If you’re thinking about going to Morocco, think no more. As they often say…”you’re welcome!”
I contacted Morocco Countryside Tours about planning a trip from Monday through Friday. I received a quick response with an itinerary including the places I thought we may want to go. Once I saw it laid out, I wondered if it was a bit ambitious. I asked Sayed, and he was honest with me, letting me know they will do whatever we wanted, but dropping one location and giving ourselves two nights in the desert might be more enjoyable. For my family, he couldn’t have been more correct!
We flew into Fes on Monday afternoon, went right into exploring and learning about the area, with an experienced guide. The driver who picked us up from the airport took our luggage to our riad, then our walking tour lead us right to it at the end of the night.
The Riad reserved for us was comfortable and welcoming.
The next day we were picked up by our new friend, Mustapha, and finished seeing the things we didn’t get to see because of our slightly delayed Ryanair flight.
We set out on our 7 hour trip to the desert. I know you see 7 hours and take pause, but I can’t fully articulate how majestic and interesting it was. We also made plenty of stops. Our lunch stop was delicious. Traveling with a guide insured that you eat in places that use water that won’t make your American tummy sick.
We were welcomed into the desert camp with Moroccan hospitality, a delicious meal and songs by a fire.
We started the winter solstice with a gorgeous sunrise, and spent the day exploring the local communities and their culture, then had an epic dromedari ride through the sand dunes, then watched the sun set. More dinner and fireside singing closed out the day.
On our way back to Fes, we enjoyed a local market, and then had lunch at a spot where we saw both locals and tourists eating. We stayed at the same Riad and then back to Frankfurt Hahn we flew in the morning.
My only beef was not staying one more day. We were at the mercy of an early Ryanair flight time(9am departure). We could have really used one more day and would have even been very happy with half a day. If I had it to do over, I’d weigh out the price difference and timing better, between Ryanair and Lufthansa.
1)Our guide is now family. He really helped make the trip.
2)Let Morocco Countryside Tours help you build an itinerary, then show up and just enjoy.
3)Eat chicken pastille for me. I only had it once, and I have a feeling I’ll never forget it.