We (a family of 3) are heading to Tangier for the day and using a local guide that Rick Steves recommends. It appears to be his own company and we are paying €180 for the tour. What is a reasonable tip on top of this? Also, it states lunch is not included. We don't have to purchase his lunch do we (we usually skip it ourselves or just have a small snack)? (This is an expensive splurge for us as it is so we aren't trying to be cheap but need to be reasonable.) Thanks for any help!
Posted by
California
764 posts
When in Morocco last year and with a guide for the day (not RS), when it was lunch time he brought our group to a restaurant. Whomever wanted to eat had a chance, others skipped, and nobody had to pay for the guide's lunch. It was opportunity for the guide to have a quiet time of his own and also to catch-up on his daily prayers.
Not sure about the tip here since he is also the owner.
Posted by
new york
1792 posts
Why would you think about tipping if he is the owner? I would not tip.
You do not have to buy the lunch; if you do, you might invite him and pay for his meal.
I imagine you will eat much better by skipping the restaurants and going to the bakeries for sweet and savory pastries, or a sandwich shop, instead. You really should try bisteeya/pastilla, a sweet-savory pie made with chicken. it's astoundingly great.
I was going to go last week but there were wind warnings so I cancelled my trip. I did a lot of research on how to spend my time and made a list of where to eat..if I can find it, I will post it here...
Do be aware of possible ferry cancellations from Tarifa due to weather issues.
Posted by
California
764 posts
I agree you should try pastilla!
If want something quick, taco is their name for a panini sandwich, but with fries inside. You can ask for fries on the side. I enjoyed the couscous dish with chicken and a tower of vegetables! But some restaurants only serve on Fridays.
I didn’t go to Tangier, but Marrakech, Atlas Mountains, Sahara desert, Fez, Chefchouen, Rabat and Casablanca.
Posted by
Portsmouth
6090 posts
When I went to Tangier we hired a guide who worked for himself. I didn't tip because why would I? He charged a decent amount of money so there was no need to. €180 is a high fee for a private guide in Tangier so there's absolutely no reason to tip.
Posted by
1 posts
Hello! Heading to Tangier next weekend and looking for a local guide. We’re staying at the hotel Rick usually stays at, and his private tour guide Aziz. We’ve asked him for a tour however hadn’t gotten back to us. Curious who you went with? And if it was worth it and their contact info!
Posted by
OP
30 posts
Hi to mollyanderson77!
We went with Achraf Benamar. His website is https://tourguidebenamar.com and his direct email is [email protected]
We booked the Tangier Private Day Trip. Unfortunately, our 9am ferry was delayed (it broke basically) so we were 4 hours late! That said, Benamar waited for us and gave us the "abridged" version of our tour (we were only there for a day trip so it was a sad situation). He managed to still squish in the highlights that we wanted and we even had time to eat (though we were willing to skip this if necessary!). It was an enjoyable tour and would have been even better if not rushed. He's very knowledgeable without being boring and doesn't pressure you into anything. I will warn you, though, that he does bring you to various merchants where you are given a bit of "history"/tour of their products (think spices, textiles...). While most of these are just very informational and pretty easy going, one of the spots is a bit pushy (however, it's not Benamar who is pushing - he kind of disappears into the woodworking at these times). It is truly interesting and I see why Benamar does it, but if you don't want to shop or listen to this, be warned (we were fine and may actually have enjoyed it more had we not been so pressed for time which, unfortunately, ruled out shopping). Benamar would probably skip this even, if asked (though I don't think I'd recommend that).
The driving tour is beautiful and the stops are great. Research Hercules Cave, first, though, and make sure you feel it is necessary. It is neat, but basic, so know if you want to enter. The views from outside it are wonderful, though, so at least stop! Also, I'm not sure how he usually does it, but he basically had a lunch waiting for us at a restaurant (after asking our preferences and calling ahead). We sat and food appeared! It was a bit unsettling because we had no idea what was really happening (and how much all these dishes were costing), but it turned out to be a highlight. It was delicious and quite the experience! Again, though, he may have done this because our time was so limited.
Sorry, I've probably given you more than you wanted, but we really enjoyed ourselves and I wanted to share. So, yes, I do feel that the tour was definitely worth it! It was a treat we've never done but felt if we were going to have a private guide, Tangier was probably the place for one! Have a great time!