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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Morocco's Ancient Cities & Kasbahs

Morocco's imperial cities and Sahara Desert by train, coach, and camel

Illustration of Morocco's Ancient Cities & Kasbahs

Great Rail Journeys operates this 10-day escorted journey through Morocco, beginning and ending in London. The tour travels by train on two segments (Marrakech to Casablanca and Rabat to Fes) and by coach through the Atlas Mountains, desert, and historic valleys. Days one and two explore Marrakech, including the Koutoubia Mosque and Djemaa El Fna Square; Days four and five are based in Fes, the oldest of Morocco's imperial cities, founded in 809 AD. The itinerary then ventures south through Berber mountain villages and Ksars, crosses the dramatic Ziz Gorges, and reaches the Sahara. Day seven includes a night at The Sandy Tents luxury camp in Merzouga, with an optional sunset camel ride. Days eight and nine follow the Route of 1000 Kasbahs through the Todra Gorge and return via the UNESCO World Heritage site Ait Ben Haddou and the Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass. Accommodation spans four and five-star hotels and a desert camp; most stays are one night, except Marrakech and Fes with two nights each. The tour suits history-lovers, couples, and photographers, with guided tours, included meals, and a Tour Manager throughout.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single supplement is substantial: GBP 3,599 versus GBP 2,599 for a double room, adding GBP 1,000 (38 percent).
  • Day 5 dinner is not included; meals are described as free time in the evening after the full-day Fes tour.
  • Only two nights include two nights in the same hotel (Marrakech and Fes); most stops are one night, creating a fast-paced itinerary despite the balanced description.
  • Maximum group size is 30 travellers; confirm current departure availability with Great Rail Journeys before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Marrakech

    London Gatwick to the 'red city' of Marrakech

    Your holiday begins at London Gatwick, where you meet the Tour Manager and fellow travellers for the direct flight to Marrakech, Morocco's first historical capital and imperial city. On arrival, transferred to the five-star hotel for two nights. Set in a lush oasis on the edge of Marrakech's bustling Old City, you can stroll beneath palm trees, banana trees and bougainvillea or take a dip in the pool before the first dinner together.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Marrakech

    Introduction to the magnificent sights of Marrakech

    After breakfast, a guided tour of ancient Marrakech at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains. Drive past the red sandstone ramparts, visit the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque, the 16th-century Ben Youssef Madrasa, and explore the winding alleys of the souks and stalls of Djemaa El Fna Square. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free to soak up the atmosphere.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Casablanca

    To the elegant 'white city' of Casablanca by train

    After breakfast, travel by train from Marrakech to Casablanca. After free time for independent lunch, a guided tour including the Hassan II Mosque (entrance included), Place Mohammed V, United Nations Square, and the 1920s-built League of Arab States Park. Return to hotel to relax before dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Fes

    Exploring the imperial cities of Rabat and Fes

    Travel by coach along the coast to Rabat. Guided tour of the old Medina, Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, the Chellah, and the Mohammed V Mausoleum. After lunch at a local restaurant, board the train from Rabat to Fes. Check in to hotel for two nights and enjoy dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Fes

    Touring the ancient city of Fes

    Full-day city tour of Fes, the oldest of the four imperial cities, founded in 809AD. Tour includes the Borj Nord Arms museum, the Royal Palace gateway, Kasbah Cherarda, Karaouyine Mosque, 14th-century university, shrine of Moulay Idriss II, Nejarine fountain, Bab Boujloud gateway, and the colourful spice market and souks of the Medina. Afternoon free to explore or relax. Dinner not included this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6overnight: Erfoud

    Crossing the Atlas Mountains towards the Sahara

    Travel south by coach, discovering Berber fortified mountain villages (Ksars). Photo stops including the pseudo-Swiss town of Ifrane, Azrou in the Middle Atlas Mountains, through the Oued Gigou Valley and into the High Atlas. Lunch stop at the ksar of Midelt, then through mountain passes and the dramatic Ziz Gorges to Errachidia and on to the oasis town of Erfoud. Dinner and overnight at Kasbah hotel. Note: For departure 13th April, stay at Kenzi Rissani; for departure 7th September, stay at Palais du Desert.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Merzouga (Sandy Tents luxury camp)

    Visiting Rissani and a night at a luxurious Merzouga campsite

    Short coach journey to the desert town of Rissani. Guided tour of traditional Berber villages Ksar Akbar and Ksar Oulad Abdelhalim, with a photo stop at the tomb of Moulay Ali Charif. Travel the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi to the Saharan village of Merzouga. Greeted with mint tea before continuing into the golden dunes. Spend the night at The Sandy Tents luxury campsite. Optional sunset camel ride before a three-course dinner beneath the stars.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Boumalne Dadès

    Route of 1000 Kasbahs and Todra Gorge

    Breakfast at the luxury camp before travelling by coach to the village of Tinghir, gateway to the Route of 1000 Kasbahs in the Dadès valley. Journey up the Oued Todra river valley through towering canyon walls to the mouth of the Todra Gorge, where cliffs rise nearly 1,000 feet. Pass traditional Berber villages and ruins of kasbahs. Light lunch at a local restaurant. Arrive at Boumalne Dadès for the night, with time to relax before dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: Marrakech

    Kasbahs of the Atlas Mountains

    Return journey to Marrakech through southern Morocco's most evocative landscapes. Stops at the ruins of El Glaoui Kasbah, Kalaat M'Gouna (Rose Valley), the city of Ouarzazate and the 18th-century Kasbah of Taourirt, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass and descend through the Glaoua Plains to Marrakech. Final dinner accompanied by a folklore show performed by different tribes from all over Morocco.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Day 10

    Homeward bound

    Transferred to the airport for the direct flight back to London Gatwick. On arrival in London, the holiday concludes and travellers are free to make their own way home.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Guided tour of Marrakech includes the red sandstone ramparts, 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque, and the winding souks of Djemaa El Fna Square with swirling dancers and traditional musicians.
  • Day 3Travel by train from Marrakech to Casablanca, then visit the Hassan II Mosque (entrance included) and Place Mohammed V.
  • Day 4Board the train from Rabat to Fes after a guided tour of the old Medina, Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, and the Mohammed V Mausoleum.
  • Day 7Spend the night at The Sandy Tents luxury camp in Merzouga; watch the sunset over the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, with an optional camel ride and three-course dinner.
  • Day 8Journey through the Route of 1000 Kasbahs up the Oued Todra river valley to the Todra Gorge, where cliffs rise nearly 1,000 feet above traditional Berber villages and kasbah ruins.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 8 nights' 4 & 5-Star hotel accommodation
  • 1 night at a luxury tented camp
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Direct return flights from London Gatwick to Marrakech
  • Breakfast each day
  • 4 lunches
  • 7 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between hotels from Marrakech to Fes
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Also sold by

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

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are used on this tour?
Great Rail Journeys books Moroccan rail services for two segments: Marrakech to Casablanca and Rabat to Fes. The itinerary does not name the specific train operators or classes.
Is the tour escorted?
Yes, a UK Tour Manager accompanies the group from start to finish. All guided tours and excursions are included, and group luggage transfers operate from Marrakech to Fes.
What meals are included?
Breakfast every day, four lunches, and seven dinners are included. Day 5 dinner is not included. Independent lunch is available on Day 3 in Casablanca.
What is the accommodation standard?
Eight nights are in four and five-star hotels: Movenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech (5-star), Barceló Anfa Casablanca (4-star), Marriott Jnan Palace Hotel Fez (5-star), Kasbah Hôtel Xaluca Arfoud (4-star), Dades Xaluca Hotel (4-star). One night is at The Sandy Tents luxury camp in Merzouga.
What flights are included?
Direct return flights from London Gatwick to Marrakech are included. Flight upgrades are available as an optional extra.
When does the tour depart?
Great Rail Journeys offers six departures: September 2026, October 2026, April 2027, May 2027, September 2027, and October 2027.

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