Casablanca, Morocco

El Jadida Portuguese Fortress Town

An Outpost of Old Portugal Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mazagan, or El Jadida, an old fortified Portuguese city. See its fascinating blend of Moorish and European influence. You will meet your guide and drive to the main gate of the Old Town, passing the Portuguese Cistern, a massive underground chamber originally built in 1514 as a warehouse. Continue to the Portas do Mar, the Sea Gates. Here, a communal oven still bakes the dough brought by local women. Then, walk through the Jewish Quarter that grew rich from trade in its heyday, and on to the Bastion of St. Sebastian. This old compound was once home to the Tribunal of the Inquisition. Its old prison was turned into a synagogue in the 19th century, as its Star of David on the wall will attest. Enjoy refreshments and a snack before returning to your ship. * Demanding - Physically challenging activities, including extensive walks, hiking, riding, water sports, and high altitude activities. Activities by foot may contain difficult, unpaved surfaces and/or multiple stairs and steep inclines. Total time walking or standing may exceed 3 hours.