Dear Travel Exploration,

My boyfriend and I visited Marrakesh for the first time in June 2010 and chose Travel Exploration Morocco for our one-day trip to Cascades D'Ouzoud Waterfalls. The guide that Travel Exploration Morocco provided spoke perfect English and we got along on really well with him. Our guide was very informative and shared details with us about the history of Morocco, the Cascades D’Ouzoud Waterfalls and loads of little things about Marrakesh that only a local would know. The Cascades D’Ouzoud Waterfalls were beautiful and our English speaking hiking guide was also knowledgeable. Our hiking guide took us on a trek around the waterfalls and we crossed the river on a small boat where jumped into the cool water and had a lovely swim below the waterfalls. We finished our trip with dinner with a fantastic view of the Cascades D’Ouzoud Waterfalls, which were quite beautiful.

Our guide was kind enough to show us his personal photos on his laptop that included pictures of the Sahara Desert, inside mosques and his family home, which served as a real insight into Moroccan life. We now have loads of ideas of what to don on future trips to Morocco.  
Thank you!
- GEMMA MORGAN, (ENGLAND- UK) – CASCADES D’OUZOUD WATERFALLS TOUR – JUNE 2010

Dear Alecia,

Travel Exploration’s Antique Trade Bead and Moroccan Jewelry Treasure Hunting Tour is one of the most exciting and fulfilling travel experiences of my life. I am an ardent ethnic jewelry collector who has visited Morocco before on tours that left me no time to engage in my obsession. The Antique Trade Bead and Moroccan Jewelry Treasure Hunting tour provided us with time to make precious purchases, time to learn about North African jewelry and other crafts, along with ample time to explore Morocco’s wonderful Kasbahs and the souks of southern Morocco. Southern Morocco is a place where I had never visited before but surely shall visit again. 

Our host, Sarah Corbett of Vividtrading, was warm, personable and extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of North African and Moroccan ethnic beads and jewelry. I was so happy to meet her and explore Marrakech, Tiznit and Taroudant with her guidance. Sarah Corbett offered invaluable advice about a variety of aspects of purchasing beads and Moroccan Jewelry that I never considered before.

Sarah Corbett opened avenues of jewelry collecting which would be impossible on any other tour. I loved the accommodations that Travel Exploration Morocco chose such as the Riads in Marrakesh, its winding and mysterious alleys, and the wonderful treasures that lay behind the doors of the good jewelry stores.

Historic highlights of the Morocco trip included our visit to the old Jewish area in Zagora, Amzrou, the Oasis of Fint and the wonderful palmary in Skoura, and especially Kasbah Telout.

Travel Exploration’s driver, Mr. Hossaine Amiri, is a true treasure, an expert driver with a wealth of knowledge about Morocco and its historical and architectural treasures. I personally received a lot of help from all of the participants of this tour when my luggage was lost at the beginning of the trip and when I almost missed my plane at the end of the trip -- none of these incidences were the fault of the agency but both were taken seriously and addressed with real compassion and commitment -- this just does not happen with other tours.

This Morocco tour was a last minute decision on my part as I had already visited Morocco six months prior. I am so glad I made the decision to go on this Morocco tour as it has greatly enhanced by life --with a treasure trove of knowledge about beads and jewelry and very warm feelings about Morocco. I enjoyed myself so much that I would definitely sign up for this tour again!
- PATRICIA DEANY (MARYLAND, USA) – 14 DAY BEAD YOUR WAY THROUGH MOROCCO TRADE BEAD & JEWELRY TREASURE HUNTING TOUR – MAY 2010

Dear Travel Exploration Morocco,

We've been back in the "real world" for about a month and a half now. It's taken that long to come back down to earth after our 12-day tour of Morocco. I still don't think we've quite absorbed it all yet. We are so glad we booked our tour with Travel Exploration Morocco. You did a great job of making all the arrangements and answering our many questions!

Morocco is a beautiful and fascinating country, and we loved the sights, colors, textures and smells that enveloped us. But the very best part of our trip - the thing that made it extra special - was our driver, Hakim. In addition to being an expert driver and knowledgeable guide, he was friendly, patient and a lot of fun. He took very good care of us, and we felt like family by the end of the tour.

All of the guides you lined up for us for the various cities and historical sites - Fes, Meknes, Volubilus and Marrakech -- were knowledgeable and entertaining. And everyone was right on schedule. The itinerary was well planned, yet we were often offered flexibility in when we wanted to start our day or what order we wanted to see things in. The Morocco tour was full of activities, but we never felt rushed. The Riads you booked for us were outstanding. We loved them all … the elegance of Riad Myra in Fes, the casual comfort of Riad Dar Milouada in Marrakech (loved the turtles living in the open-air courtyard) and the lovely La Petite Riad in Ouarzazate. The people at all of them treated us like royalty.

Since our driver, Hakim, is from Ouarzazate, he was the perfect guide for that area. Our camel ride and spending the night in a tent in the Sahara (oh my god - the stars!!) will be something we will never forget.

We are clay artists, so we chose the Morocco Pottery and Zellij Tile Design Tour. It was fascinating to see how the artisans use ancient, traditional techniques to create beautiful work. We appreciated the individual attention we were given.

We would highly recommend Travel Exploration to anyone interested in getting up close and personal with Morocco.

Thanks,
- JANA & BENJAMIN JOHN (LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY) – MOROCCO POTTERY & ZELLIJ TILE DESIGN TOUR –APRIL 2010

Oh wow! My husband and I mostly enjoyed the flavor of the wonderful sights and sounds to which we were exposed in Morocco through Travel Exploration. Our incredible photos reflect a world where old and new are juxtaposed next to each other. We loved all of the cities we visited, Marrakesh, Fes, Meknes and Toukbal. We really became enticed by Marrakech as the gateway to the Sahara. Our hope is to return and explore Southern Morocco’s Ouarzazate and Zagora region in the future.

The Riad we stayed at in Fes, Riad Myra, was authentic with incredible zellij tile. Riad Myra had a homey feel and gave us the sense that we were being transported to another world. It was well located, comfortable and the perfect way to start our Morocco tour and adventure.

The Riad we stayed at in Marrakesh, La Maison Arabe was incredible and a full service, luxury Riad with all to the amenities one could hope for such as wonderful service and an ambiance of understated elegance. Our room was delightful, modern and overlooked the courtyard and rooftops across the old Marrakesh medina. It was pure pleasure.  We shared a delicious meal at La Maison Arabe and connected with the manager at the hotel who made our stay even more memorable by gifting us champagne and cake for our anniversary. We felt pampered by a wonderful staff at La Maison Arabe and we made good use of the hotel facilities and the hammam, which was simply special.  I even took a cooking class which Travel Exploration arranged at La Maison Arabe and it proved to be much fun and I learned a few wonderful secrets about cooking a tajine.

I really wouldn't change anything about this Morocco tour. We spent 10 wonderful days exploring Morocco. I do wish we had more time. 

Travel Exploration was responsive when we had a luggage issue. One of our fondest memories was meeting a family in the crowded Djemma El Fna Square in Marrakesh while standing in a line three-deep for dinner: hands- only fish/fries/aubergine meal that was one of the best, most fun shared meals we ever had! We were invited to share tea with a Moroccan family the next day and the genuine warmth of the family was quite touching.

Our historical guides in Marrakesh, Fes and Meknes were overall quite informative but honestly, our best guide was our driver, Hossaine Amiri, who initiated us into the generous world of the simple and cordial people called Berbers. Our guides provided us with a historical overview especially in Fez where the artistic and political soul of the country seems to emanate from.  

Travel Exploration’s private Morocco tour was terrific. As I continued to talk about our trip more to friends and family, I realize the impact on the view of Morocco that Hossaine Amiri, our driver instilled within us and the time you took, Alecia to show us around Marrakech’s Garden Distrcit, Gueliz. It really made a difference. 
- SHARMAN SPECTOR & GARY ANGEL (SAN FRANDISCO, CALIFORNIA) – 10 DAY IMPERIAL CITIES & TOUKBAL TOUR –APRIL 2010

We have been home for 2 weeks from our Travel Exploration Morocco Private Tour and would to share some thoughts about our phenomenal trip to Morocco.  Alecia Cohen did a wonderful job in making the arrangements for our 10 Ten Day Private Morocco Tour. Ms. Cohen’s responsiveness to our many emails and questions involved in the planning process of our trip was excellent. The Riads Ms. Cohen hand- selected for us were wonderful and Travel Exploration’s Historical Guides were simply wonderful. All of the guides demonstrated great historic knowledge and the driver that was assigned by Travel Exploration for our tour was simply the best.

Morocco was a wonderful country to visit. From the sand dunes of the Sahara to the snow capped mountains of the High Atlas and the variety in between (lush valleys, rushing waters, deep canyons, arid desert, beautiful rock formations, and lush palm trees oases). Morocco is a land full of contrasts - all easily seen in 10 days. There were many contrasts that struck me as wonderful from the ancient medinas (old cities) in Marrakech and Fes as well as the Kasbahs in Ouarzazate alongside the modern movie making industry there. The day we spent driving through the Ourika Valley and climbing to the Setti Fatima, Seven Water Falls was special as was the memorable day we spent at the Roman Ruins at Volubilis and the Imperial Cities of Meknes.

Besides our wonderful, wonderful driver, Ismail (Smain), the employees of the Riads and the Guesthouses were kind and friendly. Those at Riad Myra in Fes truly spoiled us. We can heartily recommend Travel Exploration Morocco! We would be happy to talk at length (or briefly) to anyone who would like to contact us who is planning on booking a tour.
- BERNICE & JOEL BRESLAU (CHEVY CHASE, MARYLAND, USA) – 10 DAY PRIVATE MOROCCO TOUR – APRIL 2010

Dear Alecia,

We want to thank you again for your time and patience with regards to planning our Morocco tour. It was a great vacation! Morocco is a beautiful country with a unique and vibrant culture that one must experience first hand to appreciate.

Although we found Marrakech to be a little overwhelming at first, we quickly grew accustomed to the "chaos". Not only were we no longer awakened by the daybreak morning call to prayer (or as Kaleia, our daughter said, "Mama, the camels are crying!"), we actually looked forward to hearing the chanting and missed it when we returned home.

The drivers Travel Exploration Morocco provided were all excellent and professional. They were. Hossaine Amiri, our first driver, we especially liked, and are thankful for his patience.   

The Riad Travel Exploration chose in Marrakech, Palais Sebban was gorgeous! The service was fantastic as well. This was our heavenly retreat after a busy day of touring. The restaurant at Palais Sebban was also quite good. The spa services were a nice treat as well. 

The Marrakech Historical Guide provided by Travel Exploration was extremely kind, friendly, patient and very knowledgeable.

Our local hiking guide in the High Atlas Mountains of Toukbal (Imlil) was also kind as he went out of his ay to cater to our daughter Kaleia - which we greatly appreciated. For example he caught a baby goat for Kaleia to pet and carried her across the mountains during the rougher parts of our hike.

Our guide in Essaouira was very sweet. She too was very knowledgeable.   

As for the various Morocco excursions, .we would rate them, as being equal, since the scenery was very similar.... and I must say BREATHTAKING!!!! We really enjoyed the hiking in Imlil, but the experience of going through the Monday souk in the Ourika Valley was something we will never forget.

We appreciated the side trip to Richard Branson's 5 Star Luxury Hotel, Riad Tamadot since we are fans. Finally, it was really nice of you to go out of your way to meet us and the gifts were a lovely surprise.

In the past 2 years we have visited 10 different countries, and we both agree that our Morocco Tour will definitely go down as being one of the most memorable trips of our lives!!!!

We just may take you up on your offer of coming back when Kaleia is older for a visit to Southern Morocco and the Sahara Desert region (inshallah).

Thanking you sincerely once more for everything,
Hugs & kisses,

Domenic, Chantal & Kaleia (...and mother-in-law)
- DOMENIC, CHANTAL & KELEIA (GERMANY) –MOROCCO TOUR, IMPERIAL CITIES, OURIKA & HIGH ATLAS TOUKBAL - MARCH 2010

Dear Alecia Cohen,

     We’re just back from our wonderful one-day tour in Casablanca!  We had an enjoyable tour and found the Casablanca historical guide that you chose for us, Redouane Farhanered to be exceptionally knowledgeable about Casablanca and Morocco’s history, charming, and a man with a great command of the English language.  I would certainly recommend him to anyone.  Thanks for your help in putting this together for us!
- ANN SIEGEL CASABLANCA TOUR  (USA) ONE-DAY CASABLANCA TOUR – MARCH 2010

Thanks you so much Travel Exploration Morocco for organizing a tour to the Ourika Valley for me. It was simply great. Hossaine Amiri the assigned driver was was safe and pleasant. We had interesting conversations about life in Morocco. I truly enjoyed my hike up to the Ourika Valley’s Setti Fatima waterfalls and went beyond to the next level with the help of my sturdy young guide Jamal. All in all it was a great day. You run a good business and I'll be pleased to recommend Travel Exploration Morocco to others. My husband was understandably envious of my Ourika Valley Tour and we are considering planning a longer holiday in the future. Hossaine Amiri informed me about some of the longer Morocco holiday and vacation tours that Travel Exploration Morocco offers and they sound fantastic. Something for us to consider in the future.
- Kate Farnsworth (USA) - OURIKA VALLEY TOUR - March 2010

Dear Travel Exploration Morocco,

Our Casablanca tour guide was EXECELLENT!! He spoke perfect English and was an expert on the history of both Casablanca and Morocco. He knew exactly where to take us, what monuments and special places would make our one-day Casablanca tour perfect. We would definitely use the services of your company again.
- STEVEN BUCHER (CALIFORNIA) ONE-DAY CASABLANCA TOUR – FEBRUARY 2010

Alecia,

We returned home safely in early April from our long overseas vacation. Our relaxed stay in Spain was a good contrast from our excursions in Egypt and Morocco. Travel Exploration’s personnel and services were excellent. Hakim, our driver was especially flexible and accommodating to our requests and needs. We also truly enjoyed the Riad you choose for us in Marrakech and the birthday dinner celebration for my wife Liliane. The guide you hand selected for us in Fes was exceptional. We will have fond memories of our visit to Morocco. Perhaps we can return and see the Sahara Desert and your town, Ouarzazate which we hear, is lovely.Thanks again Travel Exploration Morocco for the special considerations on Liliane's birthday. She appreciates the candle and wonderful Rose Oil.
- JACK & LILIANE SCHUTZ (USA) 8 DAYS IMPERIAL CITIES TOUR, FEBRUARY 2010

I came to Morocco with an expectation of surrounding myself with marvelous traditions of color pattern and decoration, but my experience, thanks to Travel Exploration Morocco, was more profound than I could ever have imagined.  I was immersed in the life and culture of the Moroccan people in a deep and meaningful way.   

I visited Moroccan Berber families and met a range of generous, friendly people that shared their lifestyles with me. I was amazed by the warmth of the people in Southern Morocco, the intricate architecture and decoration of the great cities, the rich and diverse countryside. The carefully selected guides in Marrakech, Fes, Ouarzazate and Meknes Travel Exploration Morocco chose made every visit a unique learning experience.  This was all in addition to a carefully designed itinerary that allowed me to visit craftsmen in their workspaces and see the designers that create all elements of Morocco’s rich culture, from weavers, to dyers, silversmiths to potters. 

This culminated in my two days working in the Pottery Cooperative in Fes where I had the opportunity to paint plates and design zellij mosaics. Here I realized that even the tiniest piece of tile in a great architectural zellij mural has been carefully crafted and touched by the hands of many talented artisans. This Pottery & Zellij Tile Design Tour hosted by Travel Exploration Morocco has been a gift that  enriched my life on a personal level, broadened my worldview and contributed greatly to my future work in the art studio. Thank you for your generosity and friendship Alecia Cohen and Hossaine Amiri.  I miss you already.
- ESME THOMPSON, PAINTER & PROFESSOR OF STUDIO ART, CUSTOMIZED POTTERY & ZELLIJ DESIGN MOROCCO TOUR (NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT) - JANUARY 2010 

Hi Alecia,

I think about the Morocco trip you arranged for my family and my dear friend, Esme Thomspons' daily and always feel like you and Hossaine Amiri deserve huge hugs and thanks for all that you did.  Only the tips of my thumbs reveal stains of henna. The rest is grown out. I am saddened to think that much time has passed.

I will start working with my University in the fall when I return from this year of sabbatical.  I would really love to take a group of students on a pottery and other crafts tour of Morocco...with you at the helm of course.  

The Safi pottery artist and workshop would add another approach to the pottery we could experience in Fes at that Fassis Pottery Cooperative and in Zagora. 

We enjoy the Berber carpets we purchased from Zagora everyday and all of the other Moroccan crafts and gems.  The rose oil from El Kelaa Des Mgouna (The Valley of Roses) is one of the nicest things we purchased.  The scent or roses takes me back or Morocco each time I wear it.  I do need to say the face scrubber you purchased for me in the local Moroccan souk has given me a new complexion all together. I can hardly believe it.  My biggest fear is wearing out the three scrubbers I have.  Hopefully they will last until I come back for more.

Thank you for being so up-front and personal on our Morocco Tour.  

Dizzy was talking about those delicious cookies you treated us to.  He remembered you calling them “Sweets”!  He had never heard someone call a cookie a sweet before. It is funny what people remember from a trip. All of it was simply fabulous!

I would recommend Travel Exploration Morocco’s tours to anyone and everyone. I am so glad we had you and Hossaine Amiri leading our way through the Maghreb.  The trip wouldn’t have been as great without the comfort of having Hossaine Amiri with us the entire time. Both of you took such good care of us and treated us like family.  Every detail was managed with great consideration and respect for both the natives and us as visitors/ guests. You made us feel like honored guests in your country, the Maghreb. I think of it as yours too Alecia even though you are American.

I am so glad to hear you are using the plates Esme and I made at the Fes Pottery Cooperative.

 Thank you again for all. Much Love.
- LIZ QUACKENBUSH, PROFESSOR OF ART, ARTIST, POTTERY DESIGNER – CUSTOMIZED POTTERY & ZELLIJ DESIGN MOROCCO TOUR (NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT) JANUARY 2010