From Bob: To begin, I thoroughly enjoyed the Experience. It was well planned, the lodgings were terrific, as were the restaurant choices and I can’t say enough good things about our driver, Ahmed Hadji. He really wasn’t our driver, he was our companion…professional, proficient and personable. Oh, and did I mention patient, he was always upbeat and informative, even during the seemingly endless drive from Fes to Marrakech (more on that later). In short, he should be (and no doubt is already) your # 1 driver.
We also enjoyed the guides, Hisham in Fes and Yusef in Marrakech, both knowledgeable and non-stop friendly and were particularly helpful in negotiating several purchases. I just hoped I tipped them enough.
I thought the riads in Fes and Marrakech were splendid, comfortable and comforting, exquisitely decorated and the staff extremely friendly.
I would heartily recommend Morocco Tours/Experience It! Tours to one and all, and have already done so to several friends…noting too what a great value it was for the many experiences the tour offers.
Some Highlights:
Getting us in and out of Casablanca quickly was a good idea, not a charming place, though Ahmed did show us the highlights as soon as we arrived so we could rest in the afternoon.
After a long day touring the medina with Hisham we were beat the next day, so Ahmed arranged restorative Hammams for us. Wonderful and you should make that stop part of all travelers’ itinerary.
The drive from Fes to Marrakech was 7-8 hours and we wished somehow that trip could be broken up in some manner, though Ahmed did take us to Chamonix to stretch for awhile.
I did enjoy Rick’s Cafe in Casablanca; at first I thought it would be silly-touristy and it was, but it still worked, a good last night choice.
From Hazel: I would like to add that I cannot say enough (fabulously wonderful things) about the overall professionalism and just plain pleasantness of Ahmed and the other two tour guides, Hisham and Yusef. We came to Morocco relatively ignorant of its rich heritage, culture and history and left with a broader understanding of its people. This is why people travel, afterall!
In taking the lead in the planning aspect of our trip (we also went to Spain after we left Morocco), my expectation of how wonderful the tour would be was significantly higher than my husband Bob’s. I’m happy to report that our reality far exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed every aspect of our trip, it truly was an experience of a lifetime.
I too would break up the drive from Fes to Marrakech. Adding another day (to the tour), which could include a camel ride, overnight in tent in the Sahara desert see High Atlas Mountains. The next day continuing south to Marrakech… brilliant.
Another thing that is beyond your scope, but I thought I would mention anyway. In dealing with the various craftspeople we encountered in the medinas and souks, such as purchasing handbags or jackets from the tannery, rugs from Fes cooperative, herbs and oils from the Herboristerie, hand made burled wood candlesticks…it would make it easier and aid all if, Experience It could step in as intermediaries to arrange for shipping or even putting the chosen online on their online site, thus avoiding the extremely prohibitive shipping costs associated with using DHL from Morocco. It would be good for the craftspeople, as well as your clients. A win-win service.
Thank you so very much for being a thoughtful and professional company, and creating a tour of Morocco that was comprehensive and enjoyable.
Bob & Hazel (USA), May 2012