The Total Solar Eclipse in Tangier, Morocco

Depart on an overnight flight to Tangier, Morocco.

Tangier, Morocco

Arrive in Tangier and transfer to the hotel. This evening, gather for a welcome reception with fellow guests.

Tangier

Rise for a guided morning tour through Tangier’s medina. Begin at the Ibn Battuta Museum, opened in 2023 to honor the city’s greatest explorer. Born here in 1304, Ibn Battuta traveled 75,000 miles across 44 modern countries over 29 years, surpassing even Marco Polo’s range. Interactive exhibits re-create his routes from Cairo’s bazaars to the sultan’s court in Delhi. Continue to the Tangier American Legation, the first property the U.S. Government ever owned abroad. This five-story Moorish mansion served as the American consulate for 140 years and stands as the only U.S. National Historic Landmark outside the United States. Walk through the Beni Idir quarter to the Moshe Nahon Synagogue, built around 1878 and beautifully restored in 1994. Lunch awaits at Villa Mabrouka, the legendary clifftop estate of fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. After lunch, visit St. Andrew’s Church, consecrated in 1905 and one of North Africa’s oldest continuously operating Anglican churches. Inside, Moroccan craftsmen created carved stucco and zellij tilework, featuring a gilded Lord’s Prayer in Arabic script above the chancel arch. For those interested, an optional private cooking class with a Moroccan chef will offer hands-on exploration of the country’s culinary traditions. Later, gather for dinner.

Tangier / Chefchaouen

After breakfast, depart for a guided tour of Chefchaouen, the “Blue Pearl” set in the Rif Mountains at 1,840 feet. What sets Chefchaouen apart is its entire medina washed in shades of powder-blue, azure, and teal. At the center of Plaza Uta el-Hammam, discover the Kasbah, the original 1471 fortress whose high clay walls with crenelated ramparts contrast with the surrounding blue homes. Enjoy a group lunch in Chefchaouen, with dinner upon return to Tangier.

Tangier / Cape Spartel (Eclipse Viewing)

After breakfast, prepare for one of nature’s rarest spectacles: a total solar eclipse. On this date, the moon’s shadow will sweep across northern Morocco. Experience the viewing near Tangier, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, at the 19th-century Cape Spartel Lighthouse, Morocco’s oldest. Built in the 1860s, the lighthouse is recognized for its Maghreb-inspired square minaret form and its panoramic views toward the Caves of Hercules. As light returns, gather for lunch, with the remainder of the day at leisure.

Tangier / Tétouan

This morning, depart for an excursion to Tétouan, often referred to as the “daughter of Granada” for its Andalusian heritage. Visit the Ethnographic Museum of Tétouan (Musée Ethnographique), whose exhibits illustrate the lifestyles of northern Morocco through the centuries. After a group lunch, enjoy an afternoon at leisure. This evening, gather for a festive farewell dinner accompanied by a performance.

Tangier / Return

After breakfast, transfer to the Tangier airport for your flight home.