Visit one of the biggest Mosques in the world, and a modern medina in this port city.
Depart form Rabat at 8.30 am for the 1 hour drive to Casablanca.
Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city and the country's main port, resulting in some gritty and industrial-looking neighborhoods. It also means that Casablanca is perhaps the most cosmopolitan of Morocco's cities, with nightclubs, fast food chains and high end boutiques.
Casablanca is often the first stop for international passengers flying in from afar, and the city is basically used as a transit point. But before you dismiss it entirely and quickly move on to Fes, Rabat or Marrakech, you must stop to visit the Hassan II Mosque, which could be one of the most beautiful buildings ever built.
10am: visit the Hassan II Mosque - the biggest mosque in the world after the one of the mecque, with room for more than 100,000 worshipers. Inaugurated in 1993, it took 6,000 traditional Moroccan artisans five years to build this magnificent mosque, with its intricate mosaics, stone and marble floors and columns, sculpted plaster moldings, carved and painted wood ceilings. Non-Muslims are not allowed inside, but there's plenty to marvel at on the outside, and official tours do allow you access to some areas.
The Corniche - Sometimes referred to as the "South Beach of Morocco", or the "Black pool of Morocco", the Corniche is basically a boardwalk lined with restaurants and nightclubs. It's where local folks go to relax and have fun. Take a stroll down the Corniche if you've spent time inland and want to enjoy the sea breeze. It's a little out of the centre of town, so a taxi drive is required (not included).
12.30: Lunch
Continue to the Place Mohammed V - The main square has a large fountain and is surrounded by lovely examples of French colonial architecture. It's not a destination as such, but if you stumble upon it, you'll enjoy a rest to watch the working world go by and maybe feed a pigeon. The main post office is here, as well as the French consulate and several large banks.
Habous area, situated 3km away from the city centre, is unique in Morocco: a new medina designed according to the traditional model. Initially, it was intended for the rural population coming to work in Casablanca.
5pm: return to Rabat
The Lawrence of Morocco map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
We really know Morocco and have had the pleasure of making many people's dream trips become reality over the years. It has been our privilege to be asked to manage holidays, weddings and productions for so many fantastic and discerning clients. We remain small and dedicated to providing excellent honest advice to enable you to sit back, relax and enjoy the fun bits without having to manage the unpredictability of this fascinating country.
If you want it done right, look no further!
