3days tours: Journey through Morocco from Tangier
- Duration: 3 days
- From: Tangier
- Arrival: Tangier
Ever dreamed of stepping into the shoes of Sira Quiroga, the courageous seamstress from María Dueñas’s celebrated novel The Time in Between? Do the stunning locations from the TV adaptation spark your wanderlust? If so, our Time in Between tour is made for you. This immersive journey brings the story to life, guiding you through the very places that shaped Sira’s adventure. Even if you only have a few days, this tour offers the perfect escape to relive her unforgettable path. Here’s everything you need to know.
Services included
- Pick-up in Marrakech, at your hotel or at the agreed location
- 4x4 route, with a Spanish-speaking driver/guide
- Assistance and accompaniment throughout the excursion
- Camel ride to the tent camp
- Dinner at the tent camp
- Accommodation in a Berber tent
- Assistance at destination
Services not included
- Arrival and return flights
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Tickets to monuments
- Tips
- Schedule
Day 1
On the first day of this The Time in Between tour, your journey begins in the city of Tangier. You can arrive by plane or follow in the footsteps of Sira Quiroga by ferry, crossing the Strait of Gibraltar from the Spanish ports of Tarifa or Algeciras—just as many did during the era in which the story is set, when Tangier was a free port that attracted entrepreneurs and fostered a vibrant, cosmopolitan ambiance. That same spirit will shape our experience throughout this tour.
Whether you arrive by air or sea, our English-speaking driver will meet you with a private vehicle to start the journey. The day’s exploration of Tangier will include numerous landmarks featured in both the novel and the TV adaptation. In the city’s kasbah, we’ll visit the Dar El Makhzen and Dar Chorfa palaces historic structures from the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail that were used in the series to portray the Tetouan police station.
We’ll also explore the American Legation, now a museum and the site of key meetings between Sira Quiroga and Alan Hillgarth in the story. The tour includes stops at Sidi Kacen beach, where outdoor scenes were filmed, and Boulevard Mohamed VI (formerly Avenida d’España), which runs past the port and the iconic Hotel Continental whose lavish interiors were the backdrop for several scenes.
You’ll also become familiar with the Hotel El Minzah, located near Place de France, a regular haunt for Sira in the series and one of author María Dueñas’s personal favorite spots in Tangier. This will be your accommodation for the night, offering you a true taste of the city’s atmosphere.
Additional highlights include a visit to the Hotel Villa Josefine (another filming site) and the Palace of Italian Institutions (Muley Hafid Palace), former residence of Rosalinda Fox, Sira’s close confidante.
Beyond the literary and cinematic locations, we’ll also explore other cultural gems of Tangier:
The medina and its bustling souk
The serene gardens of Mendoubia Palace
Historic cafés like Café Paris and Café Hafa, famous for their literary past
In the late afternoon, we’ll take a scenic excursion to Cape Spartel to visit the legendary Caves of Hercules, a natural wonder near the city. You’ll return to Tangier for dinner and spend the night in the elegant Hotel El Minzah.
Summary of the day
- Arrival in Tangier by ferry or flight
- Guided tour of Tangier, focusing on the locations from the novel and series, and other monuments in the city
- Excursion to Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules
- Overnight at the historic El Minzah Hotel
Day 2
On the second day of our Time in Between tour, we head to Tetouan. After breakfast at the Hotel El Minzah, we’ll begin the journey along the same road Sira Quiroga once traveled—crossing what was then the Borg international border, where she suffered a serious hemorrhage that led to her hospitalization.
Many key moments in the novel take place in Tetouan, and several of the locations featured remain intact today. One such site is the Sania Ramel Civil Hospital, where Sira recovered. Another is the old Ceuta-Tetouan railway station—now repurposed as a contemporary art center—which was also used as a filming location.
As we explore the city, fans of the story will recognize familiar streets and districts. Luneta Street, the Luneta Gate, and their surroundings are where the fictional Candelaria boarding house was located—Sira’s first home in Tetouan. Cagigas Park and the nearby train station, tied to the smuggling subplot in the series, are also located here.
Close to Puerta de la Reina, we’ll see the art school where Sira sought skilled draftsmen. Her fashion studio is now the Instituto Cervantes, with its rooftop and balconies providing iconic views featured in several poignant scenes.
The Eixample neighborhood also plays a significant role, reflecting the Spanish architectural influence in the city. Other recognizable spots include Mohamed V Avenue (formerly Avenida de la República), Al-Yala Square (formerly Plaza de José Antonio), the Fénix building, Tarrafin Street with its distinctive wood latticework, Plaza de España in El Feddan, and Bab Ruah (the Wind Gate).
In addition to these literary and cinematic locations, we’ll explore Tetouan’s charming historic center, recognized by UNESCO for its architectural and cultural richness. Notable stops may include:
Muley Abdelkader Mosque
Church of the Virgin of Victory, built in neo-Romanesque style
The Jewish Mellah, once home to a vibrant Jewish community and the Bengualid Synagogue
The Málaga neighborhood
Your accommodation for the night will be Riad El Reducto. While it didn’t appear in the series, it holds a special connection—Adriana Ugarte, who played Sira, stayed here during filming. Dinner will also be served at the riad, rounding out another immersive day of this unique literary journey.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at the El Minzah Hotel in Tangier
- Road trip to Tetouan
- Guided tour of Tetouan to discover places related to The Time in Between and other monuments in the city
- Dinner and overnight at the Riad El Reducto
Day 3
After breakfast at Riad El Reducto, we’ll make our way to the ferry that will take you back across the Strait of Gibraltar to the Iberian Peninsula. This final part of the journey departs from the Autonomous City of Ceuta, located about 40 kilometers away. The route itself holds historical significance, once served by a railway line. Along the way, you’ll pass by the old stations of Dar Riffien, Negrón, Miramar, and Malalien — the latter playing a key role in Sira Quiroga’s story and her covert activities.
Upon arrival at the port of Ceuta, our services for The Time in Between tour will come to an end. We’ll part ways with a warm “see you soon,” hoping to welcome you back for more tours in Morocco — perhaps with other cinematic or literary inspirations.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at the Riad El Reducto in Tetouan
- Car route to Ceuta, visiting stations related to the series
- Ferry in Ceuta, back to the Iberian Peninsula
- Photos
- FAQ
Morocco Turism offers an extensive selection of tours, from explorations of the imperial cities to thrilling journeys through the Sahara Desert. For more information, check out our tours page.
Tour durations vary, ranging from quick weekend escapes to extended trips of over a week. You can select the option that best fits your schedule and interests.
The cities you’ll visit depend on the tour you select, but options often include Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, Chefchaouen, and more. Each tour features a detailed itinerary available on our website.
Definitely. Your safety is our highest priority. We partner with professional guides and skilled drivers to provide you with a secure and unforgettable travel experience.
Our tours feature a variety of accommodations, including boutique hotels and traditional riads. Each option is thoughtfully chosen to provide both comfort and an authentic Moroccan experience.
Yes, at Morocco Turism, we recognize that every traveler is different. Reach out to us to tailor your tour according to your preferences and specific interests.
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