Thank you, Forum Experts, in advance- in looking at available departures for Morocco for my timeframe only two small group tours I have found seem to include Chefchaouen, a must- see for me. (I am a solo older woman traveler and want the security of a guided tour, although I'm pretty proficient in French.
So the concept of an "add on" on my own isn't an option, for the tour itineraries that skip that location.)
Gate1 is often recommended on the Forum, along with OAT. Gate 1 has the preferred dates and itinerary but only stop at Chefchaouen for a couple hours while en route to Tangier.
G Adventures ( their more upscale National Geographic touring style) spends a full day there after the arrival the previous late afternoon. G Adventures also seems to have more hiking and more non- shopping features. (Reading between the lines of the detailed Gate1 itinerary are "local artisans" and "argon oil" and an opportunity to carpet shop presented as a plus! That was my least favorite moment in Turkey on a RS tour!)
I couldn't find recent reviews on the Morocco thread for G Adventures, but perhaps you have used their services for other destinations?
Also- for those who have used Gate1 small group style tours would you say your fellow travelers were akin to the usual RS client? I have always appreciated that on a RS tour nobody overly fussed about their appearance. In the review video I watched for Gate1 those interviewed were immaculately coiffed and etc (but maybe that was for the interview!?)`
Thank you in advance!
Posted by
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
1915 posts
Have you looked at OAT?
The pre-trip extension includes three nights in Chefchaouen. I'm going on that tour in February.
OAT limits group size to 16. I haven't done G Adventures or RS or Gate1, but people I've met on OAT tours (I've done 5 so far) have also done several of the others and seem to like them all.
Posted by
8223 posts
We love Gate 1 and have done four tours with them. Also, we have another booked for next summer.
We have done the small group and the regular tours. All were excellent. The price was hard to beat and quality was excellent.
Haven't done a RS tour or G Adventures.
Comparing tours involves comparing what you see, check our the lodgings (ratings) and other details.
Posted by
OP
West Coast
176 posts
Thank you! Lane, the pre- tour isn't an option until about May, which is why I thought it wouldn't work, but I'm rethinking based on how great their option looks for the pre tour. In September it's required along with the main itinerary? Anyway, you got me thinking about alternatives, thank you!
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2712 posts
I have toured with both Gate1 (SE Asia) and G Adventures (S. America). The clientele was not a RS crowd, but the Gate1 tour I did was not a small group focus so it could not compare. The GAdventures tour I took was National Geographic branded but as several people in my tour found out, it is NOT the same as the upscale National Geographic company - it's just the itinerary that is similar, not the fancy lodgings and concierge experience. They thought they had got quite a deal and it turns out they got a very different experience than expected.
I'd pick the itinerary that satisfies your wish list. You might also look at Intrepid (similar to GAdventures), Imprint Tours and Adventures with Sarah (both run by a former RS guides and offer Morocco trips)
Posted by
OP
West Coast
176 posts
CL, thank you, also! I hadn't looked at Imprint and the itinerary looks like what I'm searching for, too.! I've learned here it's going to be necessary (and not in a bad way!) to adjust my thinking to travel there after the summer. Thank you both, so much! I really value your input!
I don't mind some luxury:) but also don't mind carrying my own bag! It's a good point about researching carefully and knowing, at least theoretically, what to expect as far as hotel quality, etc.
I'm a very competent and independent solo traveler but as I'm getting older, for safety reasons and so my family doesn't worry, giving up some flexibility is ok! It's worth it to know that (hopefully!) if I don't show up at least someone knows I exist!
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2712 posts
Bon voyage! glad to help. I know people who have traveled with the Adventures with Sarah company and they loved it. The accommodations were somewhat nicer than RS tours, but the tour vibe was similar. I've wanted to try an Imprint tour but so far haven't been able to align one with my plans. And as a solo traveler myself, I hear you about balancing safety and flexibility - for Morocco I would also choose a group tour. Hope you find something that suits you!