Explore Tangier and Tetouan
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Port
Tangier, Morocco
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$180
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 8¼ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Travel by air-conditioned motorcoach to the city of Tetouan, where you'll visit the School of Traditional Arts & Crafts. The first of its kind in Morocco, this institution has produced some of Morocco's best painters over the past 50 years and it keeps traditional art forms alive in the modern world. Tangier is known for producing a particularly high standard in art media such as embroidery, cuisine, zullayj or mosaics, and carved and painted wooden objects.
Walk with your guide through the medina, a traditional-style walled marketplace that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, (s)he will point out the market's many typical architectural features that relate to its history as you admire the wares of the different vendors.
The Royal Palace is a 17th-century complex exemplifying Hispano-Moresque architecture. The palace is closed to the public, but standing outside its ornate main gate and looking in gives you a good impression of what lies beyond. Snap some photos before wandering through Hassan II Square, where the historic and modern parts of the city converge to create a vibrant hub. The plaza is evocative of Andalusia with its kiosks, fountains and flowerboxes.
Lunch, served at a restaurant in the heart of Tetouan, is your chance to re-energize with a delicious meal of local cuisine.
After a very interesting morning in Tetouan, you'll return to Tangier.
Visit the newly-renovated Kasbah Museum of Tangier, which focuses on the history of the kasbah (fort) neighborhood. You're sure to enjoy the traditional courtyard, the various displays, and the large mosaic works of art on display.
Wind your way back down the hill, as your guide leads you through Tangier's medina (Old Town) area.
Next, visit St Andrew's Church, whose foundation stone was laid in 1894 on land that Sultan Moulay Hassan I gave to Queen Victoria. The church is built in authentic Moorish style -- a tip of the hat from the Queen back to Sultan. Workers from Fez enriched its outstanding interior with marble, wood and stucco. Fascinatingly, the Lord's Prayer is inscribed in Arabic around the chancel arch, and the nave features carved texts from the Koran. In the churchyard -- a haven of peace and tranquility -- look for the graves of young men who lost their lives during World War II military action.
After this fascinating day visiting two very impressive Moroccan cities, you will return to the ship.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Shade is limited; please dress accordingly. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Do not to take photos of military personnel without first obtaining consent. Mind your belongings at all times, particularly at points of interest or crowded places.