Tailored Journeys: Spain, Portugal, France and Morocco

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France

France is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world thanks to its vibrant cities, picturesque towns and villages, stunning coastline, both on the Atlantic and Mediterranean, and of course its cuisine. The capital, Paris, is full of historic monuments form the Eifel Tower and Arc du Triumph to the Louvre, considered one of the top four art galleries in the world and home to the Mona Lisa, and its vibrant café culture. Discover hidden gems in picturesque Provence, step back in time and discover the Celtic legends of northwest France or sun yourself on the beaches of St Tropez and the south coast where the rich and famous gather under the Mediterranean sun. Let’s not forget that France is an excellent destination for the whole family and is home to Disneyland, the stunning Mont St Michel with its island Abbey, and gorgeous chateaux dotted across the rolling hills of this beautiful part of northern Europe.

Spain

It’s no secret that Spain is a hugely popular destination thanks to its warm climate, lively cities, beautiful coastline and tasty Mediterranean cuisine. Spend time exploring the historic port city of Barcelona and sample some of the best tapas in Spain, discover stunning Andalusia, the home of flamenco, sherry and Moorish hilltop towns like Granada and Arcos, or hit the beaches along the Costas del Sol. In the north you’ll find tranquil villages nestled in the Pyrenees Mountains, and world-famous festivals like the Running of the Bull in Pamplona. The capital, Madrid, is bustling with cultural landmarks such as the UNESCO-listed Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, museums, galleries and streetside cafes. With so much on offer, it’s no wonder Spain is such one of the top destinations in Europe.

Portugal

Portugal is a place with so much to offer and is generally considered one of the cheapest holiday destinations in Europe. With its long, hot summers and mile upon mile of gorgeous coastline such as the Algarve and its charming regional capital Faro, this is the perfect destination for a sun-soaked beach holiday. But let’s not forget Portugal’s historic towns and cities with so much to discover. Stroll through the cobbled streets of Lisbon which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and explore the capital Porto with its UNESCO old town and the birthplace of Port wine. Step back in time at Sintra with its beautifully coloured Pena Palace and the Moorish Castelo dos Mouros overlooking the town and surrounding mountains. The Portuguese archipelago of Madeira just off the coast of West Africa is another hugely popular destination and benefits from year-round warm, sub-tropical weather, stunning beaches and a lush, mountainous interior perfect for hiking.

Morocco

The North African nation of Morocco is fast becoming a top holiday destination for many thanks to its close proximity to Europe, its historic cities and ancient traditions. Explore the bustling souks and Kasbahs of Tangier and Marrakech, get lost in the ancient Medina at Fez, and relax at the upmarket beachside resorts of Agadir. For adventurous souls, you can experience the nomadic lifestyle of the Berbers on a camel-trekking trip through the Sahara Desert and camp under the stars like the caravanserais of old. The scenic Atlas Mountains also provide untold opportunity for adventure with its ancient hill towns like Ait Ben Haddou where parts of the Film Gladiator were shot. And no trip to Morocco is complete without sampling it’s delicious and healthy cuisine featuring the famed tagine, couscous and fresh fruit and dates aplenty.

Monaco

The small, coastal nation of Monaco is located on the French Riviera and is famed for its glitz and glamour, and as a playground for the rich and famous. Explore the winding streets of Monte Carlo, made famous as the Grand Prix street-racing circuit, step into the world of James Bond at the Monte Carlo Casino and explore the Prince’s Palace which is home to the Monaco Royal Family. Lovers of fine dining will not be disappointed with an excellent range of Michelin-starred restaurants overlooking the marina and the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.

Gibraltar

The rock of Gibraltar sits overlooking the strait of the same name with views across the Mediterranean to Africa, as well as nearby Spain. This little British enclave in the sun has a long history and unique culture which might seem rather alien compared to the perpetual grey skies of England, with a mixture of British and Spanish colonial history. With golden sandy beaches, palm-lined streets and a wonderful café culture, Gibraltar is a thriving destination with so much to offer. Explore ancient fortresses and tunnels carved into the rock, watch a traditional gun salute, and see the famous Barbary macaques which inhabit the higher reaches of the rock (though be sure to hold onto your lunch). Gibraltar is also a great destination for shopping with many tax-free outlets thanks to its designation as a VAT-free jurisdiction.

Andorra

The small country of Andorra is nestled in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain and is a fantastic destination year-round for nature-lovers and fans of the great outdoors. In spring and summer the hills are awash with flowers and the many hiking trails offer stunning mountains views. In winter, Andorra is famed for its skiing, with a variety of pistes to suit all ages and abilities. The valleys and hilltops are home to beautiful towns and villages like Ordino, which make a perfect base for escaping into the wilderness. The capital, Andorra la Vella is a vibrant city with lots of streetside cafes, world-class restaurants, and historic landmarks like the Casa de la Vall. Andorra is also a popular destination for bargain-hunters with lots of large shopping outlets selling highly discounted goods from clothes and outdoor equipment to wines and spirits.

São Tomé & Principe

The stunning island nation of Sao Tome and Principe is located off the west coast of Africa and benefits from a tropical climate with year-round warm weather. Spend lazy days sunbathing on gorgeous white sand beaches with the azure tropical waters lapping at your feet, or head off into the rainforests of the interior or the stunning Obo National Park on a nature trek where you can spot native wildlife from bats and monkeys to the African grey parrot. Explore staggering waterfalls like Saint Nicholas Waterfall and tranquil cocoa plantations. Take a boat trip to go whale watching, and be sure to wander the peasant streets of the nation’s towns and villages. The capital Sao Tome City has a lot to offer with its vibrant culture, colourful Portuguese era buildings and mouthwatering cuisine with fresh seafood straight from the boat.