Rabat

The shortest way to see three imperial cities and the best Roman ruins in the country, without touching the desert or the coast further south: a good add-on to a Fez-based trip rather than a trip on its own.

A short run out to the Atlantic coast and back: Rabat's quiet historic core and the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, for travellers based in Fez who want the coast without a longer commitment.

A short northern loop for travellers who want Chefchaouen's blue medina without committing to a longer trip: Rabat on the way up, the Rif on the way back.

All four imperial cities and Morocco's best Roman ruins, in a loop that starts and ends where most international flights land: no desert, no coast further south, just the historic core of the country.

The four imperial cities without a single night in the desert: for travellers who came for the architecture, the history, and the medinas, and would rather spend the extra days there than in a 4x4.

A shorter, easier-paced northern loop for families: no desert crossing, fewer long driving days, and stops kids tend to actually enjoy, like the Akchour walk and Rabat's tram-friendly old town.

Tangier sits closer to Morocco's imperial cities than most people assume: this loop takes in the capital, the Roman ruins at Volubilis, and Fez's medina before returning north.

A coast-first route for travellers who'd rather see the Atlantic side than the desert: the capital, the Hassan II Mosque, and a closing stretch by the sea in Essaouira before flying out of Marrakech.

The full country in ten days, upgraded throughout: boutique riads in each city, a private desert camp, and a pace with real rest days built in rather than back-to-back transfers.