Let me start by saying how pleased and satisfied I am with our entire trip experience, from the first enquiry through the tour itself. Communication was superb, information was presented in a timely fashion and questions were addressed quickly and completely. I would unreservedly recommend Morocco Tours & ExperienceIt! Tours to others who want to visit Morocco.
The tour itself was handled in a very professional manner. Our driver, Kahlid, was friendly, efficient, and became a great friend in the course of the tour. He offered personal insights as we travelled in a country it was obvious that he loved. On several occasions he made recommendations for lunch that took us off the beaten path to local establishments that never failed to please (except the Fava Bean soup… but then again I’m not much for beans). The Riads we stayed in were, for the most part, charming and provided an insight to life in the Medina of Chefchaouen (Riad Lina), Fes (Riad Myra), Marrakech (Riad Kniza) & Essouria (Riad Mimouna). We were constantly amazed that behind an otherwise innocuous door in a narrow alley was a space of beauty and tranquility. Riad Mimouna was the least impressive, the room was small and had some maintenance issues but the ocean view made up for a lot.
Riad Kniza was a palace and we were spoiled by the staff at every turn. Of the other housing, the Sahara camp was an experience we will never forget. The joy and obvious pleasure that the camel drivers, porters & entertainers took in their work made us feel like guests in their world, not just customers. The Berber Palace in Ouarzazate was ok, too slick and ‘hotely’ for my taste but quite lovely in it’s own way. My least favorite accommodations were the 2 Xaluca Resort properties. Kasbah Xaluca Erfoud: I’m not a fan of large tourist-resorts and this one did nothing to change my opinion. The food was typical buffet and rather unimpressive, the Jacuzzi tub in our room did not work and the hot water in the shower went from cold to hot with alarming inconsistency. Kasbah Xaluca Dades was smaller and less ‘resorty’ but provided the same unremarkable food and no hot water at all in the shower. We did have a spectacular view from our room though… Hotel LeDoge in Casablanca was very pleasant with friendly staff and excellent food.
Favorite moments (see pix attached): buying oranges the size of my head from a road-side vendor, walking tour of Chefchaouen, Tea in our Riad at the end of a long day in the Medina, Berber ‘pizza’ (Medfouna) from the community oven in Rissani, the whole Sahara stay, Goats in trees, Fishing boats in Essouria, Rick’s Café…
All in all, it was a marvelous trip!
Casey & Lynette (USA), January 2015