From the first contact with Kit at Morocco Tours/Experience It! Tours until we were dropped off at the airport in Casablanca for our return flight, every detail of our Moroccan trip was taken care of. Our every expectation was exceeded. It was a great trip, an introduction to a culture unlike our own. As with every trip the best part was the people. Our driver, Ahmed, our guides, the hotel staffs and even the vendors in the medinas were gracious and welcoming.
Our driver, Ahmed met us at the airport in Casablanca. His English was excellent. He was at our service day and night throughout our trip. He accommodated every request. In addition to being excellent company he was an accomplished driver during the many mountain roads and hairpin curves. After eleven days together, it was difficult to say good-bye.
We did the eleven day “Best of Morocco” trip. Our first night was spent in Chefchaouen. This was a great find. Kit told us about this small city still undiscovered by tourist, and said that we’d enjoy it. It was a great introduction to Morocco. We had an excellent guide there. Five feet two inches with a Zen –like demeanor. He knew everyone and everything about Chefchaouen. The hotel, Lina Riad and Spa, was perfect. Its tranquility was just right after a long trip. The owner welcomed us and gave us a personal tour of the hotel and spa. The common areas and the room were lovely with attention paid to every detail. Despite our arriving late they treated us to a leisurely, traditional meal.
Nothing could prepare us for the opulence of the accommodations to come. The Riad Fes in Fes and the Riad Kniza in Marrakech were jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Tile, marble and cedar with lavish draperies everywhere, our junior suites were unbelievable. Awa Diakhate, the manager and her staff at Riad Fes welcomed us and attended to our every need graciously. Meals at their beautiful restaurant were as elegant as they were delicious.
Nothing can prepare you for the service and appointments of Riad Kniza in Marrakech. Ficari, the manager welcomed us with sweet tea and pastries in one of many lavish private rooms off the courtyards. With only eleven beautiful rooms they have welcomed presidents and movie stars. Our junior suite there was nothing short of magnificent.
The trip to the desert with the night in the luxury tent (yes, with toilet, shower and electricity) was a fun break from the cities. Sunset and sunrise over the desert were once in a lifetime experiences.
Kit insisted we visit Volubolis. I was reluctant having seen what I thought was my share of Roman ruins. Once again, she was right. This is not to be missed. It is incredibly well preserved. The mosaic floors are perfectly intact. You can almost picture the Romans living there.
Back to Casablanca for our last night, and the last night was perfect. After 10 days of Moroccan opulence it was time for European elegance. The Hotel Le Doge is a mansion turned into a 16 room boutique hotel, beautiful with wood paneling and stained glass windows, high ceilings and hard wood floors. We were welcomed by Anna and given a tour by Laurent the manager. He oriented us and showed us to our room. His good nature and charm made us feel welcome and comfortable. Each room reflects a previous celebrity guest. We stayed in the Coco Channel suite. It was beautifully decorated in fabrics that reflected her taste, including a dressmaker dummy with jewels. The beautiful black and white marble bathroom with the black and white claw-foot tub was startling.
We had our last dinner at La Rouge du Islet. The courtyard setting was romantic and the dinner was fantastic. Taki, the French trained owner chef, went over the menu for us and made the perfect recommendations. Please, do yourself a favor and enjoy this restaurant. It is on par with the best French restaurants in New York.
We can’t thank Kit & Morocco Tours/Experience It! Tours enough for arranging this wonderful and magical adventure.
Mark & Denise (USA), April 2013