Excursion City highlights & art history with lunch at rick's cafe' tour at Casablanca

Experience the historic splendour and artistic highlights of Casablanca during a scenic, full-day sightseeing excursion to this legendary city.

Hassan II Mosque

Depart the pier for the short drive to the awe-inspiring Hassan II Mosque. The second-largest mosque in the world, it can hold 25,000 people. This magnificent building is overwhelming in its grandeur, and exquisite in its detail. The foundations are built partly on land, and partly over the water. Some of the ceilings in this sacred building are over 200 feet (about 70 meters) tall, and part of it has a retractable roof. It is the only mosque in Morocco where non-Muslims are allowed to enter inside. Following your guided visit, re-board your coach and drive to a vantage point for a unique view of the Hassan II Mosque. From this spot, the city can be seen along the coastline and the towering Hassan II Mosque appears to float on the sea.

Anfa and New Medina

Your tour continues through Anfa, perched high on a hill overlooking the city. Anfa was the original site of Casablanca, and is highlighted by main avenues, green parks and magnificent villas in a variety of architectural styles. Leaving Anfa, drive to the New Medina, or 'Habous Quarter', for a guided stroll through this historic part of the city, which is lined with souks, shops and a warren of alleyways.

United Nations Square, Mohammed V Boulevard, Rick's Café and Lunch

Next, re-board your coach and drive to the vast United Nations Square. Upon arrival, take another guided walk down the long, palm-lined Mohammed V Boulevard, the heart of Old Casablanca. On the surface, it may appear more than a little tatty at the edges, but this gleaming, Art Deco-styled jewel was once synonymous with all that was dazzling, exciting and new. Proceed for lunch at the famous Ricks Café, the mythical saloon from the 1942 film, 'Casablanca'. Set in an old, courtyard-style mansion built against the walls of the Old Medina, this restaurant and piano bar is filled with architectural and decorative details reminiscent of the film. Alcohol is not included in the lunch.

La Villa des Arts, Abderrahman Slaoui Museum, Antique Jewellery and Art

After lunch, re-board your coach and head to La Villa des Arts. Located in a converted Art Deco building with a pleasant garden near the Parc de la Ligue Arabe, this gorgeous, 1930s gallery holds exhibitions of contemporary Moroccan and international art. Your last stop is at the Abderrahman Slaoui Museum, located inside the home of a charming Art Deco building dating from the 1940s. Dedicated to Moroccan jewellery and décor, the museum features a unique collection of antique jewellery, vintage posters by great artists such Dinet, Majorelle and De La Neziere, miniatures, 19th-century Bohemian crystal boxes, illuminations and other objects collected from around the world. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Casablanca, Hassan II Mosque, Anfa, New Medina, United Nations Square, Mohammed V Boulevard, Rick's Café, Lunch, La Villa des Arts, Abderrahman Slaoui Museum

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking and standing for approximately 875 yards (about 800 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Proper attire is required to enter the mosque; men should wear pants or shorts that cover the knees, and women should cover their heads, arms and legs. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour, and at least 21 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Guests must be at least three feet (about 0.9 metres) tall to participate on this tour. Guests must weigh less than 300 pounds (about 136 kilograms) to participate on this tour. Guests are advised not to take photos of military personnel without their consent. Guests are advised to mind their belongings at all times, particularly at tourist points of interest or crowded places. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.