Historic Chefchaouen & Moroccan Folklore Show
-
Port
Ceuta, Spanish Morocco, Spain
-
Activity Level
Moderate
-
Excursion Type
All
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At
$159
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
Approximately 8 Hours
-
Meals Included
Meals included
A 2+-hour scenic drive takes you from the coastal city of Spanish Ceuta inland to the Rif’s mountain range.
Arriving in Chefchaouen, you'll be transported into a fairytale land of Arabian splendor. Nearly everything is painted blue in this charming Moroccan hamlet. Scenes brimming with human interest and visual appeal come with every twist and turn of the cobblestone lanes.
Disembark your motor coach and set off on foot with your guide to explore a thrilling labyrinth of sky-blue houses, streets and romantic archways. Founded in 1741, the town is considered holy, and began to prosper with the arrival of Muslim refugees who came here to escape the Reconquest of Spain.
Spanish, Berber, Arab and Jewish neighborhoods thrive side by side in the four main quarters. A twisting street leads uphill to Uta el Hammam Square -- the large plaza at the heart of the medina (Old Town). As in every Moroccan town, the medina is centrally located and can be accessed only through its gates. Shops brimming with handicrafts of leather, silk, wool and wood are the pillars of the town's economy and the stuff of which great souvenir shopping is made. Enjoy every minute of the time allowed for exploring and browsing. You'll be right in the midst of the action as you join in the fun, haggling for Moroccan handicrafts -- robes, hats, slippers, cookware and more. Perhaps a Moroccan tagine (earthenware cooking pot) would be the perfect addition to your kitchen.
Focus your camera on views of the crenelated red towers of the exotic Kasbah. Walk through the Andalusian Quarter to the Ras el Maa waterfalls, where women wash clothes and process sheep's wool that is then carded and spun into yarn.
Then, take a seat in a charming restaurant and enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch as folkloric performers sing, expounding their fun and vibrant way of life.
Re-board the coach and enjoy the return through the hills and plains of Morocco to Spanish Ceuta.
Notes:
Visiting Chefchaouen requires crossing an international border into Morocco; there can be significant traffic delays. Bring your passport, which will be collected at the border and returned to you on the journey back to the ship. Some nationalities are not allowed to enter Morocco due to visa restrictions. (www.moroccanconsulate.com/visa.cfm). Your guide will likely discuss politics and religion; if you keep an open mind and accept that his/her views will likely differ significantly from your own, this can be quite interesting and entertaining. The limited tourism infrastructure of Chefchaouen is part of the city's charm; please bear with any language difficulties he/she may encounter. Restroom facilities may be somewhat basic in comparison with those offered in some other ports of call. Bring euros or credit cards for additional purchases. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing suited to the day's conditions.