Moorish Spain to Marrakech - 2010/11 Itinerary

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. There's also time for an afternoon optional trip to Roman Volubilis and the holy city of Moulay Idriss. Next we pause in the Imperial City of Rabat where we take a stroll around the Kasbah des Oudaias and visit the Royal Palace, Mohamed V Mausoleum 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.