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Railbookers · Escorted tour

The Moroccan Explorer

11-day escorted rail tour from Spain into Morocco

Illustration of The Moroccan Explorer

Railbookers operates this 11-day, 10-night escorted tour from Spain into Morocco, starting in Barcelona and ending in Marrakech. The journey opens with the Eurostar from the UK to Paris and an onward train to Barcelona, crossing the Pyrenees into Spain, before continuing by train to Cordoba and on to Tangier via a ferry crossing from Algeciras. From Tangier, direct trains carry travelers to Fez, where the itinerary includes a tour of the ancient medina, and on to Casablanca for a guided visit to the Hassan II Mosque. The final three nights are in Marrakech, with a half-day tour of the Koutoubia Minaret, the Saadien Tombs and the Souks, plus a camel ride through nearby palm groves. As an escorted tour with drivers meeting travelers at each stop, this suits those who want a multi-country rail route through Spain and Morocco without arranging each connection themselves.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence lists 26 hotel options across the cities on this trip, described as choices rather than consecutive stays, without specifying which is confirmed at booking.
  • Day 3 involves a train to Algeciras, a connecting bus to Tarifa, and a ferry crossing to Tangier in a single day, a longer travel day than the rest of the itinerary.
  • No current departure dates are listed in our records for this package.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Barcelona

    Barcelona

    Depart the UK onboard the Eurostar to Paris, and here change for a train to Barcelona. Admire the Pyrenees as you cross the border into Spain, and on arrival into Barcelona check in to your hotel for a 1-night stay.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Cordoba

    Cordoba

    In the morning take the train to Cordoba, and check-in for an overnight stay. Head out to discover the ancient history found round every corner of this gorgeous city.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Tangier

    Tangier

    Take the train down to Algeciras then hop on the connecting bus to Tarifa from where the fast ferry departs bound for Africa. On arrival in Tangier you will be met by a driver who will present you with your train tickets and escort you to your hotel.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Fez

    Tangier to Fez

    Head to the station via a private transfer, then enjoy the direct train to Fez where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a 2-night stay.

  5. Day 5overnight: Fez

    Fez

    Following breakfast at your hotel enjoy a tour of the city and its ancient medina. Enjoy a refreshing mint tea and perhaps even relax at a traditional hammam.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Casablanca

    Fez to Casablanca

    Continue your rail adventure today to Casablanca. Enjoy the comfort of a transfer between your hotels and the train stations and settle into your hotel for a 2-night stay.

  7. Day 7overnight: Casablanca

    Casablanca

    Discover all this great city has to offer with a guided tour today. The enormous Hassan II Mosque is highlight, and the European art deco architecture hint of the French colonial legacy. In the evening perhaps seek out Ricks Cafe for a real cinematic experience.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Marrakesh

    Marrakech

    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then you will be collected from your hotel and escorted to the station for your train west, travelling in first class. On arrival at Marrakesh you will again be met by a driver and escorted to your hotel for a 3-night stay.

  9. Day 9overnight: Marrakesh

    Marrakech

    This morning head out to discover the city with a wonderful half day tour. Visit the dramatic Almohad Koutoubia Minaret and the lavishly decorated Saadien Tombs. Navigate the labyrinth of narrow alleyways and perhaps try your hand at bartering in the Souks. Finish at the lively Djema el Fna Square - the beating heart of the city.

  10. Day 10overnight: Marrakesh

    Marrakech

    Relax this morning, then in the afternoon you will be collected from your hotel and driven out of the city to experience riding a Camel through some beautiful palm groves. Then return to the city to enjoy your evening, perhaps with another visit to Djema el Fna Square which comes alive at night with food, music, colour, and magic.

  11. Day 11rail

    End Of Tour

    Bid farewell to Marrakesh as you are escorted from your hotel to the airport for your flight home or speak to any of our team if you would prefer to return by train.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Departing the UK on the Eurostar to Paris, then a connecting train to Barcelona, crossing the Pyrenees into Spain.
  • Day 3A train to Algeciras, a ferry crossing to Tangier, and a driver meeting travelers with their onward train tickets.
  • Day 7A guided tour of Casablanca including the Hassan II Mosque.
  • Day 9A half-day tour of Marrakech, visiting the Koutoubia Minaret and the Saadien Tombs and finishing at Djema el Fna Square.
  • Day 10A camel ride through palm groves outside Marrakesh.

Included

  • Rail Travel as per the itinerary
  • Day time ferry crossing from Algeciras to Tangier
  • Private transfers as per the itinerary
  • 1 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Barcelona
  • 1 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Cordoba
  • 1 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Tangier
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Fez
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Casablanca
  • 3 nights accommodation with breakfast in Marrakesh
  • Half day tour of Fez
  • Half day tour of Casablanca
  • Half day guided tour of Marrakesh
  • Camel ride through a scenic palm oasis
  • Marrakesh to UK flight

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, rail travel as per the itinerary is included, using the Eurostar, Renfe in Spain and ONCF in Morocco, plus a daytime ferry crossing from Algeciras to Tangier.
Is it escorted or independent?
It's listed as an escorted tour.
Which cities does it visit?
Barcelona, Cordoba, Tangier, Fez, Casablanca and Marrakech.
How does the trip get from Spain to Morocco?
By train to Algeciras, a connecting bus to Tarifa, and a ferry crossing to Tangier.
What is included at the end of the trip?
A flight from Marrakesh back to the UK, though travelers can ask to return by train instead.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $3,209 USD per person.

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