7 Days Itinerary for Exploring the Best of Morocco - Chefchaouen, Fes, Marrakech, Essaouira, and Desert

  • Day 1: Chefchaouen
    3 hours (127 km) from Tangier Ibn Battuta International Airport

    Begin your journey in Chefchaouen, or the Blue Pearl, famous for its vivid blue painted walls and alleyways. This town is a delight for the eyes with the stunning blue contrasted against the rugged backdrop of the Rif Mountains.

  • Day 2: Fes
    4 hours (210 km) from Chefchaouen

    Explore Fes, a city that breathes history and culture. Filled with souks, tanneries, museums and mosques, its medina area is a UNESCO World Heritage site that transports you to another era.

  • Day 3-4: Marrakech
    6 hours (500 km) from Fes

    Take a road trip to Marrakech, known for its vibrant energy, colorful markets, gardens and historic sites. Admire the Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Jardin Majorelle and Djemaa el Fnaa, a square filled with street performers and food stalls.

  • Day 5: Essaouira
    2.5 hours (180 km) from Marrakech

    Travel to the coastal town of Essaouira. Its laidback vibe, beaches, and medina make it an ideal destination for relaxing and exploring. Visit the Skala de la Ville fortress, the Essaouira Citadel, and wander along the harbor.

  • Day 6-7: Desert
    5 hours (350 km) from Essaouira

    Conclude your trip with a visit to the Sahara Desert. Take a camel ride in the Erg Chebbi dunes, enjoy a Berber camp with a campfire and stargazing, and observe the sunrise and sunset in the midst of peaceful and mesmerizing surroundings.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Chefchaouen Medina (2-3 hours, free)
  • Bou Inania Madrasa, Fes (1 hour, $4)
  • Majorelle Garden, Marrakech (2 hours, $7)
  • Windsurfing, Essaouira (1 hour, $50)
  • Sunset Camel Ride, Merzouga (3 hours, $70)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $131

Transportation

The easiest way to travel across Morocco is by bus, train or a rented car. It is recommended to travel by car or hire a private driver for more flexibility and comfort. Expect long journey times, but the scenery out of the window makes it worthwhile. Estimated travel costs from city to city for two people via car rental is approximately $300.

Useful Tips

For those with more than 7 days, consider exploring other Moroccan cities such as Casablanca and Agadir. For those with less than 7 days, you can skip Essaouira or the desert leg of the journey, or shorten the amount of time in a particular city.

Airports

Morocco’s major airport is Tangier Ibn Battuta International Airport (TNG) located just outside the city making it convenient for those heading to Chefchaouen. Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) is centrally located and service from major airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, Air France and British Airways. Essaouira-Mogador Airport (ESU) services domestic and regional Europe destinations.

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