Amazing Morocco
Morocco | Oct 13 - Oct 22, 2025

N
Nancy S.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Oct 26, 2025

Our first visit to Morocco was a thrill. Nihad made the planning so easy. I originally intended to travel with my brother & his wife, but he had to undergo surgery a month before our planned trip. Nihad easily substituted one of my friends in their place, which increased the price only slightly. We started in Marrakech (2 nights at the excellent Riad al Rimal), then traversed the High Atlas Mountains to Valley of Roses (2 nights at the stunning Kasbah Tiziri). We took a camel ride to the desert camp (Sahara Stars Luxury Camp) for 1 night, then went on to Fes (2 nights at the Riad Farouzi Fes). We flew back to Marrakech for 2 nights (again at the Riad al Rimal). We spent our last free day seeing the Jardins Majorelle (spectacular), the Museum of Berber Arts, and the Yves St. Laurent museum.

The high points: observing the traffic in Marrakech (wild!), our lunch with the locals in the Valley of Roses, the camel ride to the desert camp, the stop at the women's cooperative Berber rug shop, every city guide we toured with, and the people of Morocco, all of whom were so warm and welcoming. Kudos to Nihad, who always responded immediately to our questions. And of course Richad, our tour manager/driver, who was invariably pleasant, helpful, patient, and informative.

Hotel Reviews
Riad al Rimal
Marrakech

I stayed at Riad al Rimal for 4 nights. The rooms were very clean, people in reception were warm & helpful, breakfast was extravagant. A lovely spot.

Authenticity & Character
Each room was beautifully designed.
Location
Close to the main square in Marrakech, although it took many tries to learn the route. Narrow alleyways!
Staff
Everyone was extremely helpful--they sent people with us to meet a taxi or to greet us when we returned from an outing at night. I was wrongly charged for a taxi ride that had been billed directly to the hotel; when they learned of the overcharge they refunded it immediately. Lovely people.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kasbah Tiziri
Kelaat Mgouna

This casbah is a gem. The outdoor spaces are magnificent, with gorgeous gardens & greenery. Many comfortable places to sit. Even the placement of the windows in the dining room framed perfect views of the countryside.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Michelle (Canadian), one of the 2 owners, was so welcoming. She was a wonderful storyteller, cook, & innkeeper. Hassan, the other owner, was hilarious. He stepped in & took care of anything that needed doing at the moment.
Cleanliness & Comfort
I stayed in the green room on the ground floor. While comfortable, the room was very dark. There were bedside lamps that didn't work. The shower was especially dark, with a wall-hung light fixture that also didn't work.
Local specialist: Nihad Hammi