Chefchaouen to Rabat

 An early start to get to Rabat in time for a tour. Once again we saw some good farming land and spectacular mountain passes.

Our crew Mohammed, Ali and Driss looking at photos of Russell's sheep.

A lunch stop at Tetouan before heading towards Tangier and the Atlantic Ocean again.

We then ran down the A5 coast road towards Kenitra and Rabat. Rabat is the capital of Morocco but has a population of only half a million. It is known for its Islamic and French colonial heritage. Its landmark sites are the Kasbah of the Udayas, a Berber era fort and French designed gardens.

The Hassan Tower, a 12th century minaret still stands above the 'ruins' of the mosque, both features were never finished. The minaret is the third of a set, the other two are in Marrakech and Seville in Spain.

The Mausoleum houses the tombs of the Royal family, especially Mohammed V.

Inside the Mausoleum it is stunningly beautiful, as well as very tranquil. Mohammed V lies in the centre.

                                 

  Across the park stands the new landmark, the Mohammed VI Tower, which is mainly residential living for the wealthy.                                  
                                       

From there we went to Kasbah Des Oudayas - a beautiful old village with great architecture, a heavy dose of whitewash and a spectacular view of the mouth of the river, the sea and the adjoining city of Salé. It is also Heritage Listed.

After settling in to our hotel in Rabat we walked to a Jewish Moroccan restaurant close to our hotel for our Farewell Dinner. Another charming location where we enjoyed more tasty Moroccan dishes before having some farewell speeches. A few tears were shed and all agreed that Driss had set the benchmark very high for any other tours we might go on. Simply the Best!

Driss demonstrating how to tie a Moroccan headdress and a Berber scarf.

Tomorrow we go in two groups to the airport at Casablanca. Six of us leaving for Paris or Rome at 7.30 am, the rest will leave a few hours later to go to Barcelona, Thailand, Singapore or back to Melbourne.