Art at the Belvedere Palace in Vienna
Vienna is a delightfully graceful and elegant city with some of the most spectacular palaces
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Enjoy a remarkable adventure as you travel through Spain by rail and cross into Northern Africa, heading into the delightful Imperial cities of Morocco. Discover the contrasting ancient medinas and the colonial French architecture, and admire both royal palaces and ancient mosques on this exciting tour. Prices are from £1,795 per person, based on two people travelling together.
Your holiday begins as you enter stunningly restored St. Pancras International station. Take your time to appreciate the splendour of the magnificent glass roof, then sit back, relax and watch the countryside swish past as you travel by Eurostar to Paris at speeds of up to 186mph. Enjoy the light meal and drinks served on board in Standard Premier Class (Eurostar’s 1st class for leisure travellers). On arrival at the Gare du Nord your taxi transfer will take you across Paris to the Gare de Lyon where you join the high-speed TGV service for your onward journey south through France and Spain to Barcelona. On arrival at Barcelona Sants station make your own way on foot the short distance to your hotel for tonight, the highly-rated Abba Sants (4 star).
This morning after breakfast you return to the station and join the high-speed service to Cordoba, a beautiful city in Andalucia. On arrival, make your own way to your hotel for tonight, the comfortable Las Casas de la Juderia (4 star).
After settling in, you are free to explore; you might like to visit the palace of the Christian Kings, the Alcazar, with its luxuriant gardens of courtyards, fountains and water terraces, combined with colourful flowers, palm trees and orange groves. Among many highlights is the world’s 3rd largest mosque, the Mezquita, a mystical, beautiful building, with simply stunning interiors, including a ‘forest’ of more than eight hundred red and white striped columns and arches. Take time to explore Cordoba’s countless plazas and courtyards hidden along narrow streets.
Following a leisurely start to the morning, you head back to the station for the journey to Algeciras. Sit back and relax as the train takes you through the changing Spanish landscape to the country’s southernmost tip. From Algeciras, you are making your own arrangements to nearby Tarifa, where this evening you board the ferry for the short crossing to Tangier in Morocco.
In Tangier you will need to take a taxi (payable locally) for the transfer to your base for the next two-nights, the popular La Maison Blanche (4 star) which is well situated in the heart of the medina for exploring this charming port city.
Enjoy a day to discover more of this coastal city with its rich and diverse history stretching back centuries.
Tangier, with access to two oceans, is naturally celebrated for its expanse of beaches. Here you can stroll and admire the old whitewashed colonial houses along the waterfront. On a clear day, it is possible to see across the Strait of Gibraltar back to Spain.
Other highlights include the Kasbah Place, which fronts the former sultanate palace and has now has been converted into a museum. The area is dominated by its fortifications which are in very good condition. Perhaps wander around the narrow twisting streets of the medina, admiring the Great Mosque and the attractive flourishes such as the grand houses, decorated gates and rose bushes found here. The Place de France is also a standout – as one of the most fashionable areas of the city, there are a number of popular cafés and shops here.
After breakfast in the hotel, today you make your way to Tangier’s railway station, to take the train to Rabat. Enjoy the wide panoramas at the train takes you southwards along Morocco’s Atlantic coast on the new high-speed line. In Rabat, your hotel for the next two nights is the charming Riad Dar El Kebira (5 star).
Take today to discover the attractions of the Moroccan capital. Rabat is divided into two distinct regions, with a bustling Medina and the ‘Ville Nouvelle’, built by the French from 1912. Throughout the city the influence of Roman, Moorish and Spanish occupiers can clearly be seen.
Discover the impressive Kasbah of the Udayas, which was originally built during the reign of the Almohads during the 12th century. Rabat’s royal palace is still in use today and is therefore not open to the public, but a number of royal-themed landmarks are well worth a visit. These include the mighty Hassan Tower, the unfinished minaret of Hassan Mosque constructed by Yacoub El Mansour in the last five years of his reign to commemorate a victory. The impressive Mausoleum of Mohammed V is arguably the jewel in Rabat’s crown. Completed in the early 1970s, this imposing white-washed structure contains the tombs of the Moroccan King Hassan II and his two sons.
This morning you bid farewell to Rabat as you join the new high-speed rail service further along the coast to Casablanca, arriving in the late morning. Here you spend two nights at the Kenzi Sidi Maarouf (4 star).
This morning you bid farewell to Rabat as you join the new high-speed rail service further along the coast to Casablanca, arriving in the late morning. Here you spend two nights at the Kenzi Sidi Maarouf (4 star).
This morning you bid farewell to Rabat as you join the rail service back inland to the delightful city of Marrakesh. Here you spend five nights at the welcoming Riad Azoulay (4 star).
Make the most of four whole days to discover more of the Imperial city of Marrakesh. Known as the ‘Ochre City’, Marrakesh lies in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, giving it a magnificent backdrop. Among the main sights is the well-preserved old town, set alongside the more modern leafy boulevards created by the French at the beginning of the 20th century.
This morning you make your way to Marrakesh Menara Airport, where you join your British Airways flight back to London.
BARCELONA
Abba Sants Hotel (4 star) is conveniently located a 5-minute walk from Barcelona Sants train station and Sants Estacio Metro Station. It offers modern, soundproofed rooms with complimentary WiFi, air conditioning, satellite TV and hairdryer. The hotel restaurant serves Mediterranean and local cuisine and buffet breakfast. There is also a bar, room service and packed lunches can be requested.
CORDOBA
The charming hotel Las Casas de la Juderia (4 star) is just metres from the Mezquita. It is made up of attractive 17th and 18th century houses with lovely gardens, fountains and patios. Located in the historic centre of Cordoba, this comfortable hotel combines modern facilities with historic buildings. There are many authentic, hand-made details. All of the hotel’s 64 en-suite rooms boast original features and modern comforts, such as air conditioning, television with cable channels and a mini bar. Guests can also take advantage of the complimentary internet connection available in public areas. Whilst staying at this friendly and welcoming hotel you can admire the architecture of El Siglo del Oro, relax at the outdoor swimming pool, unwind with a drink at the in-house bar or on the traditional patio. The hotel also benefits from its own restaurant.
TANGIER
Housed in a lovingly restored Riad, dating back to the 14th century, the charming Hotel La Maison Blanche (4 star) is tucked away in the winding streets of the old Kasbah, the historic fortress high above the Moroccan port city of Tangier. The decoration of this exquisite boutique hotel was carried out by renowned French interior designer Regis Milcent, with each of the comfortable rooms offering its own elegant character. Guests can make the most of the patio – a great place to unwind after a day’s sightseeing, or relax in the snug where Arabic pastries, mint tea and Nespresso coffee are available throughout the day. On fine days, breakfast in served on the roof terrace. The individually appointed guest rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs with satellite channels; direct-dial phones and European power points. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
RABAT
Set just a two-minute walk from the beach, the friendly Dar El Kébira (5 star) is located in the heart of the Rabat medina. It offers a wellness centre where a traditional Hammam and massage treatments are available. Rooms at Dar El Kébira have an elegant decor and air conditioning. They are equipped with Wi-Fi access and satellite TV. Fruit and mineral water is also available in the rooms. The property’s restaurant features an impressive fireplace, and serves a large variety of Moroccan specialties. The rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of the Tour Hassan.
CASABLANCA
Offering a spa centre and sauna in addition to a restaurant, the Kenzi Sidi Maarouf (4 star) is one of Casablanca’s best-loved hotels. Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and has a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. All rooms feature a private bathroom equipped with a shower. Extras include free toiletries and a hair dryer. Kenzi Sidi Maarouf features free WiFi throughout the property.
MARRAKESH
The Riad Azoulay (4 star) is a boutique hotel, located in the heart of the Medina. This polished hotel in an elegant, 18th-century riad and lies 5 minutes from the intricate Bahia Palace and 4 km from Marrakech Railway Station. Furnished in rich colours, the plush, individually decorated rooms have free Wi-Fi and sitting areas. Unique touches in rooms include arches, coffered ceilings and 4-poster beds. Complimentary amenities include pastries on arrival, and breakfast served in a lovely restaurant or on a courtyard patio, which has a plunge pool. There’s also a spa.
Throughout the year and tailor-made to suit your holiday needs
For information and booking Tel: 01347 825292 or email info@planetrail.co.uk
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