11 May 2024
I have mixed feelings about this one. First time in Morocco and with a great interest to learn about Marrakech in a more comfortable pace, this tour seemed very promising. The van was very comfortable, the guide and driver very polite. The guide was knowledgeable and we enjoyed visiting many sites, especially the Majorelle gardens and YSL museum. Skipping the long lines for tickets was a huge advantage on a hot busy day. My main disappointment comes from the shopping experience, which was unsolicited. by the way. We were led to the “Berber pharmacy” (Ksour) to “drink some tea” where some very quick and proficient sales people managed to rack up a bill of 220 euros for spices and argan oil. My good natured husband obliged, only later to read on reviews that this place is a famous tourist trap, if not a scam. The second stop was the carpet shop next door where we were literally bombed with mint tea and carpet history by a very pushy salesman who had the nerve to try and sell us a Berber carpet for 5.500 euros- a carpet that we later found for 1500 starting price. It was such an insult. I literally refused to go into bargaining and got up to leave but was made to feel apologetic and uncomfortable- and no one should feel like that on their vacation. Tours like these should NOT include obviously commissioned visits to shops - so if you do take it, I recommend to be clear from the beginning. Other than that, like I said, the tour delivered what it promised.