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Magnificent Morocco & Moorish Spain

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13 days From £4,099 £3,999 per person
4.1 stars(37 reviews)
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Embark on a majestic exploration of this cultural corner of the world, from Catalonia and Moorish Spain to the timeless cities of Morocco

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Save £100pp on Europe & British Isles 2025 holidays, when you book by 31st May 2025.

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Mobility Rating 3

2025 Tour code: MAG25

About the tour

Follow the path of the ancient Moors from the shores of Spain to mystical Moroccan cities. Discover the diverse architecture of Barcelona, including Gaudí's iconic church, and the Andalucían city of Seville before crossing the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco.

Soak up Morocco's flavours in Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Meknes and Marrakech, and experience Moroccan culture while visiting a Berber village and watching traditional shows. Explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the modern 'White City' of Casablanca to see the contrasts and allures of this diverse destination.

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Unforgettable experiences

Touring the fascinating cities of Barcelona and Seville
Touring the fascinating cities of Barcelona and Seville
Explore two of Spain's most impressive cities on guided tours, including Gaudí's Sagrada Familia and the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona and the stunning cathedral and Real Alcázar in Seville.
Discovering Morocco’s four imperial cities
Discovering Morocco’s four imperial cities
Tour Morocco's unique destinations, including the modern 'White City' of Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Meknes and Marrakech, on expertly guided tours that showcase points of interest and historic monuments of each city.
Uncovering the UNESCO-listed Roman ruins of Volubilis
Uncovering the UNESCO-listed Roman ruins of Volubilis
Soak up the remains of ancient Volubilis – one of Morocco's best-preserved archaeological sites and a former Berber city – on a guided tour of its Roman ruins and many historically significant sites.
Experiencing Morocco’s time-honoured traditions
Experiencing Morocco’s time-honoured traditions
Find yourself immersed in the country’s unique culture while taking part in a cooking class, visiting an authentic Berber village, sharing traditional flatbread and mint tea, and watching traditional dance and folklore shows.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – Direct to Spain: London to Barcelona by First Class rail

Your holiday begins at London St Pancras, where you meet the Tour Manager and fellow travellers, ready to board the Eurostar to Paris. We travel in spacious Eurostar Plus with a light meal served at our seats enroute. In the French capital, we continue by First Class rail to Barcelona, arriving late this evening when the city comes to life as the locals head out to dinner.

On the way, you may like to enjoy a meal from the catering facilities of our train, or you are free to dine out independently in one of the city's enticing restaurants on arrival. We check in to our stylish four-star hotel in a prime location in Barcelona near many of the city's significant buildings and attractions, with two nights to explore.

Includes
  • Eurostar Light Meal
Day 2 – Getting acquainted with Barcelona

Our first day in Barcelona begins with a buffet breakfast and a panoramic sightseeing tour by coach and foot. The city has a fascinating mix of architecture and a laid-back coastal ambience, and we soak up its culture with commentary from our local guide as we explore. Our first stop is La Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece. This basilica was inspired by natural forms and features intricate towers carved from Montjuïc stone, similar to sandstone. From the church, we stroll down Las Ramblas, known for its street performers, musicians, cafés and market stalls.

Your afternoon is free to continue exploring, and you may like to visit the Picasso Museum in the Gothic Quarter or enjoy Catalan tapas at an al fresco eatery or beachside café. It is impossible to visit Barcelona and not fall under the spell of Gaudí. Not far from our hotel are two of his distinctive buildings, Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, while another of his creations, Park Güell, boasts colourful mosaic sculptures and fabulous views.

This evening, we reconvene for dinner at a local restaurant.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Into southern Spain to the Andalucían city of Seville

Departing Barcelona, we travel in Comfort Class (the local equivalent of First Class) on the high-speed rail service to Seville, a destination filled with culture. Arriving this afternoon, we transfer by coach to our hotel in the Old Town, where we check in for two nights.

You are then free to explore Seville at your own pace this afternoon, and our central location means that many of the city's landmarks are within easy reach. You could wander into the historic Santa Cruz district for a late lunch in one of the tapas restaurants or seek out the city's landmarks. Perhaps visit Torre del Oro, a striking golden tower next to the Guadalquivir river, or visit Seville's fine art museum, El Museo de Bellas Artes. Housed in a palace, which was also a convent, its walls feature Spanish artists from Spain's 'Golden Age' in the 17th century.

Alternatively, you could relax at the hotel's swimming pool or rooftop terrace before we dine locally this evening at a restaurant serving traditional Andalucían flavours.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – Exploring Seville and tasting its tapas

This morning, we are taken on a guided walking tour of Seville. Strolling through the historic Santa Cruz district, we see Seville's Gothic cathedral, where the remains of Christopher Columbus are said to be interred. The cathedral's Renaissance-style bell tower, La Giralda, offers panoramic views across the city. Our tour continues to the Real Alcázar, or Royal Palace, whose interiors feature Moorish, Mudéjar and Christian influences, with elaborate patios, decorative windows and geometric tiles. The palace gardens are delightful, with ancient water features, shaded seating areas and peacocks wandering among the fragrant orange trees.

After our tour, we enjoy an 'introduction to tapas' experience with a local guide, which includes a tapa and drink at two local restaurants. The rest of your afternoon is free to continue exploring at your own pace - perhaps by crossing the wrought-iron Triana Bridge, also called Isabel II Bridge, to the district of Triana, known for its gypsy community and flamenco tradition.

With no group dinner, tonight is a chance to dine independently in one of the excellent restaurants near our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 – Crossing the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco

New cultures and destinations beckon as we depart Seville by coach after breakfast and travel to the port of Algeciras. Here, we board a ferry* for a short ride across the Strait of Gibraltar to the city of Tangiers in Morocco.

A coach awaits our arrival in Tangiers and takes us to the railway station for our onwards journey to Casablanca. We board the sleek Al Boraq - Africa's first high-speed train - and follow the Atlantic coast from Tangiers down to Casablanca. On arrival in Morocco's most modern city, we check in to our elegant five-star hotel for the night, situated close to the old medina.

Our day concludes with a three-course dinner at our hotel. Afterwards, you might like to head up to the hotel's rooftop terrace, which offers excellent views across the city skyline.

*Please note: Our luggage travels with us on the coach and is transferred for us onto the ferry. However, due to customs procedures, we may need to take charge of our bags during the ferry journey.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – Discovering Casablanca and Rabat

Look upon the 'White City' and its many attractions this morning as we take a coach tour of Casablanca with a local guide. We see the modern face of Morocco, a glittering mass of pale towers stretching as far as the eye can see, and the city's ancient past. Our tour starts with a visit to the city's most iconic building, the Hassan II Mosque, where entry is included. We then continue to the Palace Mohammed V before visiting United Nations Square and the League of Arab Emirates Park. Our excursion ends with a traditional lunch at a nearby restaurant.

After dining, we continue by coach to the capital, Rabat, for a guided tour, where we wander the impressive boulevards and palm tree-lined seafront before seeing the old medina and kasbah, the monumental Oudaya Gate and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.

We continue our journey in First Class seats on the regular rail service to Fes, our next Moroccan destination. On arrival this evening, a short coach transfer takes us to our five-star hotel, where we have dinner and check in for the next three nights.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – The rich history of one of Morocco’s oldest cities

Today, we join a local guide on a coach tour of the fascinating city of Fes. Known for its thriving medina and ancient city walls, Fes is one of Morocco's oldest cities, founded in the 10th-century BC by Berber fishermen.

We discover architectural and cultural landmarks of this historic treasure trove, including the Great Gateway of the Royal Palace, the 17th-century fortifications at Kasbah Cherarda, the Karaouyine Mosque and University, the beautifully tiled Nejjarine Fountain, and the ancient gateway of Bab Boujloud. We stop for lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the aromatic spice market and buzzing souks of the medina, home to a maze of gift stalls and mint tea cafés.

Returning to our hotel this afternoon, we have time to freshen up before a coach transfer takes us the short distance to Le Palais Medina for dinner and a traditional folk-dance performance.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – The ancient remains of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes

Setting out by coach with our local guide, today we visit one of Morocco's most important and best-preserved archaeological sites - the remains of the ancient city of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Volubilis was originally a Berber city taken over by Roman invaders, eventually growing into a proto-capital before being abandoned for the new centre of Fes. As we walk through the impressive site, we see Roman ruins featuring beautiful mosaics, an olive press, basilica, baths, temples and arches.

We then travel to the city of Meknes. The high city walls hide a tapestry of architecture inspired by Islamic traditions and European styles. Our guided tour reveals many examples, such as the Palace of Moulay Ismael and the Bab El Mansour gateway. We also see the ruins of Agoudal Busin, including the Royal Gardens and the Royal Stables.

We return to our hotel in Fes, where the rest of your day and evening is free. You may like to spend time relaxing by the pool or find dinner locally in Fes.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 – Arrival in magical Marrakech

A morning transfer takes us to Fes's train station to join the local rail service to Marrakech, travelling in First Class. After journeying through the foothills of the Atlas Mountains by rail, we arrive in Marrakech later this afternoon.

Known as the Red City due to its red-pink-hued buildings and the ten miles of red sandstone walls surrounding the city, Marrakech is drenched in colour. From the pale peach, soft orange and ochres of townhouses to the dazzling reds, golds, blues and greens of the souks - all with a backdrop of the Atlas Mountains - each bustling street reveals the city's beauty.

On arrival, a coach transfer takes us to our five-star hotel, whose grounds offer a tranquil retreat from the city. We check in for the next four nights with time to settle in or perhaps stroll to one of the nearby gardens or parks, such as the Arts Garden, before a three-course dinner at the hotel.

Please Note: Certain departures will stay at Savoy Le Grand Hotel, Marrakech.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 – Sights and folklore of Marrakech

After breakfast, a local guide takes us on a sightseeing tour of Marrakech on foot and by coach. We drive past the red sandstone ramparts of the city on wide roads used by everything from luxury limousines to mopeds, bicycles and donkey carts. We visit the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque, with its prominent minaret visible from every corner of Marrakech. Here, we may be lucky enough to hear the muezzin's 'call to prayer' - a hypnotic sound that floats over the entire medina. Afterwards, we visit the secret tombs of the Saadian Dynasty's mausoleum, ornamental Menara Gardens, the 19th-century Bahia Palace and the Ben Youssef Madrasa - an Islamic college. Our tour ends after exploring the souks and stalls of Djemaa El Fna Square. The rest of the afternoon is free to soak up the atmosphere of this square, the heartbeat of the city filled with street-food vendors, snake charmers, nomadic musicians and storytellers.

This evening, we dine at our hotel.

 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 – A day in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains

Discover Berber country, an ancient semi-desert landscape still occupied by the same tribes who have lived here for thousands of years, as we journey by coach into the foothills of the Atlas Mountains today.

Making occasional photo stops, we see the old stone and mud houses of the valleys and, above us, the snow-dusted caps of the Atlas. We pass the Gorge of Oued Ourika, which follows the path of the Atlas' rivers. Here, we visit a traditional Berber house for a refreshing glass of Moroccan mint tea and traditional flatbread, known as tannour. Our excursion continues to a riad, where we enjoy an authentic cooking class amid stunning scenery. Guided by a chef, we create one of Morocco's best-loved dishes, a sweet and spicy tagine, and then we enjoy a delicious al fresco lunch of traditional foods.

After lunch, we return to our luxurious hotel, with the rest of the afternoon and evening to spend as you wish. You can dine in our hotel's restaurant this evening or head into the medina to explore its culinary options.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12 – A final day to continue sightseeing in marvellous Marrakech

Today is our last day in Marrakech, and it is yours to spend as you please, making the most of this enchanting city. There are more interesting sights you may like to experience, including the Majorelle Gardens. Once the home of fashion designer Yves St Laurent, this is a fantasy world of cobalt blue and terracotta buildings, palm trees and water features.

In the medina, Musee Tiskiwin is a small, private museum housed in a traditional riad, which tells the stories of the culture and life of indigenous Berber people. The museum also covers the history of Marrakech itself. You might also like to visit the Musee de la Musique in the Saadian Quarter, to view instruments and displays about the history of music in Marrakech. The reception of the museum is a lovely example of Arab-Andalucían architecture.

However you spend your day, this evening we enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner at a local restaurant accompanied by a folklore show.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13 – Homeward Bound

With the final hours of this magnificent Spanish and Moroccan holiday ahead, enjoy a free morning in Marrakech. Savour the offerings of our hotel's breakfast buffet, and then, you can head out into the city to wrap up any sightseeing you may wish to accomplish or revisit favourite sights from our tour. This free time is a wonderful opportunity to revisit Menara Gardens to get another look at the mountains or shop for souvenirs in the stalls at Djemaa El Fna Square. You might like to find lunch in one of the city's restaurants as you explore.

Later this afternoon, a coach transfer takes us from our hotel to Marrakech's international airport for our evening flight to London Heathrow. Your adventure draws to a close tonight as our plane lands in London.

Please Note - For departure 13th October we will fly back to London Gatwick instead of London Heathrow.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Landmark collection

Our Landmark range offers an unforgettable mix of incredible experiences and First Class rail travel*, unique accommodation, tours with smaller groups, and one-of-a-kind experiences that you'll want to tell your friends about. Group sizes begin at 16 travellers, with an average of around 22 and a maximum of 30. *where available

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Hotel Catalonia Gracia

Hotel Catalonia Gracia, Barcelona

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Radisson Blu Hotel

Radisson Blu Hotel, Casablanca

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Marriott Jnan Palace Hotel, Fez

Marriott Jnan Palace Hotel, Fez

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Casa Romana Hotel Boutique

Casa Romana Hotel Boutique, Seville

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Movenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech, Marrakech

Movenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech, Marrakech

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Trains

AVE
Eurostar
TGV
TGV Morocco

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

Flight upgrades
London Hotels
UK rail connections
Door to door luggage service

Reviews

4.1 stars4.1 / 5 · 37 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (15)
  2. 4 stars
    (15)
  3. 3 stars
    (4)
  4. 2 stars
    (2)
  5. 1 star
    (1)

Geoff Turner

5 stars

Submitted 27 Sep 2024

I've travelled with Great Rail Journeys on several occasions and again, this terrific tour met the high standards that I have come to expect. Excellent transportation, quality hotels, interesting local guides and an outstanding Tour Manager, who escorted us throughout. What's not to like ??

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Geoff Turner
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Douglas McEwan

5 stars

Submitted 22 Sep 2024

Fascinating tour - excellent guides

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June Johns

5 stars

Submitted 25 May 2024

A fantastic journey filled with the amazing sights of cultures both exotically foreign and familiar. And train travel between the featured cities is definitely the way to go. Highly recommend this trip!

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June Johns
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K Wales

5 stars

Submitted 25 May 2024

A delight. Wonderful sensory experience. Like the 'Arabian Nights'.

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Mrs R H

5 stars

Submitted 09 Jul 2023

This was a well planned holiday. All the tour guides were good and informative. Every hotel was comfortable with very tasty breakfasts, having a good range of food. We enjoyed the opportunity of having some dinners and a lunch organised to be in local restaurants. The ferry across to Morocco was a great experience as we passed by Gibraltar en route to Tangier. The places in Morocco that we visited were a good cross-section of local life although the size of our coach prevented us from travelling to the lower part of the Atlas hills. The heat was too great, June was bad choice for this holiday as we were exhausted most days.

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Lynnz

5 stars

Submitted 15 Jun 2023

Wonderful mix of cultures and cuisine from Spain and Morocco. Excellent guides and exciting train experiences.

Collected by Trustpilot

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