Fez, Casablanca & Marrakech
- 9 Days
- From £849
- Morocco
- Historic Fez with its medieval medinas and colourful tanneries
- Casablanca, one of the largest and most important cities in Africa
- Mesmerising Marrakech, a feast for the senses
- Rail travel between cities and pre-booked transfers to and from your accommodation
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade hotels and rail journeys
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Travel to and from Morocco by rail instead of flying
- Flights from London to Fez and Marrakech to London
- Private transfers on arrival into Fez airport as well as Casablanca and Marrakech stations
- First Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 8 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Private car transfers to and from your hotels
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
- All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents
Suggested Itinerary
Catch a flight from London (or your local airport) to Fez. On arrival, make your own way into the centre of Fez. You will be spending 3 nights at the Riad El Yacout (or similar). We would recommend booking a transfer in advance through the hotel. Please ask if you would like us to arrange this for you.
TMR RECOMMENDS: If you have the time, it’s perfectly possible to travel down to Morocco by train and ferry. We recommend at least one overnight stop en route, probably in Barcelona. Please ask for more details.
The former capital and second largest city in Morocco, Fez has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Donkeys still bring goods into the labryrinthine medina quarter of Fes el Bali and artisans still use traditional techniques to craft their wares.
The famous Chaouwara Tanneries (pictured) produce world-class leather using methods that have barely changed since the Middle Ages. Try to visit here in the morning, when the pits are full of colourful dye.
Make your way to the main station in Fez (your hotel can arrange a taxi for you). Here, catch your first Moroccan train and travel to Casablanca in just under 4 hours. Your First Class tickets include seats in a spacious compartment and there is a trolley service onboard, selling drinks and light refreshments.
On arrival at Casa Voyageurs station, make your way to the Hotel & Spa Le Doge (or similar). You have 2 nights here.
Enjoy a full day to explore the sights of Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco and one of the largest on the continent. Sights to visit here include the Ville Nouvelle with its mixture of Moorish and Art Deco architecture, the huge Hassan II Mosque which boasts the world’s tallest minaret and also the Moorish style Casablanca Cathedral.
Though not as busy as the Fez and Marrakech medinas, Casablanca’s 19th century version is still worth a visit. And fans of the 1940s film Casablanca should go for a meal or drink in the real life Rick’s Café.
The rail journey from Casablanca to Marrakech takes around 3 and a half hours. On arrival in Marrakech, check in the Riad Karmela Princesse (or similar), for your 3-night stay.
Settle into your comfortable Riad before heading out for your first taste of Marrakech. The main hub of the city has to be the UNESCO World Heritage listed Djemaa-el-Fna (pictured) with its frenetic mix of stall holders, storytellers, musicians, snake-charmers, magicians and much more besides!
You have two full days to experience Marrakech. There is plenty to do here, from bargaining in souks and tasting fantastic street food, to visiting historic palaces and relaxing in lush gardens. Top recommendations include the stunning Bahia Palace, the Musée de Marrakech and the Jardin Majorelle, once owned by Yves Saint-Laurent.
TMR RECOMMENDS: Spend an extra night in Marrakech and take a day trip into the Atlas Mountains, where you can take a jeep safari, a camel trek or even stay in a luxury mountain retreat. Our day trip options from Marrakech are listed below.
It’s time to leave Morocco and head for home today as you make your way to the airport for your flight back to London.
Remember, it’s possible to travel in and out of Morocco without flying, so if you’d rather do this, please let us know and we can advise you of the best routes.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Riad El Yacout occupies a private residence dating back to the early 20th century, located in the heart of the Medina. The hotel offers comfortable rooms each with their own individual decoration along with modern en suite facilities and Wi-Fi internet access. Guests can enjoy a menu of international and local dishes in the on site restaurant.
The Hotel Le Doge is a luxury, boutique property in the centre of Casablanca. Bedrooms are equipped with LCD satellite TV, iPod docking station and a Nespresso machine. The hotel also boasts an Art Deco dining room, where breakfast is served, as well as a sauna, spa, hot tub and relaxing garden.
With its stylish bedrooms, luxurious facilities and fantastic location in the medina, the Riad Karmela Princesse is the perfect base to explore Marrakech. Chill out on the rooftop patio, have a delicious meal in the hotel restaurant or enjoy a dip in the indoor or outdoor swimming pool.
Have a look at our Moroccan Discovery Holiday which brings you all the way to Morocco and back to London without the need to get on a train. You will need additional nights in Spain and France to break your journey, along with a return ferry crossing from Algeciras to Tangier.