The Tetouan Experience
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Port
Tangier, Morocco
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$190
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 8 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
A 1½-hour drive takes you through the scenic landscape of Northern Morocco to the base of the Rif Mountains. Here you will find Tetouan, originally founded in the 13th century by the Merinid Dynasty.
Upon arrival in Tetouan, you'll visit Dar Sanaa (the House of Crafts). This former palace is now a school teaching the most traditional of Moroccan crafts to its young people. Elements of cultural heritage expounded here include plaster-carving, wood-painting, leatherwork, and embroidery. This is your introduction to the country's rich historic culture and is a prime example of an initiative to keep such traditions intact.
Venture into the maze of the medina (Old Town), moving from the Andalusian Quarter through to the Jewish Quarter (Mellah). Here, it will become quite evident why Tetouan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Tetouan Mellah enjoys the distinction of being a Jewish Quarter that still houses much of the local Jewish community. Living in relative proximity ensures that Judeo-Spanish language, traditions, and customs are faithfully maintained. There are three active synagogues -- the Synagogue Rabbi Isaac Ibn Oualid is the most active one.
Walk to a local restaurant for lunch.
Back on the coach, you will drive past the Jewish cemetery established 500 years ago and situated on the dramatic sloping hillside of Mount Dersa overlooking the Old Town. Aside from its commanding vista, the cemetery (also known as the Castilian Cemetery) features many tombs with anthropomorphic engravings -- a highly unusual feature for Jewish cemeteries. With an estimated 35,000 graves, the Jewish cemetery is among the largest in Morocco.
Heading back to Tangier, enjoy an introduction to this cosmopolitan city, which has long been the crossroads of three great religions.
Please note: Walking up and down hills is required in the medina. Shade is limited; please dress accordingly. Bring a hat and wear sunscreen. Tank tops and immodest clothing are not allowed in places of worship. This tour includes a visit to a UNESCO World Heritage site – "Tetouan". The inside visit of the Synagogue and Cemetery depends on the availability of the person in charge of the Jewish sites and will be advised 48 hours before the visit. The Synagogue is closed on Saturdays. Walking includes downhill & uphill in the medina. Guests are advised to wear comfortable flat footwear. To protect guests from the sun, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended. Tank tops or revealing clothing are not allowed in religious places of worship, please cover up accordingly. The order of sites visited may vary, according to the original itinerary, due to unforeseen circumstances. Guests are advised not to take photos of military personnel without their consent. Guests are advised to always mind their belongings, particularly at tourist points of interest or crowded places.