IMPERIAL CITIES & COAST

Our Clients’ Reviews

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  Mark Jordan

  IMPERIAL CITIES & COAST

  

  Written September 2011

  Even though a small group of 4 of us, we all got on very well and had an enjoyable holiday - was like travelling with a small group of close friends with a guide who was very enthusiastic, and keen for us to experience the country. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Spending time in central Marrakesh - a fantastic town, with many different aspects and experiences - the central square is great to people (and snake and monkey!!) watch, and then in the evening it comes alive in a different guise as the food sellers take over - unending interest!!!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The group leaer was very keen that we experienced the breadth of Morocco. Nothing was to omuch trouble. he helped us to do what was in the itinerary, as well as satisfying specific requests. He made it very easy for us.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Go with an open mind and be prepared to be flexible and go with ideas that may not be yours, or something you're not convinced about - these typs of holiday are about geting experiences - partucularly those you wouldn't plan for yourself!!!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  A great short vacation, covered a lot, yet still felt relaxed and 'long'

   
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  Alison Shenton

  IMPERIAL CITIES & COAST

  

  Written May 2011

  Every day held something new and exciting, and it was great to see so many different cities and the countryside in between. The trip was a good mix of culture and relaxation and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to travel somewhere a little bit different. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Winding our way through the teeming souks of Fez and visiting the dyers and tanners, weavers, and metalworkers quarters. There we saw how goods were produced from start to finish often in primitive conditions, giving the impression that little had changed for many years. The natural remedy pharmacy in Marrakech was a hit with the whole group, with an optional massage included in the fascinating presentation. The extensive ruins at Volubilis were really interesting, rivalled by the sight of a pair of storks in their massive nest on top of one of the ancient columns.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Mustapha was an excellent group leader, patient and informative, with an obvious passion for his country and its customs and history.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Don't be too alarmed by the traffic, particularly in Marrakech. Although there appear to be no rules we saw no actual collisions. They seem to be pretty expert at avoiding each other. Do be aware of the scooters in the pedestrian areas of the souk in Marrakech. Listen to your guide when he tells you what you should pay for things eg taxis and photo shots. One of our party was asked for 200d for pictures with the snake charmers, but ended up paying only 20, which they were pleased to receive.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  After the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, the coastal town of Essaouira is a wonderfully relaxing, laid back and beautiful place to visit. Altogether, it's a well put together mix of all the ingredients required for a highly recommended holiday.

   
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  John Morton

  IMPERIAL CITIES & COAST

  

  Written April 2011

  Morocco is a fairly challenging destination to visit, and this a busy trip (as per the trip notes) with lots of different locations and hotels.  The travelling is generally not too bad, though it takes a long time to travel to Essaouira and back on the bus (though the "local bus" turned out to be a very comfortable coach). 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The souks of Fez are a fairly full on experience - especially the meat markets (not a nice sight for veggies).

  Rabat is surprisingly interesting - with it's mounted state guards and pretty kasbah.

  Marrakesh is probably the highlight - and it's easier to visit as a tourist than Fez.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our group leader was very knowledgable and looked after us well, particularly our safety.  He could have given us a few more options on occasions (eg about where to eat) and stuck very strictly to the trip notes.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take some spare loo paper and also diarrhoea tablets - and a hat to guard against the sun (though the Moroccans will try to sell you one if you don't!).  Only one person on our trip got ill (and only mildly so) - so you should be ok if you avoid the street food and clean your hands before all meals (it's essential to pack alcohol gel).

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  As per other reviews, the hotels are a long way from the medinas (the old town, where the sights are) and are of variable quality - with those in Marrakesh and Essaouira being the nicest (at least in my option).  Take ear plugs as the hotels can sometimes be noisy (lots of barking dogs).

   
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  Gill Prior-Jones

  IMPERIAL CITIES & COAST

  

  Written June 2010

  From the intricate and detailed mosaics, stuccos and woodcarvings of the buildings, to the history, food, sights, smells and sounds - the whole experience gelled into a very enjoyable holiday. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Looking down from the hillside opposite to see the medina of Fez with it's 9,700 lanes

  Wandering through the Medina in Fez and enjoying the lovely meal in surprisingly sumptuous surroundings there.

  The huge mosque and associated buildings in Casablanca.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Very good group leader who gave the right amount of historical background at each site.  He knew well the safe yet traditional places to eat.  He had a friendly and very competent manner, sorting out problems efficiently and promptly.  His attention to reminders about vigilance for pickpockets and hand hygiene before eating, showing us where to wash hands, were very thoughtful and appreciated, as was his insistence not to buy from food street vendors especially in Marrakesh.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Alcohol gel for hand cleansing is essential. 

   Decant bottled drinking water from large bottles into smaller ones - they're easier to carry around in a rucksack or bag.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The hotels were comfortable, with good food. 

  The Marrakesh hotel was especially nice with swimming pool and all-day access to rooms.

   
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  Tanya Dias Gunasinghe

  A great group of people and fantastic holiday. It ended too soon!

  

  Written September 2007

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The sights, the food, the people. Pretty much everything. I had always wanted to go to Morocco and finally made it and it was amazing.

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  What did you think of your group leader?

  Very nice, jokey and informed. Possibly a bit tired of doing the same trip all the time. But don't fire him because I said that! It's a good job and he did it well. I think though that when a person does the same thing repeatedly it can become a bit mechanical and that is perhaps what came across to me. He was very nice as were the rest of our guides.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Yes, take paracetemol, diorreah sachets and alcohol gel to put on your hands to disinfect them. Half our group came down with food poisioning, including myself. Having spoken to two other people who went on the same trip, on two separate occasions, I found that half their groups also came down with food poisoning. I guess it's part of the Moroccan explorer experience, but it did spoil it for me when I couldn't go out one evening in Marrakesh and had to stay in my hotel room.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The hotels in Essoura and Marrekesh should be closer to the city centres. You really feel the difference when you have to rush back to drop your shopping and freshen up for dinner back in the town centre. If you have food poisoning too, then you notice the distance even more!