Some destinations are on your bucket list forever. And Morocco is one of them for me. Just before the pandemic hit the world, I had plans to visit Morocco with my husband, and we did quite a bit of research, including planning a seven-day Morocco itinerary from Casablanca to Marrakech. Our seven-day Morocco itinerary included not only the famous blue city of Chefchaouen, but also excursions to the spectacular Sahara desert. Having planned and collaborated with Morocco Traveling, I thought I would write this post to help anyone who would like to explore Morocco as well. The itinerary was seven days, starting in Casablanca, and here are some of the Moroccan attractions and highlights, including the Moroccan desert tours.
Photo credit – Taghlaoui photo
Morocco has many sights and attractions including historic Marrakesh, Fez and Rabat, the picturesque Blue City of Chefchaouen and the stunning Sahara Desert, in addition to some natural attractions such as the Todra Gorges, one of the Altitude’s most attractive destinations. The Atlas Mountains and the Dades Valley, also known as the Valley of the Fig Tree. On a typical seven-day Morocco itinerary, you can experience heritage, culture, cuisine, and even adventure Moroccan desert tours. The journey to Marrakesh is also via the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Don’t miss out on trying some of the delicious Moroccan cuisine and lose yourself in the markets. Here are some fascinating moments of exploring Morocco in seven days.
Photo credit – Taghlaoui photo
Casablanca
There’s something romantic about Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, and I’m not just referring to a Hollywood movie. The heart of Casablanca lies in its architecture, even though it is one of the busiest cities. There are some fascinating architectural gems, such as Hassan II, one of the largest mosques in the world, with a huge minaret 210 meters high. Half of the mosque was built partly on the water of the Atlantic Ocean by the late King Hassan II. The Old Medina with its lively market and street life, the Corniche seafront and the Royal Palace are some of the highlights. The port is the cultural capital of Morocco and you can explore the United Nations Square with its many restaurants, cafes and shops. Casablanca’s old-world atmosphere may be lost in the crowded streets, but it has a charm all its own. Our trip to Morocco in seven days started with Casablanca and Rabat, the capital of Morocco.
Rabat
The Moroccan capital is barely an hour’s drive from Casablanca and is one of the imperial cities with palaces, parliament and other historical monuments, most notably the Hassan Tower. The iconic unfinished Hassan Tower is a UNESCO heritage site and is said to have been built by Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur, the third caliph of the Almohad Caliphate in the 12th century. However, after his death, the mosque remained incomplete, built only with walls and pillars. Even the minaret stands at a height of 44 meters. There is also the Kasba of the Udayas and the Chella Necropolis. Rabat is usually explored by transit, but if you have time, you can stay here and explore the museums and art galleries as well. A seven-day Morocco itinerary does not have enough time to explore the capital, but you can still see the main attractions and sites of Morocco.
Photo credit – Taghlaoui photo
Chefchaouen
I prefer to call it the Blue City because it is quite a mouthful. With a unique atmosphere of the city, blue walls, ancient sites, historical past, winding alleys and craft shops, the Blue City is a paradise for those who want to stroll and just soak up the atmosphere. All the winding paths lead to the Marina and you can literally lose yourself in the smell of freshly baked bread while tasting the delicious tagines. You can also stay in an authentic riad, a traditional Moroccan house, or a small palace with a courtyard and garden instead of the usual hotels.
Photo credit – Taghlaoui photo
Fes
Morocco’s second largest city is more famous for the famous hat or traditional hat, also known as Fez. One of Morocco’s ancient imperial cities, Fez is steeped in heritage, architecture, and medieval science and life. The historic city includes Fez el-Bali, the original city on the banks of the Fez River, and the smaller Fez Jdid, which are connected to each other and are considered the “Medina”, although it is generally called the former. Fez el-Bali is home to the famous Qarawiyin University and the most important religious and cultural sites, while Fez el-Jdid is the site of the royal palace. still used by the royal family. The old city is a visual assault on your senses with its vibrant energy, while the Medina is a UNESCO heritage site and the oldest university can be found here. Fez is a must-see if you’re planning to visit Morocco in seven days.
Photo credit – Taghlaoui photo
Sahara desert
Morocco desert tours are the highlight of a seven-day Morocco itinerary. The journey to the Sahara Desert from Fes is as magical as the Erg Chebbi Dunes of the Sahara Desert. We see a bit of Europe in Ifran, also called the Switzerland of Morocco for its alpine forests, colonial architecture and natural scenery next to the mountains. Mairu Forests are a perfect haven for monkeys. We pass through canyons and valleys, oases and rivers and reach the city of Erfoud, famous for its high-quality dates and ancient fossils, which is the starting point for tours into the Sahara desert.
Photo credit – Taghlaoui photo
We explore Merzouga, a small village on the border between Morocco and Algeria, known for its stunning Sahara desert landscape, including massive sand dunes that can reach up to 150 meters high. Soak in the sunrises and sunsets and lose yourself in the wilderness. The entire region is known for its local Berber culture, mainly music. You can stay in traditional Berber tents and visit the surrounding villages and learn about the local culture and cuisine.
Photo credit – Taghlaoui photo
Tudra Canyons and Dades Valley
The journey from the Sahara desert becomes even more enchanting as we see one of the most surreal sunrises from the sand dune and then head towards the spectacular Tudra Gorges, the Grand Canyon of Morocco, passing tranquil oases and palm groves. Hikers and trekkers flock to the gorge to see the towering cliffs, which rise up to 300 meters in some places, and you can also take a walk along the Todgha River that flows through it if you’re feeling a little adventurous.
Photo credit – Taghlaoui photo
We also cross charming villages and towns steeped in Berber culture, small lanes filled with mud houses and bustling markets. Apart from the Tudra Gorges, another spectacular gorge is located in Dades Valley, also called Dades Gorge or Gorge. The winding gorge is known for its stunning cliffs, rock formations and the lush valley surrounding them and is a hiker’s paradise. The magnificent views of the valley are a sight to behold. Culture lovers can visit local villages and lose themselves in gardens and terraced farms. You can also visit Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved kasbah, or fortified village.
Photo credit – Taghlaoui photo
Marrakesh
The iconic Red City, located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, is a mix of vibrant culture, heritage and rich architecture, filled with UNESCO heritage sites in the fortified medina, especially the famous Jamaa El Fna and Koutoubia Mosques. Bahia and Baddi palaces are among the oldest monuments. while you can see the Saadian tombs.
Photo credit – Taghlaoui photo
We visit the souks, bustling traditional markets that resemble labyrinthine pathways filled with jewelry, spices, arts and crafts, and textiles, in addition to eateries and restaurants serving delicious Moroccan cuisine. You can also visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and the verdant Majorelle Gardens, once owned by French artist Jacques Majorelle, famous for the cobalt blue accents found throughout. Marrakech is more than just a destination. It’s a sensory experience.
