Tangier

Fez is the closest starting point to Morocco's far north, which makes this the most efficient way to see both the blue town and the Strait of Gibraltar without a longer loop.

Tangier is the closest departure point to the Rif, which makes this the most efficient way to see the blue town and its waterfall valley without a long drive on either end.

A cooler, slower route for travellers who'd rather trade a second desert crossing for cedar forests and mountain air: Ifrane is a realistic add-on from Tangier by way of Fez.

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's own Spanish-and-Moroccan food culture, then Fez's tanneries and spice trade, then Marrakech's souks and street food: with hands-on cooking classes along the way.

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 north-to-south crossing: Tangier is the furthest of our departure cities from the Sahara, so this route takes longer than the others, with real stops rather than a rushed dash south.

The longest of our luxury circuits, because Tangier is the furthest departure point from the south: boutique riads, a private desert camp, and a closing stretch on the coast, with nothing rushed to make up time.