Curator’s statement
Morocco had been on my bucket list for as long as I could remember and it did not disappoint — it was more special than I could have imagined. Besides the absolutely stunning properties we experienced and new friends made, it was Morocco itself. The vibrant colors, smells and tastes were a feast for my senses in the best way. My maximalist soul was lit up throughout my seven-day itinerary! The dedication to hand-craftsmanship — from the pottery to the rugs to the incredible tile work — and the focus on quality made every moment have an extra level of special. Maybe most importantly, in a world that feels so divided, it was soothing to my soul to be in a place of such warmth and acceptance. The community orientation of Moroccan culture was beautiful to experience. All of this was not something I expected, and it made it all the sweeter. In essence, this country exceeded all preconceptions, offering an unforgettable experience that I am eager to share and help others discover for themselves through this magical Morocco seven-day itinerary.
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Day 1: Arrive in Casablanca, Drive to Fes
Fly into Casablanca in the morning. Meet your driver and guide as you depart for the historic city of Fes.
On the way, stop at the ancient Imazighen (Berber)-Roman ruins at Volubilis. While they are indeed “ruins,” much is incredibly well preserved considering their age.
Afterwards, visit Domaine de la Zouina, a local vineyard for a wine tasting and lunch. (While Morocco is a Muslim-majority country, alcohol is readily available.) Clink!
Upon arrival in Fes, settle in and relax at the incredible Riad Fes. Take a moment to enjoy the smell of neroli and the delicious dates with walnuts in your room. Later, feast upon your first tagine at the lovely restaurant onsite, Gayza.
Day 2: Explore Fes
Fes is the spiritual capital of Morocco, and a great first stop. Fes feels like the most authentic version of Morocco. Explore the historical monuments of the city, including the Royal Palace and the world’s oldest university, al-Qarawiyyin, founded by a woman.
Check out the world-famous leather tanneries. You will be handed a bundle of mint sprigs to help with the potent smell, but it is definitely worthwhile. End your day with a street food tour! From camel burgers to snails, be ready for some adventurous eats!
A note from Alexandra
Fun fact: Fes means “axe” in Arabic. In French, it means “bum.” The French changed the spelling to "Fez" to make it less funny. This is why you will see it spelled differently.
Days 3-4: Marrakech & the Atlas Mountains
Take a quick flight the next morning from Fes to Marrakech. Check into the visually stunning Oberoi hotel, making your way through the beautiful groves of trees and refreshing yourself with a quick plunge before heading into town.
Spend your days exploring the local monuments, medinas and souks. One standout is the Koutoubia Mosque, the oldest mosque in Marrakech. Get lost in the winding old town medina (not really — please bring a guide! It is very easy to lose your way without one) and explore the souk. Incredible shopping awaits, from rugs to lamps to door knockers — this is a shopper's dream!
The Jardin Majorelle is an Instagram staple — it is a visually striking garden owned by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. Within its bosom is the Pierre Bergé Museum of the Berber Arts, an incredible collection of the Imazighen creativity and culture. The next-door YSL museum is a must for the sartorialist in your life — the vibrant hues and spectacular designs are worthy of an afternoon.
Dine at Dar Yacout for incredible riad ambiance and traditional Moroccan cuisine in the heart of the medina. Or, if you are ready for a change of cuisine, Nama at Amanjena is an incredible Japanese restaurant.
The next day, head to the Atlas Mountains for a hike and a stop for tea in an Amazigh home. Learn how they make the Moroccan mint tea they are famous for. When you hear the call to prayer, try to stop and soak it in. The way it echoes throughout the mountains is a humbling experience.
Day 5: The Saharan Desert
Wake up early to take a day trip to the Sahara desert. Ride camels along the dunes or take a hot air balloon ride for incredible views of the desert. You can even sandboard on the dunes. If you are feeling adventurous, consider spending the night for a "glamping" tent experience under the stars.
Day 6-7: Essaouira
End your trip in the relaxed sea town of Essaouira. Start your morning with a coffee and pastry at Patisserie Driss before exploring the town.
Enjoy lunch on the patio of Il Mare with live Essaouiran music. The frequency of this music is the highest of vibes! Check it out on Spotify to get an idea of the energy.
After a full day, go back to the hotel and experience the local tradition of hammam. The Moroccan equivalent of Turkish baths, this extreme exfoliation treatment is something locals participate in bimonthly or more!
On your last morning, wake up early for a walk on the beach and an early morning horseback ride. Take a deep breath of the salty sea air. Take it all in at your last dinner at the very hip and moody Dar Baba.
Need to know
Lastly, it is important to note that Morocco is so much more than the activities shared. Morocco is a full sensory experience. Photos won’t capture the smell of neroli in the beautiful bitter orange tree gardens. Photos can’t capture the feeling of running your fingers over the hand-carved doorways and tile work. My words fall flat of capturing the smell of the gorgeous spices as you open your tagine for dinner. The only way to experience all of this is to go and follow my Morocco seven-day itinerary!
Please note: while I included the term “Berber” in this itinerary, it is because it is used as a proper noun in some instances. However, “Berber” is based on the French word for barbarian. The preferred word is Amazigh or Imazighen (plural).
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Travel Advisor
Alexandra Shea
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This seven-day Morocco itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Morocco. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Fora Advisor Ashley Farlow's guide, The Best Month to Visit Marrakech.