Train journey from London to Marrakech

[StColumbofNavron]

We've been talking about a train trip for a long time, and originally was planning to Istanbul but we have had a change of heart and decided to end up in Marrakech, so will need the ferry too. We have 3 DCs (17, 15 and 12). They enjoy a city break, the sea and are all to a higher or lesser degree interested in history and DC1 and 2 are both studying Spanish. I love France and French and DH will be interested in Islamic history or slightly off beat things. If our dates coincide, I would probably book some football matches or at least Stadium tours too.

This is my provisional plan, what do you think and what are must sees along the way and how to split the days. We will have c. 15 days over the Easter holidays.

Paris - 1 night (possibly straight to Marseilles) with lunch at Le Restaurant Bleu
Marseilles - 2/3 nights Chateau d'If a must
Madrid - 2/3 nights (we could stop at Barcelona, but have been before)
Cordoba - 2/4 nights pretty non-negotiable as everyone will be into the Moorish heritage
Ferry to Tangiers from Algericas (unless there is a better way)
Marrakech - 4 nights at the end

Hotel recommendations also welcome.

I haven't really worked out a budget per se, but I'd say medium range with some potential luxury along the way, perhaps the Morocco hotel being a bit more special.

Hells teeth, sounds easier than london to Glasgow on Avanti west coast.

I'm hopeful.

Thinking about it and on further googling maybe we skip Madrid and do a longer Cordoba/Seville/Granada and slightly longer Marrakech to maybe take some excursions.

Would you consider a stop-off in Fes? Fascinating place.

Yes. I think for the family Moorish Spain and Morocco are the draw. The same for me, but if it’s on the way then would love Marseilles.

The more I look at Morocco, the more I wonder if we should just have a longer trip there.

For the actual rail and ferry travel, do check out www.seat61.com if you haven't already done so. Great resource.

Have you factored in getting hone? Are you going to fly back?

This sounds amazing! When I was a teenager me, my mum and dad flew to Malaga and then did the ferry across and the Marrakesh express from Tangiers. I can still remember the whole journey and thought it was so exciting at the time.

I did this trip many years ago with a girlfriend when we were both single and child free. Only had a week so met in Paris. Me from London, her Amsterdam. Stayed with a friend there for one night and one day. We took the Paris-Madrid sleeper which was fun. Then down to Algeciras, the ferry and train from Tangiers to Marrakesh. We did it in the day but long and boring so wish we’d done the night train instead. Flew back. Have a great trip!