From Seville: Full-Day Tour to Tangier

If you’re considering a day trip from Seville to visit Tangier, this tour might seem tempting. It promises a chance to cross the Mediterranean, explore a lively Moroccan city, and sample delicious cuisine—all in one long but potentially rewarding day.

What caught our eye? First, we love the fabulous views on the ferry crossing and the chance to see both the old medina and modern attractions in Tangier. Second, the guides’ knowledge and friendliness get some high marks, especially on the Moroccan side.

However, a couple of things to consider. Some reviews mention organizational issues and communication gaps during the Spanish part of the tour, and the lunch experience has drawn mixed reactions—some found it rushed and not very appetizing.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a taste of Morocco in a day, enjoy guided walking tours, and are okay with a long, busy schedule. If you’re not a fan of tight timelines or prefer a more relaxed pace, you might want to explore other options or spend more time in Tangier independently.

Key Points

• Crossing the Mediterranean by ferry offers stunning vistas and a sense of adventure.
• Guided tours on both sides of the Strait help fill in the history and culture, making the experience more meaningful.
• Timing and organization can be inconsistent, so patience is key.
• Food and shopping are part of the itinerary, but reviews suggest the quality varies.
• The tour is quite long (about 15 hours), so it’s best for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing.
• Accessibility and age limits are noted; it’s suitable for most but not for those with mobility issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Seville to Tangier Tour

Starting Point: Early Morning Pickup and Transport

The tour begins bright and early, with pickup options at three different locations in Seville, including hotels and tourist offices. This flexibility is convenient, especially if you’re staying nearby. From here, you’ll hop on a bus for around 2.5 hours to the ferry terminal. The bus ride helps you settle in before the highlight of the day—the crossing.

Ferry Ride: Crossing the Strait of Gibraltar

The ferry ride lasts about an hour and offers some of the best parts of the journey—spectacular views of the Bay of Tangier and the Strait. This is genuinely the most visually striking part of the trip. We love the way the ferry gives you a moment to soak in the scenery, and many reviews highlight the beautiful vistas as a favorite aspect.

Arrival in Tangier: Guided Tour of the Old Medina and Highlights

Once in Tangier, you’ll meet your local guide to explore the city’s narrow streets and lively markets, like the Grand Socco. This bustling square is a hub of activity, full of shops, street vendors, and local life. Your guide will take you past the main monuments and share stories about how Tangier has attracted artists and writers like Matisse and Bowles.

A significant part of the experience is walking through the medina, where the mix of colors, smells, and sounds help you feel the city’s vibrant character. You may find, as some reviews suggest, that guides are well-informed and attentive, especially on the Moroccan side, but the Spanish part can sometimes be a bit disorganized.

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Shopping and Free Time

Expect some time in the medina to browse local crafts or relax with a traditional mint tea at a terrace café. Many travelers enjoy this part of the tour, although some reviews mention feeling rushed or directed to specific shops, which can sometimes feel a bit pressured.

Lunch: Moroccan Flavors

Lunch is included, typically featuring Moroccan cuisine, but reviews suggest that the quality and pace vary. Some found the meal rushed or not up to their expectations, with comments about small portions and low-quality food. Others, however, appreciated trying authentic dishes and the opportunity to taste local flavors.

Return Journey: Ferry and Bus Back to Seville

After lunch, you’ll likely have a short break before the ferry ride back to Spain. The return ferry lasts another hour, and then it’s a bus ride of roughly 2.5 hours to return to Seville, arriving late evening.

Overall Experience: Highlights and Challenges

The positive reviews often mention knowledgeable guides, spectacular views, and the value for money. Travelers appreciate the opportunity to see two countries in one day without the hassle of planning multiple transports.

However, some reviews point out organizational hiccups, especially during the Spain side of the trip, where communication and timing were less smooth. The lunch experience seems to be a hit-or-miss, with some feeling it was hurried or subpar.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is best for adventurous travelers who don’t mind a long day and want a quick snapshot of Tangier without staying overnight. It’s particularly suited for those interested in culture, scenery, and history, and who don’t mind some unpredictability.

If you’re a foodie expecting a gourmet experience or someone looking for a relaxed, leisurely day, this might not fully meet your expectations. Also, if mobility is an issue, be aware that the tour involves walking through uneven medina streets and standing for periods.

Practical Details and Tips

• Transportation: The bus and ferry are the main modes of transport. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes since walking is involved.
• Timing: The entire trip lasts about 15 hours, so pack snacks, water, and patience.
• Cost and Value: Considering the inclusion of ferry rides, guides, and lunch, the price is reasonable, but some might feel it’s not quite enough for the rushed schedule or variable meal quality.
• Guides: On the Moroccan side, guides seem knowledgeable and personable; on the Spanish side, expect some communication issues, as some travelers noted.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, but those with mobility impairments should check specifics directly with the provider.
• Documents: A valid passport is essential, and you’ll need to provide passport details when booking.
• Age: The minimum age is 4 years old, making it suitable for families, but keep in mind the long hours and walking involved.

What Travelers Say

One traveler from Canada gave it a 4 out of 5, praising the views, food, and guides, especially on the Moroccan side. Conversely, another from Canada rated it a 2, criticizing the disorganization, rushed lunch, and pushy shopping stops. A traveler from the United States appreciated the friendly guides but noted the overall trip was a “cluster mess” due to miscommunication, highlighting that coordination can sometimes be tricky.

Most reviews agree that the guides’ friendliness and knowledge shine through, and the views of the Strait and medina are memorable. The lunch quality remains a mixed bag, with some travelers just glad to have a taste of local cuisine, while others felt it was rushed or not very good.

Final Thoughts

This full-day tour from Seville to Tangier offers a convenient way to cross cultures in a single day. It’s a good pick if you’re eager to experience Morocco’s vibrant streets, taste some local flavors, and enjoy dramatic views during the ferry ride.

But, be prepared for a long and busy schedule, with some possible organizational hiccups and variable meal quality. If you enjoy guided outings and are comfortable with a packed itinerary, you’ll find this trip rewarding.

For those seeking a more relaxed or in-depth experience, or who want to explore Tangier at their own pace, booking a private tour or staying overnight might be better options.

FAQs

Do I need a passport for this tour?
Yes, a current valid passport is required on the day of travel since you’ll be crossing international borders between Spain and Morocco.

Is this tour suitable for young children?
The minimum age is 4 years old, so it’s generally okay for families with kids. However, keep in mind the long hours and walking involved, which might be tiring for little ones.

What language are the guides in?
Guides speak Spanish, English, French, and Italian, so you should find a guide who speaks your preferred language.

How long is the ferry crossing?
The ferry ride takes about 1 hour each way, offering some of the best views of the Strait of Gibraltar.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport, comfortable shoes, and perhaps some snacks or water. Weather can vary, so check the forecast beforehand.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s always a good idea to confirm specifics with the provider if needed.

Will I have free time in Tangier?
Yes, approximately 30 minutes of free time is included, usually after the guided tour and lunch, for shopping or relaxing.

All in all, this trip can be a fantastic way to dip your toes into Moroccan culture, provided you’re prepared for a full, sometimes hectic day. It’s worth weighing your travel style against the long hours and variable reviews, but for many, the stunning views and lively streets make it a memorable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: