Journey into Barbary - a Family Holiday in Spain & Morocco (EXFJB)

Duration: 14 days (may vary)
Areas: Morocco, Spain
Tour types: Family Adventures, History & Culture, Rail Journeys

Description

ALL ABOARD THE ANDALUCIA EXPRESS!
Beginning in Malaga, we leave Spain's most famous costa behind and board the Andalucia Express for a journey through the spectacular 'El Chorro' gorge to emerge in a world of sleepy whitewashed villages. Based in Ronda, home to Spain's oldest bullring and an impressive Roman bridge, we explore the famous 'pueblos blancos', including picturesque Zahara de la Sierra and Grazalema, nestled in a lush National Park. We also make for the Med and the 'Rock' of Gibraltar to explore its caves, fortified tunnels and to mingle with Barbary apes..

WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS & TANGIER
During our time in Gibraltar and Tarifa, a small fishing town on Spain's southern tip, we take the opportunity to join boat excursions, looking out for whales and dolphins towards the Moroccan coast - a mere 14 km away. Finally we leave Spain and cross the Strait of Gibraltar on the ferry from Tarifa to arrive in Tangier. Whilst it shares a common history, Morocco is in start contrast to Spain and Tangier provides the perfect introduction with the maze of twisting alleyways making up its ancient medina overlooking the modern, bustling port.

MEDINAS & MOUNTAINS
From Tangier we take the train to Fes. Two days are spent in this exotic town, where we can wile away happy hours haggling in the mesmerising souks and alleyways of the Medina. There's also time for a trip out to visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the holy city of Moulay Idriss. Then we drive south to via the Middle Atlas to our base in the High Atlas Mountains, where we walk to nearby Berber villages and learn about their fascinating culture. Finally we arrive in Marrakech to spend two nights in what is surely one of the world's most evocative cities. The animated Djemma-el-Fna Square is the 'Heart of Morocco', the focal point where Berbers and Arabs come to exchange news, enjoy the street perfomers, haggle and trade in jelabahs, carpets and spices.