Only five days in Morocco? You can still combine two imperial cities with a night in the Sahara. This 5-day Morocco itinerary runs one-way from Marrakech to Fes, crossing the High Atlas and the desert so you experience the best of the country without backtracking.
It assumes you arrive in Marrakech the evening before Day 1. Here's the plan, day by day.
5-Day Morocco Itinerary at a Glance
Route: Marrakech → Aït Ben Haddou → Dades → Todra Gorge → Merzouga (Sahara) → Fes
Best for: A short trip that still includes the desert
Start & end: Marrakech to Fes (open-jaw)
Day-by-Day 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech → Aït Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley
Cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass to the UNESCO kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, then follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to the Dades Valley.
Day 2: Dades → Todra Gorge → Merzouga (Sahara)
Walk through Todra Gorge, then continue via Erfoud and Rissani to Merzouga for a sunset camel trek and a night in a desert camp.
Day 3: Sahara Sunrise → Ziz Valley → Fes
Watch sunrise over the dunes, then travel north through the Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas (Midelt, Azrou, Ifrane) to Fes.
Day 4: Fes Guided Tour
Spend the day exploring the medieval medina of Fes el-Bali with a local guide — tanneries, madrasas and souks.
Day 5: Departure from Fes
Free time before your transfer to Fes airport — or extend north to Chefchaouen if you have an extra day.
Best Time & How to Travel
Spring and autumn are ideal. Because the drives are long and the desert isn't reached by public transport, a private tour with a driver is the most practical way to do this route in five days.
Itinerary Variations
Want a round trip? Do the desert in 3 days from Marrakech and return there instead of ending in Fes. Have a little more time? The 7-day itinerary adds two full days in Marrakech and Fes.
Final Thoughts
Five days is tight but rewarding: you still get the High Atlas, an overnight in the Sahara and the magic of Fes. Keep it one-way and let a driver handle the roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5 days enough for Morocco?
Five days is enough for a focused trip combining Marrakech, the Sahara and Fes. For a more relaxed pace or to add Chefchaouen or the coast, allow 7–10 days.
Can I see the Sahara in 5 days?
Yes. This itinerary includes one night in a Merzouga desert camp with a camel trek, reached by crossing the High Atlas and the Dades Valley.
Should I start in Marrakech or Fes?
Either works. Going one-way (into Marrakech, out of Fes, or the reverse) avoids repeating the same roads.
Is this itinerary too rushed?
It's efficient rather than rushed — there are two longer driving days, but a private vehicle allows scenic stops. The 7-day version is more relaxed.
