Morocco
Morocco: Melting Pot of Cultures
Program No. 7158RJ
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Morocco: Melting Pot of Cultures
Morocco: Melting Pot of Cultures
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Participant Reviews
Based on 105 Reviews
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Interesting trip in that we got to see a lot of Morocco. However, I felt the pace of the trip, especially through key cities like Tangier and Marrakesh was too quick, especially Tangier where we spent barely a day. Also, the guide in Tangier spoke way too fast, even after being asked to slow down. I ended up pulling out my ear piece because his speech made my brain hurt. In Rabat, I felt that 2 visits to the cultural center was too much. I would have preferred to see more of the city. Also, the Chellah Castle was extraordinary and should have been included in the tour, not something we could do our own.
The hotels ranged from barely acceptable to terrible. At least 3 hotels had showers that were unusable or just unpleasant. 1 shower was out and out dangerous, I think in Fez. Also, the food at the hotel was barely edible. In the morning, there were no coffee cups and if there were, the coffee was pretty undrinkable. All told, the food was occasionally terrible, usually acceptable but not great and occasionally really good.
Nabile was quite good as was Malika (especially caring). The bus was comfy and driver excellent. Always plenty of water too. I did wish we didn't need to be on it so much.
The highlights for me were the Sahara, although the tents were very uncomfortable, the souks in Fez and Marrakesh. the YSL garden, Volubulis, riding through the high Atlas Mountains, and the other tour members. The lowlights were the hotels, 50% of the meals, too many lectures about women and too little time in Tangier, especially. I'm thinking I might not be the ideal Road Scholar participant. For me, I prefer experiences over lectures. I'd rather be interacting with the city and people, and perhaps discussing our experiences afterward, than just hearing a lecture.
— Review left March 2, 2026
This programs was truly an amazing experience! I learned an incredible amount particularly from Farah through the Cross Cultural Center and from our knowledgeable guide Mohamed. He was attentive to our every need. His love for the country and its peoples was obvious. Every day brought new experiences, new insights. Morocco is a beautiful, complex country. It was a privilege to be introduced to its cultures, its people, its arts and as a bonus I can now say I rode a camel into the Sahara desert!
— Review left November 29, 2025
This program offered an enjoyable and educational overview of a special country and its people! I loved every minute!
— Review left November 25, 2025
This program exceeded my expectations. It provided so much depth and breadth of knowledge and experience in such a short time. I learned a great deal, thoroughly enjoyed myself and only wished that it had been longer
— Review left November 19, 2025
The best Road Scholar experience yet (this was my 6th). From the moment Mohamed met us at the airport in Rabat to dropping us off at the airport in Casablanca, there wasn’t one single day that I didn’t learn something new, experience activities that were unique and fun (like riding camels in the desert, sleeping in a nomadic tent, getting a private tour of the mosque in Casablanca, exploring the souks in Fez and Marrakech), and eating some exquisite Moroccan cuisine! This is a country that is warm, loving, rich in culture and history and one that should not be missed!
— Review left November 15, 2025
Great tour of an amazing country and culture! Nabil is a top-notch guide and manager. Ready to learn even more about Morocco.
— Review left November 10, 2025
This trip is an experience you won't soon forget. The talks, food, and music are outstanding. The excursion into the desert from Rissani to Merzouga , the camel ride and 4-wheeling through the dunes to the tent camp and back you'll talk about for years to come.
— Review left October 26, 2025
This is a powerful program, passionately presented by our Moroccan hosts, who faced major issues with intelligence and self-awareness. It's perfect for discussing the challenges of a complex history, of women in Islam, and for appreciating layers of culture from the medieval to the present.
— Review left October 23, 2025
A wonderful trip that explores the many facets of a fascinating country through in-person visits and high-quality presentations.
— Review left October 13, 2025
The itinerary was wonderful. We had many informative lectures. My main issue was with our group leader. Muhammed is very knowledgable but also somewhat dismissive and frustrated when accommodating people with hearing aids. He needed to be reminded to use the whisperers at the cultural center - which has very high ceilings - making it difficult to hear the speakers. There was an incident on the bus where I asked him to verify or clarify a point ( he was lecturing). I think he felt I was not listening but in reality people with hearing loss sometimes need more time to process information. He threw up his hands and that was insulting. I then took out my phone and googled the topic he was discussing and read about it. I know there were others on the trip who felt similarly.
Malika joined the group after about a week and she was very responsive to questions and info. As a result, I do have hesitancy about taking more trips with RS but I decided to give it a try. I am currently on the waiting list for Santa Fe trip beginning 9/8/25.
— Review left June 3, 2025
A comprehensive experience of Morocco and its people, brilliantly created by the Center for Cross Cultural Learning in Rabat, and brilliantly facilitated by Nabil Akabli. Please avail yourself of this one of a kind place and people!
— Review left May 27, 2025
You will cover most of Morocco and get a taste of all their rich cultures past and present. You will get an excellent overview of Islam and chances to question presenters. My wife and I are active mid to late 70s travelers and we negotiated this trip very well.
— Review left May 24, 2025
This is the best immersive trave experience I have ever had. We got to see, hear, taste, and do things that otherwise would have been inaccessible to us. By the end of the trip we were tired and felt that we had worked hard but it was worth the time and effort. We learned more about Morocco than I thought possible.
— Review left May 22, 2025
Great trip, group leader was exceptional providing great insights into the cultures of Morocco.
— Review left April 17, 2025
Morocco: Melting Pot of Cultures was our 12th Road Scholar trip and it was exceptional. The program's title truly conveys the substance of the journey which was non-stop! Morocco is a fascinating and diverse country. The fast pace was appropriate in order to experience so much of the country which included cities, villages, mountains, and deserts. Highlights included sleeping in tents in the desert among the sand dunes, meeting and hearing locals talk about their lives, and listening to live musical entertainment unique to the country. Our group leader, Mohamed, was the best guide we've had on a Road Scholar adventure. He was patient, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to be with. We felt like we made a new friend.
Judy and Bill Johnstone, Class of 2010
— Review left March 29, 2025
Fascinating and so informative. Being there during Ramadan was especially meaningful. All the guides were brilliant. We went from desert to snowy mountain passes and Roman ruins and small villages to cosmopolitan cities. Chefchaouen is a place I had seen in pictures and it was magical to be there ! My favorite city was Marrakesh, where I went to a traditional hammam.
— Review left March 28, 2025
This was probably my favorite RS trip so far (out of 8).In March the weather is perfect (even with days of rain). I liked traveling the countryside by bus to see the different regions and architecture. I loved the music performances! WE had a fantastic guide who gave bus talks on culture and included many personal stories. Comfortable accommodations and wonderful healthy local food. I highly recommend this tour, but arrive a day before to give yourself a little time to explore and adjust to the time change.
— Review left March 27, 2025
Fantastic 5 star experience! I learned so much, had a wonderful adventure, and made some new friends. I'll be doing more Road Scholar trips in the future!
— Review left March 17, 2025
This is an excellent program. Morocco clearly does not have a “western” culture. Be prepared to have your assumptions about the socio-political realities of the country challenged. Note: There are a couple of long days on the bus since due to the distances between some of the places visited.
— Review left March 15, 2025
If you are interested in seeing and learning about Morocco, this is the trip to take!
— Review left March 6, 2025
The quality——knowledge, intelligence, sense of humor, graciousness, helpfulness, love of country, and personality——of the guide, Nabil Akabli, made this program one of my——if not most——all-time favorites. I learned a lot about Morocco, and even about life.
— Review left March 3, 2025
We loved our trip to Morocco. What a fascinating county with such diverse geography, people and culture. Our guide and lecturers were superb. Don't miss this opportunity!
— Review left February 26, 2025
This trip to Morocco checks all the boxes: beautiful spaces, great food, interesting history, varied geography, and a broad range of experiences. Our guide, Nabil, tied it all together with his lectures on history, economics, culture, religion, and more. Highly recommended!
— Review left February 26, 2025
Great group leaders and a great opportunity to see much and learn much about Morocco.
— Review left February 18, 2025
Great trip and tour guide!
Suggestion: Hotel in Chefchouen was lovely but rooms were too dim. Please suggest they increase wattage on bulbs or add extra lighting.
— Review left February 3, 2025
Even if you haven't thought about visiting Morocco, you should put it on your bucket list! Wonderful history and culture, good food and an important part of North Africa to learn about and explore.
— Review left November 25, 2024
This is a wonderful programme that gives an opportunity to learn a great deal about Morocco and to see a great deal of the country. Our trip leader, Nabil, was excellent, one of the best guides I have had in all my travels. This is also a physically and intellectually challenging programme. There are long periods both on your feet walking around, as well as long periods on the bus going from place to place. Pavements are uneven, even in cities. There are many, many stairs, often steep, with uneven risers and surfaces, and without handrails. Walking sticks are recommended. There are some experiences that may take you out of your comfort zone if you have not travelled outside of North America or Europe, but that is part of the fascination and learning experience that Morocco offers. For me, however, the challenges and occasional discomforts, paled compared with what I learned, what I saw, and what I did. And I highly recommend the hammam and hot stone massage treatments at the hotel in Marrakesh!
— Review left November 24, 2024
On or before August 28, 2024, it was announced that Macron would visit Morocco at the end of October. This was 2 months before the Road Scholar trip scheduled for the same time, plenty of time either to reroute, revise, or cancel the trip. As it was, the massive celebrations for his visit and the huge crowds filling and overflowing the streets of Rabat on October 28 caused havoc.
Aziz did his best by creatively revising his planned itinerary for the day, which was a tour of Rabat, because streets were closed in preparation for Macron. We were unable to visit the Modern Art Museum of Mohamed VI. We did visit the Cobra museum near our hotel instead. But walking back from that museum to the Onomo Hotel at 4:30 that afternoon was terrifying. Crowds pressed in on all sides while we clutched our purses and belly packs lest they be stolen. Even the police had difficulty clearing a path for us to cross at the traffic light.
Aziz wisely delayed dinner by an hour to give the crowd time to disperse. But even at 6 PM there were still hundreds of people outside the hotel and it was necessary to walk through this crowd to get to our bus. It was very difficult for 17 people to stay together.
Road Scholar had 2 months to plan alternatives which would have prevented our being in this chaos. For example,
1) The trip could have begun in a different city and circled back to Rabat after Macron had left. Or,
2) The schedule could have been changed. We could have had our tour of Rabat on October 29, after Macron was gone, and out lectures on Islamic women on October 28, which would have kept us inside all day. Or,
3) We could have stayed at a different hotel instead of the Onomo, which was directly in the path of the cavalcade. (We were required to keep the drapes in our rooms closed because the security forces were alert for snipers from above street level!) Or,
4) Failing all of the above, the tour could have been cancelled.
I have other comments but there is not sufficient space.
— Review left November 14, 2024
This trip is well-named as Morocco is truly a melting pot of cultures. This program captures an overview of Morocco’s rich history, its peoples, the religions, its food, music, its art and architecture. The CCCL staff were excellent as were our local guides. The program covers much. While exploring ancient cities we noted some important sites. We experienced lively markets along the winding alleyways within the walled medinas. The landscapes were captivating from the Atlantic Ocean Coastline, to the Rif Mountains, through the Sahara Desert and The Atlas Mountains. I appreciate learning about and experiencing so much of Morocco while enjoying the warmth and hospitality of its people.
— Review left November 4, 2024
Amazing adventure! We would highly recommend this trip to anyone who loves to learn and experience a very unique and wonderful culture. Beautiful country, welcoming a very safe feeling always.
— Review left October 23, 2024
Amazing trip! Guides, Scholars, and our fellow travelers were all so kind and engaging. We loved every thing!
— Review left September 1, 2024
We were very excited to go to Morocco and the Road Scholar itinerary, principal and local guides, historic sites, food and accommodations exceeded our expectations across the board. We want to go back!
— Review left May 27, 2024
This program is like a 15 day PBS documentary from Ken Burns on everything Morocco. There’s open and honest conversations about EVERY topic you can think of. The word diversity comes to mind when I now think of Morocco. Diversity of geography. Diversity of languages. Diversity of cultures. Diversity of races. Diversity of history. I could go on, but the point is that it is not just diverse. Morocco has been able to, from its early history until now, UNIFY it all with tolerance, respect, and understanding. Come see for yourself
— Review left May 7, 2024
This is the most amazing trip I have ever been on (and I've been on a lot) - I learned so much (my note book is overflowing) and I am now totally enchanted with Morocco and its people!
— Review left May 6, 2024
Wonderful experience. I absolutely loved Morocco, especially the older sections, (the Medinas and souks) .
The people and culture were just wonderful. Where ever we went there was something to add to the rich culture of Morocco. Our guide Nabil was fantastic. He made the trip informative, safe, funny at times and knowledgeable about almost everything . If not he would find out and relay the info for us. Thankyou Nabil and all the members from Road Scholar for making this a memorable holiday of learning.
— Review left April 9, 2024
Morocco Melting Pot of Cultures is an excellent and in-depth introduction to this fascinating country. The group leader, Nabil, is top-notch and conveys a love and appreciation for his country. The activities are diverse and include cities, villages, high mountain, desert, bustling Medinas (outdoor markets), casbahs (castles), camel riding, musical performances, lectures, and meals in private homes. Make no mistake, this program is jam-packed, high pace, with little time for relaxation because quite a few stops are only for one night.
— Review left March 29, 2024
Morocco program was everything I was hoping for and more. I chose Road Scholar for educational emphasis and expectations were exceeded. I so enjoyed every day with Malika Lemdarsaoui, Road Scholar coordinator, and Mohamed Harrak, group leader. My experience was wonderful and I strongly recommend visiting especially during Ramadan.
— Review left March 28, 2024
This is an amazing experience-a semester long course on Morocco ably presented and experienced in two weeks! The success of this was due to our amazing guide, Nabi,l and the staff of the Cross Cultural Learning Center. He presented information over the course of the trip in a logical, integrated way with each topic building on prior ones. His knowledge of the country is vast, but his love of the country also was an inspiring element. His people skills are superb and he did many small kindnesses for participants along the way. The variety of experiences was exceptional as we traveled 2,000 miles around this fascinating country. A vigorous trip but so, so well worth it! If you have any interest in Morocco, don't hesitate to take this trip!
— Review left March 23, 2024
This was a wonderful experience. It not only provided an enjoyable trip but gave me an alternative, more positive way to view the world.
— Review left March 11, 2024
Morocco was great, but half the credit needs to go to Malika and Aziz. I understand the bulk of the planning and choosing of the sites and itinerary are do to Farah's choices and planning along with Malika's work in the field. Everywhere we went the hosts and staff were so glad to see her. She handles the transfer of payment to them in such a smooth way. We also had a really good group. I usually want it to be 18 or less and 15 was ideal. What smart people and such a variety of backgrounds.
I've been looking through my pictures and wouldn't want to call a best place. I look at the country as a whole and we were treated to a very complete picture. Aziz, unlike other good leaders, not only knew the country but he also anticipated our every need. He is really good with people and is entirely unselfish.
Just for future reference I agree with everyone that lecture on Islamic Arts and Architecture: From Tradition to Modernity was very poor. He did not know how to use Power Point and it's my guess Road Scholars know how good Power Point presentations are done. Beyond that the subject is a weak one. Our time could have been spent much better even if it was just to rest.
The Roman Ruins of Volubilis were a big surprise. Ann and I have probably seen four different examples and these were the best. There is enough there to get the big picture. We did see several Medinas, but I thought they were enough different that they were all worth the time and effort.
I know before the trip I and Road Scholar were concerned about how well I had recovered from my torn quadricep injury. The trip provided motivation to prepare. I was ready and I did even better as the trip progressed. I had been advised by friends and family that I wouldn't be the only one with mobility concerns. It was never a problem, but I knew Malika was always concerned that I was doing alright. I tend to stay at the back of the group and she was very understanding that I liked being back there.
Road Scholar is !!!
— Review left March 7, 2024
If you have ever wanted to experience Morocco in all of its beauty, mystery, and complexity, this program is for you!
— Review left March 2, 2024
This journey to Morocco was an incredible learning experience! We covered a broad swath of the county, our experiences were really varied and interesting, and the people of Morocco couldn't have been more warm and welcoming. Our guide, Nabil, was absolutely superb and always went above and beyond to help us. He made everything so special and also really fun!
— Review left February 27, 2024
This program was excellently executed , had an a norm out diversity of experiences and provided deep insight into the cultural and familial practices of the Moroccan people. Malika and Aziz were extremely knowledgeable, personable and although we have been on tours throughout the world, I came away from this tour having had one of the best experiences of any education tour I’ve taken ..
— Review left February 27, 2024
This is the best trip I have taken with any group! The itinerary exposed me to every aspect of Moroccan culture and history with subject matter experts . The wide range of activities we did, and the outstanding guide made this trip special and exceeded my expectations. The people are friendly and warm and the food is remarkable!
— Review left February 23, 2024
Great learning experience.
— Review left February 21, 2024
What a great trip! So glad we combined Morocco & Turkey as that was a very interesting comparison. Our leader Nabil was wonderful-knowledgeable, fun, bright & very kind. The itinerary was amazing & covered a lot of the country. Chefchaoen was a highlight as were the Atlas Mtns. Everyone was lovely.
— Review left January 14, 2024
Morocco is different from other Arabic countries. I learned that, and why that is the case, on this terrific program.
— Review left November 30, 2023
We were thrilled with this program, thanks to Nabil, our stellar guide. If you want to learn about Morocco and and this part of the world, he's your man.
— Review left November 27, 2023
Great trip but make your own travel arrangements or you may be routed from the east coast through the midwest to get to Morocco!
— Review left November 24, 2023
A whirlwind of a trip! So different than expected - a genuine opportunity to learn about a country that gets lumped with with other Arab nations but, in reality, contradicts so many of the stereotypes we hold. I learned so much and encountered so much beauty. I came back with such great memories.
— Review left November 20, 2023
A wonderful overview of a beautiful, and varied country and people. Well worth the journey!
— Review left November 18, 2023
Two weeks in Morocco will open your eyes to a fascinating culture, impressive art, history that comes alive and beautiful landscapes.
— Review left November 14, 2023
Five Stars!! Morocco is a wonderful country. There is lots of variety from cities to rural, tropical to desert, and mountains to oceans. Every day of this RS trip is filled with wonder. The food was delicious, lots of art, very educational, fascinating history. The guides Aziz and Malika were superb and the local experts were also excellent. I would recommend melting pot of cultures to anyone who has an interest in Morocco. The itinerary was perfect. There is a long drive to reach the Sahara but I loved the scenery in the mountains and the bus was very spacious and comfortable. The desert was a highlight for me as was the gardens in Marrakesh and the beach in Casablanca. Fabulous trip!
— Review left November 14, 2023
A mind-expanding, eye-opening trip if, like us, you have travelled mainly in Western Europe. Our trip leader, the magnificent Nabil Akabli -- through his Amazigh heritage, personal experiences in Morocco and France, and formal education -- introduced us to this multi-ethnic society with concrete accounts of and on-the-ground interactions with its people and institutions. Craftsmen in the souks. Villagers in and around the mountains. Meals at personal residences. Live music from local groups. Candid yet never dogmatic assessments of contemporary politics. Remarkable grasp of the country's history. Absolutely the full package.
Accommodations were fine, and in one case luxurious, but sometimes basic by American standards. The camel ride and Sahara tent camp occasioned great views, photos, and stories, and would be some people's headline experience, but really are secondary to the Islamic decorative art, vernacular mountain adobe architecture, and overall great sense of a heretofore unfamiliar civilization that you will absorb. Not to mention the tajines!
— Review left November 2, 2023
This was a surreal trip. We loved the camel ride, the culture, the welcoming and kindness of the people of Morocco. The food was not so great- many times really good, but often bland and we made the mistake of eating uncooked vegetables such as tomatoes that possibly was the culprit that gave most everyone terrible GI problems. The food preparations did not seem all that sanitary. Many of the bathrooms on the road did not have toilet paper or soap, but the guide provided toilet paper. The hotels were adequate- no irons. The hotel food was pretty terrible. The main leader (Nabil) was truly fabulous- we learned so much about the country, politics, the people etc. from him. He was passionate and kind, fun and attentive the entire trip. The other guides were very good, as well.
The money (Durham) was easy to negotiate. The street vendors were excited to sell their lovely pottery, scarves and rugs. Nabil showed us the legitimate vendors.
We bought cat food and fed them periodically- there are a lot of hungry feral cats and dogs on the streets.
I highly recommend this trip for the educational elements of it- it definitely wasn't a vacation, but an intense learning experience.
— Review left November 1, 2023
The trip has a very good and varied program taking us to many sites and communities in northern Morocco.
However, a guide can make or break a trip. Unfortunately with this trip it was the later.
Road Scholar sells itself as educational travel. It did a poor job of educating on this trip. Guide ‘A’ talked a great deal during the so called bus lectures but the lectures were very short on facts and long on ‘A’ opinions. Additionally, ‘A’ was chauvinistic, dominating of women, and exercised traditional ideas regarding women.
At one point ‘A’ was heard by all loudly scolding the female guide. While I didn’t understand the language but I certainly understood the tone. It was clear to all ‘A’ was in charge, the second guide was simply an adjunct to him.
‘A’ was mercurial. Sometimes quite nice; other times grumpy and inpatient. Details were missed; such as the time when one person was nearby left in the bathroom.
The lectures by persons from the CCCL were great, nicely presented, well organized, by knowledgeable professionals with good English.
The food was rather monotonous. While Moroccan food is good, the same dish repeatedly was tiresome. Seldom were we allowed to choose our food.
The final comment I have surrounds the economics of the tour. We were taken to six different ‘workshops’ where were could observe how something was crafted. This included ceramics, weaving, rugs, a tannery, spices, and fossils. The workshop tours were followed by high pressure sales.
While this may be quite common with other tour companies it is not done in a Road Scholar tour. I was both shocked and appalled.
Finally RS has not recovered from the pandemic. Because of the mistakes in my travel for this tour as well as a previous tour, I recommend booking your own travel.
— Review left October 31, 2023
Morocco melting pot, wonderful program to learn more about Morocco and the region. Be aware, the program indicates walking up to 2 miles per day- this is average distance as you spend few consecutive days in the bus traveling from one location to another. Program is well organized but can benefit by including additional site seeing options, including travels around Marrakesh or Casablanca.
— Review left October 31, 2023
This was a trip that I have been hoping to take for a number of years. It ended up being everything I could have asked for. It was well organized and we were exposed to many different aspects of Morocco. My only problem was that my allergies were out of control due to the omnipresent dirt and dust everywhere.
— Review left October 17, 2023
You will love Morroco's scenery, culture and experiences as you travel to several different areas with Nabil, our excellent guide. KLS
— Review left October 10, 2023
The Road Scholar program for Morocco is an incredible tour de force. A kaleidoscopic survey of the country's peoples, regions, history, political, religious and economic climate are seamlessly tailored for the enjoyment, participation and immersion by participants in the program. I would highly recommend this Road Scholar venue for anyone adventurous enough to take it on.
— Review left September 27, 2023
The trip was amazing, and Morocco is a fabulous country to visit. Our guide, Nabil, was knowledgeable and professional and managed the tour well. When the earthquake occurred near Marrakesh, while we were in Fes, he was quick to provide information to the participants and assure everyone that their safety was the top concern. There were modest disruptions to the planned itinerary as some of the planned visits to sites that had not been certified as safe were cancelled. One of the notable features was the provision of a bound notebook with a map, a detailed itinerary for the whole tour, including daily menus, bios of staff, common words and phrases in Arabic and some recipes. This was very welcome and a practice that all tours should consider adopting.
— Review left September 21, 2023
Nabil was a great guide and program leader. We were lucky to have him!
— Review left September 19, 2023
I had no idea how much I would enjoy this Road Scholar tour of Morocco. I knew little about the country; somebody else suggested the trip and I just went along. But oh what a delightful tour this turned out to be! Road Scholar has done a remarkable job of choosing sights to see, hotels to visit, experiences to delight, dining to savor, and experts to share knowledge. Morocco is so much more than the sunbaked desert I expected to find. It has a rich culture, the people are friendly, the arts are impressive, and the geography is stunning. I thoroughly enjoyed my two-week Road Scholar adventure and if you are even slightly interested in seeing Morocco I encourage you to sign up. I hope you are lucky enough to draw Nabil Akabli as your guide as he is outstanding. And here's some advice: when you get to Casablanca you really do need to visit Rick's Cafe. You probably won't find Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman there, but the ambiance and the Dooley Wilson tunes will surely win you over. That was a lot of fun. As for the whole trip, if you'd like to see what I saw, copy and paste this link into your browser: http://paintrock.net/morocco I hope you are fortunate enough someday to make this wonderful trip.
— Review left July 6, 2023
Very good trip – learned a lot – too many participants
This is a very good trip. I learned a lot about the history / culture, geography, Islam, economy, and arts of Morocco. Nabil Akabli is a very good tour guide. He is a wealth of information and is very approachable. Malika Lemdarsaoui of the Center for Cross-Cultural Learning is very pleasant and provided helpful information before and during the trip.
The number of participants on the trip was 24 which is TOO many given the various places visited. I felt ‘herded’ at times at some of the venues visited and therefore not able to fully experience and enjoy the venues. The large number of people placed undue challenges on the trip leader to ‘keep track’ of people. The optimal group size for this trip is 12. No more than 15 individuals should be on the trip.
The physical activity description / requirements of the trip provided by Road Scholar was accurate. People need to carefully read the physical requirements when signing up for a trip. This trip is not extremely physically demanding yet there were several individuals who were physically challenged doing this trip which impeded the enjoyment of others on the trip. This also added unnecessary challenges for the trip leader to accommodate the individuals who were physically challenged. If a trip appears to be too demanding, people should not sign up for it and instead sign up for a less rigorous trip.
If the number of participants on the trip was smaller (e.g. 12 – 15 people) this would be a 5 star (excellent) trip rather than a 4 star (very good) trip.
— Review left June 24, 2023
Amazing trip. Phenomenal guide (Nabil). Fascinating country. Well organized. Learned a lot. Lots of novel experiences. Highly recommend.
— Review left May 17, 2023
Our mid-February trip to Morocco was wonderful. We were surprised by the geographical diversity of the country, from green agricultural lands to the sand dunes of the Sahara, across the Rif and Atlas Mountains still covered then in snow, past olive groves and date palm oases. In the cities, we experienced the blend of modern and ancient, delighting in the colors of the tile work that is everywhere and the carved and painted doors that define the walls in the narrow streets of the medinas. Morocco feels like a country on the rise, with infrastructure improvements visible everywhere, and we were welcomed warmly wherever we went. Our tour leaders, Malika and Aziz, were fabulous guides throughout our journey, and the presentations on modern politics, women in modern Morocco, architecture, various types of Moroccan music, and more were highly informative. The visit to a women's business cooperative and to an elementary school and to a smaller town off the usual tourist circuit added a richness to our experience. And we rode camels and 4x4 vehicles across the sand dunes. We highly recommend this trip.
— Review left May 8, 2023
A great program with leader Nabil. Strongly recommended.
— Review left April 7, 2023
If you have longed to visit Morocco, this is the trip for you! Morocco has long been on my bucket list, and this trip exceeded all of my expectations. In fact, it left me hungry for more, and I hope to return! It was a great introduction to a complex, fascinating, multicultural country in western Africa. I learned so much, and will continue to read and learn more about what is one of my favorite places on earth.
— Review left April 5, 2023
I had a lot of misunderstandings about the Muslim world which were greatly clarified by this trip. We share much more in common than we differ.
— Review left March 21, 2023
What a fantastic trip to Morocco! If you want to learn and experience something different, I highly recommend it!!!
— Review left March 16, 2023
My husband and I just returned from the Road Scholar program: Morocco: Melting Pot of Cultures. It was a fantastic experience! Our group leader Nabil Akabli was so knowledgeable, caring and entertaining. The activities were very enjoyable and varied. It was a very complete experience. We learned so much about Moroccan culture and politics, enjoyed the food of the region very much, and the accommodations. Our group became very close knit, and we'll stay in touch with several of the participants.
— Review left March 14, 2023
Morocco is a fascinating, exotic, enigmatic country, and the Road Scholar 16-day trip, Morocco: Melting Pot of Cultures, provides a beautiful, memorable view into its turbulent past and overall peaceful present. From the northern agricultural fields to the High Atlas Mountains, it was a fabulous trip!
— Review left March 12, 2023
Highly recommend this interesting and colorful program.
— Review left March 10, 2023
This trip was the best Road Scholar trip I've taken so far (my seventh.) Highly recommend. Everyone we met was friendly, open, and made us feel welcome.
Our guide, Nabil, made the trip. He was a joy to travel with, and answered all our questions, no matter what the subject. I also just enjoyed getting to know him.
This trip is long, but you need this much time to see the country. The variety of experiences was excellent -- food, music, lectures on many aspects of Moroccan culture and life, field trips, personal exploration, etc.
The accommodations were also better than other Road Scholar trips I've taken. Everything was planned to make you comfortable, but also challenged by what you are learning.
— Review left February 28, 2023
It says a lot about a program when you tell your friends about it and they say that they'd like to do this same trip... with Road Scholar. I can't say enough about how the combination of education, and experiences changed my entire understanding of Morocco. Initially I was nervous to visit this unknown (to me) country. However, education about the government, history, Islam, place of women, education, medinas, economy, agriculture, etc. really helped me to better understand both the bigger picture of the country and smaller picture of people's daily lives and values. It was a brilliant experience!!
— Review left December 9, 2022
This is a great overview of Morocco's rich cultural, historical and ongoing contribution to the world. I highly recommend the trip but would prefer a bit more physical activity.
— Review left November 25, 2022
This program changed the way I think about Islam. For this reason alone, I think the trip is worthwhile. The organization running this trip in Morocco is the Center for Cross Cultural Learning, and they do an amazing job of giving trip participants a look into the culture of Islam and Morocco. The guide they use for many of their trips is Nabil, and he is everything you could ask for in a guide. However there is one very negative aspect of the trip you will have to consider before choosing Road Scholar to visit Morocco. Their group size is 24, and it is impossible to visit the crowded local markets with a group this size. All you can do is try to keep an eye on the back of the person in front of you. You can't stop to take a photo, or even gaze into a shop. It is very frustrating.
The weather in Morocco in November is perfect - dry, with low humidity and temperatures ranging from 55 - 80.
No trip is ever perfect, so you will have to decide if you are willing to live with the frustrations of a very large group to get the kind of quality educational content they offer.
— Review left November 22, 2022
The Morocco trip was delightful, and our guide Nabil was excellent. There are several long days on the bus, and everyone is able to have two seats, so you're not crowded. It's the only way you can get to the cities on the Atlantic coast and also experience the Sahara - and the camel ride! It's too bad that our "small group" consisted of 22 participants; that's a lot of people to gather all the time. For lots of details about this tour, feel free to read our blog here: http://www.mytripjournal.com/Lois_and_John_Morocco
— Review left November 22, 2022
Morocco: Melting Pot of Cultures was a wonderful way to discover the rich diverse culture of Morocco and to learn about the country's history and customs. The program is well-structured, the local guides were informative, and our group leader kept it fun and on track. A great trip!
— Review left November 20, 2022
If you have been intrigued by Morocco's unique geography, history and various cultures and want to explore the country in person, go with Road Scholar!
— Review left November 13, 2022
Our trip to Morocco with Road Scholar far exceeded our expectation. We found it to be a welcoming country with a fascinating history. We learned a great deal about its history, culture and people. We recommend it without any hesitation.
— Review left November 2, 2022
This program is terrific. Our guide, Nabil, made everything run smoothly and was very informative and fun. Morocco is amazing! You will learn more than you can imagine and see many interesting and varied areas of this beautiful country. The tent camp is an experience of a lifetime, don’t skip the camel ride!
The Center for Cross Cultural Learning has put together a rich experience. So glad I went. Thanks again RS!
— Review left November 2, 2022
My first Road Scholar experience was phenomenal! I now understand why others have raved about this tour company. Don’t miss the 17 day tour of Morocco.
— Review left October 6, 2022
If you have ever thought about seeing Morocco, put this trip at the top of your bucket list. Morocco is rich in history, culture, cuisine, and architecture. it is a country that is diverse and also a feast for you senses. This tour was well organized with fantastic guides. There are some long days of bus rides but it's the only way to see the diversity of this beautiful country. I didn't want the trip to end.
— Review left October 6, 2022
Wow, a great trip. Full of information, sites, activities, etc. that were new and thought provoking. Go now, before it’s all too much for you.
— Review left September 20, 2022
The Moroccan Melting Pot tour was everything I was looking forward to and more. Our leader, Nabil, was outstanding in his knowledge and ability to explain many complex issues, always willing to clarify and take questions. We saw and experienced a tremendous variety of Moroccan culture, history and scenery and found the Moroccan people to be friendly and welcoming. Our driver, Mohamed, was pleasant, considerate, professional and very much appreciated. I was so thrilled to finally make this trip after several cancellations due to Covid and look forward to sharing this exotic journey with my friends and family.
Jean G., Illinois, September 2022
— Review left September 20, 2022
The Road Scholar Program (#7158) Morocco: Melting Pot of Cultures was exactly that! The trip was fascinating from beginning to end, and our fabulous guide (Nabil) made the experience really educational and enjoyable. Morocco is a truly fascinating country and one worth exploring!
— Review left May 30, 2022
The tour of Morocco was very well organized, the trip leader and other presenters were first rate, the bus was very comfortable (important as we covered 2000 miles), the locations we visited were diverse and uniformly interesting and we had a simpatico group.
— Review left May 26, 2022
If you've ever thought of visiting Morocco, DO IT now with the Road Scholar Program.
I learned so much about this amazingly colorful, historical, and unique country that surprised & delighted me and challenged & changed by beliefs about Muslims and Islam. Moroccans are some of the most friendly
and respectful people I've met. The sites & sights and the beauty of this country should not be missed!
— Review left May 25, 2022
Morocco! Best travel experience of my life, go there soon!
— Review left April 14, 2022
An excellent way to experience a fascinating and diverse country
— Review left April 13, 2022
This trip was my twelfth Road Scholar adventure, and without a doubt one of my very favorites. Each activity was thoughtfully planned, and enhanced my knowledge and appreciation of Morocco’s history and culture. I was grateful to have read several books on the reading list beforehand, as I knew very little about Morocco’s history. Our leader was eager to share his vast knowledge, with great patience, warmth and humor. The four concerts each showcased a specific region’s cultural heritage, and added to my enjoyment of the program. The pace of the program was active, but not exhausting; I appreciated our free time and meals on our own for individual exploration. I heartily recommend this awesome program to anyone who thrives on experiencing different cultures.
— Review left November 12, 2021
Morocco is a great destination for serious travelers. It has a fascinating history, a complex present, friendly people, good food, and photo opportunities galore. Tourist infrastructure is fine (two of the hotels were marginal, a few were world class), and it is a safe country for visitors. This itinerary is well-conceived to give you an in-depth appreciation of Morocco's key cities and parts of the interior of the country. The founders of the Center for Cross Cultural Leadership, Farah and Abdelhay, are justifiably proud of their homeland and convey that to their guests with several informative presentations and their gracious hospitality. Our tour leader Nabil was extremely well-informed, and did an excellent job of sharing information and his own perspectives. He was also patient with some of the participants who struggled to keep the pace. To that point, this program involves a fair amount of walking on uneven surfaces, moving in crowded neighborhoods, and getting on/off the bus. Due to the distances covered to provide a full taste of the nation, there are long rides involved on a comfortable bus with frequent rest stops, a very safe driver (Mohamed), and onboard Wifi in most areas. Most of the Road Scholars thrived on the new adventures each day, learning from the interesting local guides, and discovering the medinas, architecture, music, costumes, and history. It is worth noting that the Road Scholar web site is incorrect in several important areas: The spacious desert tent DOES have an ensuite flush toilet, running water, and shower; the short and fun camel ride IS included; and, the impressive Majorelle Garden in Marrakech IS part of the tour. If you are curious and energetic, this Road Scholar program should be high on your wish list. And, again, if you are an avid photographer like me, you will be in heaven with the opportunities for photos around every corner.
— Review left October 25, 2021
I would suggest you be very honest with your physical abilities to do this trip. It is very physical. You may really want to do this trip, but it could be too difficult for you.
The highlight for me was the camel ride and sleeping in tents in the desert. The tents have indoor plumbing and are luxurious, "glamcamping"
— Review left October 20, 2021
The Morocco: Melting Pot of Cultures is an outstanding educational program by the Center for Cross Cultural Learning (CCCL). You learn so much about their diverse cultures and history with the lectures, tours, musical performances, cooking demonstrations, unique cities, and the desert experience in the sand dunes staying in a tent camp. Even the camel ride was fun and everyone had a great time. The Moroccan people were so kind and thoughtful throughout the country. I felt thankful that we could travel again in the world despite the issues of safety of Covid. People wore face masks and did social distancing. The bus and hotels were clean/comfortable and we ate very healthy food. Morocco should be on your "bucket list" for places to visit. I highly recommend this Road Scholar tour with the CCCL's vision of helping us to understand multi-cultural differences through educational experiences.
— Review left October 19, 2021
As usual with Road Scholar, this Moroccan trip was very good.
— Review left March 5, 2020
This was the trip of a lifetime. Tops in information, experience and overall quality. Good value too. Highly recommended in all respects.
— Review left February 26, 2020
Wow! What a great couple of weeks. I don't think the program description adequately prepared me for the overall impact this program was going to have on me. I returned from this trip feeling it had entirely exceeded my expectations.
— Review left November 13, 2019
From alpine forests with snow on the ground through agricultural lands and a huge oasis to the Sahara dunes, Morocco has a remarkably diverse landscape. From cosmopolitan cities to small rural communities and ancient medinas and marketplaces we saw a broad range of lifestyles. With all this and considering this our first visit to a muslim country, our exceptional study leader Nabil Akabli brought us an amazing experience.
— Review left April 22, 2019
What an interesting adventure this was! We learned so much about a different culture and part of the world with a very long history. I didn't expect the magnificent landscape of the country which made bus rides pass quickly while I watched the beautiful farm lands and mountains. There was a variety of little villages of 1800 people to a big city of 4.5 million people! Modern cities and donkeys and sheep. Malls and winding market stalls. Unexpected splendor.
— Review left April 20, 2019
I recommend this trip, Morocco: Melting Pot of Cultures, for anyone who has an interest in Africa or Islam but who feels need of a cultural guide to make the most of an exploratory visit. The trip design and the educational content were handled superbly by the Center for Cross-Cultural Learning, Rabat and by our gifted guide.
— Review left April 12, 2019
Morocco is a stunningly beautiful country with a very interesting history and culture. The educational content covered historical and modern themes and I came away understanding more about what makes Morocco unique among Islamic countries. The camel trek and overnight in the Sahara desert should be a bucket list item for everyone.
— Review left March 24, 2019
We discovered a fascinating country and culture with an outstanding guide.....
— Review left March 24, 2019
Morocco !! This one is not to be missed. For all you RS frequent flyers (20+), Morocco will rank up there with your best.
— Review left March 3, 2019
This was an excellent program that provided opportunity for an in-depth understanding of the many and varied aspects of Moroccan life, culture and history.
— Review left February 27, 2019