Moorish Spain to Marrakech
10 days - from $990
On this voyage of discovery by rail, we visit Andalucian hill villages shaped by the Moors and the fabulous ancient Royal Cities of Morocco: Rabat, Fes and Marrakech. From our carriage windows we watch the changing landscapes; from whitewashed villages to minarets and medinas. We'll drink Malaga wine and mint tea, eat tapas and cous-cous, bargain in exotic souks, and simply enjoy soaking up the magic of Andalucia and Morocco.
Read more...
Moorish Andalucia
Beginning in Malaga, we leave Spain's most famous costa behind and depart aboard the Andalucia Express through the spectacular 'El Chorro' gorge to emerge in a world of sleepy whitewashed villages. We pause in Ronda, perched dramatically on a cliff top. As well as exploring Ronda, home to Spain's oldest bullring and an impressive Roman bridge, we include an excursion around the famous 'pueblos blancos', including picturesque Zahara de la Sierra and Grazalema, nestled in a lush National Park.
Fes & Rabat
Crossing the Strait of Gibraltar on the Algeciras to Tangier ferry, we arrive in a land that is very different yet shares a common history. After a tour of Tangier we take the train to Fes. Here we explore the souks and crowded alleyways of the medina in Fes el Bali and its' ancient sites. Those who wish can take a real Moroccan hammam and there's also the opportunity to for an afternoon optional trip to Roman Volubilis and the holy city of Moulay Idriss. Then it's on to Rabat, the Imperial capital, where we take a stroll around the Kasbah des Oudaias, and visit the Royal Palace, Mohamed V Mausoleum, Chellah and Hassan Tower.
Magical Marrakech
For us the 'end of the line' is Marrakech. Here we spend two fabulous days in what is surely one of the world's most evocative cities. The permanently animated Djemma-el-Fna Square is the 'Heart of Morocco', the focal point where Berbers and Arabs come to exchange news, haggle and trade in jelabahs, carpets and spices. Our guided walking tour will include all of the highlights but simply to stroll around the square at night - among the snake charmers, mouth-watering food stalls and entertainers - is one of life's great travel experiences.
close
Itinerary:
Day 1 Join Malaga. 2 Train to Ronda and visit. 3 In Ronda; 'white villages' excursion. 4 Train to Algeciras; ferry to Tangier; guided tour. 5 Train to Fes; guided tour of old town; optional hammam. 5 Free day in Fes; optional tour to Moulay Idriss and Volubilis. 7 Train to Rabat; guided tour. 8 Train to Marrakech; guided walking tour. 9 Free day in Marrakech. 10 End Marrakech.
Accommodation: 9nts hotels; 9 breakfasts included.
Transport: Train (1st class in Morocco, 2nd class in Spain)/Taxis/On foot/Bus.
Comment: An insight into the varied aspects of Moroccan life, its evocative culture and medieval cities, travelling by train. The similarities and contrasts with the south of Spain, heavily affected historically by Morocco, makes for a fascinating tour.
Group: Approx. 15 to 18.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus transfer drivers and some local guides.
Trip Reference: RMO