This Amazing Trans-European Tour starts at the south coast port of Portsmouth with an overnight crossing to Northern Spain before embarking on an epic journey South through central Spain to Algeciras and the British enclave of Gibraltar, known fondly as 'The Rock'. Then it's on to Morrocco where you'll enjoy 3 nights in Marrakesh before enjoying an amazing stay in the middle of the big dunes of the Erg Chebi Desert and the Merzouga luxury desert camp with a spectacular nomadic experience.
Madrid is Spain's central capital, is a city of elegant boulevards and expansive, manicured parks such as the Buen Retiro. It’s renowned for its rich repositories of European art, including the Prado Museum’s works by Goya, Velázquez and other Spanish masters. The heart of old Hapsburg Madrid is the portico-lined Plaza Mayor, and nearby is the baroque Royal Palace and Armory, displaying historic weaponry.
Gibraltar with its Red pillar boxes, fish-and-chip shops is a piece of Portsmouth sliced off and moved 1100 miles south. As with many colonial outposts, ‘The Rock’ is not shy in displaying its Britishness, a bonus for pub-grub and afternoon-tea lovers, but a confusing double-take for modern Brits who thought their country had moved on since the days of Lord Nelson memorabilia. Poised strategically at the jaws of Europe and Africa, Gibraltar, with its Palladian architecture and camera-hogging Barbary macaques, makes for an interesting break from Cádiz province's white towns and tapas.
Marrakech, also spelled Marrakesh is the first of Morocco’s four imperial cities and lies in the centre of the fertile, irrigated Haouz Plain at the foot of the Atlas mountains. The city has long enchanted writers, film stars, colonialists, con artists, fashion icons and rock stars. It is Morocco’s most popular destination, receiving over 30 percent of all visitors. The ancient section of the city, known as the medina, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985. From the exotic market stalls of the medina to the westernised glamour of the Ville Nouvelle, Marrakech is a riot of contradictions and extremes.
Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp, Experience an incredibly warm welcome among the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. This beautiful desert hideaway allows you to stay in one of the remotest destinations on the planet where the haunting beauty of the Sahara sands stretches as far as they eye can see. You’ll enjoy authentic feasts beneath the stars and be treated to wonderful local entertainment. Take stunning sunrise and sunset camel rides. On retiring to your spacious khaimas tent, you’ll be sure of the perfect night’s sleep.
Seville, disarms and seduces you, its historic centre, lorded over by a colossal Gothic cathedral, is an intoxicating mix of resplendent Mudéjar palaces, baroque churches and winding medieval lanes. Flamenco clubs keep the intimacy and intensity of this centuries-old tradition alive whilst aristocratic mansions recall the city’s past as a showcase Moorish capital and, later, a 16th-century metropolis rich on the back of New World trade.
Weather - September and October are the best months to visit Morocco, as temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. This is a great month for driving in the mountains and visiting the Atlantic coast. Days are usually hot with balmy evenings, so visitors should pack light and cool clothing. The average daily maximum is 27C and the average daily minimum is 17C.
Solent to the Sahara
Tour Itinerary
Drive to the port to board your Brittany ferries sailing from the UK to Spain.
Look What’s Included
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Return Brittany Ferries crossing from Portsmouth to Bilbao/Santander
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Accommodation in a 2/4 berth inside cabin in each direction - upgrades on request
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2 Nights at the Hotel Princesca Plaza, Madrid
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1 Night at the Hotel & Winery Señorío de Nevada, Granada, Spain
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2 nights at the Hotel Alborán Algeciras
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Return ferry crossing from Algeciras to Tangiers
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1 Night at the Dawliz Art & Spa Hotel, Rabat
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3 Nights at the Jaal Riad Resort, Marrakech
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1 Night at the Sawadi Ecolodge, Skoura
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Secure parking for the Cars at Xaluca Erfoud
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2 Nights at the La Belle Etoile Luxury Desert Camp including transfers
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Lunch at Oasis Tisserdmine, Merzouga
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Desert Camel Ride
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1 Night at the Hotel Xaluca Aguelmame Sidi Ali
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1 Night the Ramada by Wyndham, Fez
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1 Night at the Hotel Alborán Algeciras
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2 Nights at at the Ribera de Triana Hotel
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1 Night at the Parador de Cáceres, Spain
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1 Night at the Parador Benavente, Spain
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1 Night at the Parador Santillana Gil Blas, Spain
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Breakfast each morning & Dinners as meal basis below
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Detailed Road Book featuring Maps, Great Drives and Local Attractions
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Services of a Scenic Car Tours Representative
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Commemorative Tour Rally Plate
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Car Parking at all Hotels (Charges may apply & payable locally)
OUR TOUR
HOTELS
The hotels on this tour have been hand-picked for their quality, facilities and location.
*Please note: Brittany Ferries routes are based on a fluid pricing policy which can fluctuate subject to capacity. Our prices are based on our estimated rate for this period and may be subject to change at the time of booking.
Car Hire Option in Morocco
Car hire is based on a Dacia Duster or similar.
Upgrades may be available on request.
If you would prefer not to take your car to Morocco, we can offer secure parking at the Alboran Hotel in Algeciras and offer a car hire option:
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Leave your car at the Alboran Hotel, Algeciras
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Transfers to/from the port in Algeciras
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Travel as foot passengers to/from Tangiers
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Transfers to/from Car Hire depot in Tangiers
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10 Day SUV Car Hire in Morocco including; CDW, Theft Protection, Unlimited Mileage, Third Party Protection
Supplement £300.00* Per Person
*Price is based on 2 people in a car (Price £550.00 per car for single car occupancy)
