7 days: the imperial highlights

Days 1-3: Marrakech (medina, Majorelle, a day trip to the Ourika Valley). Day 4: train to Fès via Casablanca or fly. Days 5-6: Fès (medina, tanneries, a half day in Meknès and Volubilis). Day 7: fly or train out.

Alternative: swap Fès for 2 nights in Essaouira for a coast finish.

10 days: add the desert

Days 1-3: Marrakech. Days 4-5: over the High Atlas to Ouarzazate and the Dades valley. Day 6: Merzouga, camel trek and desert camp. Day 7: return via the Todra gorges. Days 8-9: Fès. Day 10: depart.

The desert night is the trip's centerpiece; do not compress it into a day trip.

14 days: the grand tour

Start in Tangier (Al Boraq south), Chefchaouen (2 nights), Fès (3), Merzouga (2), Dades and Ouarzazate (2), Marrakech (3), Essaouira (2).

This loop covers the Strait, the Rif, the imperial cities, the desert and both coasts at a humane pace.