Excursion Religions of morocco tour at Tanger

Explore the religious tolerance and diversity of Morocco during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion to a trio of hallowed sites in Tangier.

Tangier, Saint Andrew's Church

Depart the pier in Morocco for the short drive to the magnificent, Moorish-style Saint Andrew's Church. Completed in 1890 on land granted to the government of Queen Victoria's Great Britain by Sultan Hassan, the interior of this Anglican Church is decorated in high Fassi style, with the Lord's Prayer in Arabic over the altar. The exquisite ceiling of the chancel, made up of hundreds of small pieces of cedar wood, and the alcove at the east end of the church behind the nave is carved with texts from the Koran, reminiscent of the 'mihrab' of a mosque. It is, to our knowledge, the only Christian church in the world with references to the Koran. An authentic tribute to the harmony of Christianity and Islam, this iconic church also serves as a cemetery for American soldiers.

Mosque of the Kasbah, Beni Idir Quarter

Next, re-board your coach and drive to the Mosque of the Kasbah district for an external visit. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the Medina of Tangier. This mosque stands out because it is the oldest in the city, has a unique and precious octagonal minaret, and a typical entrance with a beautiful, coffered, brown-coloured ceiling. Leaving the Mosque of the Kasbah, continue on to a dead-end street off the Rue des Synagogues in the Beni Idir Quarter of the Tangier Medina.

Moshe Nahon Synagogue and Museum, Zahia Hotel, Refreshments

Upon arrival, a visit is made to the Moshe Nahon Synagogue, one of the most beautiful synagogues in Morocco. Constructed during the 19th century by its namesake, a prominent educator and scholar from an influential Jewish family in Tangier, the synagogue is elaborately decorated in an Andalusian style, and its carved, stucco walls decorated with a repeating motif featuring ornamental embedded columns, tri-lobe arches, and Arabesques with floral and geometric motifs. Perhaps most remarkable is the Arabic calligraphy, repeated in three medallions vertically-aligned below the superior lobe. Following your visit, proceed on-foot for refreshments at the Zahia Hotel. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Tangier, Saint Andrew's Church, Mosque of the Kasbah, Refreshments, Beni Idir Quarter, Moshe Nahon Synagogue and Museum

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking (appriximately 2.5 km), at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces and steep inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 10 at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, bottled water and local currency for purchases from the ship. Proper attire is required to enter religious sites; shorts, high heels and bare shoulders are not permitted.