Explore the medina, new town and view the Atlantic ocean from the Cap Spartel.
Departure from Rabat at 7.30am for the 3hour drive to Tangier.
Tangier retains its powerful charm to this day: from the previously nefarious alleys in the Petit Socco area to the many café terraces which are more than ever avant-gardist.
Medina: Tangier medina has always fascinated artists: Eugène Delacroix, Henri Matisse, Paul Bowles, Tennessee Williams, Jean Genet…and many others. The old Mendoub Palace, built in 1929, situated to the North of the medina, is now a mansion for foreign VIPs. The museum of the old American Legation is in the Southern extremity. Paintings are on display and one room is dedicated to the American writer Paul Bowles.
Leave the medina by Grand Socco Square, a lively spot in the evening, and enter the new town to enjoy a pleasant walk in the Mendoubia Park situated north of Grand Socco Square. A giant banyan tree and a dragon tree, alleged to be 800 years old, highlight the visit. Take rue de la Liberté, a shopping thoroughfare, to the Place de France which is the heart of the modern town. There are the celebrated Grand Café de Paris and the El Minzah Hotel which both were haunts of the famous names of arts and literature of the 19th and early 20th centuries. This spot is still very fashionable. There is an amazing view of the medina and the port and bay of Tangier from Faro Square with its canons. The mythical Hafa café overlooks the Strait of Gibraltar from the top of the cliff.
1pm: Break for lunch
Continue to Cap Spartel, a headland about 12km from Tangier, ideal for admiring the Atlantic Ocean. On the way, stop to visit the Hercules Cave. According to legend, this mythical Greek half-god rested here after digging the Strait of Gibraltar. Close by is there restored Roman town of Cotta with ruins of a temple and hot-baths.
4pm: return to Rabat
The Lawrence of Morocco map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
We really know Morocco and have had the pleasure of making many people's dream trips become reality over the years. It has been our privilege to be asked to manage holidays, weddings and productions for so many fantastic and discerning clients. We remain small and dedicated to providing excellent honest advice to enable you to sit back, relax and enjoy the fun bits without having to manage the unpredictability of this fascinating country.
If you want it done right, look no further!
