Private: Casablanca And The Grand Mosque

Private: Casablanca And The Grand Mosque Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

Our tour of Casablanca will introduce you to the mystic of the East.

Many travellers stay in Casablanca just long enough to change planes or catch a train, but the sprawling metropolis deserves more time. It may not be as exotic as other Moroccan cities, but it is the country’s economic and cultural capital, and it represents Morocco on the move. Casablanca is where the money is being made, where the industry is, where art galleries show the best contemporary art and where fashion designers have a window on the world. The contrast is always interesting. The architecture always stunning.

After meeting your guide, you will be brought directly to the Hassan II Mosque. An awe-inspiring structure situated overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Hassan II Mosque is a marvel of Moroccan architecture: constructed in just seven short years, under the rule of King Hassan II himself, over 10,000 of the Kingdom’s finest craftsmen were active in realizing the grand vision of French architect Michel Pinseau. Six thousand craftsmen were responsible for the impressive mosaics throughout the structure. The entire mosque is an incredible combination of traditional carvings, woodwork, and Moroccan plastering, with modern elements reflecting its urban environment. The largest mosque in Morocco, it can comfortably host over 100,000 worshipers. Be sure to take a stroll along the spacious esplanade, and enjoy a guided tour inside this iconic symbol of Casablanca.

From the coast, visit another distinct city-staple: the winding Habous neighborhood, which flourished during the era of the French Protectorate. The habous is where one can discover smaller scale Moroccan handicrafts in the traditional souk, or marketplace, frequented by locals and visitors alike. Discover a little more about Moroccan style and design while exploring small shops overflowing with ceramics, leather work, beautiful tea sets and of course typical Moroccan babouche - handmade leather slippers that dot the inside of most Moroccan households. The habous is also the perfect location for relaxing in an outdoor cafe and enjoying a traditional Moroccan mint tea - brewed with gunpowder green tea, fresh mint, and plenty of sugar. For those interested in sampling some of Casablancas tasty snacks, pop in to Patisserie Bennis, a famous local bakery where you must try the local specialty, a pastry known as the Gazelle’s Horn! In addition to navigating the souk, you can take in the entrance to the King’s Royal Palace as well as the neighboring courthouse.

Following the habous, take a stroll around the city’s Art Deco District - another interesting example of Morocco’s history of combined cultures. Built early in the last century, the European influence of the downtown architecture is a surprising treat for the eyes. Particularly notice the towering French-inspired apartment and office buildings, with distinctly Moroccan happenings on the ground level - small hanoots (corner stores), traditional hammams, fresh fruit and flower carts making their way through town.

From the Art Deco District, you’ll head back towards the seaside neighborhood with a first stop for a traditional Moroccan lunch: fresh salads, typical tagines, plenty of bread and sweet mint tea! A trip to Morocco would not be complete without trying a signature tagine, with home-ground spices and locally sourced ingredients. A couple of our favorite traditional tagine recipes include chicken with dried apricot or preserved lemon, or beef with caramelized onions and raisins. Following your meal, take a walk down the Boulevard de la Corniche, Casablanca’s ocean-side avenue lined with ice cream and orange juice vendors, families taking a stroll, and children splashing along the rock-lined seawall. The Corniche is the place to feel the salty ocean breeze and take in an a beautiful sunset over the ocean.

During this tour, you will have seen Casablanca-specific sites as well as Moroccan traditional happenings, in perfect timing to return to sea having had a small taste of what the Kingdom has to offer.

- The $20 per person entry fee to the Grand Mosque is not included in the price of the tour.
- The price of lunch is not included in the price of the tour and costs approximately $30 per person.
- One bottle of mineral water will be provided for each guest.

- Please alert ShoreTrips in advance of any dietary restrictions or limitations.
- Modest dress is required when visiting the mosque. All guests must wear long pants or long dresses (no shorts). Women will need a shawl to cover their head. All guests must remove their shoes before entering the mosque. Please bring a plastic bag to carry your shoes.
- This tour can accommodate a collapsible wheelchair. All wheelchair guests must be able to transfer in and out of the tour vehicle with assistance from someone in their party. You will be asked during the check out process if anyone in your party will be using a wheelchair.
- While most sites on this tour can be accessed with a wheelchair, they might be sites where a wheelchair cannot move freely.

Days offered: 7 days a week

Departures:

• 09:00 AM, duration: 8 hours