Our Marrakesh Overland excursion ended today with a drive from Marrakesh to Casablanca to rejoin Viking Sky. This was the description of today’s plan:
Day 4 - Casablanca, Morocco
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and board your motor coach for the drive to Casablanca. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic tour of the famous “White City,” including a stop to view the facade of the Hassan II Mosque, the largest functioning mosque in Africa. Admire its stunning blend of traditional Moorish architecture and modern innovation, then transfer to your awaiting ship to resume your cruise.
We left Marrakesh via Boulevard Mohammed VI, one of the main streets in the western section of the city. I was happy that we were able to see the Marrakesh Railway Station, a blend of classical Moroccan and Islamic architectural influences with modern design. All buildings we passed this morning were less than 100 years old.
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| Scenes Along Boulevard Mohammed VI - The Railway Station Is the Center Photo |
The four-hour drive to Casablanca was mostly by motorway, with scenic views of the countryside along the way. We passed more olive groves, many small villages, and acre after acre of various crops that I could not identify. We even saw fields of red poppies and a blue flower that had just emerged after the recent rains.
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| Scenes Along the Way |
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| Fields of Flowers |
During the drive, we learned more about the country of Morocco. Morocco's history is marked by diverse influences and periods of power, from ancient Berber kingdoms to Arab invasions and European colonialism. Morocco became a French protectorate in 1912 and finally achieved its independence in 1956. Today, Morocco is a constitutional monarchy.
According to our guide, Morocco is a stable country, unlike much of the Middle East, and this is due to the monarchy, where the king sets foreign policy. Morocco also does not react to provocation on the spot. Due to these factors, Morocco is respected by other countries. He wisely pointed out, however, that there is no friendship between countries, only the interests of each one.
Our guide also delved into some of the traditional elements of Moroccan culture. He acknowledged that certain aspects may not be good or even right in today’s world. However, he stated that these elements are what they are and remain a part of the culture of the country. He explained that people simply do not talk about things they do not agree with.
Morocco has made remarkable progress in reducing poverty over the past decade, although there were setbacks during the pandemic. Our guide emphasized, however, that a hard life does not mean a miserable life and that Moroccans can live well on very little.
As we approached the city of Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco and the country's economic and financial center, we saw the skyline of high-rise buildings that now dominate the “White City,” as it is known.
We had a brief panoramic tour through the newer section of the city and drove along lovely tree-lined boulevards. We caught a glimpse of the massive Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, a former Catholic church built in the 1930s that combines Gothic and Art Deco design elements.
Many members of our group wanted to stop at Rick’s Café, a restaurant, café, and bar that opened in 2004 as a recreation of the set of the bar made famous in the classic movie Casablanca. I still don’t quite understand the appeal of what I consider to be a tourist trap that isn't even real, but to each his own. I had to take a photo of the other tourists taking photos of the place.
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| Casablanca Skyline, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, and Tourists in Front of Rick's Cafe |
The highlight of our tour of Casablanca was the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Africa, where we stopped to view the exterior. The mosque was completed in 1993 and is considered by some to be one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the world.
The architecture of the mosque is a blend of traditional Moroccan design elements with contemporary construction techniques, showcasing the nation’s commitment to preserving its cultural legacy while embracing the modern era. The design continues the architectural tradition of the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakesh, which we visited two days ago.
All building materials used in the construction of the mosque came from Morocco, except for the white granite columns and Murano glass chandeliers imported from Italy.
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| Hassan II Mosque |
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| Hassan II Mosque |
On the drive back to the ship, we passed by the walls of the old medina, although there was no time for a visit. The only way to see the medina was on foot.
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| Old City Walls |
Tim and I finally returned to Viking Sky, settled back into our room, and unpacked. I’m so grateful that we were able to participate in this excursion and see another part of the world and its ancient culture. It was another eye-opening experience. I really enjoyed Morocco and would like to return and spend more time there.
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| Sailing Away from Casablanca |
We even had time to watch Dr. Caroline Malloy’s lecture on “The History of Spain,” since that country is next on our itinerary. She helped us understand Spain’s unique role in European and world history.
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| History of Spain: Tradition and Modernity |
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| Timeline of Spanish History |
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