Port Pick Up: Tangier All-inclusive Small Group Tour

Port de Tanger Ville – Cruise Terminal (35.79144578871678, -5.800141826979225) At 9:30 a.m., our friendly representative will be waiting for you at the cruise ship docking area in Tanger Ville Port, holding a clearly visible sign for easy recognition. This pick-up point is designated for guests arriving by cruise ship only. As your tour date approaches, we’ll share additional details to ensure everything goes smoothly—so be sure to check your messages regularly. Don’t forget to include the name of your cruise ship when booking!

Your tour begins with a smooth pick-up from the cruise terminal, followed by a comfortable ride in an air-conditioned vehicle. As you drive through Tangier’s lively bay area and city center, you’ll pass notable landmarks such as Boulevard Mohamed V, Avenue Pasteur, and the historic Place De France. Heading toward Cap Spartel, the route takes you by the green expanse of Parc Perdicaris, a glimpse of Tangier’s natural charm. Soon, you’ll arrive at Cap Spartel—where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. This iconic point is marked by a signpost and is one of the most photographed spots in the city. Here, you’ll also see the striking Cap Spartel Lighthouse, built in 1864, perched dramatically on the cliffs. With sweeping coastal views, it’s a must-visit location and the perfect place to snap unforgettable photos before continuing your tour.

ic coastline to Achakkar Beach, a favorite local spot. Here, you’ll have the chance to experience a camel ride, included in your tour price. Whether you decide to hop on for a short ride or simply take photos with these gentle animals, it’s a fun and memorable highlight of your Tangier adventure.

As you pass through its gates, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time, surrounded by winding alleys, centuries-old architecture, and the lively rhythms of daily life. Over the next four hours, you’ll soak in the Medina’s unique atmosphere, connect with welcoming locals, and experience the city’s rich culture firsthand. Highlights include visits to Grand Socco, Petit Socco, and the Kasbah, Tangier’s ancient fortress. You’ll also admire the architectural splendor of the Great Mosque—once a Roman temple, later a church—and explore Dar El Mekhzen, the former Sultan’s palace. (More details about these landmarks are coming up next.) Along the way, you’ll enjoy time for a delicious Moroccan lunch and browse local shops for souvenirs, with your guide offering tips to help you find authentic, high-quality items.

Your walking tour of the Medina typically begins at the Grand Socco, a lively square that serves as a gateway between the old town and the Ville Nouvelle. Rich in history, this bustling plaza has witnessed key moments in Tangier’s past. In 1905, it was the site of Kaiser Wilhelm II’s visit, which intensified the rivalry between Germany and France. Later, in 1947, King Mohamed V delivered a powerful speech here calling for Morocco’s independence—an iconic moment during Tangier’s international era.

Next, you'll explore the charming Petit Socco, also known as Souk Dakhel. Once a favorite meeting place for literary figures like Paul Bowles, Jean Genet, Tennessee Williams, and Mohamed Choukri, this small square is steeped in cultural history. With its relaxed atmosphere and timeless charm, it’s the perfect spot to unwind, sip on a glass of traditional mint tea, and take in the authentic rhythm of local life.

As you continue your walking tour through the Medina, you’ll come across the Great Mosque of Tangier, a striking monument that reflects the city’s layered history. Though the current structure was built in the early 19th century, the site itself has held religious significance for centuries. Originally home to a Roman church in the 5th century, it was later transformed into a mosque with the arrival of Islam in the 8th century. Over time, as control of the city shifted, the site alternated between serving as a church and a mosque. When Tangier was reclaimed by Sultan Moulay Ismail in 1684, it was restored as a mosque once again. However, by the early 1800s, the building had fallen into disrepair. In 1815, Sultan Sulayman ordered its reconstruction, resulting in the elegant mosque you see today. More than just a place of worship, the Great Mosque stands as a powerful symbol of Tangier’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.

► [WE VISIT THE AMERICAN LEGATION WHEN THE KASBAH MUSEUMS ARE CLOSED] ► [OPENING HOURS: MONDAY–FRIDAY 10 AM–5 PM | SATURDAY–SUNDAY 10 AM–3 PM | CLOSED ON MOROCCAN HOLIDAYS] As part of your walk through Tangier’s Medina, you may visit the American Legation Museum—the only U.S. National Historic Landmark located outside the United States. Housed in a historic five-story mansion, the museum highlights the enduring relationship between Morocco and the U.S., which began in 1777 when Morocco became the first country to recognize American independence. The building was gifted by Sultan Moulay Suliman in 1821 and served as a U.S. diplomatic post for over 140 years. Inside, you'll discover a range of engaging exhibits that explore the cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations. If the American Legation is included in your itinerary, the entrance fee is covered—giving you access to this unique and historic site at no additional cost.

As you weave through the lively alleys of Tangier’s Medina, taking in the sights, sounds, and warm hospitality of the locals, you’ll gradually ascend to the Kasbah—the city’s ancient hilltop fortress. Entering through one of its historic gates, Bab Haha or Bab El-Assa, you’ll arrive at Place du Mechouar, the main square of the Kasbah. With its towering walls and commanding views, the Kasbah once served as both a defensive stronghold and the residence of the city’s governor. As you explore, you’ll discover highlights like the Kasbah square, where you might come across folkloric performers or snake charmers, and Bab Bhar, a gate that offers stunning views over the port and your cruise ship below. Your visit also includes the Kasbah Museums, which provide fascinating insights into Tangier’s layered history, architecture, and cultural heritage.

► [THE MUSEUM IS OPEN DAILY EXCEPT TUESDAYS, FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM. CLOSED ON MOROCCAN HOLIDAYS.] As part of your Kasbah walking tour, you’ll explore the Kasbah Museum, also known as the Museum of Mediterranean Cultures. Housed in the historic Dar Al-Makhzen—the former Kasbah Palace—the museum has been preserving and showcasing Tangier’s rich cultural heritage since 1922. This elegant palace, located in the eastern part of the Kasbah, has a fascinating history. It once served as the residence of Portuguese governors from 1471 to 1661, and later became the "Upper Castle" for English governors from 1662 to 1684. The entrance fee is included in your tour, giving you full access to the museum’s impressive exhibits and a deeper understanding of Tangier’s layered past.

Port de Tanger Ville – Cruise Terminal (35.79144578871678, -5.800141826979225) At 4:00 p.m., you’ll be conveniently dropped off at the cruise terminal inside Tanger Ville Port, right where the tour began. This ensures a smooth and timely return to your ship after a full day of exploring the highlights of Tangier.