RABAT
aBOUT THE CITY
Imperial city, cosmopolitan centre of commerce and capital of Morocco, Rabat is a delight for holidaymakers. It’s a grand city, full of fine buildings and welcoming people, with plenty to see and plenty to do. Over the centuries Rabat has been owned by the Phoenicians, Romans, Almohads and Merenids and you’ll find plenty of monuments in the city to these past cultures, not least in the ancient medina. But it’s not all about history in Rabat, there are many fine restaurants to eat in, world class hotels to stay at, and a long warm beach to relax on.
selected experiences
It’s unusual to have a capital city set by the seaside, and it’s a lovely feature of Rabat. Hitting the beach is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre – and the breeze coming off the Atlantic is a great way to cool off in the summer.
The gently curving beach is clean, well kept, and is used for a variety of purposes. Families, holidaymakers, surfers and walkers can be seen on the sands almost all year round, while if you’re prepared to travel a few miles further south or north you’ll find quieter beaches to enjoy.
As befits a capital city, Rabat and the surrounding area is full of cultural festivals. One of the most spectacular is the Wax Lantern (or Candle) Festival that takes place in Sale, which faces Rabat across the Bou Regreg estuary. The procession of people carrying glowing lanterns dates back to the times when Corsairs carried wax lanterns to the sanctuary of town patron Sidi Abdallah Ben Hassoun, to gain his protection before a long voyage.
The Feast of the Throne is celebrated on the 30th of July across the country, but most enthusiastically in the city where the King lives – you should make every effort to hear his address from the palace. And there are several Moussems – Mouley Bousselham in June, Dar Zhiroun in August and Sidi Ahmed ben Mansour in September.
Rabat’s large parks give Morocco’s capital its nickname of ‘City of Flowers’, and there are imposing monuments and heritage landmarks across the city. Large swathes of Rabat are home to impressive buildings and you’ll also find the grand King’s palace there where you can watch the changing of the Royal Guard and other state occasions.
The Museum of Moroccan Arts near the river mouth was once a palace, and now houses a vast collection of Moroccan exhibits from carpets and ceramics to rich silks and jewellery. More craftsmanship can be found in the old souks in the Rabat medina, along with storytellers, musicians and artists who keep alive cultural traditions that have lasted for centuries.
Rabat is a great place for a family holiday. The capital city has plenty of activities and events that will entertain the children and the grown-ups.
Rabat Zoo is always a popular destination; the animals are kept in enclosures rather than cages and when you visit you’ll be able to see giraffes, lions, gorillas, rhinos and many more. Several species that are extinct in the wild thrive here.
For free fun take advantage of Rabat beach. It’s an extremely popular destination with locals and visitors who love the warm waters and golden sands. Should you be on holiday on one of Rabat’s few rainy days then you can always head to the Mega Mall. As well as the great range of shops it’s packed with things to do including a play area, bowling centre, skating rink and climbing wall. There are also plenty of places around the city for thrill seekers, including amusement parks and adventure sites.
Eating out in the capital is easy, affordable and rewarding. Around the medina in the centre of the city you’ll find numerous stalls selling all manner of Moroccan food and drink – fish, salads, rotisserie chicken, kebabs and beans can all be found and enjoyed easily. If you’re looking for a sweet option, there are vendors who will sell you delicious pancakes or pain au chocolat.
If you’d like to eat your meal sitting down, take a stroll down Avenue Mohammed V for traditional restaurants, circle out a little further and try the food in the Hassan Quarter, or visit the coastline for some expertly cooked fresh fish.
And when you want to prepare your own it’s easy to buy ingredients; the souks of the medina are full of stalls that sell everything from fruit to meat to spices.
Rabat is Morocco’s political and administrative capital, so of course there are going to be some great golf courses here! The main club to head for is The Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, which was commissioned by King Hassan II in the early seventies. It’s a visually stunning location, and somewhere that is, of course, fit for a king. The experience begins with a salute from the guard at the imposing gatehouse, and continues with eighteen holes around this spectacular course. Look out for the Roman column ruins between the 11th and 12th; (they were shipped in from nearby Volubis, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the flamingos in the water hazard at the third.
Further south is the newer Bouznika Bay Golf Club. Part of a holiday complex, the entire course is floodlit, allowing for some special night time rounds.
Bouznika Bay Golf Club
Designer: Robert von Hagge (1999)
Holes: 9
Par: 35 (3,040m)
· Clubhouse with restaurant and bar
· Driving range and putting green
· Tuition available
Getting There: 40 minute drive South of Rabat
WOW FACTOR: Floodlit course
Royal Golf Dar Es Salam
Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr (1971)
Holes: 45
Par: 73 (Red)/72(Blue)/32(Green)
Courses: Red-6,702m/Blue-6,220m/Green-2,060m
· Clubhouse with bar and restaurant
· Locker rooms/changing facilities
· Buggy, trolley and club hire
· Driving range. Putting green, pitching green and practice area
· Golf Academy
Getting There: 15 minutes South of Rabat
WOW FACTOR: Arguably one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. Also home to the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation, the Hassan II Trophy and a few ancient Roman column ruins.
Rabat is a cosmopolitan city, the capital of Morocco, where many of the country’s social and economic powers reside, meaning the hammam is a more important tradition than ever.
Whilst many customs have been changed by the modern world, the weekly trip to the hammam remains as popular as ever. Offering relaxation and a chance to slow down and catch up with family and friends, the hammam offers a break from the daily grind whether you’re on holiday or on business. The hammams in Rabat vary in style, and many in the more populated areas have been renovated to a high professional standard. If you’re looking for a more traditional experience, you can delve deeper into the city.
There aren’t many places in Morocco with a richer heritage than Rabat. One of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities and now the kingdom’s capital, when you visit Rabat you’re entering a city that was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2012.
There are some grand sights in Rabat. The Mausoleum of Mohammad V, the Hassan Tower, and the Kasbah of the Udayahs are all worthy of a visit. and in the eastern part of the city you can see the ruins of the old Roman city of Sala Colonia and the Chellah Necropolis.
When a place is also called ‘The city of elegance’ you know that you are in for a luxurious treat. Rabat will meet all your needs – whether it’s a deluxe riad in the heart of the historic medina or a beach palace just outside the city. You can take a lavish break in the midst of the capital or have a five star stay on the outskirts, avoiding the crowds but with all of Rabat’s attractions close at hand.
The Moroccan capital has all the Moroccan tradition and authenticity you want, but also modern comforts to make your holiday one you won’t forget. The finest restaurants, spas and hammams await you when you choose to visit Rabat.
Morocco’s capital is an ideal place for business events. It’s a modern, progressive city with great infrastructure and facilities, while at the same time somewhere that still has strong connections to its heritage. There are direct flights into Rabat from most of the major cities in Europe, and good road and rail links to the rest of Morocco.
Sophisticated five star hotels across the city have excellent conference centres, and many have outdoor venues to make the most of the warm Moroccan climate. Once the hard work is out of the way, guests can head into the city to enjoy some of the finest restaurants and nightlife in the country. Rabat has several world class golf courses to enjoy, and the beach is just a few minutes from the city centre.
Despite being the capital of Morocco, Rabat is only the fourth largest city in the kingdom. Visitors enjoy the slightly calmer atmosphere offered by Rabat when compared with some of Morocco’s more densely populated cities.
Those who enjoy getting round on two wheels can tour round on their motorbikes in a more relaxed fashion. It is a great way to explore – like most Moroccan cities it’s a place that has many winding streets and narrow alleys. Outside the city limits you’ll find roads and trails that take you past traditional Moroccan villages and into the heart of the Moroccan countryside with all its rugged beauty.
Every May Morocco’s capital plays host to one of the biggest music festivals in the world. The Mawazine Rhythms of the World Festival lasts for nine days, takes place on seven stages, and was attended by over 2.5 million people in 2014.
This massive festival showcases the best African artists around, but also draws in some of the biggest names from the rest of the world – Elton John, Pharrell, Stevie Wonder and Justin Timberlake have all played Mawazine over the past few years. The festival also includes parades and workshops, and the best bit is that 90% of the shows are free to attend!
On a slightly smaller scale, but just as enjoyable, is the Chellah Jazz Festival in September. A great event of cultural exchange, it’s a chance for you to enjoy the sights and sounds of top Moroccan and European jazz musicians playing together.
In six hundred years Rabat has grown from a hamlet with only 100 inhabited houses to the capital of one of the most prominent countries in Northern Africa. The tipping point came when Spain expelled the Moriscos from its borders in the 17th century. The refugees arrived in, and massively expanded Rabat, setting it on the road to becoming the city it is today. A second European influx took place in 1912 when Morocco became a French Protectorate, and there are many reminders of these days across the city.
The population is also rich with Andalusian Moors, Arabs, and Amazigh – as with most large cities, Rabat is a multicultural place and happy to greet visitors.
Rabat is a welcoming and friendly city with a range of retreat houses and hotels. In the medina, you’ll find traditional riads that centre themselves around internal gardens or courtyards with calming sculptures and water features, ideal places to spend time during the heat of the day.
If you’d prefer more modern accommodation, Rabat also has big, luxurious hotels to relax in. You can rest body and soul here – spend time by a tranquil pool, savour a hot stone massage or do as the Moroccans do and head to a hammam.
Strolling along the wide palm-lined boulevards of Rabat amongst the mixture of art deco and colonial architecture, it’s lovely to wander into one of the enticing shopping destinations along the way. The relaxed cosmopolitan atmosphere you’ll find in Rabat gives you a chance to watch the local craftsmen plying their trades, as you’re left to browse at your own accord.
The medina is a great example of the city’s retail diversity. Old and new items are sold side by side, amidst a patchwork of shops with their unusual wares spilling into the streets. The most luxurious gifts can be found here, including the traditional rugs of Rabat which are praised throughout the world for their bright colours and eye-catching patterns. Rue Souika and Rue des Consul are the places to go for a fabulous collection of fine crafts and culinary delights.
The Moroccan capital’s location on the west coast gives it good access to the Atlantic wind and waves that create such fine surf further south. In fact, during the summer months especially, Rabat has some of the best waves in the whole of the country, hollow, powerful and fast. Getting to the water is easy, and as you’d expect from a city the size of Rabat there are several surf schools. Waves to surf are Kbeir – a short, powerful left that is good with smaller swells. Just outside the jetty you can find Cascade, another good left, while near the river is Plongeoir and Bergama.
top hotels in RABAT
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The Tour Hassan Palace, flagship of the Moroccan hotel industry, remains an essential showcase of living art and Moroccan hospitality. Built in Rabat in 1912, The Tour Hassan Palace Hotel is a tribute to the splendor of Moor architecture, which combines ornaments of elegance and ambiance filled with majestic uniqueness.
The Tour Hassan Palace offers the advantages of a contemporary high-end business and leisure hotel, along with the accessibility of highly-qualified professionals. This luxury hotel is the ideal venue for organizing any event in Rabat.
Location : Google Map
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Located on the right bank, the 5-star Farah Rabat Hotel overlooks the Bou Regreg river, with a breathtaking panoramic view of the river and its famous valley, the Marina and the Atlantic ocean. A few steps away from Hassan Tower and Mohammed V mausoleum. Farah Rabat Hotel benefits from a privileged and strategic position. Farah Rabat Hotel is a flagship from Farah Maghreb Company, which combines luxury, elegance and functionality with an outdoor swimming pool, a cosy spa, and various meeting spaces.
Enjoy its various charms. Luwury and naturalness. which are the assets of a stay be it for business or leisure. Farah Rabat is situated approximately 11 km from Rabat-Sale Airport. Transfers are available upon request throughout the year on a paying service basis.
Location : Google Map
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Located in Rabat, 2.7 km from The National Library of the Kingdom of Morocco, Hôtel ARALIA 5 Etoiles AGDAL RABAT provides accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking, a fitness center and a shared lounge. With free WiFi, this 5-star hotel offers room service and a business center. The property has a 24-hour front desk, a shared kitchen and currency exchange for guests.
The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, an electric tea pot, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. At Hôtel ARALIA 5 Etoiles AGDAL RABAT every room comes with bed linen and towels.
A continental breakfast is available daily at the accommodation.
Popular points of interest near Hôtel ARALIA 5 Etoiles AGDAL RABAT include Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Executive Training, Moroccan National Tourist Office and Ministry of Equipment, Transportation and Logistics. The nearest airport is Rabat-Salé, 12.9 km from the hotel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Location : Google Map
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In the heart of Rabat, this hotel sits on a luxurious site of more than 7 hectares, including 3 swimming pools and mini-golf area. It offers stylish rooms with balconies.
The guest rooms at the Sofitel Rabat Jardin Des Roses have panoramic views of the Andalusian gardens, the swimming pool or the Eucalyptus forest. Each is air conditioned and equipped with satellite TV, mini-bar and luxury bathrobes.
The Jardin Des Roses has a So spa and wellness center, which includes a sauna, hammam, and a range of beauty and body treatments. There is also an on-site restaurant, a night club and bar, and guests can relax on the garden terrace, surrounded by palm trees.
Location : Google Map
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Set in Rabat, a 15-minute drive from OLM Souissi Stage of Mawazine Festival, The View Hotel features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Free private parking is available on site.
Every room comes with a flat-screen TV. Certain units have a seating area to relax in after a busy day. You will find a kettle in the room. Each room is fitted with a private bathroom. Extras include bathrobes and slippers.
The nearest airport is Rabat-Salé Airport, 8.7 mi from The View Hotel.
Location : Google Map
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STORY Rabat is a luxury boutique hotel located in the Ambassadors district in Rabat. Previously called Villa Diyafa, derived from the Arabic word hospitality, the team make sure every experience and interaction is truly memorable. Inspired by the life and art of the historical influence “Zyriab”, the interiors of STORY Rabat are breathtaking and pay homage to his beautiful vision. His influence is reflected in all spaces of the hotel, blending contemporary Moroccan architecture with an Andalusian touch, and has been praised internationally for its spectacular design concept. Renowned for its bespoke service style, thoughtful interiors and spacious accommodation spaces, the hotel offers a peaceful experience of unparalleled luxury in Morocco for genuine and discreet travelers. It features 27 beautifully appointed guest rooms, 10 suites and a distinguished private villa, as well as an intimate selection of dining experiences. STORY Rabat’s leisure facilities include a traditional Moroccan spa and hammam, a state-of-the-art gym and a 25-meter swimming pool surrounded by sculpted gardens and water features. It is the perfect place to host small corporate meetings, retreats and eclectic events. STORY Rabat has been elected “BEST LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL” in Morocco for the year 2020 by the Luxury Lifestyle Award in New York & “Traveler’s Choice Award” by TripAdvisor for 2021!
Location : Google Map
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The Dawliz Art & Spa is an exclusive destination exquisitely located on the banks of the mythical Bouregreg River, symbol of the link between the twin cities of Rabat and Salé, and only 15 minutes from the airport. The cities of Rabat and Salé are exceptional because of their location and their rich historical and cultural heritage, a reflection of their past civilizations and dynasties which they have managed to preserve perfectly. Between history and modernity, romanticism and comfort, our 5-star hotel, the Dawliz Art & Spa is a special escape from life’s daily routines, an opportunity to immerse yourself into culture, art and well-being.
Location : Google Map
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An experience to live: comfort and design at the service of your well-being.
In our soundproofed, classic or superior rooms, a whole range of high-end equipment for a stay thought out for you: Custom-made furniture, very good quality bedding, bathroom with Italian shower, 40 cm HD flat screen, digital air conditioning, hair dryer, phone, more than 60 national and international satellite channels, alarm clock, free high-speed Wi-Fi, safe, minibar, complimentary courtesy tray (electric kettle with tea, coffee and water) etc. All the service and competence of our teams to meet all your needs. Rooms for people with reduced mobility are also available.
Our staff are committed to making your stay truly special.
Location : Google Map
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Located in the heart of Rabat, just a 10-minute drive from Nahda stage of Mawazine Festival and a 20-minute drive from the Medina, Villa Des Ambassadors offers an outdoor swimming pool, hammam and spa and body treatments. The beach is a 25-minute drive away.
All rooms are air-conditioned and feature views of the garden, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a DVD player, while some also have a private balcony. The en suite bathroom includes a bathrobe and slippers.
A breakfast is provided each morning at Villa Des Ambassadors. Guests can also sample traditional Moroccan cuisine in the typically decorated dining room.
Additional features include free Wi-Fi throughout, a garden and patio with sun loungers. Royal Golf Dar Es Salam is only a 10-minute drive away and Rabat Agdal Train Station is 8 km from the property.
Location : Google Map
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ONOMO Hotels, the largest African hotel group, operates 22 hotels in 13 countries: Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Mali, Togo, South Africa, Guinea-Conakry, Rwanda, Morocco, Cameroon, Tanzania, Mozambique and Uganda.
Anchored in a rapidly developing Africa, our brand creates hotels that celebrate the continent’s diverse art and culture.
Our goal: to provide 21st-century travelers with quality mid-range hotels that showcase local identity and culture. Located in the heart of capitals and large cities, ONOMO hotels feature contemporary design and offer perfect comfort – allowing us to offer business and leisure travelers the ultimate African welcome.
Location : Google Map
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some frequently asked questions
Morocco is one of those types of destinations that can be visited year-round. You have to understand the geography of the country in order to choose the best time to visit Morocco. Taking into account that you have vast desert regions, probably those should not be visited during the peak summer months such as July and August.
Also, knowing that Morocco has most part of its territory with mountains above 10.000 feet and up to 14.000, you will surely encounter snow in highlands above 4200 feet. So, expect snow during the months of November until February. Overall we can say that Morocco is amazing and can be visited from January until December, but the ultimate best times to visit Morocco are during April, May, September, October, and November.
Tourists have been visiting Morocco for years and Moroccans have well-earned reputation for warmth and kindness toward visitors. Moroccan cities are generally very safe, especially in area where tourists frequent. Morocco is very well secured, Police in every location, there is so many checking points, this is what makes Morocco safe and 100% secured to make sure everybody are safe and comfortable in Morocco. Morocco generally has a very low crime rate. Travelers will be safe in Morocco if they take sensible precautions that would apply to any tourist destination around the world.
Travel insurance should be obtained before leaving your country of origin. It is not compulsory to purchase it. Local hospitals have limited diagnostic capability. Private clinics can be expensive, evacuation can cost a lot, luggage can disappear, so insurance is a good idea.
You can relax and wear whatever is familiar, comfortable, and best suited for you during your holidays. Morocco is very tolerant and welcoming to visitors, and you’re not expected to act or look like a Moroccan. Longer shorts and shirts are fine for men. Concerning women, it’s a good idea to bring a scarf to cover bare shoulders and arms in rural areas.
It’s not easy to get Moroccan Dirham outside the country as it is a closed currency. Those who succeeded have paid heavy commissions for banks.
There are ATMs everywhere in the country, exchange points, banks, and many businesses/shops/restaurants nowadays accept cards mostly with a 5% transaction fee. The best place to exchange money with high rate is the touristic areas.
The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the currency of Morocco. Made up of 100 centimes per unit, the currency is issued by the Bank Al-Maghrib (Morocco’s central bank). Historically, the Moroccan Dirham originates from the Byzantine Empire’s Drachm, and was used in Arabia and the Levant in pre-Islamic times. The name “Dirham” stems from the Roman word “denarius” .
Credit cards are widely used in Morocco in hotels, many shops, restaurants, and cafes. Most stores in markets accept credit cards. The most common types of credit cards used in Morocco are Visa, Master Card, and American Express.
Visitors to Morocco must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the scheduled return date to enter Morocco and you can obtain a visa from Morocco Consulate before departure. Also, entry visa is available upon arrival Morocco airports against USD 27 per passport for specific nationalities and need to check before.
Some nationalities don’t need a visa to visit Morocco for the purpose of tourism for up to 3 months such as United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark, Netherlands, New Zealand, and Switzerland. For more info and details on entry visa to Morocco please check with the Moroccan consulate or embassy at your country
It is always recommended for travelers who wish to have their own supply of cigarettes and alcohol with them in Morocco to purchase them upon arrival.
There are duty free shops in the airports in Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Fez, Tangier and Rabat. Tourists are allowed to purchase up to 3 liters of alcohol and up to 200 cigarettes on arrival.
English and French are studied in school all over Morocco. This is why most Moroccans, who live in the cities, speak or understand at least some English words or phrases, and most of Moroccans are speaking French well. Fewer Moroccans can speak Italian, Spanish, and German; however, professionals in the tourism sector are accustomed to visitors who cannot speak Arabic. They speak enough English and many other languages to fulfill the needs of most travelers. Many travelers enjoy their stay in Morocco without learning a single word of Arabic; however, it is always good to learn a few Arabic words to expressing greetings or thanks. If you are planning to visit some places other than popular tourist destinations, it is advisable to learn some Arabic phrases. Generally, Moroccans are friendly and are happy to help anyone, especially foreigners and tourists, even if there is a language barrier.
Many people in the tourism sector depend on tips, as a major part of their income. Therefore, tipping is considered customary in Morocco. It is a customary attitude for expressing ones satisfaction of good services rendered to him by staff on duty with him. We advise if you are willing to offer it, this would be great and if not, you are not obliged to do it.
– The same as many hotels all around the globe, the check-in time in most hotels in Morocco is around midday, 1 or 2 PM. If you arrive in the hotel late at night or in the early morning, you may have to pay for an extra night to get to your room immediately without having to wait until the normal check-in time.
Accommodations for travellers in Morocco fall across a broad range—everything from world class luxury to simple hostel accommodations are available. The nicest hotels compare well with luxury hotels anywhere, coming from international hotel chains like Movenpick, Hilton, Four Seasons, and Sofitel. A step down from these is a variety of local hotels that ranges from luxurious to simple. Moroccan hotels have their own rating system that loosely classifies them on a 5-star scale; however, this scale is different from international standards used elsewhere.
Moroccans are well known all over the world for their tolerance and hospitality; however, it is always polite to ask permission before taking a photograph of people, especially women, and stores or products. Photography is non-permitted around army bases, airports, dams and bridges. In most places where photography is prohibited there will be signs to notify you.
Non-Muslims are generally welcome to visit and access Hassan 2 mosques in Casablanca except when they are being used for prayer, on Friday and during the five prayers of the day. Tourists are not allowed to enter any other mosque at any time. Only outside visit is possible.
Most of the monuments, historical sites, and museums in Morocco open from 9 AM until 6 PM. During Ramadan, the holy month of the Islamic calendar, be aware that these hours will change significantly.
Most of the shops in Morocco open from around 9 AM and stay open until 10 PM; however, many shops, cafes, and restaurants especially in main cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, Fez, Agadir, and Rabat stay open much later and some facilities and shops are open 24 hours a day in touristic areas. During Ramadan, the holy month of the Islamic calendar, opening hours may change significantly with shops closed during the middle of the day and staying open much later. Medina Souk in Fez closes Friday Morning.
There is a public transit system in Morocco that uses a rail to link the main towns and buses for inner-city trips. Small private and group tours will typically use large vans and sedans. Medium to large motor coaches is used for larger group holidays.