Tangier Tour from Cruise Port: All Highlights in Small Group

► Pick-up Point on Google Maps:
Port de Tanger Ville – Cruise Terminal
(35.79144650335525, -5.8001391822919866)

At 9:00 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 all the necessary details to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Please make sure to check your messages regularly.

If possible, kindly provide a phone number that is reachable on WhatsApp for easy communication. Also, when booking, don’t forget to include the name of your cruise ship.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Your experience starts with a seamless pick-up directly from the cruise terminal, followed by a relaxing drive in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle. As you pass through Tangier’s vibrant bay and city center, you’ll encounter key landmarks such as Boulevard Mohamed V, Avenue Pasteur, and the historic Place de France.

The journey then continues toward Cap Spartel, passing by the lush Parc Perdicaris, offering a glimpse of Tangier’s natural beauty. Soon, you’ll reach the famous Cap Spartel, the unique point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea—clearly marked by a signpost and known as one of the city’s most photographed locations.

You’ll also visit the impressive Cap Spartel Lighthouse, dating back to 1864, dramatically set atop coastal cliffs. With breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean, this stop is perfect for memorable photos before the tour continues.

After Cap Spartel, continue with a beautiful drive along Tangier’s Atlantic coast toward Achakkar Beach, a popular spot among locals. Upon arrival, you’ll have the option to enjoy a camel ride near the beach (available at an extra cost of €5–€10, payable on site), with both short and longer rides available. Even if you prefer not to ride, you can take photos with the camels and enjoy the coastal scenery—making this stop a fun and memorable part of your Tangier experience.

Your tour continues with an immersive walk through Tangier’s historic Medina. Passing through its gates, you’ll step into a world of winding alleys, centuries-old architecture, and the lively rhythm of local life. Over the next four hours, you’ll explore the Medina’s rich culture, meet friendly locals, and experience its unique atmosphere firsthand.

Highlights include the Grand Socco, Petit Socco, and the Kasbah, Tangier’s ancient hilltop fortress. You’ll also see the Great Mosque—once a Roman temple and later a church—and visit Dar El Mekhzen, the former Sultan’s palace (more details below).

During the walk, you’ll have time to enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch (not included; your guide will recommend the most authentic local spots) and browse local shops, with guidance on finding genuine, high-quality souvenirs.

Your walking tour of the Medina usually starts at the Grand Socco, a vibrant square that links the old town with the Ville Nouvelle. Steeped in history, this lively plaza has played a significant role in Tangier’s past. In 1905, it hosted the visit of Kaiser Wilhelm II, an event that heightened tensions between Germany and France and contributed to the path toward World War I. Later, in 1947, King Mohamed V delivered a historic speech here calling for Morocco’s independence, marking a defining moment of Tangier’s international era.

Next, you’ll discover the charming Petit Socco, also known as Souk Dakhel. This intimate square was once a popular gathering place for renowned writers such as Paul Bowles, Jean Genet, Tennessee Williams, and Mohamed Choukri, giving it a rich cultural legacy. With its laid-back atmosphere and timeless appeal, it’s an ideal place to relax, enjoy a glass of traditional mint tea, and observe the authentic pace of local life.

Continuing your walk through the Medina, you’ll encounter the Great Mosque of Tangier, an impressive landmark that tells the story of the city’s layered past. While the present building dates to the early 19th century, the site itself has been sacred for many centuries.

In the 5th century, it housed a Roman church before becoming a mosque with the arrival of Islam in the 8th century. As Tangier changed hands over time, the building alternated between church and mosque.

After Sultan Moulay Ismail retook the city in 1684, it was restored as a mosque. By the early 19th century, the structure had deteriorated, and in 1815 Sultan Sulayman ordered its reconstruction, giving rise to the elegant mosque seen today. The Great Mosque remains a lasting symbol of Tangier’s diverse cultural and religious heritage.

As you stroll through the vibrant alleys of Tangier’s Medina, absorbing the colors, sounds, and friendly spirit of local life, you’ll gradually make your way up to the Kasbah, the city’s historic hilltop fortress. Passing through one of its ancient entrances—Bab Haha or Bab El-Assa—you’ll reach Place du Mechouar, the Kasbah’s central square.

Surrounded by imposing walls and offering sweeping views, the Kasbah once functioned as both a defensive fortress and the residence of the city’s governor. During your visit, you’ll explore key spots such as the Kasbah square, where folkloric performers or snake charmers may appear, and Bab Bhar, a gate with spectacular views over the port and your cruise ship below.

The visit also includes the Kasbah Museums, offering valuable insight into Tangier’s rich 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 visit the Kasbah Museum, also called the Museum of Mediterranean Cultures. Housed in the historic Dar Al-Makhzen, the former Sultan’s Palace, the museum has been preserving Tangier’s rich cultural heritage since 1922.

This elegant palace, in the eastern Kasbah, has a fascinating past. It served as the residence of Portuguese governors from 1471 to 1661 and later became the "Upper Castle" for English governors between 1662 and 1684.

The museum entrance fee (5€/person, payable onsite) grants full access to its remarkable exhibits and offers deeper insight into Tangier’s layered history. If you prefer to stay outside, please inform your guide—you can explore nearby Mechouar Square, watch folkloric shows, or head to Bab Bhar gate for stunning views of the city and port.

► Drop-off Point on Google Maps:
Port de Tanger Ville – Cruise Terminal
(35.79144650335525, -5.8001391822919866)

At the end of the tour, you’ll have some free time to shop for souvenirs or simply stroll with your guide on the way down to meet the driver.

At 3:00 p.m., you’ll be dropped off at the cruise terminal inside Tanger Ville Port, where the tour began. This ensures a smooth and timely return to your ship after exploring the highlights of Tangier.