Private day trip to Rabat from Casablanca

This was advertised as a tour. In reality, it was as a hired driver. He took us to three different locations and waited in the van while we did our own tour. At the Roman ruins, we were allowed 45 minutes, but the audio tour offered by the venue was 1 hour. The guide didn’t offer information during the drive. My husband asked him questions to get information about what we were seeing. So NOT a ‘tour’. Also, the a/c in the back of the van did not work. We were wet with sweat when we returned to the hotel. The places he took us to were nice. And the driver was always on time.

Very good experience!!! I recommend it to you!!

We had a great day trip to Rabat… thanks to our guide, Mohammad, he made it a memorable one. The City is really beautiful and green! Our lunch by the river overlooking Sale from Rabat is memorable. Thank you!

Casablanca tour was awesome! 🙌 Our driver Mohamed and guide Arafa were fantastic. Driver was chill, super safe, and always on time. Our guide really knew his stuff — took us to the Hassan II Mosque of course, but also some cool spots off the beaten path that most tourists miss. Great vibes the whole time, lots of fun stories and tips. Everything ran smoothly, zero stress. Would 100% recommend if you’re heading to Casablanca and want a good local to show you around!

My husband and I spent one day exploring Casablanca and another day visiting Rabat with a guide. We had a wonderful time, and it was money very well spent. Thank you, Arafa, for sharing your knowledge and making our sightseeing experience so interesting, and thank you, Mohamed, for taking such good care of our comfort and making our journeys so pleasant. We truly appreciate your time, professionalism, and hospitality!

Very nice experience, the guide was very friendly and explained everything. The typical food was very tasty and cheap. Rabat is a very beautiful city and worth to visit

I highly recommend Mr. Mohcim, who is helpful, welcoming, and patient.

Rabat: Where Morocco’s Past Meets the Atlantic I recently had an opportunity to attend a Conference in Rabat, Morocco. I got a chance to visit the city. The name Rabat originates from the Arabic word “Ribat” which means a fortified monastery, military camp or frontier fortress. Historically this term was used describe fortified areas in the Islamic world. People from religious world, soldiers, and scholars lived here to defend the territories. Historically Morocco had four “capital cities” at various times and traditionally it is associated with Rabat is the capital city of Morocco, but historically Morocco has had multiple “capital cities” at different times. Traditionally, Morocco is connected with four Imperial Cities and hence it is popular dictum to say that Morocco has four capitals-Fez, Marrakesh, Meknes and Rabat. Rabat officially became the modern administrative capital in 1912 during the French Protectorate Kasbah of the Udayas overlooks the mouth of the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic Ocean and represents history and known for its cultural landmarks. Its origins dates back to the 15th century when Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur the ruler from Almohad Caliphate built it as a fortified city to not only protect the city but also to access the Bouregreg River. The Kasbah not only signifies a representation of Islamic and military architecture but it also houses residential quarters, fortified walls and gates which shows and speaks of a well-designed urban planning and artistically built structures by Moroccan dynasties. The panoramic view is breathtaking and is recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre as part of the city’s World Heritage landscape. The Bab Oudaia is a monumental gate and includes intricate carvings, patterns which are geometric and huge arches which typically represents the artistic intricacy of the period. History reveals that during the 17th century Kasbah became the haven for the Moriscos who were the Muslims expelled from Spain after the Reconquista. The refugees brought with them their unique architectural styles, crafts, music, gardens and urban traditions which intensely affected the presence of Rabat. The white-and-blue painted houses and narrow streets seen today reflect this Andalusian heritage. The name Salé originates from the old settlements known as Sala during the Roman and pre-Islamic periods. The name Salé has ancient origins and is believed to derive from the old settlement known as “Sala” during the Roman and pre-Islamic periods. Primarily it is interpreted as a rocky or elevated place, fortified location and a settlement near water. The significance of Salé’s coastal position made it a key maritime city involved in trade, defense, and naval activity. It also came be known as a strong Atlantic port during the pirate era. Today it signifies a connection between old and new Morocco by showcasing its importance as a trade centre and maritime activities along the Atlantic coast. The elaborate and magnificent architecture includes the medina which has souks (markets), hammams (bathhouses), madrasas (schools) and mosques. The twin cities of Sale and medina reflect Morocco’s layered blend of Islamic, Andalusian, African, and modern influences. As a metropolitan area it focusses on increasing the economy of the country through trade, commerce, housing, education and tourism. Due to its proximity to Rabat it represents both as a historic city and modern urban centre. As a historic centre of religion, culture, maritime heritage Salé is an important city and bears the Moroccan identity. The Medina which reflects centuries of Moroccan, Islamic, Andalusian, and coastal heritage is located near the Atlantic coast and close to the Kasbah of the Udayas. History comments that the word “Medina” originated from the Arabic word “Madīnah” which identifies city or town. As a matter of fact it is associated with ideas of social order, governance, community life and civilization. The word Medina not only found its connection Saudi Arabia but also became known for its urban settlement representing Islamic civilization. The difference between other Medinas in Fez or Marrakesh was that the Medina in Rabat was represented as a unique blend of cultural and strategic importance through its military and cultural centres. The cute and clean winding lanes are dotted with little shops which exhibits crafts, like tiles, bowls, vases which are etched with traditional and geometric designs which includes floral Islamic designs. One can see carpets of different sizes with beautiful designs and patterns with the weaving styles reflecting Berber and Andalusian influences. Most of the shops are drapes with traditional clothing, wool that is woven and embroidered. Furniture like doors, screens, window panels and decorative boxes are displayed in cute shops with embedded carvings. Fine floral and geometric carvings are important features of Moroccan architecture and interior decoration. Leather items are also an important product and this craftsmanship and tanning goes way back to many centuries. Traditional tanning techniques are used to produce belts, slippers (babouches), wallets, jackets, bags to name a few. The Zellige tile work is very famous and has mosaic tile art which is very intricate and colourful. These tiles have geometric patterns and are hand-cut into small coloured tiles by skilled craftsmen. They are used in mosques, palaces, homes, walls on street and fountains. Another important craft is usage of straws from palm leafs and reeds. They are woven as hats, baskets, baskets using Moroccan traditions and knowledge. Some shops produced traditional perfumes and herbal products which included perfumes, oils spices, henna and cosmetics. The crafts continue to remain symbols of Moroccan identity and link modern society with centuries-old traditions of creativity and craftsmanship. It also supports livelihood and attracts tourism. Today the craftsmanship includes the economy with several artisan guilds. Dr. Annapoorna Ravichander An avid traveller, blogger and an Independent Consultant based in Bengaluru

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So we had a smooth ride with the driver Maud. He was friendly and extremely polite and patient. I will always recommend Shuttle Layover And Tour.

Excellent service. Drive observed and applied all curtesies. True professional and will recommend him anytime.