Escorted Rail Journey: London to Marrakech

After a leisurely start this morning, head back to the station and catch a train to Algeciras on the Spanish coast. There’s time for lunch here before you take a shuttle bus to the port and board a ferry for North Africa. The crossing is just 60 minutes and you’ll soon be docking in Tangier and checking in at the Hilton Garden Inn City Centre (or similar) for a 2-night stay.

Enjoy a free day at leisure in Tangier. Located on the coast of the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean, Tangier has been a strategic port for over a millennium. More recently, Tangier was known as a mecca for millionaires, spies and gamblers in the 1940s and 50s. Perhaps visit the Kasbah Palace, former residence of the governors of Tangier or take a stroll down the Rue Es-Siaghine, an historic thoroughfare now lined with cafés and shops.

You also have the option today to make a day trip to the stunning city of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains. If you would like to do this, you can let your guide know during your trip and he will escort whoever would like to go (payable locally).

Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and head together to Tanger Ville station for the Al-Boraq high-speed service to Rabat. This high-speed line has only been operating since 2018 and is the first of its kind on the African continent. You’ll be whisked at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour to Rabat, arriving at lunchtime.

Once you arrive, you’ll head for the Dar el Kebira riad (or similar) and check in for a 2-night stay.

Spend a full day exploring Morocco’s exciting capital, which doesn’t often feature on many tourist trails. The highlight is undoubtedly the walled Medina, where you can haggle for bargains and watch the locals trade. Don’t miss the Kasbah of the Udayas, a Berber-era royal fort, surrounded by formal French-designed gardens and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Other highlights include the Hassan Mosque (pictured) and the ultra-modern Grand Théâtre de Rabat, designed by famous British architect Zaha Hadid.

If the weather is good, you might also like to spend some time topping up your tan on the centrally located city beach.

Leave Rabat Ville station this morning aboard the Atlas train, bound for Marrakech, the last leg of your journey. You’ll arrive into Marrakech at lunchtime and Zak will help organise taxis to take you to your accommodation, the Riad De Charme Moullaoud (or similar), where you have a 3-night stay.

You have two full days to experience Marrakech. There is plenty to do here, from bargaining in souks and tasting fantastic street food, to visiting historic palaces and relaxing in lush gardens. Top recommendations include the stunning Bahia Palace, the Musée de Marrakech and the Jardin Majorelle, once owned by Yves Saint-Laurent. You’ll be at your own devices while exploring the city, but Zak will still be around if you need any help or advice.

What happens today is up to you! You can book your own flight home – there are direct flights from Marrakech to London, Manchester & Birmingham. Alternatively, you can extend your stay with visits to Fez and Casablanca or make your way home independently by rail and sea, via one or both of these cities. The choice is yours! Let us know if you would like us to add a return rail journey or onward accommodation to your trip.