The short answer
Five days is enough for Marrakech plus one other thing: either the Sahara or the Atlantic coast. It is not enough for the northern imperial cities as well; Fes and Chefchaouen will have to wait for another trip. At this length a private driver helps a lot, because it turns long transfers into part of the day.
In more detail
The Sahara version spends two days in Marrakech and three on a desert loop: over the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Ait Ben Haddou, through the Dades and Todra gorges to the dunes of Erg Chebbi, a night in a camp, and the long road back. It is full, but it is the trip most people picture when they think of Morocco.
The gentler version keeps you in Marrakech for three days and adds Essaouira on the coast, about 2h45 away by road. Two nights there, with the ramparts, the fishing harbour and grilled fish on the quay, make a calm contrast to the medina. The Atlas foothills at Imlil or the Ourika Valley are an easy day trip from either base.
If your five days are really four nights, keep it simple. Marrakech with two well-chosen day trips, or Marrakech and one Agafay desert evening, leaves you rested rather than tired from the road.
Good to know
- Do not try to add Fes to a five-day Sahara trip.
- Agafay, about 40 minutes from the medina, gives a desert evening without the long drive.
- Book the desert loop as a private trip so you choose where to stop.