Overnight Journey: Casablanca To Tangier 2 Days/1 Night (Single Accommodations)
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Port
Casablanca, Morocco
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$1860
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
2 Days/1 Night
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Meals Included
Meals included
Day 1: (L, D)
Meet your Guide at Casablanca port and travel by motor coach towards the awe-inspiring Hassan II Mosque, the second-largest mosque in the Islamic world, known for the immense and ornate architecture. Enjoy an inside visit to this phenomenal building, built to commemorate the former king's 60th birthday, opening in 1993. It is the only mosque in Morocco where non-Muslims can enter. This law dates to a French governor of Christian origin who wanted to ensure that none of his countrymen inadvertently offended the local Muslim communities by entering mosques without following the correct protocol and this law still stands today.
This mosque is the tallest building in Casablanca, which is kept so by royal decree, which ultimately means that Casablanca does not have any commercial high-rise buildings.
Your next stop will be the Abderrahman Slaoui Museum, belonging to a businessman who loved arts. Set in a charming art deco building dating from the 1940’s and dedicated to Moroccan jewelry and décor. The Museum contains a unique collection of antique jewelry and vintage posters by great artists such as Dinet, Majorelle and De La Neziere miniatures.
It also boasts 19th century Bohemian crystal boxes, illumination, and other interesting collections from around the world.
Abderrahman Slaoui was a traveler, humanist, and esthete, a "treasure hunter" for over fifty years. His collections of artistic and ethnographic pieces are the result of patience and persistence. The museum was born out of Slaoui’s exhibitions of "Moroccan Treasures" and opened several months prior to his death.
After the visit, continue to the city of Rabat, the capital city of Morocco, a modern city with wide boulevards, gardens, and white buildings. A far cry from the hectic warrens of the other Imperial cities of Marrakech and Fes, but no less steeped in history with its origins going back to the 7th Century.
Admire from the outside the must-see Mausoleum of Mohammed V, which was completed in 1971 and contains the tombs of the late Moroccan king and his two sons. This is a spectacular site and is an architectural marvel, and monument to a great rule - truly a final resting place fit for a King. You will then enjoy a well-deserved lunch at Villa Mandarine.
After lunch, the coach continues to the Chellah Necropolis, built in the 14th century by the Merinides. Enjoy a photo stop at the fortress with its Roman remains. Continue on to the Kasbah des Oudayas, named after the tribe who were sent to Rabat by Sultan Moulay Ismail to defend the city against the invincible Andalusian pirates and hornacheros. It also withstood the exploits of Yacoub El Mansour and Abd El Moumen who, in around 1150 built Jamaa El Atiq, the oldest mosque in Rabat.
Continue to your hotel for check-in and to freshen up before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant in the Old Medina.
Overnight at Sofitel Rabat Jardin Des Roses or similar
Day 2: (B, L)
After breakfast, transfer to the Agdal train station and board the high-speed train to Tangier.
Upon arrival in Tangier, board the motor coach for a 90-minute drive to Tetouan which in Berber name means literally "the eyes" and figuratively "the water springs". The town features a fort, squares, mosques, fountains, taverns, and one of the Kings palaces. Take a walk to a beautiful riad inside the Old Medina of Tetouan for a delicious Moroccan lunch.
After lunch, continue with a guided walk through the Old Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This traditional walled souk features many typical architectural traits related to its history and a multitude of artisans carrying out their trades.
The next stop is an external visit to the old Royal Palace, a 17th century building which is itself a reflection of the Hispano-Moresque architecture. The entrance to the public is not allowed, however, the exterior architecture is a perfect example of the sumptuous lifestyle of the Royal Family.
Hassan II Square is situated where the historic and modern parts of the city converge to create the heart of the town. You will note the Andalusia architecture, its kiosks, fountains and flower boxes, surrounded by buildings with wrought iron balconies and shop windows filled with imported goods.
Walk from the Andalusian Quarter through to the Jewish Quarter (Mellah). Here, the Tetouan Mellah enjoys the distinction of being a Jewish Quarter that still houses most of the local Jewish community. Living in relative proximity ensures that Judeo-Spanish language, traditions, and customs are faithfully maintained. There are three active synagogues, you'll visit the Synagogue Rabbi Isaac Ibn Oualid to view its picturesque interior.
Visit the Bab Akla School of Traditional Arts and Crafts. Tetouan’s famous School of Plastic Arts, the first of its kind in Morocco, which has produced some of Morocco’s best painters over the past half century and keeps alive these traditional art forms. Enjoy the beauty of these traditional arts including embroidery, cuisine, zullayj or mosaics, and carved and painted wooden objects. The scholars of the school are all children that come from different backgrounds and the skills learnt gives them a new opportunity for a chance of success for their future. The entrance fee is included in the cost of the overnight journey and serve the purpose of maintaining this wonderful initiative.
After an exciting and eventful day, drive back to Tangier port, after enjoying a panoramic drive (time permitting).Please note: Modest attire is required; knees, shoulders and midriffs must be covered. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Shade is limited; please dress accordingly. Bring a hat and wear sunscreen. Do not take photos of military personnel without their consent. Due to local regulations, the mausoleum will be seen from the outside. This tour is not refundable within 60 days from the call date.
Important: It is solely each guest's responsibility to obtain (before traveling) any visas, vaccinations or tourist cards that are required for participating in Mid-Cruise Adventures or Overnight Journeys, unless noted otherwise in the description. Please be aware that you may need a visa for any and/or all countries that you will depart from and travel through as part of your Mid-Cruise Adventure or Overnight Journey, and for the country in which you will re-join the ship. Your travel agent can assist you with your visa needs. If you require further assistance, Seabourn's preferred visa service is CIBTvisas. Residents of the USA and Canada phone: 866-935-8472; or email: seabourn@cibtvisas.com. CIBTvisas' phone numbers and email addresses for residents of Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom can be found on our website.