The perfect holiday combo along the Mediterranean
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“The Moorish cultural influence of Spain, Portugal and Morocco will be clear throughout this journey. But the differences that make each country so distinctive also stand out! Experience the difference as you travel through these 3 magnificent Mediterranean countries uncovering the hidden treasures and insider experiences along the way.”
The Perfect Mediterranean Holiday Combo: Spain, Morocco & Portugal
Create your mediterranean holiday filled with insights, fun, wonderful travel companions and experiences you’re never going to forget. Immerse yourself…
Spain
Spain’s Mediterranean coastline, from the Costa Blanca to the Costa del Sol, enjoys an average of over 300 days of sunshine each year. When northern Europe is being deluged or is frozen, you can almost guarantee that the south of Spain will be bathed in sunshine. In general, May and October are considered the best months for touring, as they’re generally dry and not too hot in most regions.
Sample delicious local cuisine such as paella, the traditional “tapas”, the “jamón serrano”, the “morcilla”, the “tortilla” and so many other delicious Spanish dishes. The famous paella is a rice dish originally from Valencia. “Paella,” which means frying pan in Spanish and leftovers in Arabic, is eaten traditionally on Sundays.
Undeniably, Spain is famous for its Andalusian white-washed Fincas, and music styles particularly the Flamenco. Move your body with grace to the tune of Spanish music. It delights the heart and frees the mind of troubles as you express yourself on the dance floor.
There are wine growing regions all over the country, the best-known being La Rioja in the north. Visit Jerez to see the home of sherry and check out the little known vintages of the Canaries. Spain has produced world-renowned painters ranging from classical Velazquez to surrealist Picasso. Madrid has some of the finest art museums in the world.
Portugal
Lisbon is Europe’s oldest capital after Athens and is one of the world’s greatest natural harbours. As one of the world’s great historic cities, it should not be missed, especially by history buffs. In Lisbon experience the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Hieronymite Monastery, and in Toledo experience a wonderful cultural insight at an inlaid steel factory to see the local craftsmen at work.
The Algarve, which stretches 200 kilometres from the westerly rocky cliffs of Cape Saint Vincent to Vila Real de Santo Antonio on the Spanish border, has more than 100 wide sandy beaches. The jagged Mediterranean coastline shelters sunbathers and surfers with sandstone cliffs.
Seafood is abundant in Portugal, a land of fishermen and sailors. Grilled sardines and mackerel are classic favourites and fish is freshly cooked to order. Cataplana, a garlicky stew of shellfish, fish and sometimes chicken and sausage, is a must and is served steaming hot in special, hooded copper pots.
Many hotels and pubs throughout Portugal host Fado music concerts, a type of urban folk music with nostalgic, often mournful lyrics, accompanied by guitar. The music traces back to the 1820s and is said to have a mix of Arabic and African origins.
Morocco
Nestled on the north western tip of Africa, separated from the rest of the continent by the towering Atlas Mountains and by the Sahara itself, Morocco is a world apart. Enjoy amazing colours, the smells and sounds of Islamic Africa. Bustling souqs and spice markets, stunning mosques, white-washed sea side towns and medieval city centres.
When you travel with Trafalgar you’ll enjoy Insider moments like running your hand across lotions and potions in a tiny apothecary in Marrakesh’s Medina, hidden in a labyrinth of lanes, as the pharmacist shares how he blends native spices into age-old tonics.
Marrakesh, Fez, Rabat and Meknes have all, at some point in history, been the capital of Morocco. These cities have palaces, churches, mosques and museums that provide a glimpse into Morocco’s history.
You’ll probably be able to smell the herbs and spices baked into the local food before you sit down to eat it. Moroccan dishes include stews and couscous and are prepared in tagines with fish, chicken or lamb.
Fez, Casablanca and Tangier are the country’s most popular places to shop. The souks are stacked with ceramics, leather goods, baskets, carpets and jewelry. Bargaining with the shop owner or artisan is both expected and accepted in Morocco. And when you’re in Marrakesh with Trafalgar you’ll experience the Djemaa el Fna market in the old quarter through the eyes of a Local Specialist. This market is filled with palm-readers, acrobats, snake charmers and camels.
Morocco’s history encompasses influences from the Berbers, the Roman Empire and the French and Spanish settlers who tried to claim the country as their own. As you move from city to city and region to region on your Trafalgar guided holiday, you will be able to see the influences all of these people have had on Morocco.
Create your own adventure! On this adventure, you’ll be aroused by the flare and fire of flamenco dancing in the Sacromonte Caves of Spain. You’ll rock the party in the trendiest bars of Lagos, Portugal. And you’ll be mesmerised by the pristine white fortress of Alhambra. But don’t worry, if it’s all a little too hot to handle, you can always cool off in the magnificent Mediterranean Sea.
Marvel at artistic masterpieces and architectural wonders in Spain, taste the rich history of Portugal in its delightful cities and cuisine, and be enchanted by the magic of mysterious Morocco. Revel in chaotic markets, relax in coastal retreats and be warmed by local hospitality. This is an unforgettable odyssey through changing landscapes and incredible cultures. Be spellbound!
Travelling through this trio of exotic countries, you’ll be guided through medinas and Mosques, cathedrals & Kasbahs, counting an incredible 7 World Heritage Sites. We’ll visit Sintra & Cascais in Lisbon & spot monkeys in Gibraltar, before being taken through Alhambra in Granada & Bahia palace in Morocco by a local guide. All while eating pastel de nata, gelado, tapas & tagine. It’s the ultimate caress of the senses.
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