Rail Journeys
MOROCCO THROUGH A TRAIN WINDOW
8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS
Day 1. CASABLANCA.
On arrival in Casablanca transfer to the Casablanca hotel where overnight accommodation and dinner has been reserved. Immortalised in the film of the same name, Casablanca is today a thriving trade centre, amix of old and new. This lively city boasts the largest port in the Maghreb – and is home to one of the world’s largest mosques built by the late King Hassan II. D
Day 2. CASABLANCA / FEZ.
A stop will be made at the Hassan II Great Mosque and a short orientation tour of the city en route to the railway station from where you join the train to Fez. Travelling via the capital city of Rabat, then turning inland and running through orange groves before the stop at Sidi Kacem. From here the line climbs, twisting and turning all the way to Meknes, and onwards through wine growing country arriving finally in Fez for a two night stay. Overnight with dinner at the Fez hotel. BLD
Day 3. FEZ.
Today a full day visit of Fez, one of the world’s best preserved medieval Islamic cities. A maze of streets, alleys, passages and stairways leading into a glittering array of stalls, selling everything from silver jewellery to the local mint tea! A unique city for the senses – animals roaming the streets, aromas lingering in the air and a host of unidentifiable sounds to test your ears this is Fez and our tour takes in the souks, the 9th century Karaouine University, the Nejjarine Fountain, the Dar Batha Museum and the Merenid Fez Jdid before returning to the hotel for our overnight stay. A light lunch is included in the Medina. BLD
Day 4. VOLUBILIS / MOULAY IDRISS / MEKNES / RABAT.
Drive to the spectacular ancient Roman city of Volubilis, with its Forum and houses containing well preserved mosaics, then on to the holy city of Moulay Idriss, the city of green roofs, for superb views over the surrounding countryside. Continue to nearby Meknes. For 50 years , the capital of the Sultan Moulay Ismail, his stables there housed 12,000 horses. See the monumental gate of Bab-al-Mansour set in the city walls and the tomb of Moulay Ismail himself. Back on the train to Rabat for an overnight stay at our Rabat hotel with dinner. BD
Day 5. RABAT / MARRAKECH.
Rabat, the Imperial capital, is rich in history and on our sightseeing tour you will see the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Hassan Tower, the ruins of Roman Sala Colonia and the Oudaias Kasbah. In the afternoon we travel South by train to Marrakech for a three night stay. B
Day 6. MARRAKECH.
Marrakech is the second oldest imperial city and is known as the Red City because of the ochre colour of its buildings and it enjoys a spectacular setting amongst striking desert and the towering peaks of the High Atlas Mountains, snow covered in winter. The city itself is fascinating with its mix of old and new, traditional and modern. Morning sightseeing tour with visits to the famous souks, the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian tombs, the Medersa Ben Youssef, the city walls and the Menara Gardens. We include a light lunch in the medina and then around 4 o’clock will take you back into the souks and finally the square. At night, the Djemma el Fna Square comes alive in a blaze of colour and activity as story tellers, snake charmers, tooth pullers and sooth sayers mingle and entertain the crowds. Why not also try a snack from one of the many outdoor food stalls with their delicious smells. BL
Day 7. MARRAKECH.
Free to explore at your own pace. B
Day 8. MARRAKECH.
In accordance with you flight schedule transfer to the airport for departure flight. B
B = Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner