Morocco itinerary 8 Days from Marrakech

Morocco 8 Days itinerary. This 8-day and 7-night trip from the red City Marrakech provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore this exotic country from West to east and north. After exploring Marrakech with a tour guide, we will head south to the Sahara Desert, through ancient Kasbahs, such as Taourirte and Ait ban Haddou, Next visit two spectacular gorges named Todgha and Dades, as well as breathtaking valleys and oases that lie along the 1,000 Kasbah Route.

Once we arrive the Sahara Desert Prepare to climb the camels and cross the golden dunes in the desert to reach a lovely desert camp, where you will spend a peaceful night. In the day to come, we will be discovering the desert region by visiting nomads, Gnawas, and many others. Thereafter we drive north to visit Fes, Meknes, Volubilis, Chefchaouen and finally conclude the 8 Days Morocco tour in Tangier the Morocco’s birth of the north. 

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech » Sightseeing with a Local Guide

Welcome to the country of wonders! A native tour guide from Morocco Best Trips Agency will be picking you up from the International Airport of Marrakech, marking the beginning of this Morocco itinerary 8 days, heading directly to the Riad for Check-in into your room once you are done, a native tour guide will come to your riad and accompany you on a 3-hour city tour. Firstly, visit the landmark Koutoubia Mosque with its impressive minaret. Next, visit the historical Ben Youssef Madrasa, showcasing exquisite Moroccan architecture.

Furthermore, visit the Bahia Palace, with its beautiful gardens and intricate woodwork. Explore the vast courtyards of the El Badi Palace ruins and the elaborately decorated Saadian tombs. After a break for lunch, you will visit Mellah (Jewish Quarter). Lastly, dive into the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square filled with food stalls, musicians, and snake charmers.

Explore the Medina’s winding souks, rich with traditional crafts and spices. Finally, say goodbye to your local guide and continue wandering in Jamaa el F’na and Medina on your own. Overnight Saty at the same Riad.

Day 2: Marrakech – Tizi N T’ichka – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – Ouarzazate – Kalaat M’Gouna – Dades Gorge

On the Second day of your Morocco itinerary 8 days, we leave Marrakech and drive for Boumalne Dades. Along the way, we will make several stops, the first in Tizi N’T’ichka Pass, located at the High Atlas Mountains with an elevation of 2260 meters. We stop here to witness the Fabulous View of the Atlas, then continue driving to the next destination, which is Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its stunning traditional Moroccan architecture, featuring earthen clay buildings that blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

Ait Ben Haddou has gained fame as a filming location for numerous movies and television series, including “Lawrence of Arabia,” “Gladiator,” and “Game of Thrones.” Its picturesque and well-preserved structures provide a perfect backdrop for historical and epic scenes. Once you finish wandering at the Kasbah, we make a pause for lunch at a local restaurant, then set off again to Ouarzazate, known as the “gateway to the desert.” Ouarzazate is also well-known for its film industry, which includes Atlas Studios, one of the world’s largest film studios.

Feel free to take a memorable picture in front of the Taourirte Kasbah, and then we move on to Kalaat M’Gouna, a city famous for rose cultivation and distillation. In addition to that, the city produces many cosmetic products made from local roses, which makes its residents annually celebrate the Rose Festival in the castle.

Feel free to visit one of the women’s cooperatives to learn more about how they produce various products from roses, such as body cream, hair oil, soap, and shampoo, among others. Therefore, we continue to our destination, Boumalane Dades. Upon arrival, we drop you off at your riad for a night.

Day 3: Dades Gorges – Todgha Gorges – Rissani – Merzouga Desert

Today after Breakfast we pay a short visit to the Dades Gorge. The winding road through the gorge offers spectacular views of the valley and the unique rock formations. Stop at a local restaurant to enjoy a traditional lunch while taking in the beautiful scenery. Next not far away from the gorge we stop to see the Monkey Finger Rocks, named for their peculiar shape resembling monkey fingers. This natural wonder is ideal for a leisurely walk and photo opportunities. Thereafter we leave Boumalne and Drive for Sahara Desert via Todgha Gorge, once in the Gorge, feel free to walk through the towering canyon walls, reaching up to 300 meters, and enjoy the dramatic landscape. This spot is perfect for photography and a short hike.

After a typical lunch near the Gorge, we depart to visit Rissani Market, a vibrant spot for experiencing local culture and buying traditional goods. The market operates three times a week, specifically on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Finally, after a long day, we arrive in Merzouga. At the sand’s edge, we drop you off, mount your camels, and start crossing the dunes.

Stop at the breathtaking panorama to witness the magical view of the sunset, then continue on to the Desert Camp. Upon arrival at the camp, you will be welcomed by a mint teacup and a delicious dinner. Later,  enjoy the desert vibes of Berber music around the campfire, and before you go to sleep, watch the stars away from the camp’s light.

Day 4: Explore Merzouga Desert (Visit, Gnawa, Nomads, Oasis…)

Don’t miss waking up early to witness a wonderful sunrise over the nearby dunes to your camp, and watch the color of the sand change as the sun rises. After breakfast, we start the exploration day by visiting the first Nomadic Berber families behind the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Experience their traditional lifestyle and hospitality, as well as gain insight into their daily routines. After tipping them, we continue to the Mefiss Mountains, known for their stunning views and historical significance as a former site for mining kohl. Next, visit the village of Khamlia to meet the Gnawa people, descendants of African slaves, renowned for their unique music and dance.

Enjoy a captivating performance that highlights their rich cultural heritage. Later, we make a break for lunch at a local restaurant that specializes in Berber pizza. Before ending the journey, we pay a short visit to explore the lush oases, contrasting the surrounding arid landscape. Discover the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in these verdant habitats. Finally, we drop you off at a charming hotel for the night.

Day 5: Merzouga Desert – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fes

On the fifth day of your Morocco itinerary 8 days, we will leave the captivating desert of Merzouga and drive to Fes. Along the way, we will stop several times to discover and witness each interesting place. First, today’s stop is the Ziz Valley, which emerged as the second-largest oases in Morocco, following the Daraa Valley in prominence. Next, we drive to Midelt, the capital city of apples.

Here, we make a pause for lunch, then move on to the Cedar Forest. After migrating from Gibraltar, the wild Barbary Macaques colonized the forest as their home. You are welcome to feed the monkeys, but we recommend exercising caution. Therefore, we continue to discover the Little Switzerland of Morocco, Ifrane, located in the Middle Atlas Mountains. Feel free to take a short walk in the city before continuing to Fes. Once in Fes, we drop you off at your accommodation for an overnight stay.

Day 6: Sightseeing in Fes with a Local Guide

Today, our task is to explore Fes, the world’s oldest city boasting over 12 centuries of history. Once you have your breakfast, we will come to pick you up from the Riad and meet you with a knowledgeable guide from the area of Fes. The city tour commences with a visit to the Golden Gates of the Palace, also known as Dar el-Makhzen in Arabic.

The grand gates, despite not allowing entry, offer a breathtaking spectacle. Furthermore, visit the Borj Sud for a panoramic view of the ancient Medina. Next, visit the handcrafters who make incredible artistic tools from pottery, whether utensils or decorations. Next, explore the Medina and its secrets by visiting the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) and the Ibn Danan Synagogue.

Visit the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts, located in a beautifully restored caravanserai. Stop by the Chouara Tannery to witness the traditional leather-dyeing process, offering a colorful and unique experience. After lunch, visit Bab Bou Jeloud (the Blue Gate), the grand entrance to the Medina. Wander through the narrow, winding alleys filled with vibrant souks, traditional craftsmen, and historic buildings.

Finally, you will visit Al-Qarawiyyin University and Mosque, which is one of the world’s oldest universities. Explore the stunning Bou Inania Madrasa, known for its intricate tilework and architecture. In the late afternoon, we transfer you to the Riad.

Day 7: Fes – Meknes – Volubilis (Roman Ruins) – Chefchaouen

Ready to continue the Moroccan adventure? Today’s title is New Explorations, History, and Traditions in Dive. After breakfast, we leave for Chefchaouen via Meknes and Volubilis. After departing from Fes, we make the first stop in Meknes, a UNESCO-listed city known for its imperial past. Here, take advantage of the opportunity to visit the impressive Bab Mansour Gate, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the bustling Place el-Hedim. Furthermore, we head to Volubilis, known as the Roman Empire.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site features well-preserved mosaics, basilicas, and triumphal arches, offering a glimpse into Morocco’s Roman past. Hire a local guide to better understand the history of this ancient landmark. After a pause for lunch, we continue to Chefchaouen, where we will be spending a wonderful night at traditional Riad located at the Medina.

Day 8: Chefchaouen – Rif Mountains – Tangier Airport

After breakfast today, we depart for Tangier, also known as the Bride of the North. Once we cross the Rif Mountains we arrive In Tangier, and start exploring city’s hidden gems, starting with a visit to Hercule’s Cave, a legendary site associated with the Greek hero Hercules. The cave, partially natural and partially man-made, features an opening resembling the shape of Africa.

It has been a place of myth and mystery, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts. Thereafter, we move on to the Cape Spartel, a place that marks the northwestern tip of Africa, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. The cape is famous for its scenic lighthouse, built in 1864, offering stunning views and historical significance.

Later on, to the ancient Medina It dates back to the 14th century and showcases traditional Moroccan architecture and culture, including landmarks like the Grand Socco and the Kasbah Museum. The Medina reflects Tangier’s rich history as a cultural and commercial crossroads. After a break for lunch in Tangier, we drop you off in the airport end of your Morocco itinerary 8 days.