Nestling in the Bay of Tangier, this bewitching Moroccan city lies at the northwestern tip of the country, along the famous Strait of Gibraltar. Following in the footsteps of the writers and artists inspired and seduced by the city’s climate and setting, you’ll love its rich landscapes and multicultural charm. You’ll instantly understand as soon as you set foot in the heart of the Medina. An architectural masterpiece, the Kasbah is your gateway to the Sultan’s Palace and its gardens. If you prefer beaches to museums, you can relax just a few minutes from the city on the beautiful sweep of sand bathed by the Atlantic Ocean.
Included Excursions
Discovering Tangier
Duration : 4h45
Tangier is a fascinating Moroccan city to visit. It has many assets that appeal to travelers: a sense of exotic mystery, interesting history, magnificent panoramas, unspoilt beaches and friendly locals.
Contrary to popular belief, the film Casablanca is based on the city of Tangier, not Casablanca. Tangier also had a reputation as a city of spies in the 19th and 20th centuries, due to its political neutrality and commercial freedom at the time. Today, the city is an interesting blend of North African, Spanish and French cultures.
Let's begin our journey by leaving the ship for Cap Spartel. This is one of the promontories that juts out into the waters of the two seas. Looking out towards the Atlantic and the setting sun, it stands where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. It is also covered in rockroses and cork oaks.
You will then continue to the entrance of the Kasbah, before embarking on a guided walking tour of one of Tangier's most historically and architecturally interesting districts.
The Kasbah district stretches across the highest point of the medina, and your guide will lead you up the hill, pointing out the particular buildings. Once at the top, you will find yourself in a district that hasn't changed since Roman times. The Kasbah, once the traditional residence of the sultan and his harem, is now one of Tangier's most fashionable residential areas.
The recently renovated Kasbah Museum is dedicated to the history of the district. Enjoy the traditional courtyard, the various exhibitions and the large mosaic works of art on display.
Next, you will visit the American Legation before moving on to the Grand Socco. The museum traces the history of relations between the United States and Morocco. As Morocco was one of the first countries to recognize its independence, the United States established its legation in Tangier in 1821. It is the only historic monument to have remained in American possession since the birth of the American nation. A letter from George Washington to Moulay Abdellah is on display here, among others.
On the way back down the hill, your guide will take you to one of Tangier's most colorful and lively neighborhoods, the Grand Socco (Souk). This great souk was full of life and remains a lively place, especially when the Rifian peasants come to market. It's the center of things and the link between the medina and the new town.
Before returning to the ship, enjoy a relaxing break with Moroccan mint tea and pastries in a traditional riad in the Medina.
This tour involves just under a kilometer of walking, up and down, over sometimes rugged terrain. Sturdy, comfortable footwear is recommended. It is also advisable to wear several layers of clothing and to protect yourself from the sun.
Religions of Morocco
Duration : 4h00
Morocco has long prided itself on being a society tolerant of religious diversity, a legacy from the Middle Ages, when Moorish caliphs ruled North Africa and southern Spain. This tour of Tangier's medina focuses on the three monotheistic religions still practiced in the city. Your walking tour of the medina begins as your guide leads you through some of Tangier's most interesting architecture to the highest point of the medina, the Kasbah, traditional residence of the sultan and his harem. This citadel dates back to the 17th century, when Sultan Moulay Ismail rebuilt the fortifications destroyed by the British, including a palace (now the Kasbah Museum), various government buildings and a mosque. The Kasbah mosque is the oldest (exterior tour), and perhaps the most beautiful, in the city, distinguished by its octagonal minaret.
A short stroll from the Kasbah leads to Tangier's Beni Idir district and the Moshe Nahon synagogue. Renovated in 1994, the synagogue now serves as a museum, preserving the prayer room's elaborate Andalusian décor, which includes typical floral and geometric motifs as well as calligraphy in Hebrew and Arabic.
The final visit is to Saint Andrew's, a non-denominational church built by Great Britain on land donated by the Sultan in 1883. Built in authentic Moorish style as a sign of respect for its host country, it has called on hundreds of Moroccan craftsmen from Fez to decorate its interior. In a true spirit of coexistence, an alcove in the nave features a carved text from the Koran, and the Our Father is carved in Arabic around the choir arch.
Before returning to the ship, enjoy a relaxing break with Moroccan mint tea and pastries.
This tour includes a 1 km walk over uneven, sometimes rough terrain, both uphill and downhill. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are recommended. It is also advisable to wear several layers of clothing and to protect yourself from the sun. The direction of the tour is subject to change.
