Pam and I had originally decided to do the whole moroccon trip by ourself and arrange our own transport and hotels.
We spent a lot of time online trying to find out information about how we can travel, the timetables, and the costs involved. We looked into a Rental Car which was very expensive at appprox $200 NZD per day + fuel, in NZ an average rental is about $30-$50 NZD + Fuel.
We then thought about companies that offer tours and found Experience IT Tours - http://www.experienceittours.com/
This is an US company with people on the ground in Morocco. We looked at our whole tour of 18 days but it was too expensive for us.
We did generate a nice itineary between Fes and Marakesh over 5 days.
May 24th Fes / Midelt
After an early breakfast you will begin your ascent across the Middle Atlas Mountains. Most of the day will be spent winding your way through the beautiful forests, jagged rock faces, and Berber villages as you cross the Atlas Mountains. You could arrive in time for lunch in the town of Midelt, famous for its fossils and rocks. Spend the afternoon the enjoying the facilities at the Hotel Ayachi.
May 25th Midelt/Erfoud
You have some time in Midelt, perhaps to visit the Kasbah Myriem to see the monastery and the workshop or to visit Kasbah Des Noyers for a liesurly walk back in time. After lunch you begin your descent towards the Sahara Desert and Erfoud. On arrival at the Kasbah Tizimi in Erfoud, a hot shower or dip in the swimming pool (depending on the weather) will be a treat after the drive. Dinner will be served at the hotel.
May 26th Sahara Desert
Most of the day will be spent relaxing at the hotel or exploring the small but interesting desert town. In the afternoon, you will head off in some 4-wheel drive vehicles across the barren land to the majestic Sahara sand dunes. You will set off by camel for a 2-hour trek out to the oasis where you will spend the night in Berber tents (Dinner is included offered by Dunes d’Or). ***this could be optional if you would prefer to return to the auberge or a hotel in Erfoud to sleep***
May 27th Todra Gorges
After breakfast, you will return by camel to the 4x4s and head back to Erfoud. From Erfoud you set out behind the High Atlas Mountains on route to the Todra Gorges. In the afternoon, you will take a walk up in the towering Todra Gorges (600 feet high). The picturesque river valleys make for a beautiful journey towards the southeast of Morocco. You will stay the night in Tingher, at the Kasbah Lamrani, before you cross the High Atlas Mountains. Dinner will be served at the hotel.
May 28th Todra Gorges / Ouarzazate / Marrakech
After an early breakfast you set off to Marrakech via Ouarzazate. Tucked away in the High Atlas Mountains, it is one of the jewels of Morocco. In typical Moroccan fashion, the true treasures must be searched out and discovered...usually off the beaten path. In actuality, this setting has been used for more films than any other location in Morocco; films including, Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, and recently The Gladiator. Lunch can be taken at Ait Ben Haddou.
After lunch, you will head over the mountains to Marrakech. Once in Marrakech, you will check into your hotel and then head off to the Djemaa el-Fna, the center square of the medina. The famous Djemaa el-Fna, is one of the center attractions of Marrakech. Coming alive at night with the local storytellers, entertainers, and mouth-watering barbeque pits, the square is well worth a visit. A quiet cup of tea on the terrace of an adjacent café provides a spectacular aerial view of the bustling square.
We decided to take this option and it was a very good option in need. We were wondering what we may actually get and the vehicle we may also get.
We got a very nice driver in a very nice car - the hotels were our choice - we could have spent more money and had better but overall we were quite happy with what we got.
Our driver was Mr Namir and he was a very good driver, we had him for 5 days.
We would recommend you using this company if you are looking at a nice stress free holiday. We could have had a very stress full holiday from Fes to Marakesh but with the experience of the company and the driver made it a wonderful part of our holiday.
Experience It! Tours, LLC
171 Weeks Road
Springfield Center, New York 13468 USA
Phone: 315.858.3426
Fax: 315.858.9479
Email: info@experienceittours.com
http://www.experienceittours.com/