Dan & Cierra McPherson travelled to Morocco with Destination Morocco and discovered far more than a generic tour experience. From secret stops to amazing cubbyhole restaurants, they received an authentic, unique exposure to Morocco’s people and culture.

Cierra & Dan had a tall order for Destination Morocco when they got in touch with Azdean, looking to travel to Morocco just a short time later. They wanted to see as much of the country as possible, but over just 11 days. Could it be done?

This episode recounts their journey. Thanks to Azdean and his team, these world travellers had an experience that ranked with the best of their many destinations.

Hear their stories about enjoying Tangia stew, Moroccan bread, and yes, a dish that consists of cooking (then eating) an entire sheep: head, eyes and all, that has been slow-cooked in a hole in the ground (Shoua).

They met Khalil, the blind tour guide of Hassan II Mosque, whom you've heard numerous guests rave about on the podcast. Their guide used his connections to allow them early access to the mosque, before the regular crowds arrived.

In Chefchaouen they sampled fresh peanuts, boiled in honey, and freshly-squeezed orange juice on the walk up to the Spanish mosque overlooking the city.

Thanks to their flexible schedule and efficient transport, they were able to visit both Volubilis and the camel hump town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun on the same day, when most tour groups have to choose one or the other.

And learn about more local delicacies from their personal experience: Having tried a camel burger, which would you now choose, camel or beef?

Dan & Cierra were lodged along the way in Morocco's beautiful riads, which can accommodate no large groups, just a few guests at a time. A great opportunity to mingle and chat with the hosts and other travellers.

Meanwhile, it wasn't planned as a romantic trip, but in such a romantic country, they were swept up in the spirit. Dan & Cierra were treated to their own Moroccan wedding, with henna designs and Berber attire, and enjoyed memorable meal after memorable meal: breakfasts, lunch and dinner.

Whether on a private tour such as theirs, or on a small group tour that combines nimble flexibility with an affordable price, you can craft your own indelible Moroccan experience with Destination Morocco, and this episode gives you some tremendous ideas to add to your list.

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
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Join us for our monthly Q&A's! Live on Destination Morocco's YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn pages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

We've talked about scams in Morocco a few times on the podcast, from one of our early episodes (Scams! How to Understand and Avoid Them) to one of our recent Live Q&A sessions, (Latest Scams: Staying Safe While Traveling in Morocco).

It's a topic we often circle back to, because we want to make sure that all tourists, whether they travel with Destination Morocco or on their own, are staying safe and confident while visiting Morocco.

Some scams though are far more involved and intricate than overpaying for a taxi or a rug. They are the product of years of nurturing, patience and trust, trust which turns out to be a dangerous façade.

These scams prey on vulnerable tourists, people in moments of change and desperation in their lives, who can't, or refuse, to recognize the signs. They meet someone and form an emotional bond, and if that bond is made under false pretenses, it's not just money but so much more that comes under threat.

Today's episode is designed to help you know what to look out for, how to recognize the signs, think about your situation and listen to those close to you, who are giving you warnings from a different perspective.

And if you're listening and know of someone who might fit one of the scenarios we talk about, we want to give you the tools to help them be safe, and extricate them from that relationship.

Siham Essahiri, whom you'll remember from the impactful conversation last year, "Henna and the Strength of Moroccan Women," joins Azdean and Sam on this episode to share some of her first-hand experience in recognizing these dangerous scams. These moving stories will help you recognize just how deep these scams and false pretenses can go.

We recognize that this may sound like a very doom and gloom episode, that might put you off travel to Morocco. But as Siham points out, the vast majority of Moroccans, 99+%, are genuinely friendly, courteous and kind. Love stories and friendships do exist that are absolutely real and sincere. But we have seen enough of the opposite to want to make sure that all visitors to Morocco are simply aware that yes, it can happen, and we don't want it to happen to you.

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
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Join us for our monthly Q&A's! Live on Destination Morocco's YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn pages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

This is an excerpt of the Live Q&A recording of Friday, May 8, "Finding a Morocco Tour at an Affordable Price."

Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel for even more details and tourist ideas, and particularly for the visuals that accompany our conversation. Maps, photos and more await you there!

Finding Morocco Private-Style Tours at an Affordable Price (YouTube)

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If you enjoy the convenience and security of group tours, but find large coach tours of 50 people a little less appealing, this live session replay is for you.

Or, if you enjoy the freedom and control of travelling solo, yet are looking for the safety and service that comes with a private tour, but at an affordable price, then this live session replay is also for you.

Destination Morocco has put together the best of both worlds to give you some amazing tour options in 2024: convenience, comfort, flexibility and personal attention, all at an affordable price.

Quick Sprinter vans enable you to skip the crowds and make the most of every minute. You'll come home with a greater understanding of Morocco, its culture, its people and its stunning landscape.

Each itinerary includes all accommodation stays, certain meals, local tours, a certified private driver, an award-winning nationally-certified tour leader, airport transfers, 24/7 in-destination support from our local office in Morocco, as well as further features.

We want you to see Morocco in 2024, before the crowds really increase. The World Cup is on the horizon, major airlines are adding new flights from North America and Europe, and Morocco is becoming more popular than ever.

Now is the time to experience the best Morocco has to offer, and we can take you there.

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's! Live on Destination Morocco's YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn pages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.