Highlights of Morocco; Imperial cities and Sahara desert
We're sorry. This tour is no longer available.
Overview
Experience culture and history of Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech as you navigate narrow and winding streets in ancient medinas, shop artisanal wares in animated souks, and admire the intricate tile work of historic and stunning mosques. Explore the desert as you ride a camel over shifting sands in the Sahara, delve into mud-brick fortressed cities, and cross the high rocky peaks of the Atlas mountains.
Inclusions
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- English speaking driver
- Camel riding in the desert
- Accommodation in charming riads with breakfast
- DIner and music performance at the desert camp
- Accommodation included: 7 nights
What to expect
Itinerary
Day 1: Casablanca to Rabat
Stop At: Hassan II Mosque, Blvd Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah, Casablanca 20450 Morocco
The Hassan II Mosque, sitting in a picturesque location on the sea. Inaugurated in 1993, its 656-foot (200 m) minaret is the tallest structure in Morocco — and the tallest minaret in the world. It is estimated that the courtyard can hold 80, 000 worshipers, with room for another 25, 000 inside While the exterior and surrounding area are impressive — the lavish interior is festooned with wood, marble, carved stone, and gilded ceilings — what makes this mosque even more unique is that it is of the few in the country open to non-Muslim visitors. One-hour guided tours run in the mornings between 9 am and 2 pm, and include a tour of the Hammam in the basement.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Notre Dame de Lourdes, Rond-Point d'Europe, Casablanca 20500 Morocco
The imposing Notre Dame de Lourdes Church has very obvious European influences and is a striking contrast to many of the more traditional attractions that can be found in the city of Casablanca. In fact, you’ll see this massive edifice quite easily from a distance as it towers above many of the smaller, locally funded structures that surround it.
At first glance, you may wonder why there is a Catholic church in Morocco. The fact is that there are approximately 20, 000 Catholics living in the country and that this religious denomination has long been accepted in Morocco. The Notre Dame de Lourdes Church in Morocco is clear evidence of the strong Roman Catholic presence in Casablanca and, while this may not be the major religion in the country, it certainly isn’t only practiced by a small minority.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Rabat, Rabat, Rabat-Sale-Kenitra
Morocco’s capital doesn't have the wow-factor of Marrakech; Nor does it have the hordes of tourists. Rabat is sedate but has a star attraction – the old Kasbah des Oudaïas, perched high above the Atlantic rollers.
Rabat has a long and chequered history. Along with its twin city Salé, it was once the haven of the Barbary pirates, the notorious ‘Sallee Rovers’ who preyed upon European merchant ships and kidnapped Cornish villagers. Nowadays Rabat is a quiet, impeccably clean city with palm-lined boulevards and none of the traffic problems that bedevil Casablanca, making it an increasingly popular destination for tourists. When considering where to take a short break in Morocco, a holiday in Rabat certainly shouldn't be counted out.
Overlooking the mouth of the Bou Regreg river is the fortress of the Kasbah des Oudaïas. You can spend a pleasant hour or two strolling down the streets of blue and white houses, admiring the 12th century fortifications and exploring the Andalusian-style garden. Next door, the Café Maure is a great place to sip a mint tea and admire the view over the Atlantic. With a wide array of accommodation options, you can choose to stay in a simple hotel in Rabat or an elaborate riad packed with Moroccan charm.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN RABAT
Parliament of Morocco
Royal Palace
Saint Pierre Cathedral
Mohammed V Mosque
Medina of Rabat
Hassan Tower
Kasbah of the Udayas
Mausoleum of Mohammed V
City Centre
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Riad Dar ELkebira, Located a few meters from the Consuls street and the Kasbah des Oudayas.
Day 2: Rabat to Chefchaoeun
Stop At: Chefchaouen, Chefchaouen, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima
This charming Berber city painted in shades of blue set in the Rif mountains is a must if you are visiting or passing through northern Morocco.
Founded in 1471 this beautiful and highly atmospheric little city has much to offer in the way of insights into Rif mountain life. Painted in shades of blue, the small streets are like no other place in the country. Small hotels and restaurants are the way to experience this authentic and interesting place.
Duration: 5 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at riad Linas & Spa located at the heart of the Medina at few steps from the main attractions.
Day 3: Chefchaoeun to Fes via Vollubilis and Meknes
Stop At: Volubilis, Morocco
The largest Roman archeological site in Morocco lies at Volubilis. Moscais, triumphal arch, capitol building, house of Bacchus – everything testifies to the city's splendor and its economical and political weight.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Meknes, Meknes, Fes-Meknes
Meknes is an Imperial capital founded in the 17th century by the Alaouite sultan MoulayIsmaël who decided to make it one of the most beautiful and powerful Imperial cities in Morocco, protected by 40km of walls. The medina and the remains of the royal palace has earned Meknès a place on UNESCO's world heritage list.
Gates and palaces: Considered to be one of the most beautiful gates in the world, Bab Mansour was constructed at the beginning of the 18th century. It is the entrance to the Imperial city proper, where a visit to the sultan's mausoleum is still of interest.
Markets and lively squares: Meknes has one of the busiest medinas in Morocco. The Place El-Hedime, located exactly between the old town and the Imperial part of the city, houses the covered market and becomes busy at dusk: fire-swallowers, storytellers, animal trainers and jugglers .
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Riad Ghita Palace in the Medina, a great location and easy access to the main historical sites of Fes.
Day 4: Full day sightseeing in Fes
Stop At: Fes el-Bali, Fes 30110 Morocco
Fez is an Imperial City that has stood in the north of Morocco for a thousand years. Within its sturdy walls you’ll find the place where old Morocco still exists – in the elaborate architecture, the historic medina and the throngs of people that make their home here.
Walk through high walled streets, watch the daily procession of mourners entering the tomb of Fez’s founder Moulay Idriss II, and see the ornate carvings and mosaics on every surface; it’s easy to understand why Fez is called the spiritual heart of Morocco. Time seems to have stopped in large parts of this city, nowhere else can you find such a strong link to the kingdom's past.
With our local guide, we will visit the Medina: Souks, Tanneries, Madersas, Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University.
Duration: 5 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Riad Ghita Palace
Day 5: Over the Atlas mountains to the desert
Stop At: Merzouga, Merzouga, Draa-Tafilalet
Leave Fes towards Merzouga desert through the Atlas mountains, you will notice the landscape change as you approach Merzouga, the town closest to the Sahara dunes.
As you approach you will get your first glimpse of the massive sand sea of Erg Chebbi, looming on the forward horizon. Here the sand dunes rise to over (200m).
Here we start our adventure on camel back into the desert, time to enjoy the sunset as you sit atop a large dune. Have a meal and spend the night in a desert tent. At night, join the local guides for a campfire complete with traditional music and star gazing.
If you are an early riser, then a Saharan sunrise can be just as thrilling as a Saharan sunset.
Duration: 6 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Tiziri luxury camp; Simple understated luxury with natural fabrics and a tangible essence of tranquillity.
Day 6: Merzouga to Todra gorges and Boumalen Dades
Stop At: Tinerhir, Tinerhir, Souss-Massa
The Dades valley is a stunning area of Morocco covered with two tone kasbah's and earth palaces from where comes its nickname "The valley of a thousand kasbahs". Much of the valley is visible only if you leave your vehicles and venture on by foot but just driving through is a stunning and unforgettably beautiful experience.
Sometimes known as the Country of Figs (not to be confused with the drier Draa valley located to the north of Zagora known as the Country of the Dates).
A wilderness like area with its unearthly silence surrounded by snow-capped mountains on one side and on the other, the desert. The river Dades flows through the valley, watering a magnificent trail of wheat, fruit, walnut, almond and silver birch trees along its way, nestled amongst a back drop of spectacular, rocky land formations.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Xaluca Dades hotel
Day 7: to Ait Benhaddou & Marrakech
Stop At: Ouarzazate, Ouarzazate, Draa-Tafilalet
If the rocky terrain around Ouarzazate seems familiar, that’s because the area has been used as the backdrop for many Hollywood film productions. Ouarzazate has doubled up as Tibet, Egypt and every country of the Middle East in films like Jewel of the Nile, The Sheltering Sky, Kundun, Gladiator, The Kingdom of Heaven and Prince of Persia. You can see some of the props at the Atlas Film Studios just outside town.
Ouarzazate itself is a largely modern town, built as a garrison for the French Foreign Legion in the 1920s. The only historic building is the Taourirt Kasbah, home of the infamous Glaoui family, the ‘Lords of the Atlas’, who controlled access to the southern trade routes in the late 19th and early 20th century. The Taourirt Kasbah also has a Hollywood connection - it made a cameo appearance in Star Wars. Opposite is a small crafts area where you can buy carpets, carved implements and earthenware at keener prices than in Marrakech.
If you prefer to stay somewhere more atmospheric, Skoura, a small town 35 kms east of Ouarzazate with a lovely palmeraie and kasbah, makes a good alternative for exploring the pre-Sahara.
Duration: 6 minutes
Stop At: Marrakech, Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi
Marrakech has always been a bustling city, filled with foreign sights, sounds, and smells. For some, it can be a bit of a shock to the senses. “The red city”, is named for the natural red ochre pigment in the walls, and is Morocco’s second largest city.
Duration: 2 days
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Stay at Riad Pachavana at the heart of Marrakech Medina
Day 8: Sightseeing in Marrakech
Stop At: Marrakech, Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi
Marrakech; One of the most evocative places in the world, just the name conjures up images of this cultural melting pot – sandstone buildings, dusty streets and towering minarets against deep blue skies immediately spring to mind. Known as The Red City thanks to the hue of the thick walls surrounding the old city, Marrakech has been a popular tourist destination in Morocco since the 1960s, attracting everyone from the Beatles to Sienna Miller. It’s a place to engage the senses, nowhere more so than in the famous souks. These vibrant markets are a whirlwind of colour and noise, where throngs of people weave between tightly packed stalls exhibiting pyramids of brightly coloured spices, richly woven rugs and a thousand other exotic goods. Enticing smells waft through the souks, and the clamour of voices haggling and the cries of vendors competing for customers provides a constant backing track to the city.
Our guided sightseeing includes the Koutoubia mosque, the Bahia palace, Saadian tombs, Menara gardens, the Souks and the famous Jemaa Elfna square. Free evening in one of the local restaurants surrounding the square.
Duration: 6 minutes
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 1: Casablanca to Rabat
Stop At: Hassan II Mosque, Blvd Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah, Casablanca 20450 Morocco
The Hassan II Mosque, sitting in a picturesque location on the sea. Inaugurated in 1993, its 656-foot (200 m) minaret is the tallest structure in Morocco — and the tallest minaret in the world. It is estimated that the courtyard can hold 80, 000 worshipers, with room for another 25, 000 inside While the exterior and surrounding area are impressive — the lavish interior is festooned with wood, marble, carved stone, and gilded ceilings — what makes this mosque even more unique is that it is of the few in the country open to non-Muslim visitors. One-hour guided tours run in the mornings between 9 am and 2 pm, and include a tour of the Hammam in the basement.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Notre Dame de Lourdes, Rond-Point d'Europe, Casablanca 20500 Morocco
The imposing Notre Dame de Lourdes Church has very obvious European influences and is a striking contrast to many of the more traditional attractions that can be found in the city of Casablanca. In fact, you’ll see this massive edifice quite easily from a distance as it towers above many of the smaller, locally funded structures that surround it.
At first glance, you may wonder why there is a Catholic church in Morocco. The fact is that there are approximately 20, 000 Catholics living in the country and that this religious denomination has long been accepted in Morocco. The Notre Dame de Lourdes Church in Morocco is clear evidence of the strong Roman Catholic presence in Casablanca and, while this may not be the major religion in the country, it certainly isn’t only practiced by a small minority.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Rabat, Rabat, Rabat-Sale-Kenitra
Morocco’s capital doesn't have the wow-factor of Marrakech; Nor does it have the hordes of tourists. Rabat is sedate but has a star attraction – the old Kasbah des Oudaïas, perched high above the Atlantic rollers.
Rabat has a long and chequered history. Along with its twin city Salé, it was once the haven of the Barbary pirates, the notorious ‘Sallee Rovers’ who preyed upon European merchant ships and kidnapped Cornish villagers. Nowadays Rabat is a quiet, impeccably clean city with palm-lined boulevards and none of the traffic problems that bedevil Casablanca, making it an increasingly popular destination for tourists. When considering where to take a short break in Morocco, a holiday in Rabat certainly shouldn't be counted out.
Overlooking the mouth of the Bou Regreg river is the fortress of the Kasbah des Oudaïas. You can spend a pleasant hour or two strolling down the streets of blue and white houses, admiring the 12th century fortifications and exploring the Andalusian-style garden. Next door, the Café Maure is a great place to sip a mint tea and admire the view over the Atlantic. With a wide array of accommodation options, you can choose to stay in a simple hotel in Rabat or an elaborate riad packed with Moroccan charm.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN RABAT
Parliament of Morocco
Royal Palace
Saint Pierre Cathedral
Mohammed V Mosque
Medina of Rabat
Hassan Tower
Kasbah of the Udayas
Mausoleum of Mohammed V
City Centre
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Riad Dar ELkebira, Located a few meters from the Consuls street and the Kasbah des Oudayas.
Day 2: Rabat to Chefchaoeun
Stop At: Chefchaouen, Chefchaouen, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima
This charming Berber city painted in shades of blue set in the Rif mountains is a must if you are visiting or passing through northern Morocco.
Founded in 1471 this beautiful and highly atmospheric little city has much to offer in the way of insights into Rif mountain life. Painted in shades of blue, the small streets are like no other place in the country. Small hotels and restaurants are the way to experience this authentic and interesting place.
Duration: 5 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at riad Linas & Spa located at the heart of the Medina at few steps from the main attractions.
Day 3: Chefchaoeun to Fes via Vollubilis and Meknes
Stop At: Volubilis, Morocco
The largest Roman archeological site in Morocco lies at Volubilis. Moscais, triumphal arch, capitol building, house of Bacchus – everything testifies to the city's splendor and its economical and political weight.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Meknes, Meknes, Fes-Meknes
Meknes is an Imperial capital founded in the 17th century by the Alaouite sultan MoulayIsmaël who decided to make it one of the most beautiful and powerful Imperial cities in Morocco, protected by 40km of walls. The medina and the remains of the royal palace has earned Meknès a place on UNESCO's world heritage list.
Gates and palaces: Considered to be one of the most beautiful gates in the world, Bab Mansour was constructed at the beginning of the 18th century. It is the entrance to the Imperial city proper, where a visit to the sultan's mausoleum is still of interest.
Markets and lively squares: Meknes has one of the busiest medinas in Morocco. The Place El-Hedime, located exactly between the old town and the Imperial part of the city, houses the covered market and becomes busy at dusk: fire-swallowers, storytellers, animal trainers and jugglers .
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Riad Ghita Palace in the Medina, a great location and easy access to the main historical sites of Fes.
Day 4: Full day sightseeing in Fes
Stop At: Fes el-Bali, Fes 30110 Morocco
Fez is an Imperial City that has stood in the north of Morocco for a thousand years. Within its sturdy walls you’ll find the place where old Morocco still exists – in the elaborate architecture, the historic medina and the throngs of people that make their home here.
Walk through high walled streets, watch the daily procession of mourners entering the tomb of Fez’s founder Moulay Idriss II, and see the ornate carvings and mosaics on every surface; it’s easy to understand why Fez is called the spiritual heart of Morocco. Time seems to have stopped in large parts of this city, nowhere else can you find such a strong link to the kingdom's past.
With our local guide, we will visit the Medina: Souks, Tanneries, Madersas, Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University.
Duration: 5 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Riad Ghita Palace
Day 5: Over the Atlas mountains to the desert
Stop At: Merzouga, Merzouga, Draa-Tafilalet
Leave Fes towards Merzouga desert through the Atlas mountains, you will notice the landscape change as you approach Merzouga, the town closest to the Sahara dunes.
As you approach you will get your first glimpse of the massive sand sea of Erg Chebbi, looming on the forward horizon. Here the sand dunes rise to over (200m).
Here we start our adventure on camel back into the desert, time to enjoy the sunset as you sit atop a large dune. Have a meal and spend the night in a desert tent. At night, join the local guides for a campfire complete with traditional music and star gazing.
If you are an early riser, then a Saharan sunrise can be just as thrilling as a Saharan sunset.
Duration: 6 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Tiziri luxury camp; Simple understated luxury with natural fabrics and a tangible essence of tranquillity.
Day 6: Merzouga to Todra gorges and Boumalen Dades
Stop At: Tinerhir, Tinerhir, Souss-Massa
The Dades valley is a stunning area of Morocco covered with two tone kasbah's and earth palaces from where comes its nickname "The valley of a thousand kasbahs". Much of the valley is visible only if you leave your vehicles and venture on by foot but just driving through is a stunning and unforgettably beautiful experience.
Sometimes known as the Country of Figs (not to be confused with the drier Draa valley located to the north of Zagora known as the Country of the Dates).
A wilderness like area with its unearthly silence surrounded by snow-capped mountains on one side and on the other, the desert. The river Dades flows through the valley, watering a magnificent trail of wheat, fruit, walnut, almond and silver birch trees along its way, nestled amongst a back drop of spectacular, rocky land formations.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Xaluca Dades hotel
Day 7: to Ait Benhaddou & Marrakech
Stop At: Ouarzazate, Ouarzazate, Draa-Tafilalet
If the rocky terrain around Ouarzazate seems familiar, that’s because the area has been used as the backdrop for many Hollywood film productions. Ouarzazate has doubled up as Tibet, Egypt and every country of the Middle East in films like Jewel of the Nile, The Sheltering Sky, Kundun, Gladiator, The Kingdom of Heaven and Prince of Persia. You can see some of the props at the Atlas Film Studios just outside town.
Ouarzazate itself is a largely modern town, built as a garrison for the French Foreign Legion in the 1920s. The only historic building is the Taourirt Kasbah, home of the infamous Glaoui family, the ‘Lords of the Atlas’, who controlled access to the southern trade routes in the late 19th and early 20th century. The Taourirt Kasbah also has a Hollywood connection - it made a cameo appearance in Star Wars. Opposite is a small crafts area where you can buy carpets, carved implements and earthenware at keener prices than in Marrakech.
If you prefer to stay somewhere more atmospheric, Skoura, a small town 35 kms east of Ouarzazate with a lovely palmeraie and kasbah, makes a good alternative for exploring the pre-Sahara.
Duration: 6 minutes
Stop At: Marrakech, Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi
Marrakech has always been a bustling city, filled with foreign sights, sounds, and smells. For some, it can be a bit of a shock to the senses. “The red city”, is named for the natural red ochre pigment in the walls, and is Morocco’s second largest city.
Duration: 2 days
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Stay at Riad Pachavana at the heart of Marrakech Medina
Day 8: Sightseeing in Marrakech
Stop At: Marrakech, Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi
Marrakech; One of the most evocative places in the world, just the name conjures up images of this cultural melting pot – sandstone buildings, dusty streets and towering minarets against deep blue skies immediately spring to mind. Known as The Red City thanks to the hue of the thick walls surrounding the old city, Marrakech has been a popular tourist destination in Morocco since the 1960s, attracting everyone from the Beatles to Sienna Miller. It’s a place to engage the senses, nowhere more so than in the famous souks. These vibrant markets are a whirlwind of colour and noise, where throngs of people weave between tightly packed stalls exhibiting pyramids of brightly coloured spices, richly woven rugs and a thousand other exotic goods. Enticing smells waft through the souks, and the clamour of voices haggling and the cries of vendors competing for customers provides a constant backing track to the city.
Our guided sightseeing includes the Koutoubia mosque, the Bahia palace, Saadian tombs, Menara gardens, the Souks and the famous Jemaa Elfna square. Free evening in one of the local restaurants surrounding the square.
Duration: 6 minutes
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
986hussainm
March 2022
Working with Original travels was a pleasure. They took great care of us from the airport pickup till the drop off a week later. During the trip planning process, Abdullah was amazingly accommodating to every single one of our needs and requests. We were traveling with an eighteen month old whic...
Working with Original travels was a pleasure. They took great care of us from the airport pickup till the drop off a week later. During the trip planning process, Abdullah was amazingly accommodating to every single one of our needs and requests. We were traveling with an eighteen month old which made things a bit complicated. Abdullah planned everything beautifully, and we had a crib already placed in every room we stayed at. The hotels and riads he picked were great both from hospitality as well as value for money standpoint. Abdullah catered well to our interests in history, culture and most importantly, the sumptuous Moroccan food. Our itinerary was packed specifically with stuff we were interested in. But most importantly, the personal touch, responsiveness and adeptness at trouble shooting is what set these guys apart. We plan to recommend them to all our friends planning a Morocco trip. Feysel our driver was with us for the whole week. He was punctual, courteous, knowledgeable and very friendly, especially with our infant son. He always went the extra mile, being a personal shopper, interpreter, local banker and most importantly a friend. He truly made us feel at home, and even though we were with him for just a week, he feels like an old friend.Jack L
April 2022
Abdel and his team were easy to work to plan out our 10 day trip, very detailed and also flexible to our interests in what we wanted to do in each city for optional activities.
Abdel and his team were easy to work to plan out our 10 day trip, very detailed and also flexible to our interests in what we wanted to do in each city for optional activities.Candice E
April 2022
This past March, my husband and I toured Morocco with Original Travels. Prior to the trip, I corresponded with Abdellah, who managed every detail of our trip through Morocco. Original Travels a Moroccan-owned tour company. Our tour guide was Samir. He was kind, knowledgeable, and easygoing. Samir...
This past March, my husband and I toured Morocco with Original Travels. Prior to the trip, I corresponded with Abdellah, who managed every detail of our trip through Morocco. Original Travels a Moroccan-owned tour company. Our tour guide was Samir. He was kind, knowledgeable, and easygoing. Samir picked us up at the Casablanca airport and we began our drive through Rabat and arrived at the Lina Riyad in Chefchaouen. The Lina Riyad was the perfect place to land after nearly 24 hours of travel. It was spacious, quiet, and cozy. The food was utterly delicious. I booked a spa experience that included a hammam, massage, and facial, which erased all of the aches and pains from travel. Samir picked us up in the morning and gave us a walking tour of Chefchaouen, taking photos of us and explaining the local culture. He drove us to Fes and we made some stops along the way. In Fes, we stayed at Riad Salam Fes for 2 nights, which featured great food and gorgeous accommodations. The city of Fes is enchanting. We went on a walking tour of Fes, stopping at the tannery, a ceramics studio, the Qarawiyyin mosque, and several craft shops. The next leg of our tour brought us to the desert. We drove through snowy mountains in the morning and then arrived at the golden desert by late afternoon. We spent 2 nights at Tirizi Camp, which was the absolute highlight of the trip. Samir drove us through the Dades Valley, where we bought some goods from the rose collective. We stayed at Hotel Xaluca Dades. The accommodations were nice, but the food wasn’t very good. Samir picked us up in the morning and we found a guesthouse in the Dades Valley where we had a lovely breakfast and a breathtaking view of the landscape. Samir led us on a trek through the kasbahs of Ait Benhaddou. Along the way to Marrakech, we stopped at an argan collective, where we learned how cosmetics and culinary products are made from argan oil. We arrived at Marrakech and spent 2 nights at Riad Pachavana. It was a beautiful Riad with an extraordinarily hospitable staff. The only strange thing was the the bathroom didn’t have a door. There was an 8-foot long hallway separating the bathroom from the bedroom, which offered very little privacy. For that reason, I’d seek a different Riad for my next trip to Marrakech. Abedellah joined us in our walking tour of Marrakech and we lunched at a local restaurant. He arranged for us to get COVID tests at the hotel, in preparation for the flight back to the US. Samir drove us back to Casablanca, and we stayed at the Odyssee Center Hotel. All in all, we had a lovely trip. Our driver, Samir became a friend to our family, and we are still in touch with him. If an individual person could embody all of the good that Morocco has to offer, that person is Samir.Nadia-travels70
March 2022
Faissal, our driver, and Original Travels made my mother and I's first trip to Morocco exceptional. Faissal is friendly, helpful, and well-informed on the different regions in Morocco. We arrived in Casablanca and went to Chefchaouen, Fes, Merzouga, Boumalne Dades, Marrakech, and departed from Ca...
Faissal, our driver, and Original Travels made my mother and I's first trip to Morocco exceptional. Faissal is friendly, helpful, and well-informed on the different regions in Morocco. We arrived in Casablanca and went to Chefchaouen, Fes, Merzouga, Boumalne Dades, Marrakech, and departed from Casablanca. All of the cities were unique and different from one another. They are all must sees. I especially loved having dinner at Said's house. His family is the sweetest and the food is exceptionally good. Faissal is very skilled in driving and we felt very safe in his hands. I have been to several other countries, but Morocco is something unique. On our trip in March, we saw snow and rain in the mountains and sun in the Sahara desert in one day. The people are very welcoming, hospitable, and friendly. The artwork and architecture is gorgeous and totally worth the visit. The hotels we stayed at were clean, and had friendly and helpful staff. Moroccan cuisine and the mint tea is delicious too. The trip being as wonderful as it was is due to having Faissal as our driver. He really went above and beyond to make our trip the best we have ever had. I promise if you book you will not regret visiting the beautiful country of Morocco and having Faissal, the friendliest driver ever!J8633UDbarryw
December 2021
I write in high praise of Original Travels and in particular our driver Faissal.. We spent a delightful week with Faissal as our guide and companion. He was extremely reliable and knowledgeable in getting us from Tangier, to Chefchaouen, Fez, the Sahara, Skoura, and to Marrakech. The lodgings...
I write in high praise of Original Travels and in particular our driver Faissal.. We spent a delightful week with Faissal as our guide and companion. He was extremely reliable and knowledgeable in getting us from Tangier, to Chefchaouen, Fez, the Sahara, Skoura, and to Marrakech. The lodgings and events we attended were top notch. But when we abruptly learned on late afternoon Friday that Morocco had closed its borders to France due to COVID (causing our scheduled AF flight home in three days from Casablanca to be canceled), Faissal proved to be our rescuer and protector. He and his colleague Ahmed were able to assist us in making emergency arrangements to find a COVID testing clinic that could deliver PCR test results in time for us to be able to fly out of Marrakech with the results to Spain. We flew out six hours before Morocco closed all its borders. Without the essential aid of Faissal and Ahmed of Original Travels, I don't know how we could have been able to get home. If you travel with Original Travels, you will be in safe hands.Traveler331424
November 2021
We had an unbelievable experience in Morocco with the team at Original Travels. They helped us plan our trip and customize our itinerary so we could get the most out of our 8 days and see as much as possible while travelling with our 8 month old son. Our driver, Simo, was awesome and accompanied ...
We had an unbelievable experience in Morocco with the team at Original Travels. They helped us plan our trip and customize our itinerary so we could get the most out of our 8 days and see as much as possible while travelling with our 8 month old son. Our driver, Simo, was awesome and accompanied us for the entire trip. He would make sure we could take routine stops so my wife could breastfeed and took us to some amazing restaurants along the way. He was also really awesome with our 8 month old baby. The guides that were booked in the imperial cities were knowledgable and often took us to great spots for meals and to view traditional arts and markets. Would highly recommend the company and driver to family and friends.