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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Magnificent Morocco & Moorish Spain

London to Marrakech via Spain and Morocco on six named trains

Illustration of Magnificent Morocco & Moorish Spain

Great Rail Journeys operates this 13-day escorted tour that traces a cultural path from London to Marrakech through Spain and Morocco. The journey spans four countries, beginning with Eurostar Plus and First Class rail across Europe (London to Paris to Barcelona), continuing through Andalucía to Seville and crossing the Strait of Gibraltar by ferry to Morocco. In Morocco, travellers experience high-speed rail on the Al Boraq, explore the imperial cities of Casablanca, Rabat, Fes and Meknes, and finish with four nights in Marrakech. A UK Tour Manager escorts the entire group. Days combine guided sightseeing tours in each city, coach excursions to Roman ruins at Volubilis and the Atlas Mountains foothills, cultural experiences like a Berber village visit and cooking class, and free time for independent exploration. Hotels are four or five stars, with breakfast included daily plus selected lunches and dinners. The itinerary suits history lovers, food enthusiasts, and rail travellers seeking guided comfort with access to some of the Mediterranean's most significant architectural and cultural landmarks.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single supplement is substantial: GBP 5,199 compared to GBP 3,699 for a double occupancy (roughly 40% above half the double rate)
  • Several days include independent meals and free time; confirm your restaurant preferences before departure
  • Group size reaches 30 passengers, not intimate; check current departure availability before booking

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Barcelona

    London to Barcelona by First Class rail

    Your holiday starts at London St Pancras, where you meet the Tour Manager ready to board the Eurostar to Paris. Travel in spacious Eurostar Plus with a light meal served at your seats en route. In the French capital, continue by First Class rail to Barcelona. Arriving late this evening, check in to a stylish four-star hotel in a prime location near many of the city's significant buildings and attractions. Free to dine out independently on arrival.

    Meals: Eurostar Light Meal

  2. Day 2overnight: Barcelona

    Getting to know Barcelona

    Begin with a buffet breakfast and a panoramic sightseeing tour by coach and foot, including a stroll down La Rambla boulevard. Free afternoon to visit the Picasso Museum, enjoy Catalan tapas, or explore Gaudí's works including Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, Park Güell and La Sagrada Família. Dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Seville

    Welcome to Andalucía's capital, Seville

    Depart Barcelona by high-speed rail in Comfort Class (local equivalent of First Class) to Seville. Transfer by coach to the hotel in the Old Town for two nights. Free afternoon to explore Seville independently, visit Torre del Oro, El Museo de Bellas Artes, or relax at the hotel's swimming pool or rooftop terrace. Dine locally this evening at a restaurant serving traditional Andalucían flavours.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Seville

    Exploring Seville and tasting its tapas

    Guided walking tour of Seville through the historic Santa Cruz district, visiting Seville's Gothic cathedral, La Giralda bell tower and the Real Alcázar (Royal Palace). Followed by an 'introduction to tapas' experience with a local guide including a tapa and drink at two local restaurants. Free afternoon and independent dinner this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  5. Day 5railovernight: Casablanca

    Crossing the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco

    Depart Seville by coach to the port of Algeciras. Board a ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar to Tangier, Morocco. Coach transfer to Tangier railway station, then board the Al Boraq, Africa's first high-speed train, along the Atlantic coast to Casablanca. Check in to an elegant five-star hotel close to the old medina. Dinner at the hotel; optional rooftop terrace views across the city skyline.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6railovernight: Fes

    Discovering Casablanca and Rabat

    Coach tour of Casablanca with a local guide, visiting the Hassan II Mosque (entry included), Palace Mohammed V, United Nations Square and the League of Arab Emirates Park. Continue by coach to Rabat for a guided tour of the boulevards, seafront, old medina and kasbah, Oudaya Gate and Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Lunch included before travelling by First Class rail to Fes. Short coach transfer to the five-star hotel for three nights. Dinner and check-in on arrival. Note: For departures 7th September and 12th October, accommodation is at Hotel Les Mérinides Fes.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Fes

    Uncovering one of Morocco's oldest cities

    Coach tour of Fes with a local guide, visiting the Great Gateway of the Royal Palace, 17th-century fortifications at Kasbah Cherarda, Kairaouine Mosque and University, Nejjarine Fountain and the ancient gateway of Bab Boujloud. Independent lunch before continuing to the aromatic spice market and souks of the medina. Evening at leisure to explore Fes and dine independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 8overnight: Fes

    Ancient Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes

    Coach excursion to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring Roman ruins with beautiful mosaics, an olive press, basilica, baths, temples and arches. Continue to Meknes for lunch at a local restaurant and a guided tour including the Palace of Moulay Ismael, Bab El Mansour gateway and the ruins of Agoudal (Royal Gardens and Royal Stables). Return to Fes hotel; rest of day and evening free.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  9. Day 9railovernight: Marrakech

    Arrival in magical Marrakech

    Morning transfer to Fes train station for the First Class rail service to Marrakech, journeying through the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Arrive in Marrakech (the Red City) this afternoon. Coach transfer to the five-star hotel for four nights. Time to settle in or stroll to nearby gardens before dinner at the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  10. Day 10overnight: Marrakech

    Sights and folklore of Marrakech

    Sightseeing tour of Marrakech by coach and on foot with a local guide. Visit the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque and the 16th-century Ben Youssef Madrasa, then explore the souks and Djemaa El Fna Square. Free afternoon to soak up the atmosphere. Independent dinner this evening, options include the medina or the hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast

  11. Day 11overnight: Marrakech

    A day in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains

    Coach journey into the foothills of the Atlas Mountains through Berber country. Photo stops along the way, passing the Gorge of Oued Ourika. Visit a traditional Berber house for mint tea and traditional flatbread (tannour). Continue to a riad for an authentic cooking class creating a sweet and spicy tagine, followed by an al fresco lunch of traditional foods. Return to the hotel; afternoon and evening free.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  12. Day 12overnight: Marrakech

    A final free day in marvellous Marrakech

    Free day to explore Marrakech at leisure. Suggested sights include the Majorelle Gardens, Musee Tiskiwin, and the Musee de la Musique in the Saadian Quarter. This evening, mark the final night with a traditional Moroccan dinner at a local restaurant accompanied by a folklore show.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  13. Day 13

    Homeward Bound

    Possible free time for last-minute sightseeing or shopping before coach transfer to Marrakech's international airport for the flight to London Heathrow. Holiday concludes on arrival in London.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board Eurostar Plus from London St Pancras to Paris, then continue by First Class rail to Barcelona
  • Day 5Ride the Al Boraq, Africa's first high-speed train, along the Atlantic coast from Tangier to Casablanca
  • Day 8Tour the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site with mosaics, temples and arches, then visit the Palace of Moulay Ismael in Meknes
  • Day 11Take a cooking class in the Atlas Mountains foothills, creating a tagine and sharing traditional flatbread and mint tea in a Berber house
  • Day 12Final evening includes a traditional Moroccan dinner and folklore show in Marrakech

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 12 nights' 4 & 5-star hotel accommodation
  • Eurostar Plus travel (First & Standard Class rail travel)
  • All rail, ferry and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Flight from Marrakech to London Heathrow
  • Eurostar light meals
  • Breakfast each day, 4 lunches and 6 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between hotels from Barcelona to Seville, Tangier to Marrakech
  • All guided tours and excursions
  • Entry to Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

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The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys includes Eurostar Plus (London to Paris), TGV First Class (Paris to Barcelona), AVE Comfort Class (Barcelona to Seville), the Al Boraq high-speed train (Tangier to Casablanca), and Moroccan First Class rail services (Casablanca/Rabat to Fes and Fes to Marrakech).
Is this escorted or independent?
Escorted throughout. A UK Tour Manager travels with the group. Sightseeing tours in major cities are guided; some afternoons and days are free.
What hotels are included?
Hotel Catalonia Gracia in Barcelona (4-star, 2 nights), Hotel Casa Romana in Seville (2 nights), Barceló Anfa Casablanca (5-star, 1 night), Marriott Jnan Palace Hotel in Fes (5-star, 3 nights), and Mövenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech (5-star, 4 nights). Luggage transfers between hotels from Barcelona to Marrakech are included.
What meals are included?
Breakfast every day, a light meal on Eurostar, four lunches, and six dinners. Lunches and dinners on some days are independent.
When does the tour run?
Great Rail Journeys offers two departures: September 2026 and October 2026.
What is not included?
Cancellation and travel insurance, optional London hotels, UK rail connections, and door-to-door luggage service are not included but offered as optional extras.

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