Middle East & North Africa Tours and Vacations

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.

We just completed a 10-day trip to Egypt (Cairo and Luxor) and Jordan (Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea). Our group consisted of six people ranging from eight to 80 years old. Everyone in the group had an amazing time!

The tour guides in Cairo and Jordan were incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating. They were able to keep things fun and instructive for everyone. The tour operator did a great job of designing a trip with varied exposure to the different sites so it did not feel like we were having the same experience repeatedly.

Before our trip, we were a little anxious about traveling to an area so close to the Gaza conflict, but we had absolutely no concerns about safety the entire time.

The only hiccup we had was that the person meeting us at the airport upon arrival in Cairo was very late. It wasn't a good first impression, after a long flight, to feel stranded at the airport in a new country. Our flight did arrive earlier than the scheduled time, but that was not in our control, and flight times should have been monitored. Other than that, the rest of the trip went perfectly.

There are many different tour operators that offer similar itineraries. The reason we chose Zicasso’s was because they offered the same experience as others, but provided a discount for our two children, aged 11 and eight. This discount was not part of the packages of other tour operators and resulted in substantial savings.

Our entire family highly recommends traveling to Egypt and Jordan!