Hi..
I will be joining an Imtrav trip to Morroco this May. However, because my return flight takes off from Casablanca a day after the tour officially ends, I have the following question:
If I wanted to stay on an extra day in Marrakech (instead of returning to Casablanca with the group), would I have to forfeit my final night of (Imtrav-provided) hotel at Casablanca and also the train ticket from Marrakech to Casablanca for the scheduled journey back to Casablanca?
What I'm trying to say is, would it be possible for me to utilize the trip-included hotel stay at Casablanca and/or change the use of the train ticket for a day later?
I hope you can help me with this query. Thanks very much in advance.
Re: Queries on Morroco trip
Hi Janna,
Thank you for your post.
This is definitely possible for you to do, however any unused services with Imtrav are non refundable and cannot be exchanged.
We cannot arrange trains separately in Morocco but these are extremely easy for you to arrange yourself locally and the Tour leader will be able to assist you. This is the website for them:
[url=http://www.oncf.ma]www.oncf.ma[/url]
It's in French but you can make out the schedules.
Re: Queries on Morroco trip
[quote]Originally posted by Janna:
[b] Hi..
I will be joining an Imtrav trip to Morroco this May. However, because my return flight takes off from Casablanca a day after the tour officially ends, I have the following question:
If I wanted to stay on an extra day in Marrakech (instead of returning to Casablanca with the group), would I have to forfeit my final night of (Imtrav-provided) hotel at Casablanca and also the train ticket from Marrakech to Casablanca for the scheduled journey back to Casablanca?
What I'm trying to say is, would it be possible for me to utilize the trip-included hotel stay at Casablanca and/or change the use of the train ticket for a day later?
I hope you can help me with this query. Thanks very much in advance. [/b][/quote]
Re: Queries on Morroco trip
Hi, if you are doing the Deserts & Kasbahs trip starting on 26 May, then my friend and I are on the same trip. We also fly out of Casablanca the day after the trip ends and was thinking of doing the same as you, that is, stay the extra night in Marrakesh and catch train to Casablanca the day after the tour does. Are you arranging everything before you arrive in Morocco or going to do it once in Morocco?
Re: Queries on Morroco trip
[quote]Originally posted by Kerry W:
[b] Hi, if you are doing the Deserts & Kasbahs trip starting on 26 May, then my friend and I are on the same trip. We also fly out of Casablanca the day after the trip ends and was thinking of doing the same as you, that is, stay the extra night in Marrakesh and catch train to Casablanca the day after the tour does. Are you arranging everything before you arrive in Morocco or going to do it once in Morocco? [/b][/quote]Hi. Yes I am actually! Great to know someone else would be doing that.
I have made a riad booking for my extra night in Marrakesh. As I fly out from Casablanca at around mid-day on Sunday, I dare not risk travelling to Casablanca only on Sunday itself, so there'll be an extra night in Casablanca to consider as well. This accommodation I have not decided on.
As for train tickets, I guess I'll sort when we're there.
If you would like to discuss further, perhaps you could private message me with your email?
Looking forward to the trip and meeting the rest of the group.
Re: Queries on Morroco trip
I did this in September last year, and the train from Marrakech to Casablanca is very good. It takes around 3.5 hours (allowing for delays - can take 5), there are several trains a day and a 1st Class ticket costs around 125Dh (US$11). You don't need to book in advance - just buy a ticket at the station.
1st Class compartments are air-conditioned and have 3 seats facing each other. There is a small snack trolley on the train but it takes a while to arrive so buy food and water at the station buffet.
The station you need in Casablanca is Casa Voyageurs, not Casa Port. From there take a petit taxi (Fiat Uno, normally) wherever you want to go. Grand taxis are Mercedes, are shared and follow fixed routes. The standard meeting point hotel (Hotel Suisse) is quite a long way from the station - 14km I believe, along the seafront. Get the taxi to put on the meter.
One very good website for train travel is [url=http://www.seat61.com/Morocco.htm]http://www.seat61.com/Morocco.htm[/url] .
Re: Queries on Morroco trip
Thanks for relating your first-hand experience, Jeremy.
A couple more questions, if you don't mind:
1. On the Marrakesh side, how far is the train station from say, the Medina area? I should take a Petit Taxi also?
2. Back in Casablanca, how do I connect to the airport? From Casa Voyageurs, on another train line? Do you remember how much and how long the journey was?
Many thanks.
Re: Queries on Morroco trip
1) Too far to walk with a rucksack, and Moroccan buses are a bit of a squeeze. Definitely take a taxi. From what I recall the train station is in Gueliz, the new town, but I think it's only about a 5-10 minute ride by petit taxi from the Djemaa el Fna. There are maps of Marrakech on the net that will give you a better idea.
2) From our Morocco Country Dossier:
[quote]Casablanca
From Casablanca
Re: Queries on Morroco trip
Hi, sounds like there are no problems with catching trains, etc between Marrakesh and Casablanca. My friend and I at this stage will not be changing anything - we will just play it by ear when we get there. See how we like the towns and decide then if we want to change. Look forward to going and seeing all the sights. Before we know it, it will be time to go.
Re: Queries on Morroco trip
Yep, I'm excited. See you there!
And thanks Jez for the reply to my queries. Appreciated.