Back in 2015, the Dhahran Cricket Association (DCA) explored another out-of-kingdom destination on a 5-day tour of Morocco. See photos from the excursion enjoyed by 60 DCA members and family recounted here by Farooq Khan.
On day one, the group arrived in Casablanca via Dammam - Abu Dhabi after a total of 9 hours of flying time where English-speaking guides greeted us. We were transferred in 2 luxurious buses that took us to the downtown area where the group had breakfast at café Les Soeurettes. After breakfast, we drove 3 hours to the famous city of Marrakech which sees the highest number of tourists visiting the city. After enjoying lunch at Palais Chahramane, we had a half-day city tour including a visit to Majorelles garden and shopping at Djemaa el Fna Square. Later, we checked in at Marrakech Atlas Medina Hotel. Then we enjoyed a buffet dinner followed by a well-deserved, overnight rest.
Arrival at Casablanca.
Majorelles Garden Marrakech.
Day-2: The group had breakfast and started the journey to capital Rabat. We visited Kouotoubia Mosque. Stopping for lunch at restaurant du parc in Mohammedia city along the way. After reaching the outskirts of Rabat, we went to the local cricket club where the group was greeted by the Morocco national cricket team coach and club manager. He explained about the level of cricket played in Morocco. The adults and children had fun at cricket for a while. Then we continued to Rabat for a sightseeing city tour including the Mohammed V Mausoleum, Hassan Tower, and Kasbah Oudaya. We checked in at Golden Tulip Farah Hotel. After a buffet dinner, the families had leisure time.
Kouotoubia Mosque Marrakech.
DCA group with Coach of Morocco Cricket Team in Rabat.
Mohammed V Mausoleum in Rabat.
Day-3: The group had breakfast and started the journey to Fes the spiritual capital of Morocco. After viewing the site and taking photographs of the new Fes city, we reached old Fes, medieval Medina. The group walked along the ancient and narrow streets stopping for lunch at Merinides within the old Fes district. After lunch, plenty of shopping was done at the outlets featuring ceramic, leather and other local products. At sunset, we witnessed the beautiful views of ancient Fes from the hilltop. After a long day and late-night back, we reached Casablanca in time for a buffet dinner at the beautiful Casablanca Kenzi Tower Hotel where we stayed for the next 2 nights.
DCA Group in front of Famous Handcrafted Brass Doors of Royal Palace Fes.
Day-4: The group had breakfast and did a half-day city tour of Casablanca. We visited La Hassan II Mosque where the guide explained the history then we went around to see the beautiful architecture of the mosque. Next, we took a bus tour of the corniche and city center. We did some shopping at famous local outlets and had lunch at Restaurant BRAZIL. We stopped at the central market, the Habous district for 3 hours of shopping at multiple shop then saw The Royal Palace.
La Hassan II Mosque Casablanca.
Day-5: A few families did some last-minute early morning shopping while others packed their stuff then travelled back to Dammam from Casablanca via Abu Dhabi.
Countryside.
The DCA board thanks all participating members and families who made this trip successful with their wonderful cooperation and participation. I give special thanks to DCA digital media experts Nasir Mohajir, Fariha Amjad and the young adults who saved memories of this trip by capturing hundreds of photographs. DCA Secretary Amjad Bilal, Treasurer Zain Khan and board member Nadir Khawaja need special appreciation for their role in organizing the trip. Bus coordinators Qamar Rizvi and Zafar Chowdhry did an excellent job during long hours of driving. Ladies, gents, boys, girls, children kept things alive and entertained us with songs, games and other activities during long drives between the cities that made it possible to cover four cities in 4 days so easily.