Riding the Marrakech Express

Begin your journey in Tangier, the gateway to Africa. This historic coastal city embodies the spirit of Morocco: like the nation as a whole it can boast its native heritage but also a wide range of foreign influences. This melting pot has been the home of many artists and writers of the 20^th century, including Tennessee Williams and Henri Matisse.

Your luxury hotel, La Maison Blanche, showcases this blend. A 14^th-century riad in Tangier’s kasbah, its rooms are uniquely designed to honour international historic figures. For two days you can bask in spectacular views whilst sipping on mint tea and enjoying raif flatbread from the hotel’s restaurant. 

Hop on the train and travel south to the intoxicating city of Fes. Although you’d expect to see miles and miles of desert, this route shines a new light on the Moroccan landscape: along the way you’ll see the rich agricultural lands of the region and get a fleeting glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean. Once in Fes, as you wind through the thousands of labyrinthine alleys, you’ll soon realise this city has much to offer and is a feast for the senses.

Stay at Riad Laaroussa, a restored 17^th-century palace in the heart of the medina, where you can relax in the spa and enjoy hearty Moroccan cuisine and regional wines.

Your next train journey takes you to Morocco’s unsung capital, Rabat, which offers historic engagement at every turn. Start your time travel at the Archaeological Museum, then wander to the fallen pillars which surround La Tour Hassan, an imposing tower which was intended to be the largest minaret in the world, and part of the largest mosque in the world, which was never completed. It dates back to the 12^th century, but it gives the atmosphere of a grand monument of ancient Egypt.

Rest your head inside the white walls of Rabat’s medina at Riad Senso. This hotel intricately weaves authentic and traditional Moroccan design with a sleek modern style.

Back on the train for the final time, make your way to Marrakech to end your trip in Morocco’s intoxicating Red City. Riad Farnatchi gives you the best of both worlds: it has the atmosphere of a private riad but the kind of bespoke service that’s fit for a sultan. To give you the quintessential Moroccan experience, there are handpicked guides on hand, so you can bustle through the famous souks and dabble your hand at haggling with the aid of your local expert. With its ancient sites, and the snake charmers, storytellers and food stalls on Jemaa el Fna, Marrakech’s buzzing main square, you will be entranced by this city.