Amazing Morocco
Morocco | Nov 13 - Nov 22, 2024

Mark
Mark L.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Nov 24, 2024

We had an amazing trip! Our driver Ismael was a jewel. He was fun to spend time with, provided music, laughs, a wealth of information, gave great recommendations for restaurants, etc.. and was extremely attentive to details. For example, we casually mentioned that it would be nice to have a glass of wine with dinner. Miraculously one showed up at our table at the desert camp as a totally unexpected treat. The local guides in Rabat and Fes were exceptionally good, both personable and knowledgable.

As often is the case, in my experience, some of the highlights of the trip were unplanned, lucky happenings: First, in Fes, we were told about restaurant Nur. Traveling in the shoulder season, we got a table and after a 2 hour, 8 course meal, the chef ( world famous Najat Kaanache) came and sat with us, talking for over an hour! Then, in the desert, it rained! While we are used to rain home in Seattle, it was a total surprise in Erg Chebbi, but it made for a fabulous night singing around the campfire, talking to Ahmed about life and the upcoming birth of his second child, and eating Fatima's delicious food.

The home visit was a pleasure and something I was glad we did. And to end at Riad Elegancia in Marrakech was perfect! Winding down with that luxury, the hamam and cooking class day, was a perfect ending to the trip.

Hotel Reviews
Elegancia Riad Boutique & SPA
Marrakech

Elegant and luxurious rooms, rooftop dining with the best breakfasts we had in Morocco! The staff was so kind. When I contracted COVID, we had extra bedding brought to our room so my wife and I could separate. We also had a meal from La Maison Arabe carried over so we didn't have to go out.

Authenticity & Character
Moroccan architecture with French culinary flair.
Location
Down a quiet alley, this was away from the hustle and bustle of the medina.
Staff
Everyone was kind, friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
The shower was inviting. Bathrobes were cozy. A rooftop pool was a special treat.
Tiziri Luxury Camp
Merzouga

Glamping like it should be done ... with an eco-friendly ethic. The owner of this family business spent the evening in camp with us. There was music, wonderful food prepared on-site by Fatima, and time to relax and talk with staff. The tents were remarkably comfortable, spacious, warm with well thought out lighting, bathroom facilities, etc..

Authenticity & Character
Great character
Location
Erg Chebbi was magical in the rain. The camel ride to camp was just long enough to set the mood without making you too saddle sore!
Staff
Welcoming and open to just sitting and talking with guests
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Visit the Hassan II Mosque & Museum of Moroccan Judaism
Visit the Hassan II Mosque & Museum of Moroccan Judaism
Casablanca

The mosque was astounding and well worth the visit. I would suggest seeing the jewish museum in Fes instead of this one.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ismael, our driver, was amazing. The guide at the mosque was quite good also
Transport
The transportation was comfortable and everyone was very punctual.
Casablanca – Rabat ( 1 Hour Drive).*Driving Times Don’t Include The Various Stops Along The Way
Casablanca – Rabat ( 1 Hour Drive).*Driving Times Don’t Include The Various Stops Along The Way
Morocco
Transfer to Chefchaouen from  Rabat via Ouazzane  4 Hours  Drive
Transfer to Chefchaouen from Rabat via Ouazzane 4 Hours Drive
Morocco

Rabat and the visits to the Kasbah, Hassan Tower, Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Chellah and Andalusian Gardens were all must dos. Our guide was great. Seeing hundreds of storks was an added plus.

Quality of Experience
The beauty of the gardens and the storks
Food
Had our first dinner at the Dhow. It was okay food, but had the virtue of being scenic and a good place to walk to and see some of the city's nightlife.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide was very knowledgable and a great communicator
Transport
As usual, Ismael was a rock star
Explore the Blue City
Explore the Blue City
Chefchaouen

A beautiful city nestled in hill country

Quality of Experience
Good experience, but not sure that the time to get there was really the best use of time
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
  Hammam  Spa  & Massage in La Masion Arabe at  3 pm
Hammam Spa & Massage in La Masion Arabe at 3 pm
Marrakesh

Great way to wind down the trip

Cooking Class La Maison Arabe Marrakech 10 AM session.
Cooking Class La Maison Arabe Marrakech 10 AM session.
Marrakesh

I love to cook... and eat. Fun experience.

Quality of Experience
The event was well organized. The chef was a good teacher and you get to eat the tasty food you cook.
Visit Majorelle gardens
Visit Majorelle gardens
Marrakesh

Beautiful gardens and a chance to see the Berber Museum which was interesting

Marrakech Food Tour
Marrakech Food Tour
Marrakesh

Eating with locals at delicious Harira and Sfenj spots was awesome. Tanjia good. We skipped the spicy snails, but I think next time they would be worth a try. The pastries/cookies were good but not unusual.

Explore Chefchaouen with your local guide
Explore Chefchaouen with your local guide
Chefchaouen

A small taste of rural life in a mountain town. If you go to Chefchaouen, it is worth walking around with a guide

Ait Benhaddou to Marrakech: A Journey through Time and Nature
Ait Benhaddou to Marrakech: A Journey through Time and Nature
Morocco

Time with Ismael was always good.

A Taste of Tradition: A dinner Expereince With a Local Family
A Taste of Tradition: A dinner Expereince With a Local Family
Morocco

We had a nice, relaxing evening with a young family. We celebrated their 1 yr old's birthday, listened to their friend play the oud and enjoyed grandma's cooking in a typical home in the Medina.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guided Tour of Aït Benhaddou
Guided Tour of Aït Benhaddou
Morocco

Transported back in time to the 11th Century in this magical place

Guided Tour of Fes' Jewish Quarter and Medina
Guided Tour of Fes' Jewish Quarter and Medina
Fes

We had a wonderful guide and learning the history of this community was important

Camel trek to your  luxury camp
Camel trek to your luxury camp
Merzouga

Just the right amount of time on a camel!

Quality of Experience
A Picturesque Route: Merzouga to Aït Benhaddou via the Breathtaking Draa Valley
A Picturesque Route: Merzouga to Aït Benhaddou via the Breathtaking Draa Valley
Morocco

Many date palms were damaged by a fire, but even so this is an inspiring place.

Exploring Marrakech's Wonders: A Private Guided Tour
Exploring Marrakech's Wonders: A Private Guided Tour
Marrakesh

I'm not sure we could have navigated all the souks without our guide. Marrakech is a must be experienced city

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Majid Mrabti
Majid
Majid Mrabti
Local specialist in Morocco & France | Replied on Nov 24, 2024

Hello Mark,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful Moroccan adventure with us! We're thrilled to hear that Ismael, your driver, and the local guides made your trip unforgettable. We're delighted that you enjoyed the unexpected surprises and delights along the way.
Thank you for choosing us, and we look forward to helping you plan your next adventure!
Warm regards,
Majid