Tangier & Tetouan
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Port
Tangier, Morocco
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$169.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 8½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Tangier offers an interesting mix of North African, Spanish, and French cultures. During the 19th and 20th centuries, Tangier acquired a reputation for being the City of Spies due to its political neutrality and commercial freedoms. In stark contrast, UNESCO World Heritage Site Tetouan clings to its sultanate heritage with wonderful old souks (markets), a kasbah (fort) and a walled medina (Old Town).
Visit St Andrew’s Church, built on land gifted to Queen Victoria by Sultan Moulay Hassan I in 1883. The foundation stone was laid in 1894. Today, it is open to all denominations and has a history of distinguished ministry in a city that has long been the crossroads of three great religions.
Stop at the American Legation, which traces the history of the warm relationship between the United States and Morocco. Morocco was the first country in the world to recognize American Independence.
Wind your way back downhill into the Grand Socco (souk or market), one of Tangier's most colorful areas. This great souk links the medina (Old Town) to the new city.
Enjoy a refreshment before heading to the city and re-energize with a delicious lunch of local cuisine in the heart of Tetouan.
Walk with your guide through the traditional walled marketplace of Tetouan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guide will point out the market’s many typical architectural features related to its history as you admire the wares of friendly vendors.
View the Royal Palace at Hassan II Square, a 17th-century complex exemplifying Hispano-Moresque architecture. Although the palace is closed to the public, standing outside its ornate main gate and looking in gives a good impression of what lies beyond.
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, and keeps alive traditional art forms such as embroidery, cuisine, zullayj or mosaics, and carved and painted wooden objects.
After a fulfilling day, relax on the return drive to the ship.