Insight Vacations Review – Treasures of Spain, Portugal & Morocco – Gibraltar to Tangier in Morocco
Insight Vacations Review – Treasures of Spain, Portugal & Morocco – Gibraltar to Tangier in Morocco
WJ Tested: Insight Vacations – Day 8: Gibraltar to Tangier in Morocco
Insight Vacations Review – Treasures of Spain, Portugal & Morocco – Gibraltar to Tangier in Morocco
16-Night Motorcoach Trip in 2011
Seville to Gibraltar
Before the day was done we would be on 2 continents (Europe and Africa), in 2 countries (Spain and Morocco) and 1 British colony (Gibraltar), so a 6:30 am wake-up call was arranged. That gave us time for the buffet breakfast before the coach departed at 8 am. As we were leaving the city, Javier told us he had a special surprise for us – he was going to give us a quick stop at the site of the 1929 Ibero-American World Exposition. This jaw-dropping display of unique architecture was indeed a special surprise and we saw the Plaza de Espana (one of the buildings) which now mainly consists of government offices. The workmanship and multi-colored tiles used by the original craftsmen on the old expo site are truly fantastic.
During our drive to Gibraltar, Javier handed out entry cards to each of us which needed to be completed and would be presented with our passport for entry into Morocco. Part way on the drive towards Gibraltar we stopped for a coffee break at Los Corzos La Palmosa, a very authentic barand restaurant where local hunters gather. Then by 11 am we spied our first glimpse of the famous Rock of Gibraltar – even though it was partially covered by low clouds.
Insight Vacations Review – Treasures of Spain, Portugal & Morocco – Gibraltar to Tangier in Morocco
Gibraltar
Our coach parked within a few minutes walk of the border crossing from Spain and Javier escorted us on foot into Gibraltar (the coach and driver stayed in Spain). Although we were required to have our passports in-hand and open as we walked through the border crossing, none of the guards stopped us or paid us any attention at all. After walking another 5 minutes we reached the Gibraltar Airport where we met a local mini-bus from Calypso Tours with our driver/guide, Paul. Our native Gibraltarian guide took us on a drive through the city, up through the tunnels in the famous rock and to a nature preserve where we could see caves and the Barbary Macaques (monkeys). After a short lunch break on our own, our 3-hour excursion to Gibraltar was over and we again met up with Javier for the walk back through the border crossing and into Spain.
Ferry to Morocco
Back on the coach we had a 40-minute drive to the Spanish port of Tarifa where we caught the ferry crossing to Tangier in Morocco. The fast ferryride only took 45 minutes and wasn’t too bumpy as we sailed across the Strait of Gibraltar (not known for being smooth sailing). Javier took care of having our passports and entry forms validated for us with Moroccan Customs during the ferry crossing which saved us all from lining up with other travellers.
Insight Vacations Review – Treasures of Spain, Portugal & Morocco – Gibraltar to Tangier in Morocco
Tangier
Upon arriving in Tangier we quickly and smoothly went through customs and were then met back at the coach by a Moroccan National Guide, Abi, who would be our tour guide for the duration of our stay in Morocco. The Moroccan government mandates that a national guide be with all tours whilst they are in the country. Although Abi had been a National Guide for 25-years and Javier had not worked with him before, the two did a fine job as they worked well together throughout our trip to ensure we had the very best experience possible.
As most of our group wanted to get Moroccan money (Dirham is the currency of Morocco) we made a quick stop at a money exchange kiosk near the ferry terminal. After a 20-minute drive through downtown Tangier, with Abi narrating as we drove, we reached our hotel for the night – the new and modern 5-star Hotel Andalucian Golf. Upon entering the hotel lobby we were served our first Moroccan sweet mint tea while waiting for our room key cards.
Again, we had a time change and turned back our watches by one hour. This gave us a little extra time to relax in our spacious, very clean and nicely designed room before joining our group for the included buffet dinner in the hotel dining room. A delicious meal ensued with beautifully presented hot and cold dishes. We were off to a fine start on our first trip to Morocco!
If You Go:
Visit WAVEJourney’s Insight Vacations Treasures of Spain, Portugal & Morocco Review:
Overview | Itinerary | Hotels | Photos | Day 1: Madrid | Day 2: Segovia | Day 3: Toledo & Salamanca | Day 4: Fatima & Lisbon | Day 5: Lisbon & Cascais | Day 6: Sevilla | Day 7: Cordoba | Day 8: Gibraltar & Tangier | Day 9: Fes | Day 10: Fes & Meknes | Day 11: Marrakesh | Day 12: Ourika Valley & Marrakesh | Day 13: Casablanca & Rabat | Day 14: Torremolinos | Day 15: Granada | Day 16: Madrid |
