Itinerary - 12 Night Deluxe Holiday By Rail

Days 1-3 - London to Cordoba

Travel on Eurostar from London to Paris, where you transfer onto the overnight train from Paris to Madrid. On arrival the next morning in Madrid you transfer onto the train to Cordoba.

On arrival in Cordoba check-in for an overnight stay at the Hospes Palacio del Bailío.

The Spanish city of Cordoba is a fascinating city to explore and Railbookers recommends that you take an extra day here to explore. Walk under the red and white arches of the phenomenal Mosque-Cathedral, visit the tranquil courtyards of the Alcazar de los Reyos Cristianos and enjoy the views over the River Guadalquivir from the Roman Bridge.

Day 3 - Cordoba to Tangiers

Take the morning train to the Mediterranean port of Algeciras, from where you can see over the straits to Africa. You will board the high speed ferry and arrive into Tangiers Port a couple of hours later.

Railbookers will organise your private transfer from the port to your hotel near the old town. Check-in for an overnight stay at the El Minzah Hotel

Tangiers is your first experience of Morocco and though a short distance from Spain, seems a world apart from Europe. Start your explorations at the Foundouk Market near your hotel and move onto Zoco Grande (the main square), before heading into the old Medina and a café stop for traditional mint tea.

Day 4 - Tangiers to Fez

Take some time in the morning to explore Tangiers a little more and then it's off on the 5 hour train journey to Fez in fully air-conditioned 1st Class carriages. Check-in for your 2 night stay at the Riad Fes

Fez was the medieval capital of Morocco and is still one of the best preserved medieval Arab cities. Because of the narrow streets and old buildings the medina in Fez is one of the largest car-free city centres in the world. Not many cars but plenty of donkeys, camels and horses!

Day 5 - Fez

You have a full day to explore the delightful city of Fez. Railbookers recommends hiring a licensed guide to show you around. They are great value and make sure whilst you get the chance to explore, you don't get too lost. Fez is famous for it's leather tanneries in the medina and some wonderful medieaval Islamic architecture. You must see the Bou Inania Madersa, with it's intricate wooden carvings and of course, you have to try the local food - brochettes, tagines and boricuas.

Day 6 - Fez to Marrakech

Today is the last leg of your journey towards your goal of reaching the legendary city of Marrakech. You will take a 1st Class air-conditioned train for 8 hours. On arrival in Marrakech check-in for your 3 nights stay at the Maison Arabe Hotel

Days 7-8 - Marrakech

Spend 2 full days experiencing Marrakech and the surrounding area. The Djemma el Fna is the heart of Marrakech - a large central square in the old city (Medina). By day a bustling shopping and café area but at the end of the afternoon the Djemma el Fna transforms into an entertainers paradise - snake charming, juggling and music. Of course, you must experience the famous souks too.
Marrakech is packed with architectural and cultural delights, as well. The Palais Dar Si Said (Museum of Moroccan Arts), Ali ben Youssef Medersa and Mosque and the El Bahia Palace are all must-sees.
There are lots of possibilities for trips out of Marrakech too. Probably the strangest is to Oukaimden - a ski resort in winter only 50 miles away!

Day 9 - Marrakech to Rabat

It's time to start the fascinating journey home but today an interesting 4 hour train journey to Rabat and on arrival check-in for your overnight stay at the Riad Kalaa Rabat

Rabat is not so well known as it's brasher neighbours and is renowned as a green oasis. Lying on the coast Rabat boasts unspoilt beaches strectching for miles. The city has modern parts but has retained much of it's ancient history. Because of it's past there are several mausolea that reflect the culture and architecture of the last 2000 years - the Hassan Tower and the Mohammed V mausolem are the best examples.

Day 10 - Rabat to Tangiers

After a morning in Rabat you take the train back to Tangiers. Journey time is around 4 hours 30 minutes. On arrival in Tangiers check-in for your overnight stay at the El Minzah Hotel

If the weather is good while you're in Tangiers spend a couple of hours relaxing on the beach, or head up to the Sultan's Palace to explore the Museum of Moroccan Art.

Day 11 - Tangiers to Ronda

You can spend some of the morning in Tangiers, getting your final taste of Africa before your transfer to the Port and the High Speed Ferry to Algeciras in Spain. It is an easy connection on to the local train to Ronda and check-in for your overnight stay at the Maestranza Hotel

Ronda is a historic city with a charming old town area, but the most famous feature of the city is the 100 metre gorge. There are 3 bridges that cross the gorge, the most impressive being the Puente Nuevo. Visit the 13th century Arab baths or one of the oldest bullrings in Spain the Plaza de Toros.

Day 12 - Ronda to Paris

Make a leisurely start to your day and take the train to Madrid. Journey time under 4 hours. You should have a little time in Madrid to spend at one of the cafes or in one of the museums before boarding the Elipsos sleeper train to Paris. Have a good meal on board (payable locally) before retiring to your sleping car. You will awake to a dawn in Paris.

Day 13 - Paris to London

Transfer between stations in Paris to take your Eurostar train back to the UK

Railbookers Recommends

We recommend upgrading to Grand Class on the Elipsos train from Paris to Madrid and from Madrid to Paris. This entitles you to a meal in the evening, breakfast, and a larger cabin with en suite facilities!