Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
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Holiday in Morocco, Imperial cities & deserts, independent reviews
 Reviewed 15 Apr 2007 by David Gregson |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole holiday was very memorable with a great variety of things to do and see. There was never a dull moment as the different aspects of Moroccan life unfolded before our eyes.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It was quite cool for the first week especially north of the Atlas mountains. So take some warm clothing as well as summer wear. Be careful about taking photos ,especially of women it can be offensive.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes , I think it is important to spread ones money around , although at times I felt we were travelling well travelled paths and being directed to certain eating places.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
**** Some stories to tell the grandchildren, I would not hesitate to recommend it to a friend......a fantastic holiday ...one that we will never forget.
| Reviewed 15 Jun 2009 by Ruth O'Shaughnessy | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The desert experience, and travelling through the mountains were the real highlight of the trip. Our tour leader was particularly excellent, and gave us a really good insight into many different aspects of the country.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Credit cards were not accepted in most places we travelled - you will need to ensure you have a lot of cash. ATMs were readily available, but don't plan on using plastic. This was unexpected, as we have not had this experience travelling in countries less developed than Morocco. Hot water was available in most of the hotels, but occasionally not. Would suggest ensuring you have shampoo (not available in most hotels) and washing powder, as laundry facilities were not available everywhere (and quite expensive and not of a good standard in one hotel in particular). Launderettes in the larger cities were good. As you're on the go constantly, this is not a holiday for someone looking for relaxation.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes; hotels, restaurants & sightseeing were generally confined to smaller co-operatives or family run operations.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A very positive experience; we have come back with a very good impression of Morocco and its people, and will be recommending it to friends and family. This was our first group trip ever, and we found the experience to be very positive; we are likely to book further trips through this operator in the future.
| Reviewed 23 Mar 2007 by Susan Gassaway | |
An excellent holiday which we would definitely recommend to others interested in Morocco. Our guide, Lahoacein, was outstanding, not only in his knowledge of and passion for his country, but for his willingness to share a part of himself with strangers. As a result, we were given an insight into a foreign country and culture that gave us a familiarity rarely achieved in a fortnight’s holiday. He openly discussed both the good and bad aspects of his country, its primary religion, politics, family life, social structure, et al. He is a lovely man with whom we hope to keep in contact. Also a short word for our bus which was pink (therefore easy to spot) but, more importantly, it had 34 seats in addition to the driver’s and his assistant’s. This meant we were all able to spread out with our various backpacks, cameras, etc. and enjoy seeing the countryside slide by during some quite long journeys. Well done!
As with all sojourns into a foreign country, we encountered minor problems. We were surprised by the amount of money required for tips (1200 D for the two of us) and meals (roughly 400 D per day including wine). Based on past experience and the knowledge that we would be paying 3200 D on arrival, we brought about £900 with us in cash. Thanks to ATM machines, we were able to add to that considerably, so were not inconvenienced. I also want to say that the idea of giving the guide 1200 D for tips is an excellent one, avoiding the need for us to dig in our pockets several times every day.
Although fun to look at, the Riads we used are not ready for serious accommodation, especially when time is at a premium. Such things as showers spraying all over the room, not enough light to read with, and bedroom doors opening on to busy reception areas. But the Riad in Fes took the biscuit!! We were unable to lock our bedroom door, which had a sliding bolt on the inside. When I asked the lad for a hammer to make the bolt move, he rushed out into the alley and came back with a brick, which he wrapped in a napkin! Full marks for lateral thinking on his part and great hilarity to our fellow travellers. The Riad of the Brick. I suggested to the lad that he leave if for the next guest to use. (All the beds were comfortable throughout the holiday.)
The following list will give you an idea of how we spent our time. Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Moulay Idriss, Volubilis, Fez, Erfoud, Sahara, Todra Gorge, Ourzazate, Essaouira, Marrakech. No time to read the guide book or write postcards and we returned home absolutely knackered. It might be useful to cross out a kasbah or two to give travellers a short break every now and then.
Special highlights! We very much appreciated this operator's attempts to introduce us to the “real” Morocco. By that I mean the Association for the disabled, the Co-op for divorced and widowed women, the adobe home in the Sahara, and the Bedouin tent in the Atlas Mountains. These experiences say a lot about Morocco’s problems, and are important for visitors to understand, perhaps more so than the splendid souks.
But I suppose that there is little to compare with teaching the Berber musicians in the desert tent how to do the Hokey Cokey and sing Auld Lang Syne. I am sure we are “gone but not forgotten”!
We were sorry to learn that you encountered minor problems with regard to the amount of money you required. It has come to our attention that there has been a confusion surrounding the amount of money required for the tipping. A cheque and cover letter regarding this matter will be sent to you shortly. We are sorry for any inconvenience that may have been caused.
We were concerned to learn of your comments regarding the Riad in Fes and we would like to assure you that your feedback has been passed to our Operations team who are investigating alternative options. In addition to this we also appreciate your comments regarding the compact itinerary. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
We appreciate you taking the trouble to give us such detailed feedback about your holiday. Please be assured that we follow up on all customer comments, therefore your correspondence has been brought to the attention of the Operations Manager responsible for the smooth running of this trip.
We are always looking to improve the content of our holidays for our passengers and your comments regarding these issues shall certainly be considered carefully. Thank you, once again, for taking the time to write as it is only with such constructive comments that we are able to monitor and hopefully improve all aspects of the tours we offer.
We hope that the memories of teaching the Berber musicians how to perform the Hokey Cokey will stay with you and that we will have the pleasure of your company on another trip in the not too distant future.
As with all sojourns into a foreign country, we encountered minor problems. We were surprised by the amount of money required for tips (1200 D for the two of us) and meals (roughly 400 D per day including wine). Based on past experience and the knowledge that we would be paying 3200 D on arrival, we brought about £900 with us in cash. Thanks to ATM machines, we were able to add to that considerably, so were not inconvenienced. I also want to say that the idea of giving the guide 1200 D for tips is an excellent one, avoiding the need for us to dig in our pockets several times every day.
Although fun to look at, the Riads we used are not ready for serious accommodation, especially when time is at a premium. Such things as showers spraying all over the room, not enough light to read with, and bedroom doors opening on to busy reception areas. But the Riad in Fes took the biscuit!! We were unable to lock our bedroom door, which had a sliding bolt on the inside. When I asked the lad for a hammer to make the bolt move, he rushed out into the alley and came back with a brick, which he wrapped in a napkin! Full marks for lateral thinking on his part and great hilarity to our fellow travellers. The Riad of the Brick. I suggested to the lad that he leave if for the next guest to use. (All the beds were comfortable throughout the holiday.)
The following list will give you an idea of how we spent our time. Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Moulay Idriss, Volubilis, Fez, Erfoud, Sahara, Todra Gorge, Ourzazate, Essaouira, Marrakech. No time to read the guide book or write postcards and we returned home absolutely knackered. It might be useful to cross out a kasbah or two to give travellers a short break every now and then.
Special highlights! We very much appreciated this operator's attempts to introduce us to the “real” Morocco. By that I mean the Association for the disabled, the Co-op for divorced and widowed women, the adobe home in the Sahara, and the Bedouin tent in the Atlas Mountains. These experiences say a lot about Morocco’s problems, and are important for visitors to understand, perhaps more so than the splendid souks.
But I suppose that there is little to compare with teaching the Berber musicians in the desert tent how to do the Hokey Cokey and sing Auld Lang Syne. I am sure we are “gone but not forgotten”!
Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for your correspondence regarding the above tour. We were delighted to read that you enjoyed your trip and your Tour Leader, Lahoacein, contributed to the success of your holiday. It is always good to know our efforts are appreciated and therefore we are pleased to pass on your kind comments to all those involved with your tour arrangements. We were also pleased to read that you were happy with the pink bus and that you enjoyed the benefit of having a little more space.We were sorry to learn that you encountered minor problems with regard to the amount of money you required. It has come to our attention that there has been a confusion surrounding the amount of money required for the tipping. A cheque and cover letter regarding this matter will be sent to you shortly. We are sorry for any inconvenience that may have been caused.
We were concerned to learn of your comments regarding the Riad in Fes and we would like to assure you that your feedback has been passed to our Operations team who are investigating alternative options. In addition to this we also appreciate your comments regarding the compact itinerary. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
We appreciate you taking the trouble to give us such detailed feedback about your holiday. Please be assured that we follow up on all customer comments, therefore your correspondence has been brought to the attention of the Operations Manager responsible for the smooth running of this trip.
We are always looking to improve the content of our holidays for our passengers and your comments regarding these issues shall certainly be considered carefully. Thank you, once again, for taking the time to write as it is only with such constructive comments that we are able to monitor and hopefully improve all aspects of the tours we offer.
We hope that the memories of teaching the Berber musicians how to perform the Hokey Cokey will stay with you and that we will have the pleasure of your company on another trip in the not too distant future.