Casablanca

Rabat is both the capital and the youngest of the 4 ‘Imperial Cities’. Deriving its name from ribat or monastic stronghold, it is the seat for the King’s residence, government buildings and foreign embassies.

An exterior visit to the Royal Palace will show you a magnificent example of Moroccan and Andalucian architecture, and you will continue with an overview of the Cellah fortress, which used to be a part of the old town before it was abandoned in the 12th century.

Considered as the 8th wonder of the world, the Mohammed V Mausoleum is the final resting place of the famous king. King Hassan II built this highly ornate mausoleum in 1971 in honour of his father, Sultan Mohammed V, the liberator of the kingdom. Inside, you’ll see the exquisitely crafted burial chamber and white onyx tomb, which stands on a slab of granite.

In the same area you will find the Hassan Tower, an imposing 4-sided minaret. This tower stands among the ruins of its 12th century mosque; so large, it was never completed and is the principal landmark of Rabat.

You’ll end your visit at the Andalusian gardens of the Kasbah of Oudayas, which dates back to the 17th century and displays a large variety of plant life and flowers.

Explore the beauty of Casablanca, the city of contrasts. Your tour will begin with a drive along the Atlantic sea-side resort of Casablanca called the ‘Corniche Boulevard’ with its wonderful hotels, restaurants and private swimming pools.

An exterior visit of the Hassan II Mosque will allow you a photo opportunity of the largest religious monument in the world after Mecca, which boasts the world’s largest minaret stretching 650 feet in height. Marvel at the impressive Moroccan architecture of this vast mosque built on the sea edge.

After sampling mint tea and a pastry at a local hotel, your tour continues through the residential district of Anfa with its stunning mansion houses and expensive private properties. You’ll then drive through the city centre to Mohamed V Square to admire the true beauty of the Palace of Justice before returning to the ship.

Once known as Mazagan, the fortified city of El Jadida was built on the shores of the Atlantic and founded in 1513 by the Portuguese. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a small, delightful coastal town with several 12 feet-thick bastions – L’Ange, Saint Sebastian, Saint Antoine and Saint Esprit.

Within its city walls are the former Portuguese residences, with pilasters and wrought iron balconies, and the minaret and mosque standing next to the deconsecrated Church of Our Lady of Assumption, built in the pentagonal watchtower.

During a stroll around the ramparts and from each of the 5 bastions, you’ll have magnificent views across the town and sea gate, the moat and the clustered houses.

You will be amazed by an interior visit of the cistern, an underground reservoir. This immense square hall is supported by 25 columns and lit only by a circular opening in the roof.

Built originally as an arsenal, in the 16th century the Portuguese transformed it into a cistern. There is a mark on the wall that records the water level at that time; a setting often used by film-makers, in particular Orson Wells for his ‘Othello’.

You’ll make a short visit of the Medina on foot before returning to Casablanca.

Casablanca, founded in 1515 by the Portuguese, is now an expanding dynamic metropolis, with wide avenues lined by modern buildings of European style.

Your tour will begin with an enjoyable drive along the coastal road known as the Corniche, bordered by an uninterrupted sweep of beaches and a tourist area hidden among the rocks. Spend approximately an hour at the imposing Hassan II Mosque, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture and the third largest mosque in the Islamic world. This magnificent building has a 689-foot-high minaret and a capacity for 25,000 worshippers.

Afterwards, you will take a panoramic drive through the residential quarter of Anfa with its mansion houses, crossing of the Boulevard Zerktouni and the beautiful Arab league and Nations Square. Stop for a picture of the Palace of Justice, then visit the Church of Notre Dame de Lourdes and discover the Royal Palace Esplanade and the typical Moorish-style buildings of the Habous Quarter for an opportunity to purchase spices, leather goods and souvenirs before returning to the ship.

Your tale begins with a panoramic drive along the Corniche Boulevard of Casablanca and its wonderful hotels and luxury restaurants for a photo stop at the Hassan II Mosque, an awe- inspiring modern marvel decorated by artisans over the centuries.

Continue through the boulevard d’Anfa and the residential district of Anfa. Crossing the Arab League and Place des Nations, visit the famous Cathedral Notre Dame de Casablanca.

Sit back and relax for the drive to Rabat, some 60 miles north of Casablanca. Upon arrival, you’ll see the 18th century Medina of Rabat, with its narrow streets.

Lunch will be served in a typical Moroccan restaurant within the Medina. After lunch, you will visit the Andalusian Gardens of the Kasbah of Oudayas, dating back to the 17th century, the prestigious Mohamed V Mausoleum (considered as the 8th wonder of the world), and the Royal Palace Esplanade to admire the majestic palace, built in the second half of the 18th century by the Sultan Mohamed Ben Abdullah. As you journey back to Casblanca, you will have time to reflect on your Moroccan experience.