’t want to worry about haggling, you can book a taxi through your riad beforehand, though this may be slightly more expensive.
Alternatively, you can take the bus from the airport. The number 19 bus will take you to the airport, medina, and city center for around $5 (50 MAD) and takes about 40 minutes.
After you get settled, explore the city.
Be sure to pin your accommodation on your phone/map, or make sure it comes up on Google Maps. You WILL get lost in the Medina, and you’ll have to find your way back.
Day 2 – Marrakesh
After you’ve had a delicious brunch at your riad, explore the shops in the medina and take in Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Be sure to stop in some of the cafes to have delicious Moroccan tea or fresh juice.
Make your way to the wondrous Bahia Palace to lose yourself in elaborate architecture and lush gardens.
After the Bahia Palace, lose yourself in exotic goods and traditional handcrafts in the winding alleys of the famous souk street, Souk Semmarine.
When you’ve found all your special treasures, enjoy a gorgeous dinner at Nomad Restaurant. I highly recommend making reservations in advance as this is quite a popular restaurant!
Where to eat in Marrakesh – Nomad Restaurant
Day 3 – Depart on your Sahara Desert Tour
Embarking on a Sahara Desert tour in Morocco is an essential adventure that promises to transport you to a realm of boundless sandscapes, surreal beauty, and cultural immersion. From camel treks across iconic dunes to starlit nights under the vast desert sky, this journey offers an unforgettable tapestry of experiences.
Read all about my 3-day Sahara desert tour experience here.
The Ultimate Sahara Desert Tour (3 Days)
Day 4 – Sahara Desert Tour
This will be the second day of your Sahara Desert tour. Depending on the tour you book, it will likely include Dades Valley, Tinghr, and camping in the Sahara. Glamping in the Desert was one of the most magical experiences. Dancing to the beat of the drums, catching shooting stars, and sledding down the dunes at midnight were just a few of the highlights.
Day 5 – Back on the road to Marrakesh
Sadly, this is the last day of the Sahara Desert Tour.
I arrived back in Marrakech around 10 pm from my tour.
We chose to stay this night in Marrakech just because we were unsure of our arrival time. Alternatively, you could also schedule a late-night taxi to Essaouira that evening.
Did You Know Going is My Secret to Scoring Insanely Cheap Flights?
Day 6 – Marrakech to Essaouira
It’s time to leave the bustle of the city and the serenity of the desert to the charming and postcard-picturesque city, Essaouira.
How to get from Marrakech to Essaouira
There are loads of different options for your 2-hour journey from Marrakech to Essaouira. You can book a private taxi service such as MED TAXI, a day trip tour, or a bus.
As always, if you book a taxi service to Essaouira – negotiate the price beforehand and clarify it is total and not per person.
This beautiful beach city of Essaouira was something we nearly overlooked, as we read from many other travelers that it was best as a day trip, or not really worth seeing.
Contrary to expectations, Essaouira left an everlasting impression on us – we were thoroughly enamored by its charm. This quaint fishing village provided the ideal respite following the vibrant energy of Marrakesh and the fatigue of our desert trek. The journey to Essaouira, a mere two hours from Marrakesh, proved to absolutely be worthwhile, offering a rejuvenating escape that perfectly ended our Moroccan adventure.
Day 7 – Essaouira
To experience all of what this lovely city has to offer, check out my full travel guide to Essaouira.
That concludes a full 1-week Morocco itinerary.
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