This is Graham. I have just returned from a wonderful trip to Marrakech in Morocco over the Christmas period. This was my first trip away on my own, as my father had passed away earlier in 2015, so it was a big step for me.
Fortunately, I can declare that it was a resounding success, and will not be my last JY vacation.
In summation, here are all the pros, plus a couple of cons that JY might want to take notice of.
PROS:
* Caroline, the Tour Manager was excellent, certainly the best I've ever had. Nothing was too much trouble and helped me, and any other travellers whenever she could.
*The Hotel Kech was a modern Boutique Hotel and Spa. The rooms were considerably large, with shower and bath facilities.
* The guide was very professional, knew details about everything, and was able to provide answers to whatever questionms were given.
* The driver handled the coach well, even when travelling up a curvy mountain or on highways with no lights on.
* Caroline kindly gave us the chance to spend two hours looking around the Souks a day or so after the 'official' quick walk tour.
*The Christmas Eve feast in the tent at the auditorium 'Chez Ali' was very well laid on, as was the outdoor show with horses.
* The Christmas Day feast in the evening at the hotel was very well laid on, with several courses to get through
* A vegetarian friend of mine, Maureen, was well catered for, and was always asked if the food on offer was suitable.
CONS:
* The hotel was a little out of town. There were no shops to walk to, although Caroline kindly took us to a store to get supplies.
* The full day trip to Casablanca was a bad mistake. It involved getting up at a very early time, travelling three and a half hours there to see a mosque. The publicity about seeing 'Rick's Bar' was not really true. The coach stopped outside and we had to take pictures from the side entrance. We could even get off the coach. After that, another three and a half hours followed, getting back just in time for dinner. I notice that this trip was not on the schedule in 2014. In my opinion, it ought to be deleted again.
I hope this review helps those thinking of taking a vacation in this area.
Graham.