Rabat Day Trip from Casablanca: Kasbah, Chellah & Mausoleum

Summary

Private journey from Casablanca to Rabat’s ancient walls and gardens

You’ll travel from Casablanca with a local guide who brings Rabat’s history alive through stories and small details — like feeling ancient stone or hearing storks at Chellah. Explore Hassan Tower, walk blue alleys in the Kasbah of the Udayas, and relax by the river for lunch before heading back with new memories (and maybe a few photos you didn’t expect).

What’s the experience like?

“If you want to understand Rabat, you have to listen to its walls,” our driver Youssef said as we rolled past the old ramparts. He pointed out how the sandstone changes color in the morning light — I hadn’t noticed it before, but he was right. The city felt quieter than Casablanca somehow, even though we arrived just as traffic was picking up. First stop was Hassan Tower — it’s massive up close, and the carved stone feels cool if you run your hand along it (I did, probably not supposed to). Youssef told us about the unfinished mosque and how the tower’s shadow moves across the plaza through the day. It’s weirdly peaceful there; pigeons everywhere.

The Mausoleum of Mohammed V is just next door — guards in bright red uniforms standing so still I wondered if they ever blinked. Inside, it smells faintly of incense and marble dust. Nguyen Viet Thu designed it (Youssef pronounced his name perfectly; I tried and failed). The white onyx tombs under that huge dome are almost glowing in the midday sun. There were a few other visitors but mostly locals paying respects. We couldn’t go into the Royal Palace but stood by its gates watching gardeners sweep leaves into neat piles — one waved at us when my friend tried to snap a photo.

Chellah was my favorite part of this Rabat day trip from Casablanca. Wildflowers everywhere and storks nesting on top of broken pillars — their clacking sounds echoing over old Roman stones. The air smelled like orange blossoms mixed with something earthy I can’t quite describe. The Kasbah of the Udayas came next: blue-and-white alleys twisting down toward the river, kids playing soccer in tiny courtyards, cats sunbathing on doorsteps. At one point I lost track of our group because I stopped to look at some tilework — totally worth it.

Lunch wasn’t included but we ended up at Marina Salé anyway, eating grilled fish while watching boats drift by (and yes, coffee after). Our guide offered to take photos for us — he even made us laugh so hard I nearly dropped my phone in my tagine. On the drive back to Casablanca I kept thinking about those quiet gardens and how different Rabat feels compared to other Moroccan cities. Still not sure what Youssef meant about listening to walls, but maybe that’s something you figure out later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rabat city tour from Casablanca

• Pass by Hassan II Mosque
• Visit Hassan Tower minaret
• Drive 1 hour to Mausoleum of Mohammed V
• View Royal Palace from outside
• Explore Chellah Necropolis and gardens
• Walk along Rabat city walls
• Visit Kasbah of the Udayas
• Stroll Andalusian Gardens
• Lunch break at Marina Salé

Top questions

How long is the drive from Casablanca to Rabat?

It takes about 1 hour each way between Casablanca and Rabat by car.

Is hotel pickup included for this Rabat day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from hotels inside Casablanca city center are included.

Can we enter inside Rabat Royal Palace?

No, visitors cannot enter inside but can view it from outside and enjoy the gardens.

Are entry fees or lunch included?

Lunch is not included; entry fees are covered where needed except meals at Marina Salé.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels with mostly gentle walking.

What languages does the guide speak?

The chauffeur/guide is multilingual; languages include English among others.

Are there any days when attractions are closed?

The Andalusian Garden is closed every Tuesday; check ahead if that's important for your visit.

Do I need my passport during this tour?

You must bring your passport for access near Rabat Royal Palace grounds.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within central Casablanca, private A/C transportation with Wi-Fi onboard, bottled mineral water throughout, plus a multilingual local guide happy to help with photos or questions along every stop — lunch is at your own pace by the river at Marina Salé before heading back homeward.