I've been reading through old posts and most were very negative about taking this day trip. The only positive one that I read about Tangiers was from someone who took a private guide. I'll have 10 nights in Andalusia but I always have a desire to "taste" another country. Most say these cities do not represent Morocco at all and not to go. Current opinions?

Good question. I made this trip from Algeciras, took the ferry, and ended up in Tangier with a private guide. I came back with a tremendous appreciation of running domestic water, and of so many things taken from granted. Tangier is not a pretty city, if your objective is to see a different culture/ step in Africa/ see something different, go, but EXERCISE TREMENDOUS CAUTION. GO WITH A GROUP. DO NOT GO BY YOURSELVES. DO NOT TAKE YOUR EYES OFF YOUR PASSPORT WHEN HANDING IT OVER TO CUSTOMS OFFICIALS. DO NOT TAKE MONEY OUT UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO PAY. IF SOMETHING DOESN'T FEEL RIGHT, TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS.

Our visit was pretty much the usual; a taxi ride from the harbor to city centre thru some posh neighborhoods. Then we walked thru the Medina, very, very interesting. I was mesmerized by the strong sense of community; a community oven, a community well, a community school. We learned from our guide about the hard working people that lived there and many other facts of their daily lives. Then on to lunch and afterwards a visit to the market, where things got really ugly. I made the mistake of taking out some money while looking at some items for sale. There was a guy who grab the money from my hands and threw at me some merchandise I didn't want. All of the sudden three guys grabbed him and beat the c*^*p out of him, right in front of me. I was so shocked, I can't even remembered when one of them handed the money back to me, took the merchandise, got us a taxi and out we went back to the harbor. I am not sure if in today's situation I would be comfortable visiting Tangier, I guess there is some safety in numbers and that is the only way I would go back, if part of a group.

I've read about a private guide named Aziz, and there have been comments that when traveling with him noone approaches you. I must say though that Tetouan sounds more appealing.

I did this a couple of years ago and was absolutely fascinated! We spent two weeks in Spain and almost didn't make the trip to Morocco. We were glad we did! The culture is so different from our own in North America and it was a feast for the senses.

I agree with Chatters. Hold on to your belongings and go in a group. I would not have done it on my own but I would do it again in a heart beat, even extending it to multiple days.

Most of our trip was spent in Tetuan weaving through all the pathways in the medina. I was not impressed with Tangier. I would suggest going on a tour that spends all or most of the day in Tetuan.

The ferry we took over was more luxurious than any ferry I have been on in Europe or North America. It was a quick ride over. I wish I had been blind folded during the bus ride. Everyone passes on blind curves at amazing speeds but we didn't see any wrecks.

If you enjoy cultural experiences and are open minded to things not being as they are "back home" then I highly suggest it!

I've spent beaucoup of time in Morocco. Stay away from Tangiers. It's the Moroccan equivalent of Tijuana, Mexico and full of hustlers plying one ruse or another. (That is unless you like Tijuana!)and NOT a true portait of the people, the culture or the beauty which is Morocco. If you're itching to go from Spain, visit Tetuan however make sure to return one day to really tour the country. It's an amazing, exotic and friendly place and you will feel as if you are walking through one continuous National Geographic photo shoot!

It sound like it would evoke the same feelings in me that my daytrip from Corfu, Greece to Butrint, Albania did. It was a very poor, very rugged but at the same time beautiful place to see. We took the ferry that the Albanians take back & forth, and it was FAR from posh.

my experience in tangier
now that we are back,I just wanted to thank Abdelhamid Idrissi for his wonderful tour. It really was one of the highlights of our trip. (We could have really used him at the KASBAH & Medina of Tangier.are well. We will be sure to recommend him and his services to everyone. In fact,I put in a good word for him on the talk pages of kodoirs.After lunch, we met with Abdelhamid Idrissi,an official guide of Tangier who I knew from friends. He gave us a wonderful private tour of the Kasbah and Medina, and Most of Monuments and interesting places of Tangier,I would highly recommend him. The tour was about 3 hours (worth it!!).Very Save Also.The people are very friendly and no danger whatsoever. But make sure to do Tangier Morocco with [email protected]
I think there is a tremendous difference walking around someplace "just looking" and having someone explain all that is there, why it is there and how people lived in it.Especially good when you are travelling with teens..He was great with them- engaging them, picking topics that might interest them, etc." we wanted to thank him again for being the most important part of our first class adventure in Morocco. We learned such wonderful stuff from his knowledge that our friends and family here are really impressed with all the history and culture we brought back. And he was fun and very special!!!his direct phonbe: 0021268702424 e.mail: [email protected]
larry kinglife U.S.A

I see that this is your first post. Welcome

If you just want a taste of another culture and are willing to put up with the hassles it will inevitably involve, go, but do be aware, as sfarah mentioned, that Tangiers and Tetouan are NOT the real Morocco. I've been to Morocco twice, and can only say it would be a shame if your impressions of that wonderful country were based on Tangiers and Tetouan.

ok StCirq, By The Way I Have A Question For you!
If Tetouan And Tangier Aren't A Real Morocco! What Is A real morocco then?
Also Are the Mentioned cities Made In Italy? Like real Rolex & Not Real One!
I have Been There Many Times And I Find It Real And Authentic!
Thanks.
Daniel student from Granada.

sfarah already made the perfect analogy - she/he said it would be like going to Tijuana, which is hardly representative of Mexico.

If you've been there many times and enjoyed it, all I can say is venture a little farther into the country next time and see what you think then.