Colours of Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech
Explore the rich history and natural beauty of this ancient land. See the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, walk the endless sands of the Sahara, visit the medieval old town of Fes and savour the spice markets of Marrakech.
From £920 (Maximum group size 12)
Greentraveller's Travel Advice: Africa too is a green travel destination, as the continent's wonders are actually just a train journey away from the UK. Watch the sun set over the French countryside whilst indulging your culinary senses with a three-course meal and a bottle of Rioja en route to Madrid. The following afternoon onwards to Algeciras as you witness the Spanish countryside morph into a Moorish landscape, then hop onto the ferry across the Straits of Gibraltar to the vast continent of Africa.
>> For full details, see: Train and Ferry from London to Marrakesh
Details of Colours of Morocco Holiday: from Casablanca to Marrakech
Observe the vibrant collision between old and new expressed in architecture and artwork. Jump in and discover the many mysteries and legends concealed within this moody ever-changing landscape. Experience medieval Morocco in Fes, have a camping adventure on the sandy dunes of the Sahara, have lunch with locals in a kasbah, relax with mint tea in remote Imlil, kick back in the stunning coastal town of Essaouira, indulge your senses in the souqs of Marrakech.
Summary Itinerary The start point hotel is Hotel Guynemer. It is centrally located, approximately 5mins walk from Place Mohammed V. The hotel consists of 29 rooms all with en-suite bathrooms, A/C, telephone & TV. The restaurant downstairs serves both Moroccan and International cuisine.
Day 1 Casablanca: Explore the city's art-deco influenced architecture. Make sure to visit the astounding Hassan II Mosque with its striking minaret - the highest in the world.
Day 2 Rabat/ Meknes: Stroll through Rabat's serene Kasbah des Oudaias en route to Meknes, capital of Morocco’s last golden age and site of Sultan Moulay Ismail's version of Versailles.
Days 3-4 Fes: Travel back to the days of the Roman Empire on a guided tour of the ruins of Volubilis. In medieval Fes, wander the narrow alleyways of the medina as the call to prayer floats over Fes el-Bali at dusk.
Day 5 Midelt: Journey through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas to the town of Midelt, a peaceful rural village.
Day 6-8 Sahara Camp & Todra Gorge: After a camel ride into the desert, attempt a climb of the towering dunes. Later, fall asleep in a desert camp under a blanket of stars and to the soft beat of traditional Berber drumming.
Day 9-10 Ait Benhaddou & Aroumd: Pass through Morocco's film capital, Ouarzazate, on the way to the ancient fortified city of Ait Benhaddou. Remote Aroumd near the village of Imlil offers panoramic views. This is the perfect base for exploring the High Atlas Mountains and a chance to experience traditional Berber culture up close.
Days 11-12 Essaouira: With its Norfolk Island pines and colourful fishing boats, Essaouira is a gem. Get acquainted with the town's fascinating history on a guided walking tour.
Days 13-15 Explore the tantalising spice market and dine al fresco at a foodstall in Djemaa el-Fna or escape the buzz of the city in the shaded rooms of the Palais de la Bahia, a superb example of Muslim architecture.
What price includes
- Trip accompanied by a group leader
- 7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 4 Dinners
- Traditional riad (2 nights) & Hotels (10 nights)
- Basic multishare mountain hut/gite (1 night)
- Sahara Desert camp (1 night)
- Carbon emissions offset: 446 kgs per person
Location
Plan your journey by train
Meeting point:
Hotel Guynemer, Casablanca
Casablanca Casa Voyageurs
Transfer to meeting point:
Guests make their own way to meeting point
From Casablanca Voyageurs Station take a Petit taxi to Hotel Guynemer. The hotel is well known and located in the centre of town, a few streets away from Place du 16 Novembre.You will have to negotiate the taxi fare before getting in!
How to get there:
Train from London to Casablanca
Plan your journey by train
Finish point:
Le Caspien Hotel, Marrakech
Marrakech (Gare ONCF)
Transfer to finish point:
Guests make their own way to station
Marrakech train station (Gare ONCF) is 1 Km from Le Caspien Hotel. Petite taxis (small cars which are light brown in colour) can easily be hailed from the street. Negotiate the fare before getting in.
How to get back:
Train from Marrakech to London
