Seven days in Morocco: two first-timer itineraries
UK Morocco · · 2 min
One week is enough for a memorable first trip. Two example routes — city and coast, or city and desert — with honest notes on travel times.
A week in Morocco goes quickly, and the most common mistake is trying to see too much. Distances are larger than they look on a map, so the best first trips pick one or two regions and give each enough time. Here are two example routes that work well from UK flights into Marrakech.
Route 1: Marrakech, the Atlas and Essaouira
A relaxed mix of medina life, mountain villages and the Atlantic coast.
- Days 1–3: Marrakech. Settle into a riad, explore the souks and the Jemaa el-Fna square at dusk, and visit palaces and gardens at a gentle pace.
- Day 4: the Atlas Mountains. A day or an overnight stay in the foothills for walks through Berber villages.
- Days 5–7: Essaouira. About three hours by road from Marrakech: ramparts, the fishing port, beaches and a slower rhythm before flying home.
Route 2: Marrakech and the Sahara
For travellers who want the desert. It involves long drives, so it suits people happy to spend time on the road.
- Days 1–2: Marrakech.
- Days 3–5: over the Atlas to the desert. The drive to the dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga is long — usually split over two days, with stops such as the ksar of Aït Benhaddou — followed by a night in a desert camp.
- Days 6–7: back to Marrakech for a final night before your flight.
Tips for a smooth week
- Arrive early in the day if you can, so you reach your riad in daylight.
- Keep the last night close to your departure airport.
- Balance busy days with slower ones — the medinas are rewarding but intense.
Make it yours
These routes are examples. Our trip planner builds a day-by-day version around your own dates, interests and budget, with estimated costs, and our team can then arrange it with you.
