getting to Morocco

[Lynne]

I've sent you a pm with details you require.  I forgot to mention my other favourite place, Fez. Have a look at this link I found (although American) http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2013/jun/27/travel-fes-morocco-trip-to-medina/#

In the midst of the maze-like medina are the colourful leather dying pits which was a definite highlight, watching the leather being trodden in circular pits - it made for beautiful photos - have a look here:
http://www.trafalgar.com/uk/best-of-morocco-2014

Just one more mention, Ifrane - otherwise known as Little Switzerland in the Atlas mountains.  It snowed when we were there and it was quite a magical place to visit.  The chalets/houses were very Swiss looking and they've got the most fabulous coffee bar/cake shop which you cannot, no, must not resist.

It's no good, I'm going to have to arrange another visit quite soon to see the places we couldn't see during our week there.

[lorca lad]

Hi,


The World is a curious place.........

Couldn´t agree more about the poverty .... however ....... when we were there in the 80´s ..... the King was ruler ......... one of our local airports (Oujda) ..... was open for all international flights.

Several of our personell turned up for the confirmed flight, only to be told that the King may ¨possibly¨fly in to the airport that day ...... or the next day .......

All of the ex-pats flights were cancelled and we had to pay again to get a flight out of Morocco.

The new king (Son of the one, when we were there) has made HUGE inroads to gettiing things sorted ........education plus jobs for women ..... social housing ......education for all ......etc, etc. ......

The country is beautiful ......... obviously, if you go on an organised tour, you will see all of the places that the ¨tourists¨want to see ..... BUT ... if you go on your own ..... you may face many of the probs that the previous posters have mentioned.

But please ... do not let these posts put you off from going .... it is a wonderful country and if you want more info about places to visit, then please PM me.

Regards
L.L.

[byrney]

Only been to Casablanca once and Saint is correct, there is a lot of poverty - alongside huge hypocrisy.

We had a guided foot tour with a local guide who took us to streets and markets way off the tourist trail, but never felt threatened or hassled. In fact it was quite an experience.

Ricks cafe, of film fame, is definitely worth a visit.

I struggled with the abject poverty surrounding the magnificent new mosque which has been built right in the midst of poor kids scrabbling in the dirt for scraps of food.  The World is a curious place.........

[gipsyking]

Thanks to you all for all that helpful information. We are definitely going to look into all the ideas.

[Daffy]

The buses especially overnight are very good and cheap. A beautiful country and the tourist police look after you very well.

[benjaminbennett]

Ramblarider. I thought for a minute there you were talking about the UK when you mentioned the potholes  ;D ;D ;D

[lorca lad]

Hi,

The website shown below is a company that does 7day tours in Morocco -

solchasers.com

They do escorted tours to a variety of cities and the reviews of the company are good.

I worked in the north of Morocco from 1983 to 1987 ....... Well away from the "tourist areas" ...... The people were very friendly (although most were smugglers) .... But we never felt threatened, even in the towns at night. We travelled extensively throughout the country and loved it.

Yes, you will get hassled in the cities by people trying to sell you things, they are very persuasive..
But if you can ignore them, they usually go and find another punter.

Go and see Morocco ...... I am sure that you will enjoy the country ...... Only advice I can give is "be very careful of your belongings, where ever you are" ........ However, this is the advice I would give when visiting ANY city, anywhere in the world.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Regards
L.L.

[Lynne]

We went to Morocco two years ago and enjoyed ourselves so much we're planning to go back sooner rather than later.  We booked through a travel agent in Albox and drove down to Algeciras for a 7-day coach tour - just wish it had been for 2 weeks.  We visited Fez, Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat and Tangier.  Wasn't keen on Casablanca but loved Marrakech where we stayed for 3 nights.  The hotels were beautiful but do go for the 5* or 4*.  We had a great tour guide who spoke good English - all the rest of the coach party were Spanish speaking.  Morocco wasn't anything like we were expecting - what a beautiful country and well worthy of a visit.

[ramblarider]

Definitely do not risk your own car there. The driving 'standards' are unbelievable. There are also potholes like craters, rocks on the roads, and cyclists at night, in the dust and haze, with no lights. Also, in event of accident, you could have the vehicle seized and be arrested... The taxis are cheap (though known as 'flying coffins' locally!) - but be sure to agree price in advance, with no 'misunderstandings' possible. You can also hire cars, but it is very expensive. If you have never been, it is quite an experience. This is probably superfluous, but... stay well away from ANYONE with drugs. Many of them are under-cover police or 'double agents' trying to entrap tourists. The stuff is everywhere, especially in the north around Tangiers (which like Casablanca, is something of a pit). Hustlers everywhere too, everyone trying to sell something...I worked there for couple of years back in the 90's. The best places were far away from the tourist areas....it is a great place, but you need to be very careful as things can turn very strange, very fast!

[Karen4]

A couple of years ago we flew from Alicante to Marrakech, with Ryanair, for a few days, for the grand total, yes, TOTAL, of €30. It was fantastic to see the High Atlas mountains and to fly in over the "red city".

[nibbler]

There's no way I'd take my car the drivers there make the Spanish look good. The Taxi's there are very cheap and you can hire them for the day.
Much safer as well.
Nibbler. :tiphat:

[jimbothescot]

Remember if your taking a car or van over then it`s compulsory to have the roof rack loaded at least 6 ft high !! :lol:

Jimbo :tiphat:

[nibbler]

You can get a ferry in Almeria or Algeciras. There are some really beautiful coastal and mountain villages and towns in Morocco. Asilla along the coast from Tangier or Che Chouan in the foothills of the Atlas mountains to name two.
Best of luck Nibbler :tiphat:

[King saint 76]

Been to Casablanca a few times, horrible grubby place.
Don't know about other areas

[gipsyking]

Has anyone been to Morocco on holiday from this area and if so whats the best way of getting there. Everything we have looked at seems a heck of a journey. Thanks.