Full Day Adventure in Tangier
Explore the highlights of Tangier in one day, enjoying panoramic views and visiting the main points of interest with a private guide. Traveling comfortably in a climate-controlled minivan, you will have the opportunity to observe the point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea, as well as enjoy a camel ride on the beach. Then, you will head directly to the Kasbah for an insider’s view of this vibrant city.
Tour Details
Duration
7 Hours
Arrival
Tangier
Departure
Tangier
Season
All the year
Group Size
Exclusive
Itinerary
- From your hotel in Tangier, enjoy a pickup service in a well-equipped and air-conditioned vehicle.
- First, the tour will take you from Tangier Bay to the city center, passing by Boulevard Mohamed V, Avenue Pasteur, and then the Place de France. Afterward, the journey continues to Perdicaris Park, passing by the royal residence.
- Perdicaris Park is among the top ten attractions in Tangier.
- Additionally, the park’s terrace offers the best opportunity to enjoy a stunning view of the Strait of Gibraltar and southern Spain.
- Your next stop will be Cap Spartel, the northwesternmost point of the African continent and the place where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea meet. The Cap Spartel lighthouse stands on a promontory and has gloriously guarded the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar since 1864. Considered one of the top ten sights in Tangier, it offers endless photo opportunities.
- You can also enjoy breakfast while taking in the view, especially if your tour is in the morning and you decide to first embark on the coastal excursion.
- Next, a picturesque drive along the Atlantic coast south of Cap Spartel will take you to Achakkar Beach, one of Tangier’s top attractions.
- Here, you can meet camels on the sand, ride these charming animals (completely safe for you and for them), or simply enjoy their company and take memorable photos.
- If you’re familiar with Greek mythology, you might recall the 12 labors of Hercules. In fact, Lixus (near Larache, south of Tangier) is rumored to be the place where Hercules completed his eleventh labor, related to the Apples of the Hesperides. It is believed that after retrieving the golden apples, Hercules rested in the Hercules Caves, which have become one of Tangier’s main attractions.
- Once in Tangier’s Medina, you will immediately be immersed in the historical heritage and cultural prosperity of ancient Tangier. For approximately 4 hours, you’ll feel as if you’ve traveled back in time to the medieval era.
- The walking tour through the Medina will allow you to have direct contact with the friendly locals. Strolling through the labyrinthine alleys of the Medina, the tour will take you through the city’s most important monuments, such as the Grand Socco, the Petit Socco, and the Kasbah.
- You’ll also visit monuments considered architectural masterpieces, decorated with mosaics, ornamental stucco, and wood carvings, such as the Grand Mosque, Dar El Mekhzen located in the Kasbah, and the American Legation.
- During the Medina tour, you’ll stop at this historic square, commonly known as Grand Socco, which divides the Medina from the Ville Nouvelle area of Tangier. It is notable for being one of the places that welcomed Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany during his visit to Tangier on March 3, 1905. This event heightened tensions between Germany and France, contributing to events that led to World War I. It is also the location where King Mohamed V delivered his speech symbolizing his arrival in the city on April 9, 1947, when Tangier was under international rule.
- During the Medina tour, you’ll stop at this historic square, locally known as Souk Dakhel, which was home to many notable and influential writers such as Paul Bowles, Jean Genet, Tennessee Williams, and Mohamed Choukri.
Today, the facades of its Hispano-Moorish buildings are freshly painted, with plenty of tourists, and it is an ideal spot for people-watching while enjoying a mint tea.
- The Grand Mosque of Tangier is a 19th-century construction located in what was once the center of the Medina. The site of the mosque was previously home to several significant religious buildings from various civilizations that occupied Tangier, including a Roman church from the 5th century. After the Muslim conquest in the 8th century, the church was converted into a mosque by the Marinid dynasty.
- Near “Bab Merican,” this elegant five-story mansion is the only U.S. national monument located outside the United States. Interestingly, Morocco was the first country to recognize the United States in 1777, and this was the first American property abroad.
The building was gifted to the United States by Sultan Mulay Suliman in 1821 and served as a diplomatic presence until 1961.
- As you tour the Medina, you will approach the Kasbah (the fortress) through one of its two gates, Bab Haha or Bab El-Assa, and enter through the Mechouar Square (often referred to as the Kasbah Square).
The Kasbah was the residence of the local leader and a place of defense during attacks.
- The Kasbah Museum, also known as the Museum of Mediterranean Cultures, has been housed since 1922 in the Kasbah Palace, known as “Dar-Al-Makhzen” or the Sultan’s Palace.
This building was home to the Portuguese governors between 1471 and 1661, and then it was a “High House” for the English governors from 1662 to 1684.
- Located on the edge of the Medina, near the bustling Grand Socco, this magnificent Anglican church is a true tribute to the harmony between Christianity and Islam. You can tour the tranquil gardens, the resting place of many members of the international church community, before entering the building.
Observe the Lord’s Prayer written in exquisite Arabic calligraphy on the pulpit and the numerous Andalusian-Moorish touches throughout the site.
- Located in a cul-de-sac on Rue des Synagogues in the Beni Idir neighborhood of Tangier’s Medina, this synagogue was built in 1876 by Moïse Jacob Nahon, a prominent educator and scholar from an influential Jewish family in Tangier.
- The synagogue ceased to function in the second half of the 20th century and fell into disuse until its restoration in 1994. It now functions as a museum.
- Return to the starting point.
- End of our services.
Tour Highlights
- Enjoy breathtaking views where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea.
- Explore famous caves with their rich history and unique rock formations.
- Option to enjoy a relaxing camel ride along the beach.
- Experience the restored streets, white houses, and vibrant green and blue shutters.
- Opportunity to have lunch at local restaurants or shop at artisan boutiques.
- End the day with a comfortable transfer to your hotel or the port.
What’s included / Not included
- Transportation and fuel costs
- Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Tangier
- Private vehicle with a English-speaking driver throughout the trip
- Administrative fees
- Tour Guide
- Camel Ride
- Lunch
- Drinks
Overview
This full-day guided tour of Tangier offers an immersive experience into the vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes of the city. Starting with a convenient pickup from your hotel, the journey begins with a visit to Perdicaris Park, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Strait of Gibraltar. Next, you’ll head to Cap Spartel, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea, followed by a scenic coastal drive to Achakkar Beach for an optional camel ride.
The tour continues with a visit to the famous Hercules Caves, a site steeped in Greek mythology. You’ll then explore the bustling Medina of Tangier, walking through its narrow streets to discover key landmarks such as the Grand Socco, Petit Socco, and the Kasbah. Along the way, you’ll visit the Grand Mosque, the American Legation Museum, and other significant sites that showcase Tangier’s diverse cultural heritage.
Optional stops include the Church of Saint Andrew and the Moshe Nahon Synagogue for a deeper exploration of the city’s religious history. The tour concludes with a return to your starting point, wrapping up a day filled with historical insights, natural beauty, and cultural exploration.
Essential Information
- Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking, as you will be exploring various sites.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially during the warmer months.
- Bring Sunscreen and a Hat: Protect yourself from the sun, particularly when visiting outdoor sites.
- Currency and Payments: Ensure you have some local currency (Dirhams) for purchases, especially in local markets. Credit cards are not always accepted.
- Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local customs and traditions, especially in religious sites. Dress modestly and behave respectfully.
- Prepare for Free Time: Take advantage of free time to explore, shop, or relax. Consider trying local cuisine during lunch.
- Photography: Feel free to take photos, but always ask permission if you are photographing people, especially in rural areas.
- Personal Items: Keep personal belongings secure and be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.