One of the great travel stories we’ve heard from a guest on the podcast was just over a year ago now. It was with Rachel Metcalfe, for whom Morocco went from being a remote, distant idea to, a month later, sitting on the airplane on her way to Casablanca.

Destination Morocco took on the challenge of organizing her last-minute trip, and in this episode Rachel explains how that made all the difference in having an enjoyable, complete tour that covered the sights she wanted to see.

This is our last episode of 2023, and many thanks to our listeners for a wonderful year of great episodes and great tours. In 2024, our new documentary, Kingdom of Colors, premiers, which follows Azdean's family’s trip around Morocco with some stunning visuals. You can see the trailer now on our website or the Destination Morocco YouTube channel.

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Imagine: One day, someone gives you the idea of going to Morocco, and you think, "Yeah, maybe..." But then, a month later, spur of the moment, you buy a return ticket! 

But you're not a big fan of planning, and the prospect of filling out the details of your impending trip are a little daunting, to say the least. 

What do you do next? 

This is Morocco on a Whim, Rachel Metcalfe's story of making the commitment and turning to Destination Morocco to create what became a very special and memorable trip.

Rachel starts off in Casablanca, and like many of our other guests meets Khalil, the blind tour guide of Hassan II Mosque. She tours around the north of Morocco, and falls in love with the picturesque, crossroads city of Tangier. Hear her wax poetic on its old world charm and beautiful setting between ocean and mountains. She is captivated by the blue city of Chefchaouen, leaving her Instagram page bursting with color. 

Fès then takes center stage, with Rachel being guided through the labyrinth of streets, visiting the mosaic & tile factory and then dropping in on the famous tanneries, a crucial mint coming in very handy.

Her riad in Fès, so completely unassuming from the outside, turns out to be a veritable palace once you walk through the door. Rachel takes us on a tour and describes it in detail. 

A highlight was the hammam, or "sand bath," in the desert at Agafay, just an hour outside of Marrakech. A relaxing and revitalizing experience, complete with herbs and spices for distinct aromas. 

Rachel had her own private tour, allowing her free reign to change plans, sleep in, go somewhere different or be spontaneous. With an individual itinerary made for her, Rachel was able to relax and enjoy each day of the experience, without wondering or figuring out the next steps, and all the logistics therein. 

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Tangier

Agafay desert

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