Thank you so much for helping me book this trip. It far exceeded my expectations — I cannot sing Experience It! Tours’ praises loud enough! The trip was more than what I had originally wanted to pay but totally worth every penny.
First and foremost, my driver, Jamal Ghannam, was the consummate professional and became a fast friend. I can’t imagine my trip without him. As many people have stated regarding Experience It!, he truly make my trip what is was. He indulged my wish to speak in French, and even put up with my attempts to speak Arabic and Darija 🙂 Jamal was a safe and more-than-able driver — so important when you travel almost 3000 km together! And he had a sense of humor that rivals mine – not so easy to find! He was aware that as a single traveler, I was sometimes anxious, and went out of his way to make me feel comfortable and welcomed, whether it was just the two of us, at tea with his family, or among strangers, hasslers and sellers in the souk. Once I received the voucher with his name, I had searched your website but couldn’t find any mention of a “Jamal”, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. And if you recall, I had asked about the possibility of changing drivers, if it wasn’t a good match. Well, my worries about NOT getting along with my driver were completely unfounded!
Youssef, at Riad Noura in Marrakesh, also deserves high accolades and stand out as one of my favorite parts of my trip. The riad was absolutely charming: intimate, warm and inviting, and the food was excellent, (my favorites were the zucchini with bechamel and lamb tagine with prunes) but what made it so memorable was Youssef. His kind demeanor, helpfulness and attention to detail are unparalleled. I STRONGLY recommend this riad (as long as Youssef is still there!) to anyone wishing to stay in Marrakesh.
Experience Its! choices in local guides (Rachid in Fes / Aziz in Marrakesh) were outstanding: they were both knowledgeable, warm & friendly and well-respected within the neighborhoods. Thank you so much for allowing my French friends to join me, as well as being able to accommodate a French-speaking guide for them.
My friends had a great time during their short visit to Marrakesh, again thanks to Jamal and Youssef. They took care of them with the same dedication as they did of me.
The add-ons of Essaouira and El Jadida were also memorable – so glad I asked and that it was possible!
I had wanted to visit Morocco for 20 years, and while on one hand I can say it was the worth the wait, I also wish I had gone before, only so that I could have returned again and again!
Thanks again, Lorre — please let everyone at Experience It! know how happy I was on my trip and with Jamal. He certainly deserves praise!
Ellen.