A triumphant return to travel

Morocco | May 10 - May 15, 2021

Our trip to Marrakech and Imlil in the Atlas Mountains, planned and guided by Abdel from Original Travels, was a spectacular (!!) return to travel for a group of vaccinated expats coming from Abu Dhabi.
We started out with a very smooth transfer from Casablanca to Marrakech with our wonderful (and safe!) driver, Samir, then had dinner at our gorgeous riad, Palais Sebban, a solid recommendation from Abdel. Our first morning, we took a super fun and informative cooking class at Maison Al Arabe then met up with our laid-back and kind local guide Hassan, for a loop through the Medina where we learned a lot about the culture and daily life of Marrakech and shopped for carpets, leather goods and argan oil.
The following day we were driven to Imlil in the Atlas Mountains for unforgettable hiking, visits with local Berber families for lunch and tea and a night of stargazing and some of the best tajine of the trip from Khasbah du Toukbal. Then it was back to Marrakech for our last two nights. We booked hammam treatments at the Royal Mansour, one of the city's prettiest hotels, a stop at the Majorelle Gardens and YSL museum and a final loop through the souq.
Phew!
We are a relatively well-traveled group and I have to say this was a trip of a lifetime, thanks to Abdel. He was so responsive and helpful in planning and leading us, but also patient and sweet when it came to giving us time to relax and do our own thing.
If you're looking to be a tourist, and I mean that in the very best sense of the word of experiencing and learning and feeling awe and gratitude for this big world, Original Travels is how to do it. Thank you, Abdel!