Morocco Trip - Moraira to Casablanca - 7 & 8 Nov

 This trip to Morocco has been arranged by Bob and Janet for the Costa Blanca Mountain Walkers. Our party of 45 left Moraira by coach on Sunday 7th November at 9.40 and travelled all day with 3 rest stops arriving at Torremolinos at 18.00 .  After dinner at  the Royal Costa Hotel we had a walk along the promenade before bedtime. On Monday morning we were off again at 7.30 to Tarifa Puerto (above) to catch the 11.00 Fastjet ferry to Tangier.

 Rosemary and Jan, with matching sandals and handbags, head into the Port terminal .


After a fast and smooth crossing we arrive at Tangier with our passports stamped for entry to the "Kingdom of Morocco".  We then picked up our Moroccan guide "Hassan" and his assistant "Yoosef".  After stopping for lunch at Larache our first sightseeing is at the Capital City - Rabat.

The Mausoleum is built on the site of an ancient Mosque demolished by an earthquake - the only part of the Mosque surviving being an impressive tower. The site was guarded by these ceremonial soldiers who did not mind being photographed - not a common situation in Morocco!

I was unable to discover the function of this impressive object, some sort of BBQ?

Rabat is situated on the coast but this is as close as we got to the sea.

The actual Mausoleum is impressive in white stone but the paved area in front has been "decorated" with  pillars removed from the ancient Roman city of Volubilis, an interesting arrangement! 

The Tomb and its surroundings are very grand.

The "Holy Man" was reading the Koran in a most dignified way, rather spoilt when he had to nip out to answer his mobile phone (just visible under the left of the Koran)!

We were soon on our way again to Casablanca and arrived at the Hotel Ramada Les Almohades at 19.00. Just time for a quick shower, dinner and to sleep after a tiring day. Tomorrow we have a tour of the Hassan II Mosque and then set of for Marrakesh.