Tangier & the Rif Mountains to Marrakech

Journey deep into northern Morocco to visit unique towns and cities, each thick in a one-off blend of history and intrigue. Taking two time-saving train rides, we visit dramatically diverse destinations; there’s the bright-blue town of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains, the remarkable Roman ruins at Volubilis, the intellectual and religious hub of Fez and the surprisingly calm capital - Rabat. We end in vibrant Marrakech, touring mazey souks and standing in Djemaa el Fna square, a pulsating mix of snake charmers, juice vendors and trinket sellers.

We spend seven nights in hotels and two nights in a riad (a small boutique guesthouse offering an insight into traditional Moroccan living).



Casablanca: Hotel Imperial (night 1)







Our first accommodation is centrally located in Casablanca, within 10 minutes’ drive of Hassan II Mosque and the Central Market. Post-exploration, enjoy a cocktail in the lounge-bar or dine in Restaurant Le Marius, a modern bistro serving a Mediterranean-international menu.



Tangier: Hotel Chellah (night 2)







Hotel Chellah is in the heart of Tangier, less than 10 minutes’ walk from the beach. There is a dining terrace, where you can enjoy both local and international dishes, plus a bar and lounge. Relaxation also comes in the form of a palm-shaded outdoor pool.



Chefchaouen: Hotel Ziryab (nights 3-4)



Wrapped by the Rif mountains, Hotel Ziryab is our home for two nights. If you need to cool down, there’s an outdoor pool and loungers, plus a few parasols for shade. If you decide to walk into town, the Grand Mosque is just over a 10-minute walk away, while the medina is even closer.



Fez: Riad Tafilalet (nights 5-6)



Experience a traditional 19th-century home at this restored riad in Fez medina. The restoration respected the character of the house while ensuring maximum comfort for guests. There’s a hammam spa (additional cost) plus a roof terrace with views over the medina. A riad is a traditional Moroccan home where the wealthiest people would historically live. The riad is built around a central courtyard. The rooms are not standardised and come in different sizes and shapes.



Rabat: Imperial Boutique Hotel (night 7)



In the capital of Morocco, we stay at the Imperial Boutique. The location is ideal, just a five-minute walk to the Hassan Tower and about 15 minutes’ walk to Rabat Medina.



Marrakech: Hotel Meriem (nights 8-9)







We end our Moroccan adventure at Hotel Meriem, where you can beat the heat in one of two outdoor pools. There’s also a trio of restaurants (serving Moroccan and international cuisines) plus a bar.