Morocco // Famtrips Travel September 2018

Sept 8-18   I and a friend when on a FAM to Morocco with Famtrips Travel  This was my first experience with both Famtrips Travel and Morocco and was attracted to the trip through an email and the dates.  This review will cover both Famtrips and Morocco.  I would refer you to Gene’s review of Morocco as our itinerary was similar to hers although I would add that Rick’s Café was built after the movie Casablanca was filmed in Hollywood…

First of all, Famtrips.  Some had happily traveled with them before and some of us were new. The owner of the company, Gary Fee, who also started OSSN, traveled with us and some of us were not impressed with him as he did not display a lot of leadership presence.  It was his first time Morocco, also.  The DMC was Toudgha Voyages and our guide and driver were excellent, however we never knew quite where the blame went on some of the disorganization that occurred. Our hotels were 4 star and centrally located.  A favorite city was Chefchaouen “The Blue City” which was beautiful although a stay in the old city would be very, very difficult to impossible for anyone with mobility problems.  The  desert sunset camel ride to a tent camp was fun and the lodging was as described by Gene. We went on an exciting 4×4 ride on the dunes the following morning and visited a nomad Berber family…we in the USA have nothing to complain about!

I did not like the sameness of the colors and landscape of the trip, although the geography did vary a lot from the oceans to the mountains and desert.  I found it to be quite colorless.  Because the purpose of the trip was to see as much of the country as possible, we did not do hotel inspections or inside visits of some places such as the movie studios.  There were long days of driving.

The owner of the company met us in Marrakesh and assured us that they can do any type of individualized itineraries our clients would want with focuses on whatever activities they are interested in. They have a large portfolio of lodging in all price ranges and if clients see one they want online, they can very likely book that.  They use a fleet of varying sizes.  We wished our bus had wifi and USB charging ports.

I think I would have liked Morocco more if I was able to stay several nights in one place and in smaller riads vs large hotels.  I would consider it for clients that are well traveled and are looking for a place more exotic and like it hot!  Warn then to be very careful about going deep into the medinas/souks without a guide, especially Fes, as they would be looking a long time for a way out!  We always found sit down vs. squat toilets.  Carrying toilet paper is not a bad idea and also coins to pay for the restroom.

-Rollie