Day Tour Casablanca to Fez with Volubilis Sightseeing

My driver was also wanting to take me to Rabat which was not listed. Since I already had a tour booked the next day, I declined. However, he did take me to the outskirts of Meknes. It would have been nice to spend a bit of time in Meknes and take a few pictures. The tour in Volubilis was the highlight. My tour guide(Mohammed) was quite knowledgeable and since I brought some old SLR cameras, he helped carry my DSLR. He was kind and helpful. However, in Fes, the local guide Mohamed reiterated many times that since it was Friday and things were closed we would not have an eventful tour. Although, the tannery, carpet shop and silk shop all were open as if to pressure me in buying items I did not need. Especially in the carpet shop, I explained I was already pressured into buying a carpet in Casablanca, which I did, however, they seemed to ignore this and mentioned to buy a runner. It was more intended to be a shopping spree designed to drain my wallet and add interest to my credit card. I did purchase some expensive scented oil. I realise things were closed, although it could have been a good experience the local guide was in his phone most of the time. And although the lunch was good, it was overpriced at $242 dirhams and sort of scribbled on a receipt. I still rounded to $300. The drive back was long and I was so exhausted when arriving back to my hotel in Casablanca. Still the trip to Volubilis was worth the frustration. Therefore, I am giving the review only for Volubilis.

We joined another couple for our adventure from Casablanca to Fez. We were one of the first off the cruise ship and alas, no driver. The agent standing by the Viator sign called and our driver said he would be there by 10:00. NO He was to be there at 7:00. You must leave immediately to get to Fez and back so as not to miss the ship. We were then told to take a taxi to the gate to save time. We did and our husbands went to each car to see it it was the driver. We made phone calls and the taxi took us to another gate. NO DRIVER. We saw no sign with our name and we searched to find him for at least an hour. Twice our husbands walked up and down trying to find anyone that was a representative of Viator. NO ONE. We finally gave up and the taxi took us to Rabat. It was a most unfortunate and disappointing experience. It is now compounded by Viator refusing to refund our money. If Viator would like the name of the person who booked the tour and the reference number, I can provide that. The person who booked the tour has had no success in obtaining a refund and says that they will not even accept her phone calls now. Shame on them. How could they pay a driver who didn't show up at the appropriate place or time or take us to Fez? They now have a few hundred dollars to line their pockets with. Not recommended at all.

Overall, this trip was excellent. The driver was prompt and courteous. They did provide sights that you can't normally see and the tour guide at Fez was especially great--he grew up in the old town and could show us some nice back areas. We visited during Ramadan but they still had water and knew of restaurants for lunch (which was excellent). A few small items--you need to pay for the entrance to Volubilis (70MAD each) and they recommended a personal guide for an additional 200 MAD for the group. No one ever has change and this included the ticket booth here. Bring lots of small change! We also ran out of time and didn't get to see some of the optional sights but this was more our fault for sure. All in all, a great tour.