Marrakech Express in Spring 2013 

We set out on the first leg of our Moroccan adventure from St Pancras International, where we join the Eurostar to Paris. We cross Paris by coach and connect with the comfortable Francisco de Goya sleeper train for the overnight journey to Madrid. Arriving on Day 2, we transfer across the city to board the high-speed AVE train to Seville for two nights at the Hotel Inglaterra. (Day 1-E; Day 2-B)

Packed with a wealth of magnificent, varied architecture, Seville is steeped in history and culture. We discover the flavour of this impressive city on our guided tour, during which we see the immense cathedral and the breathtaking Plaza de España. We also admire the beautifully ornate Royal Palace - a UNESCO World Heritage site. (B)

Today we travel to Tarifa, where we take a ferry across the Straits of Gibraltar to Morocco. Although only a short journey from Spain, Morocco is another world in many ways, with a rich array of differing styles and influences taken from the country's European neighbours. We arrive into the bustling port of Tangier, and after lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the golden beach, we board the train for a scenic journey along the rugged coastline to Rabat, Morocco's vibrant capital city. We spend two nights at the Hotel Farah. (B,L)

This morning we explore Rabat with a local guide, visiting many of the city's attractions. Rabat is divided into two distinct regions, with a bustling Medina and the 'Ville Nouvelle', built by the French from 1912. However, throughout the city, and particularly within the Medina, the influence of Roman, Moorish and Spanish occupiers can be seen in abundance. Our guided tour includes the Royal Palace of Hassan II, the Roman ruins of Sala and the busy streets of the Medina. (B,D)

Today we travel to Casablanca, Morocco's largest city, regarded as its 'unofficial capital'. The city is an incredible blend of old and new, with an Old Town Medina and a terrific Art Deco New Town. The Medina is a truly remarkable place, with tiny labyrinthine streets and tall, dusty colonial-style buildings. Nowhere will you feel more immersed in Moroccan culture, as sights, smells and eccentric local traders and performers all compete for your attention. On our guided tour, we visit the Mohammed V Square, the heart of the city which is a hive of activity 24 hours a day, and the iconic Hasan II Mosque - an impressive sight to behold with its 210-metre minaret. After lunch in a restaurant overlooking the Atlantic, we travel by train to Marrakech, where we stay at the fabulous Es Saadi Hotel. Set in beautiful gardens, the hotel is a tranquil haven just outside the beguiling Medina. (B,L,D)

Known as the 'Ochre City', Marrakech lies in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains giving the city a stunning backdrop. Our guided tour of the city's main sights includes the fortified Old Town and modern 'new city' area, built by the French at the start of the 20th century. We then enjoy some free time to experience the sights, sounds and flavours of Marrakech at leisure. The city is still best known for the Djemaa el Fna, its incredible, bustling main square - the largest in Morocco. The square is filled with entertainers during the day - acrobats, musicians, dancers, snake charmers, wide-eyed story tellers and instantly recognisable water sellers. At night the square is transformed into a huge open-air restaurant as it fills with stalls selling every different type of Moroccan food. The incredible aromas will no doubt prove to be an irresistible temptation. Take any of the streets heading north and you will dive head first into Marrakech's tantalising souks; piles of vividly coloured cloth, spice mountains, and herbalists with a cure for every ailment imaginable. This evening we sample Moroccan cuisine and enjoy traditional entertainment in a local restaurant. (B,D)

Today we learn about the Berber people during a fascinating excursion to the lush, green Ourika Valley, nestled amongst the majestic Atlas Mountains. From here we continue on a picturesque drive through the Ourika Gorge and typical Berber hamlets of stone and baked clay houses, where many ancient, local customs are still upheld. The day includes a visit to a typical Berber home where we enjoy a cup of traditional mint tea, and a tour of the local market selling Berber handicrafts. We continue past rivers meandering into the foothills of the mountains back to Marrakech. On Day 9 we travel through remote regions, major cities and rural landscapes before arriving in Fez. On arrival, we transfer to the Barcelo Hotel for a three-night stay. (Day 8-B,L; Day 9-B)

We enjoy a guided tour of Fez, one of Morocco's oldest cities, founded in about 809AD. We see the grand, imposing gateway of the Royal Palace, and the impressive 17th century fortifications, along with the old guilds, souks and popular spice market of the city. The rest of your day is free. The colourful tanneries of Fez are one of the city's most familiar and photographed sights and are well worth visiting. You can watch barefoot dyers wading through mud pits to dip animal hides into large cauldrons of pigment. We enjoy dinner in Le Palais Medina restaurant. (B,D)

Today's excursion takes us to the grand city of Meknes. The city's imperial past is apparent in its ornate palaces and mosques, which we discover on a guided tour. Later we continue to the sacred city of Moulay Idriss. Crammed with charming whitewashed buildings, the city has become a much-loved pilgrimage site. We then visit Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site which boasts magnificent Roman ruins dating back 2,000 years. (B,L)

Leaving Fez behind, we travel north by train to Tangier, where we join the ferry back to Tarifa. On arrival we transfer by coach to the majestic, Moorish city of Granada, sitting beneath the Sierra Nevada Mountains. We stay at the Melia Hotel. On Day 13 we visit Spain's most spectacular and iconic monument, the Alhambra, a Moorish palace which sits proudly on a plateau overlooking the city. We enjoy a guided tour before free time to explore. (Days 12-13-B)

We leave Granada by train for Madrid, arriving around lunchtime. We transfer to the Plaza Mayor for a tapas lunch, before time to explore. In the evening we join the Francisco de Goya overnight sleeper service to Paris. We arrive on Day 15, and transfer to the Eurostar. (Day 14-B;L; Day 15-B,E)

E=Eurostar Meal, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
These meals, where shown are included in the price of your holiday.



Our March departure spends time in Seville and Granada during the Easter Week celebrations, when a host of colourful displays take place in the streets. Our April departure coincides with the 'Feria de Abril', when Seville is alive with flamenco music and dancers.

We also offer the option to return to the UK by air, rather than by train. This version of our Marrakech Express tour is a day shorter. If returning by air, you will transfer to Malaga Airport on Day 14 for the return flight to London. (B)

The return by air option is not available to book online, so if you are interested in flying back to London, please call one of our Tour Advisors who will be happy to help you.