The following is a series of comments with respect to a 15-day excursion that my daughter and I made to Morocco in mid-November with Experience-It Tours:
Reflections on Our 15-Day Moroccan Adventure:
Introduction:
In mid-November, my daughter and I set out on a 15-day trip to Morocco with Experience-It Tours (EIT). What follows are some thoughts and reflections from our journey. It is important to note that we often travel together and, for the most part, try to avoid overly crowded tourist experiences; we still wish to see some of them, but try to avoid the crowds. We typically create our own itineraries and travel independently, using published tour guides and online resources to plan. We avoid bus tours, which is why we chose a tailored tour company like Experience It Tours. Our philosophy of travel is best described as seeking spontaneity and experience. Your reply to our initial request to EIT was spot on: “We understand you’re looking for genuine local experiences rather than standard tourist activities, and we’re well-equipped to provide exactly that.”
Tour Highlights:
Picking out specific highlights from our trip is difficult because Morocco’s overall experience is best described as a ‘sensory overload’.
The country offers a mix of vivid sights, sounds, and sensations that come together to create an immersive and unforgettable adventure.
– Morocco is a blend of cultures (Amazigh / Imazighen (Berber), Arab/Muslim, and French), religions (Muslim, Christian, Jewish), regional influences (North African/Sub-Saharan, European/Iberian), histories (Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Portuguese, Ottoman, French), and forms of government (Colonial, Imperial, Theocratic, Democratic).
– The government is progressive, and most people are generally accepting of other cultures and nationalities.
– The geography of Morocco offers a variety of experiences, from the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts to flat agricultural lands, hilly areas, the Atlas and Rif mountain ranges, and the Moroccan Sahara Desert with its dunes.
– The major cities are very urban, the villages tend to have a North African character, and nomadic settlements can be found in the Sahara.
– Staying in a Moroccan riad often feels like stepping into an Arabian Nights scene, with lounges around a water feature in an indoor courtyard, sipping the quickly proffered and ubiquitous mint tea. Hospitality stems from the culturally accepted norms of Islamic Culture.
– The prevailing tone of Morocco’s landscapes and architecture is a sandy tan; this initial impression is quickly transformed by the country’s vibrant cultural tapestry. The everyday scenes throughout Morocco are filled with bursts of brilliant color—whether in traditional textiles, intricate tilework, lively markets, or the attire of its people. These vivid hues create a striking contrast to the muted earth tones of the surroundings, reflecting the diversity and richness of Morocco’s blended cultures and artistic traditions.
Some particularly memorable experiences that stood out were:
- ATV ride from Merzouga onto the dunes of the Sahara, a tea stop at an oasis, and a nomadic family settlement.
- The Land Cruiser run into the overnight tenting experience. Just the runs in and out were worth the experience. The stay in the tents was both comfortable and beautiful, with exceptional dining.
- The free-wheeling souk rambling. Particularly interesting was the much more rural walk and bargaining in the souk in Rissani, where I bought a pair of Michelin sandals (Made from cast-off tires).
- Bargaining – Definitely a fun exercise and almost de rigueur for buying in the souk.
- The Saharan dune sunsets with camel rides. Even though this is a keystone touristic goal, it was worth every minute.
- Chefchaouen – the Blue City – While it’s touted as a not-to-miss tourist destination, it is deservedly so. A wonderful, hilly and exquisitely beautiful town!
- Essaouira – The town is beautifully located on the Atlantic coast, and the view from our Riad Mimouna was striking. The sunsets are wonderful,
- Lunch at the Mutalat Café – rooftop in Essaouira
- The cooking class at la Maison Arabe in Marrakech is another experience not to be avooided. It is a high-end show; very professionally done, beautifully presented, and ended in the best meal we had on our trip.
- Volubilis is well worth seeing as an integral but not often reported part of Roman history.
- A stop with the Barbary apes (macaques) south of Ifrane. While the apes can be undisciplined, buying a bag of local farmers comes with their being somewhat less disruptive. A thoroughly fun experience.
- The moon wells (khettaras) in the Dades River valley – fascinating system of aqueducts.
- Moroccan doors are unbelievably interesting and worth paying attention to. Throughout Morocco, doors are a unique feature of local architecture and culture. Each doorway seems to tell a different story, with intricate designs, vibrant colors, and distinctive craftsmanship evident in many towns and cities. Observing these doors offers insight into regional traditions and artistic expression, making them an essential part of the Moroccan experience.
- The visits to the Fez pottery, Erfoud fossil museum/shop, and the woodworking shop/museum in Essaouira, while they were obviously set aside as buying opportunities, were very informative and welcome.
Comments related specifically to the details from Experience It!:
- We requested 4-star riad accommodation, and that is what we got with the Casa Hassani, Riad Myra, Jamas Madu (tent), Ksar el Kabbaba. Dar Des Arts, and Riad Mimouna, taking the honors. It’s hard to rank them.
- Highly recommended, too, is the cooking class at la Maison Arabe in Marrakech. A real learning experience, expertly done.
- Our driver, Jalal, was excellent! Not only was he courteous to other drivers, but he was also adept at avoiding dangerous situations. I’ve had extensive experience of driving in developing countries and had the opportunity to sit behind Jalal for the bulk of the trip. I was able to observe his driving firsthand, and I was very impressed. Furthermore, he showed great respect for his fellow humans. He was (and is) a very personable guide and individual, worthy of being called a ‘friend.’
- We were visited by Jill from your staff in the Riad Myra in Fes. Having a member of your staff personally visit us for an early coffee, especially in the extraordinary, serene Arabic courtyard, was both a surprise and a pleasure. It showed personal interest in our well-being and the tenor of the trip to the point.
- The Dar Batha Museum of Islamic Arts (Fes) had not been on the itinerary, and we stumbled upon it. It was near the Riad Myra, and it was glorious.
Hints for people coming to Morocco:
- Watch out for portion sizes. Moroccans seem to delight in eating massive amounts. It’s hard to politely refuse multiple courses with large plates. Similarly, guests at hotels need to be warned of the fact that there may be a large number of different courses during the course of a meal.
- The Barbary macaques can be a bit dirty and pushy if you let them. Use the farmers to help control them. The farmers are happy to help, but generally are on the ‘make’ as well.
- If you’re interested in something in a souk or definitely a touristy area, such as the Jemaa el-Fnaa, learn to feign total disinterest or take an overtly casual view from afar unless you want unwanted attention from a planted outlier.
From our first contact through the final days, you and your staff have treated us with attentiveness and professionalism. As noted above, the personal touch was obvious from the start, and that was both welcome and appreciated. Without a doubt, I would not hesitate to recommend Experience It Tours (EIT) for any tours to Morocco. I would also, based on this experience, consider EIT for a future tour to their other destinations of Kenya and Oman.
-John H. (November, 2026)
