TOUR B - RABAT
Excursions
- £40 - £50
- Approx. 5 hours
- One and a half hours of walking
We begin our tour with a drive north to Rabat – one of the four imperial cities of Morocco, and the imperial capital, founded in the 12th century. Upon arrival here, we shall drive through Victory Avenue to the King’s Palace. As we view the exterior of the palace, we can savour its impressive arches, an example of fine Islamic architecture. We continue to Chellah, where we can view the fortress with its Roman remains, and visit the Necropolis.
Next, we drive to the Mohammed V Mausoleum, which contains the tombs of the Moroccan king who achieved independence for the country in 1956, and his two sons. The mausoleum is situated on the southern edge of the Great Mosque. The minaret of the Great Mosque is the famous Hassan Tower, which was intended to be the largest minaret in the world. Due to the death of Sultan Yacoub-al-Mansour, construction on the mosque came to a halt, and the tower only reached approximately 44 metres (140 foot) – almost half of its intended height. The unfinished tower has overlooked Rabat for eight centuries.
The Kasbah des Oudayas is at the heart of the military history of Rabat. The fortress was the site of the original R’bat from which generations of cavalry rode out to bring the heretic Berber tribes to obedience. It has also been a government bastion against repeated attacks by the sea. Originally named ‘Kasbah Andaluse’ following the arrival of the Andalusians, the name was changed when an Arabic tribe called the Oudayas established themselves here. Today the Kasbah is a delightful whitewashed Andalucian village.
We leave Rabat for our return journey to Casablanca and our awaiting ship.
TOUR NOTES: This tour includes approximately one and a half hours of walking, some of which may be over uneven ground, with approximately 15 steps to negotiate at the Mausoleum, 30 at the Necropolis and 25 at the Kasbah des Oudayas. Please note we will view the outside of the King’s Palace ONLY. The drive from Casablanca to Rabat takes approximately one and a half to one and three quarter hours – for reference, a comfort stop will be made en route with the opportunity to purchase refreshments (at the guests’ own cost). Refreshments are NOT included in the price of this tour, so guests may wish to bring a bottle of water with them. The journey to and from Casablanca will be via the motorway. This tour may operate in a different order to that described.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR THE 2011 CANARIES & MED SEASON.
Snack or meal provided
Refreshments available
Free time
Shopping opportunity
Wheelchair access
Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
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