Private Casablanca: Religious Tour
Casablanca, Morocco
From USD 257.23
Office phone number: +212 661 922 789
Private Casablanca: Religious Tour
Casablanca, Morocco
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Morocco is a place where multiple religions have co-existed side-by-side for centuries, sometimes even overlapping in traditions and beliefs. Get an overview of the region’s religions on this tour that takes you to some of Casablanca’s holiest sites, and shows how Islam, Judaism, Christianity and other faiths have lived in harmony for hundreds of years.
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Highlights
- Get a thorough history of the different religions of Morocco over the centuries
- Soak up the colours and incredible architecture of the Hassan II Mosque
- Learn about the rich history of Judaism with a visit to the city’s historic mellah
- Explore a private collection of Moroccan artwork
- Be mesmerised by the stained glass art in the Notre Dame de Lourdes Church
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Schedule details
- Duration: 5 hours
- Meeting point:
248 Boulevard Sour Jdid, Casablanca 20250 (in front of Rick's Cafe).
View on Google Maps.
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 8.30 AM
- Ending point:
Museum of Moroccan Judaism
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, museum/mosque entrance fees, mint tea, private transport during the tour.
Exclusions: Personal shopping, transportation to/from the meeting and end points, tips/gratuities for your guide.
You'll start a private Casablanca tour with a lesson in Islam and a visit to the largest mosque in Morocco — and the third-largest in the world. With its minaret towering up 210 meters, the Hassan II Mosque blends Islamic architecture with Moroccan elements, Moorish influences with urban design. If you’re up on your Moroccan architecture, some of the design elements may seem familiar — see if you can spot the similarities with other Moroccan buildings such as the unfinished Hassan mosque in Rabat and the Koutoubia mosque in Marrakech.
As you explore, learn some interesting facts about Islam that are unique to Morocco. For example, while Islam doesn’t permit followers to believe in any god beyond Allah, some locals continue to make sacrifices to Sidi Abderrahmane, who is considered to be a saint by many Moroccans. Locals often ask for his blessing, especially in the Arabic month of Chaabane, before Ramadan, and go to his shrine off the coast of Casablanca for healing from disease, fertility issues and even finding a mate!
Next up, it’s time to learn about Casablanca’s Jewish heritage with a trip to the mellah (Jewish quarter) of the old medina. It is here that the city’s Jewish past has been best preserved, and is also where it continues to live today. There are some 5,000 Jews currently living in Casablanca, and the city is home to more than 30 synagogues, plus Jewish monuments, cemeteries and shrines. (And plenty of kosher restaurants as well — be sure to ask your local guide for tips on where to grab a bite to eat after your tour!). Because the mellah was only established less than a century ago, it’s relatively young by Moroccan standards, but it is an important piece of local Jewish history.
We’ll then work our way over to a gorgeous museum inside a home, where a private collection of Moroccan artwork awaits. This house is the former home of Abderrahman Slaoui, a Moroccan businessman who loved the arts. As we peruse the artworks, we’ll stop for a refreshing Moroccan mint tea to help perk us up for the short walk to our next stop.
From there, we’ll take our private transport over to the imposing Notre Dame de Lourdes Church, with its architecture that’s oh-so-different from what you expect to find in Morocco! The European-inspired church towers over its neighbouring buildings.
Finally, we’ll again take a private taxi transfer to the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, which features collections and exhibits covering 2,000 years of Jews in Morocco. You’ll find videos, photographs, paintings, sculptures, and historic documents explaining the past and present of local Jewish life.
After exploring the museum, your guide will escort you back to your hotel (or some other centrally located drop off point) via private transfer. Before you go, don’t forget to ask your guide for tips on what else to see and do in Casablanca.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, museum/mosque entrance fees, mint tea, private transport during the tour.
Exclusions: Personal shopping, transportation to/from the meeting and end points, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Dress standard: As this tour visits religious sites, please dress conservatively. Women should bring a head scarf for wearing inside the mosque.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +212 661 922 789
Email address: info@casablancaurbanadventures.com
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