Rabat Day Trip from Casablanca: Hassan Tower & Royal Palaces

Hassan Tower ruins tour, historical exploration, ancient mosque, centuries-old intricate calligraphy and patterns

An eight-hour guided day trip from Casablanca to Rabat, Morocco's capital, with a driver-guide, air-conditioned transport and bottled water. You visit Hassan Tower and its adjacent mosque ruins, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V built between 1961 and 1971, the Kasbah of the Udayas fortress at the river mouth, the Royal Palace exterior, and the Andalusian gardens: a UNESCO-listed medieval necropolis and 12th-century city walls included. Bring your passport for Royal Palace access. The Andalusian Garden closes Fridays, and lunch is on your own (€10–€20).

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Hassan II Mosquepass by
2. Hassan Tower30m
3. Mausoleum of Mohammed V15m · entry included
4. Kasbah of the Udayas40m

Explore Rabat Imperial City

• Drive 1h30 from Casablanca
• Visit Hassan Tower and mosque ruins
• Tour Mausoleum of Mohammed V
• View Royal Palace from outside
• Explore Challa Fortress UNESCO site
• Walk along historic city walls
• Visit Kasbah of the Udayas
• Stroll Andalusian-style garden
• Lunch break at Marina Salé

The experience

The drive from Casablanca takes about 90 minutes, and the tour starts with a pass-by of Hassan II Mosque before reaching Hassan Tower itself. The minaret stands 44 meters tall, built in the 12th century under Almohad ruler Yacoub al-Mansour as part of an ambitious mosque project that was never finished. The tower's intricate decorative details (calligraphy and geometric patterns carved into sandstone) are what draw most visitors to stand and look up at it, and your guide will explain the history while you photograph it.

From there, you move to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, an Islamic structure completed in 1971 and designed by Vietnamese architect Nguyen Viet Thu. The white onyx tombs sit beneath a large dome, and the marble work and traditional Islamic architecture make it one of Rabat's most formal stops. Next is the Kasbah of the Udayas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the mouth of the Abu Regrag river, which contains both Roman ruins and a medieval Muslim necropolis. You'll walk the 12th-century fortification walls made of sandstone and reinforced with bastions and gates. They surround the old city and give views over the Medina and surrounding area. The Royal Palace, built in the 1860s and still the official residence of Morocco's king, is viewed from the outside only (your passport is required for access to the grounds). A lunch break happens at Marina Salé, where you can eat on your own. Budget €10–€20 depending on what you choose.

The Andalusian gardens, built in the early 20th century by French architect Jean-Claude Forestier, close the tour: a traditional space with a central reflecting pool, orange trees, fountains, and ornate tilework in the Andalusian style. Note that these gardens are closed on Fridays. Your driver or guide will take photographs for you on request, and you'll have bottled water and on-board WiFi throughout the eight hours.

What’s included

• Guided tour with an expert driver-guide.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport with on-board WiFi.
• bottled mineral water.
• photo assistance from your guide upon request.
• hotel or central pickup from Casablanca (depending on your option).

Options for this experience

2 options

Mini Group TourGuide in English or Arabic · 08:00 and 13:00includes pickup

Private TourGuide in English, French or Arabic · 5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, French and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Premium Transfers and Tours Travel

Is this one for you?Choose the private tour if you want to set your own pace and ask questions without a larger group. The mini group tour keeps costs lower and pairs you with other travelers on the same route. Either way, the fixed itinerary and included transport mean you don't arrange the drive, the stops, or the timing. You just show up with your passport and walk the sites.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

In English and Arabic, with 6 departure times. In French, with 5 departure times.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2): free.

How far is Rabat from Casablanca, and how long does the drive take?

Rabat is about 90 minutes by car from Casablanca. The tour departs from Casablanca and includes the drive time as part of the eight-hour day.

What is Hassan Tower and why is it important?

Hassan Tower is a 44-meter minaret built in the 12th century under Sultan Yacoub al-Mansour as part of an unfinished mosque project. It features intricate calligraphy and geometric patterns and stands as a testament to medieval Moroccan architecture and the city's historical ambitions.

Can I go inside the Royal Palace?

No, visitors cannot enter the Royal Palace, but you can view it from the outside and enjoy the surrounding gardens. You must bring your passport to access the palace grounds.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included. A break is scheduled at Marina Salé, where you can eat on your own for approximately €10–€20 depending on what you order.

Are the Andalusian gardens open every day?

The Andalusian gardens are closed on Fridays, so plan accordingly if you're booking for that day.