October 19, 2004 -- In Morocco, hand and body signals play a crucial part in conversation. Don't show anyone the soles of your feet. It's offensive. Nor should you stare at someone for longer than a second. They'll think you're giving them the evil eye. Why should you know this? Because travel-friendly Morocco is becoming a better deal with each passing season.
Gateway to Morocco (866/410-1300; www.gateway2morocco.com) offers a host of cultural tours encompassing such thematic packages as desert, beach or religious tours and even a four-wheel drive adventure package. The site's music, annoying on most Web surfing forays, works here as the subtle Arabic notes get you in the mood for your destination. The good deals help even more. "The Grand Tour of Morocco" is a ten-day/nine-night look at the diversity of Moroccan culture. From the spiritual desert of Fez to the markets of Marrakech to the sophistication of Casablanca, the tour includes luxury accommodations and knowledgeable guides.
The tour departs approximately two times a month through October 2005 and starts at $1,776 for double occupancy at 4-star hotels and $2,365 for five-star lodging. A similar seven-day desert oases tour starts at slightly lower prices at around $1,312. Airfare on Royal Air Maroc out of New York City, hotels taxes and gratuities are included in your tour price. The site is currently offering 10% off of the total price on cultural tours if you book by December 31. For you adventure seekers, a four-wheel driving package with tent living in the desert can be customized to your liking.
For travelers who like some exercise with their sightseeing and want to see Morocco like the Bedouins -- by foot -- Cross Country International (tel. 800/828-8768; www.walkingvacations.com) put together a six-night walking tour that includes approximately five to six hours a day of trekking through Moroccan towns and countryside. Starting at $2,250, the tour takes you through tiny villages and spiritual centers. The last 2004 tour just left on October 13, but look for 2005 dates for this unique tour at www.walkingvacations.com/hiking_vacations/morocco_walk.php. This tour does not include air travel, but it does include six nights' hotel accommodation, all meals, snacks during walks, entrance fees to special sites, a professional guide and appropriate taxes. Expect to walk five to 14 miles a day with moderate hiking as difficult as it gets.
To find good airfare to Morocco, you can look at national carrier Royal Air Maroc (www.royalairmaroc.com) or, as we suggest, look to ASAP Tickets (tel. 888/585-2727; www.asaptickets.com), which offers discounted ticketing to European, African and other global destinations. A current special to Morocco is offering a $366 dollar roundtrip airfare from New York to Casablanca. Call to get this promotional fare and mention code 56434243 to get all available departure dates and times. Flights from New York to Casablanca on major carriers normally run around $600, so the promotional fare from ASAP Tickets is obviously a good deal.
Another good deal exists with Globus Journeys (tel. 800/680-6858; www.globusjourneys.com). An 11-day air-inclusive tour starts at $1,842. The last 2004 trip departs on November 30, 2004 and several trips per month depart beginning in March 2005. Departure and arrival taxes and fares from other cities are advised at the time of booking.
Share your travel experiences and ask questions about planning a trip on our Morocco Message Boards.