Old-World Treasures of Morocco in 12 Days

Our two-week trip to Morocco, arranged by Zicasso’s travel company, was simply magical! We (a party of four over-70 Americans) found it very easy to book a customized adventure with the founder that met and exceeded our desired goals.

Our journey began with a four-night stay in Marrakech, which included a day trip to the Ourika Valley in the High Atlas Mountains. We then traveled overland to the desert (Erg Chebbi), making an overnight stop on the way to and from the luxury tented camp in Merzouga. Following a night's stay in the desert, we continued on to Fes, Chefchaouen (the “Blue City”), and Tangier. We were accompanied by an experienced English-fluent Berber driver who provided the epitome of service. Once we arrived at our destination, our driver ensured we were connected with a local guide for walking tours that were informative and fun. We were free to wander on our own as well.

To Americans contemplating a similar trip, we had two main concerns prior to leaving: the earthquake damage in and south of Marrakech, and the Middle East political situation. We encountered no problems whatsoever related to either. While in Marrakech and the Ourika Valley, we saw evidence of earthquake damage, but experienced nothing we considered a threat to our safety. Meanwhile, the beautiful Ourika Valley was one of many highlights, so we were very glad it was possible to go there. We discovered the wonderful hospitality Morocco is known for during each part of our journey.

As far as personal safety, follow the advice you would in any large city or tourist area: keep valuables safe and don't carry your cellphone in such a way that it could be easily snatched. The same goes for physical health. We followed general advice to enjoy things that were offered to us in restaurants serving tourists or as part of arranged street tours, while avoiding the temptation to try “exotic”, uncooked things we might find on our own. We ate well, enjoyed lots of mint tea, occasional alcoholic drinks, and had no major problems.

In addition to the Ourika Valley, other highlights included visiting the desert region (camel riding is optional, but a fun-filled 45 minutes if you are game), having a meal of delicious couscous in a Berber home, taking a cooking lesson in Marrakech with a chef, shopping in city souks and at the Fes leather and pottery-making establishments, and learning interesting historical facts during guided walking tours of Marrakech, Fes, Chefchaouen, and Tangier.

If heading north, arrange to stop, if only briefly, at the seaside community of Asilah, which holds a festival each year featuring colorful street murals that remain in place until the following year. While in Tangier, tour the American Legation Museum. Among other things, you will learn about the long history of good relations between the US and Morocco, which, in 1777, was the first country to recognize the US. I could go on!

Speaking for our group, the trip was one that will remain in our memories for years to come thanks to all who were involved!

All accommodations were satisfactory. My favorite city lodgings included the riads in Marrakech and Chefchaouen, where I enjoyed a swim in the indoor pool, and the palace in Fes.

The Best of Morocco 

I have travelled all over the world and I have to say that this is one of the best trip I’ve ever had.

Ziccaso! Yes you surprise me every time I choose new place to explore by linking me to best companies that can accommodate everything I want to experience!! Thank you for choosing this travel company, which is the best of the best.

I have decided to go to Morocco last minute and Mr. Hassan has accommodated my requests in a short time with a very impressive trip in all means!

He contacted me and asked me about everything I am looking for in this trip and made it just right to what I like.

The trip was arranged in a very short time and despite that he was very helpful, honest and true with everything he suggested and arranged.

To be honest the trip was way beyond my expectations.

Morocco is a very beautiful country, the people are so kind and welcoming always with a smile. It is very colorful and the food is really delicious and cooked with love everywhere. The weather was just right in March everywhere. Hotels and transportations were exceptional in all means.

I started my tour with my tour guide who was carefully chosen by Mr Hassan to take care of me. I have to say that he made the trip perfect with his honesty, caring, calming attitude, patience, and kindness. Since he picked me up from the airport to the last day he dropped off without any trouble or complaint. I felt like a princess and didn’t worry about anything during my trip. He took care of everything including checking in, baggage handling, transportation, taking everywhere and some walking and guiding tours, literally everything! I was really lucky.

Mr. Hassan was checking on me with directly during the trip and making sure the his brilliant arrangements were going well with me. I can’t thank him enough for arranging this incredible unforgettable tour.

My tour was fast lane tour, you can choose that if you like to sleep in a new place every night. I don’t mind that so that I can see and experience more things in a short time and got to visit many places too. The lovely thing about this tour it was by driving which I got to pass through many cities and villages and explore the rich culture and meet new people.

Morocco is old, vintage and charming. It has a lovely vibe. Casablanca is beautiful and coastal in which I started my journey, then I visited Rabat which is the capital ( very net and nice ). After that we went to Meknes and Fes ( my favorite old city). Then we went to Sahara OMG it was so charming. After that I have to say I saw all types of mountains in this country and the journey was very comfortable and relaxing. I went then to Marrakech which is very alive city and to Essaouira for a day tour and was lovely.

At the last day I was really sad to leave .. I felt that I left a part of my heart in this country. I can’t wait to visit Morocco again and see the few remaining places that I haven’t been to.

I would like to share some pictures and I actually created albums in my instagrams to show people the hidden gems of this wonderful country.

Thank you again Mr Hassan and to my guide for making my dream trip unforgettable.

My wife Doris and I and a couple close friends spent 12 days in Morocco late October-early November 2022. We planned the trip with Jaouad of this travel company. Deciding on the itinerary was an iterative process which took multiple 4 or 5 way emails and phone calls before settling on the final plan. We decided we wanted to avoid long driving times so chose not to go to the desert. Our itinerary took us to Casablanca, Marrakesh, the High Atlas Mountains, Fez, Chefchaouen, Tangier and Rabat. We had a fascinating and stimulating trip which gave us an excellent sampling of many of the major attractions of this diverse and inviting country. We walked away with a deeper appreciation of the multi-ethnic Arab, Amazigh, Andalusian and Jewish cultures in Morocco. Working with Jaouad was a pleasure. He is extremely knowledgeable, helpful and accommodating and takes the time to understand his clients' needs and desires. The guides he selected were top notch. Our driver who accompanied us throughout the entire trip was very reliable, personable and friendly. He went out of his way to solve problems and ensure our safety and satisfaction. Through his stories and anecdotes, we achieved a deeper understanding of some of the prevalent attitudes and perspectives of the people of the country.  Our trip to Morocco was a mixture of novel experiences and sensations and luxury and comfort. In the Medina of Marrakesh and Fez, one encounters a riot of colors, sounds, tastes and smells and then one retreats to the tranquility and calm of a beautiful Riad. The program was highly curated yet flexible and adaptable to the whims and vagaries of the group. As is often the case, I came away with the sense that I learned a great deal but only scratched the surface of what this complex and varied country has to offer.  

Our introduction to Morocco greatly exceeded any expectations due to the care and planning taken by my agent at this travel company.  I don't believe a detail overlooked during our 11 day, private tour that began in Casa Blanca and included stays in  Rabat, Chefchaouen, the amazing city of Fès, an overnight in the Sahara Desert that included a camel ride in and out of the camp, a relaxing stay in the Dades Valley, and finally the bustling, hustling city of Marrakech.  

The dining venues that were included during our visit were always fabulous.  We never had one bad meal or experience at any of the places that were selected for us.

Our driver was awesome as were the guides that met us in each of the cities/villages we visited.  It made such a difference to have the expertise of each individual we had the opportunity to engage with.  Each one offered to help us in any way they could to make our stay more comfortable.

The value for our experience also exceeded my expectations.  The quality of the Riads, hotels, guides, meals, car/driver, activities and all the attention to details were of the highest caliber.

My agent communicated with me regularly, listened to my needs and custom designed our trip to meet not only my financial goals but my desire to truly experience the beautiful country of Morocco.

I would highly recommend anyone to work with this company for a true Moroccan experience.