George and I got back from our trip on Saturday – so I am feeling less jet lagged today and wanted to report back that we had a wonderful time in Morocco! Kudos to your entire organziation for providing us with such an excellent level of travel service – and for very good value.
We enjoyed it all but fell in love particularly with Fes – it was so authentic and so different from anywhere we have ever been. Our driver Yussef was very good. He was reliable, speaks English very well,, is a safe driver, attentive, good personality. Our guide in Fes, Hakim, was equally good. We learned so much about the art, artisans, as well as about Islam, the architecture, history,politics and life style of Morocco.
The Riad Fes was even better than I had hoped. Truly beautiful, top notch service, excellent food – perfect in every way. We even got upgraded in to a King Suite – The Sultana – which was lovely and extremely comfortable.
We liked the Riad Kniza very much too – not quite as striking but once again top notch in service – the roof top patio was a nice plus -and we were given a 2 story apartment for a room!
Our only disappointment was the desert – which was out of anyone’s control – but it was rainy and blustery the day and evening of our Deluxe Tent. Neither George nor I were keen on going in such weather – it was a sand storm at one point – so we opted for the alternative we were given which was to overnight at Timbuktoo.
Once installed at Timbuktoo we did manage to get out on camels for the sunset – even though it was not very good that evening because of the weather. No stars that night either.
The worst part about the change in schedule was there was a whole school of 16 year olds staying at Timbuktoo who were up all night partying and making racket. Bottom line was the romantic night on the desert we had both been envisioning turned out to be the least enjoyable night of the trip! C’est la vie…..:-((
Otherwise the sun came out the next day and we continued on our program to enjoy the Gorges, the beautiful snow capped Atlas mountains and Marrakech itself. Our M. guide – Rashid – was also very good. We had wonderful meals at the riad and also at Dar Moha and Dar Marjana. It was so sad – and disturbing – to see the devastation left by that attack on Cafe Argana. We just feel lucky all went well for us and we never really felt unsafe. Hopefully there will be no further violence in Morocco. So senseless!
Anyway, thanks for a great time in Morocco. We will happily recommend Experience Tours to our friends.
Vicky.
(April of 2011)