7-Day Morocco Itinerary Under $850: Marrakech, Fes & Chefchaouen

A 7-day loop through Marrakech, Fes, and Chefchaouen runs roughly $800-$850 total, including a round-trip flight from the US ($550-$700), six nights in budget riads (~$18-25/night), second-class trains and CTM buses between cities, and meals from local stalls rather than tourist restaurants. The route hits Morocco's three most photographed cities entirely by public transport.

1. Marrakech (Days 1-2)

Land at Marrakech Menara and settle into a riad in the medina, where budget rooms run $18-25 a night plus a small nightly tourist tax. Spend day one at Jemaa el-Fnaa and the souks, day two at Bahia Palace. A tagine costs 30-50 MAD ($3-5) at a stall two streets back from the square, versus 80-150 MAD for the same dish right on Jemaa el-Fnaa.

2. Marrakech to Fes (Day 3)

Book the ONCF train from Marrakech to Fes, around 204 MAD ($20) in second class for a 6.5-7 hour ride with a transfer at Casablanca Voyageurs. Reserve a few days ahead for a guaranteed seat, and bring food for the ride.

3. Fes (Day 4)

Fes's medina is the largest car-free urban zone in the world, so give it a full day: the Chouara tannery, the Al-Qarawiyyin mosque exterior, and the leather souks. Converted-riad hostels here start around $20-25 a night with breakfast included. A licensed guide for a few hours is worth the tip, since the medina's alleys have no street signs.

4. Fes to Chefchaouen (Day 5)

Take the CTM bus from Fes to Chefchaouen, departing roughly every four hours for 80-140 MAD ($11-18) on a 4.5-hour ride. CTM buses are air-conditioned with assigned seats, which matters on the winding road into the Rif mountains. Aim to arrive by early evening for golden-hour light on the blue medina.

5. Chefchaouen (Day 6)

Prices have climbed since the pandemic-era lull, but budget riads still run $25-55 a night without a private terrace. Wander the blue-washed medina, then hike to the Spanish Mosque viewpoint for sunset — free, about 30 minutes each way from the medina gate.

6. Return & Departure (Day 7)

Bus back to Fes on the same CTM route to connect with your flight home, or extend the trip with a shared 3-day Sahara desert tour from Fes, starting around $135-175 per person with camel trekking and a desert camp. Reconfirm your flight 24 hours out, since schedules occasionally shift with little notice.

These costs apply to US and UK passport holders, who can enter Morocco visa-free for stays up to 90 days with a passport valid at least three months beyond entry.

People also ask

Do US citizens need a visa for Morocco?

No. US citizens can enter Morocco visa-free for tourist stays up to 90 days with a passport valid at least three months past the entry date. No pre-registration or fee is required, though officers may ask for a return ticket and proof of funds.

How much does a 7-day Morocco trip cost excluding flights?

Budget travelers typically spend $250-$350 for a week of lodging, local transport, food, and entry fees, staying in hostels and shared riads and eating mostly at local stalls. A Sahara desert tour or private guides push this toward $400-500.

Is Chefchaouen worth the detour from Fes?

Yes, for most travelers. It's a 4.5-hour bus ride each way, but the blue medina and Rif mountain scenery are a strong contrast to Marrakech and Fes, and budget riads still run cheaper than comparable rooms in Marrakech.

What's the cheapest way to get from Marrakech to Fes?

The ONCF second-class train at roughly $20 is generally the best value versus CTM buses, which cover the same route for a comparable or slightly lower fare depending on promotions.

Prices and entry requirements were checked against official and current sources as of September 2, 2026. Fares and accommodation rates change seasonally, so confirm current prices before booking.