Best of Tetouan
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Port
Ceuta, Spanish Morocco, Spain
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$149
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Take this outing to Tetouan, at the foot of the majestic Rif Mountains, for a genuine glimpse of everyday life in Spanish Morocco. Your day promises to be interesting, educational and enlightening. You will learn that some parts of life here are brutally basic relative to the comforts we know in the western world; others aspects are memorable for their true, unadulterated beauty. You will experience both today, so come prepared for this.
To reach Tetouan, you will travel to the Moroccan border and continue along the coast, passing several fishing villages. At Martil, the coach turns inland and ascends the Oued Martil -- a valley redolent with the scent of eucalyptus, almond and orange trees.
While Tetouan today is part of Morocco, its architecture remains steadfastly Andalusian. You will explore the city on a panoramic drive to Primo Square and the Place de Hassan II. Leaving the coach, set off with your guide on a walking tour through the narrow, winding lanes of the medina (Old Town), where some stark contrasts await you.
Sidewalk cafés and whitewashed buildings lead you to El Melal -- the old Jewish Quarter famed for its maze of jewelers.
The Berber Zoco is a bazaar in the heart of town, but it's nothing like a shopping mall in America or Europe. Brace yourself for some sights that can range from intriguing to unsettling -- it's all part of the experience. Browse for souvenirs, gifts, jewelry, leather goods and other local crafts.
A restaurant in Tetouan makes for a pleasant setting for a lunch of Moroccan dishes, accompanied by a performance of traditional Rif music. Due to the time difference between Spain and Morocco, you may encounter many stores that are not yet open during your walking tour, especially during Ramadan; one specific store with all kinds of handicrafts will be open to offer a carpet demonstration, or you can choose to enjoy some free time on your own.
Notes:
Visiting Tetouan 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 Tetouan is part of the city's charm; please bear with any language difficulties he/she may encounter. You should expect the market areas to be dirty; animal carcasses are often put out for cleaning and removal. This is very different from home, but it is normal practice here. 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.