Moorish Spain To Marrakech

1-Join tour in Malaga
Our tour starts today in Malaga. Depending on the schedule of your flights you may want to spend some time exploring the city independently, before joining your group and Tour Leader.
Overnight: Standard Hotel

2-Train or bus to Ronda
This morning we travel to Ronda by train or bus depending on availability. On arrival in Ronda we transfer to our hotel and enjoy an afternoon in one of southern Spain’s most attractive towns. Ronda is one of the original pueblos blancos (white towns). There will be time to wander the streets and marvel at the El Tajo gorge and visit the oldest bullring in Spain. Please note breakfast may be taken outside of the hotel.
Overnight: Standard Hotel

3-Visit Zahara de la Sierra, Setenil and Grazalema
We spend the day exploring by bus, the beautiful rolling landscapes west of Ronda. Arriving at the fortified Moorish hill village of Zahara is like stepping back in time. Its whitewashed terraces are dominated by an impressive Moorish tower and a Baroque church lies at the heart of the village. We also plan to visit Grazalema, nestled beneath the limestone peak of San Cristobal and the tiny pueblo of Setenil de las Bodegas, a wine producing village whose houses are built into the overhanging cliff.
Overnight: Standard Hotel

4-Andalucia Express to Algeciras and ferry to Tangier
We travel the attractive Andalucia Express route south from Ronda towards the coast through rolling countryside via the painted villages of San Roque, Castellar de la Frontera and Gaucin. On arrival at Algeciras, we transfer to the ferry port and catch an early afternoon ferry across the Straits of Gibraltar to Tangier in Morocco. We immediately immerse ourselves in the vibrancy and heady atmosphere of a Moroccan medina – a network of market squares and backstreets – with a guided walking tour. The contrast between the calm streets and squares of Ronda and the more energetic atmosphere of Tangier is quite incredible.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room option available

5-Morning train to Fes; afternoon in Fes
A journey by train takes us from Tangier to Fes, the cultural capital of Morocco. Its colourful history is full of wars, murders, intrigue and cloak-and-dagger politics. Fes has also played an important part in Moroccan trade, culture, religion and politics as well as having been the seat of learning and science. The old and new towns are adjacent but totally separate entities. Panoramic views of Fes El Bali (the old city), seen from the North Borj (tower), are very useful to help you orientate yourself for when you are in the narrow alleyways. Fes also has quite an active nightlife, centred around Avenues Hassan ll and Mohammed V. We enjoy two nights here to take in all the city has to offer.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room option available

6-Guided walking tour of Fes; optional visit to Volubilis
This morning we take a guided walking tour of the Medina. We will explore the souks in the backstreets and wander through the craft areas, past the spice stalls, through the brass and copperware areas and look in on the tanners. Beautiful buildings include the Sanctuary of Moulay Idriss 2nd, the Kairaouine Mosque and the Al Andalus Mosque (viewed from the outside only). Craftwork made and sold in Fes medina is considered to be some of the best in Morocco. In the afternoon you have a chance to visit ancient Volubilis. The optional trip takes us into the hills and to the ancient site of Volubilis – the capital of the Roman province Mauritania Tingitana. The detailed mosaics here are still intact and the site gives a good idea of the layout of provincial settlements. If time allows we will stop off at the viewpoint overlooking the Holy City of Moulay Idriss. Named after Morocco’s most revered saint and creator of the Arab dynasty, it is a great place of pilgrimage. We then return to Fes.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room option available

7-Train to Rabat
We catch the morning train to the modern capital, Rabat for a sightseeing tour. Although it was only established as the capital in 1912 by the French, Rabat’s history stretches back to a settlement in the 8th century BC. We take a guided tour around the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. We wander through the Kasbah des Oudaias, originally a fortified town now with a distinctly Andalucian influence. This afternoon there is an optional visit to the historical Chellah dating back yo the 8th century BC. Once a prosperous Roman town and transformed by the Merinids into a cemetery, the Chellah is a fascinating and atmospheric place to visit.
Overnight: Simple Hotel
Single Room option available

8-Train to Marrakech via Casablanca
This morning we will take a train to Casablanca to visit the famous King Hassan II Mosque (optional entry), possibly the biggest religious monument for Muslims after Mecca. Finished in 1993, this magnificent building is covered in decorative zellij tiles and has beautiful cedar wood carvings – proof that the ancient crafts are still very much alive. This afternoon we will continue our journey by train to Marrakech, the spiritual heart of Morocco.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room option available

9-Walking tour of Marrakech; PM free
Marrakech is a feast for the senses. Like many North African towns, Marrakech is divided into two distinct parts, the Gueliz (or modern French built city) and the Medina (the old city). It has always been a meeting place for the mountain Berbers and the desert peoples of the South and the colourful souks perfectly illustrate this fact. This morning a local guide will take us for a walking tour of the old city. Taking a closer look at the maze of narrow streets filled with the sounds, colours and smells of the exotic and an opportunity to visit the Ben Youssef Medersa. The afternoon is left free for you to further explore the city. Well worth visiting are the Saadian Tomb, the Dar Si Said Palace (now Museum of Moroccon Art), the Menara Gardens or the Majorelle Gardens including the Museum of Islamic Art a short taxi ride away. No visit to the city of Marrakech is complete without a visit to the celebrated Djemaa El Fna Square and a spectacle not to be missed at dusk are the many street performers presenting a scene straight out of the pages of Arabian Nights.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room option available

10-Free in Marrakech; optional visit to High Atlas
For a complete change of scenery, you may choose to go on an optional visit to a nearby High Atlas village today. The High Atlas is North Africa’s greatest mountain range. Populated by Berber tribesmen, it has always been an area culturally removed from the rest of Morocco, a barrier between the northern plains and the pre-Sahara. Alternatively you may choose to stay and extend your exploration of Marrakech.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room option available

11-Tour ends Marrakech
The tour ends today in Marrakech after breakfast. Depending on the schedule of your flights, you may wish to spend some additional time exploring the souks and buying the last souvenirs.

Tour includes

10 Breakfasts
Transport:
Bus, Train, Taxi
Accommodation:
9 nights Standard Hotel
1 night Simple Hotel
Tour Staff:
Explore Tour Leader
Group Size:
Generally 12 – 18

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