37 Trips found for "valley of the flowers"

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• Exceptional cruise to discover Corsica from north to south
• ALL EXCURSIONS INCLUDED
• Dinner with Corsican music and songs in a traditional inn
• The island’s major areas: Ajaccio, Calvi, Bonifacio, and Porto-Vecchio
• Cap Corse
• The natural wonders : the Îles Sanguinaires, the Calanques de Piana(1) and the Balagne Region

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• UNIQUE ITINERARY : CRUISE THROUGH THE LEGENDARY STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR and along the Moroccan coastlines
• ALL EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
  • MOROCCO
    • Enchanting and colorful Marrakesh
    • Southern Morocco: Authentic Taroudant and the Tiout palm grove
    • The magical atmosphere of Casablanca
    • Rabat, a coastal Imperial City
    • Chefchaouen, a gorgeous blue-wash town nestled high up in the Rif Mountains
  • SPAIN
    • Granada and the Alhambra, the palace from the Nasrid dynasty and a marvelous example of Andalusian architecture
• Visit exceptional sites
  • Opulent Hassan II Mosque, dominating the seaside landscape
  • Delightful Jardin Majorelle, one of the most phenomenal botanical gardens in Morocco
• DELICIOUS, COLORFUL CUISINE
  • Tastings of wine and cheese from the Canary Islands
  • Tasting of Moroccan pastries and mint tea on board
  • Typical Moroccan lunch at the heart of the Medina of Marrakesh
  • Spanish cocktail hour on board with tapas and sangria
• Participation of Alain Loisin, lecturer(1)
  • During the years I have spent traveling, I have given presentations on several CroisiEurope cruises—from the banks of the Red Sea to the Canary Islands, the Greek islands to the Bosporus, Russia at the time of the czars to the splendors of the Adriatic.
  • Conference themes:
    The Strategic Challenges of the Strait of Gibraltar
    Casablanca, Morocco's Young Economic capital
    Following the Footsteps of the Conquistadors

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• UNIQUE ITINERARY : CRUISE THROUGH THE LEGENDARY STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR and along the Moroccan coastlines
• ALL EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
  • SPAIN
    • Granada and the Alhambra, the palace from the Nasrid dynasty and a marvelous example of Andalusian architecture
  • MOROCCO
    • Chefchaouen, a gorgeous blue-wash town nestled high up in the Rif Mountains
    • The magical atmosphere of Casablanca
    • Rabat, a coastal Imperial City
    • Enchanting and colorful Marrakesh
    • Southern Morocco: Authentic Taroudant and the Tiout palm grove
• Visit exceptional sites
  • Opulent Hassan II Mosque, dominating the seaside landscape
  • Delightful Jardin Majorelle, one of the most phenomenal botanical gardens in Morocco
• DELICIOUS, COLORFUL CUISINE
  • Spanish cocktail hour on board with tapas and sangria
  • Tasting of Moroccan pastries and mint tea on board
  • Typical Moroccan lunch at the heart of the Medina of Marrakesh
  • Tastings of wine and cheese from the Canary Islands
• Participation of Alain Loisin, lecturer(1)
  • During the years I have spent traveling, I have given presentations on several CroisiEurope cruises'from the banks of the Red Sea to the Canary Islands, the Greek islands to the Bosporus, Russia at the time of the czars to the splendors of the Adriatic.
  • Conference themes:
    The Strategic Challenges of the Strait of Gibraltar
    Casablanca, Morocco's Young Economic capital
    Following the Footsteps of the Conquistadors
• Onboard lecture

• Take a walk through the idyllic coastal city of Porto and understand why the birthplace of fortified wine is renowned for its narrow lanes, charming buildings and delicious cuisine.
• Explore the country’s oldest university when discovering the historic riverfront city of Coimbra – once the capital of Portugal.
• Take in all the highlights of Portugal’s arts and culture scene with an included traditional Fado show in Coimbra.
• Walk through the secluded Schist Villages, a set of 27 settlements hidden between the mountain slopes and away from daily life.
• Join your leader in Lisbon for sunset views while enjoying a glass of local wine and some tapas – this is European living.

• Take a walk through the idyllic coastal city of Porto and understand why the birthplace of fortified wine is renowned for its narrow lanes, charming buildings and delicious cuisine.
• Explore the country’s oldest university when discovering the historic riverfront city of Coimbra – once the capital of Portugal.
• Walk through the secluded Schist Villages, hidden between the mountain slopes, and consider the option of an authentic cooking class run by local residents.
• Uncover the wonders of Sao Miguel on a day tour of the island, from plantations of tea and pineapples to an active volcano and some truly memorable viewpoints.
• Check out the lava tunnels on Pico Island, visit a family-owned distillery and learn about life on the island over a tasting of their products and be amazed by the stunning UNESCO-listed landscape of Pico's vineyards.

• Taste the best of local cuisine during Exclusive Experiences – sample olive oil at a family-run farm in Andalucia, try delicious marzipan in Toledo, take a wine-tasting tour in the Douro Valley, and visit a traditional cider house in San Sebastian.
• Stay at three amazing Feature Stays throughout your trip: a converted 18th-century mansion in Seville, a historic Parador in Spain's La Rioja region, and a fabulous hotel nestled within the famous vineyards of the Douro Valley.
• Experience the enchantments of the Iberian Peninsula with spectacular Exclusive Experiences, including visiting the Alhambra by day and night, and dining at a historic gastronomic society in San Sebastian.
• See the key cultural icons of Spain and Portugal with local guides to lead the way: visit the Mesquita in Cordoba, explore the Pena Palace in Sintra, wander the Guggenhiem in Bilbao, and more!
• Explore the tranquil waterways of Spain and Portugal to see its cities and valleys from a new perspective - boat down the beautiful Douro river surrounded by vineyards, stop for lunch on the Galacian coast, and take a boat tour to Lake Albufera in Valencia.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Open Arms. Donations help them safeguard the physical integrity and rights of migrant people in imminent danger who have fled their homes across the Mediterranean Sea.

• Discover the thriving capital of Lisbon, the medieval charms of Coimbra and the hidden back streets of Porto during explorations with your knowledgeable local leader.
• Visit fabulous local wineries during a tasting tour in the picturesque Douro Valley during an Exclusive Experience, stopping off for a lunch made with regional delights.
• Get an insight into Fado, an atmospheric amalgamation of music and poetry, during a soul-stirring and intimate live show in Coimbra.
• Nestled in the rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley, your Feature Stay accommodation takes you to the heart of the region. Enjoy outdoor pools, excellent onsite restaurant and unforgettable views.
• Soak up the glamour and the sun while winding along the stunning Bay of Cascais on a full-day exploration of Lisbon’s surrounds, including Sintra’s bewitching Pena Palace, a Premium Exclusive Experience.
• In Porto, create a personalised memento of your trip and learn about the history of the vibrantly coloured and designed tiles that adorn the facades of buildings all over Portugal with a tile-painting workshop.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, REFOOD. Donations help them save good food, from restaurants and supermarkets, that is destined to go to waste and distribute it amongst people in need.

• Explore the Coa Valley, the centre of a rewilding project, and enjoy a night in a gorgeous historical guesthouse where you’ll join your hosts for a home-cooked meal of fresh, local produce.
• Pick up some local recipes during a cooking class at your farm stay in the rolling hills of the Alentejo region, whipping up regional specialties like pork with clams.
• Meet local producers along the way, including an olive oil producer where you can taste-test everybody’s favourite cooking staple. Sample Douro Valley wines and Porto’s fortified namesake.
• Take in the renowned riverside district in Porto, the colourful coastal hotspot of Lisbon and the rolling hills of the lush Douro Valley on the quintessential tour of Portugal.
• Sample iconic foods of the region – francesinha, cured meats, cheese, pasteis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts) and canned fish – with local producers and a local leader who knows all the best spots.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, REFOOD. Donations help them save good food, from restaurants and supermarkets, that is destined to go to waste and distribute it amongst people in need.

• See the enchanting Alhambra Palace in Granada by night with an expert guide, a Premium Exclusive Experience. Avoid the crowds as you receive special insight into the complex’s fascinating history.
• Taste the best of local cuisine during Exclusive Experiences – sample olive oil at a family-run farm in Andalucia, try delicious marzipan in Toledo and take a wine-tasting tour in the Douro Valley.
• Spend two nights in a converted 18th-century mansion for your Feature Stay in Seville, and enjoy the best of the Douro Valley at a fabulous hotel nestled within the famous wine-growing region.
• Soak up the glamour and the sun while winding along the stunning Bay of Cascais on a full-day exploration of Lisbon’s surrounds, including Sintra’s bewitching Pena Palace, a Premium Exclusive Experience.
• In Porto, create a personalised memento of your trip and learn about the history of the vibrantly coloured and designed tiles that adorn the facades of buildings all over Portugal with a tile-painting workshop.
• Cruise the tranquil Albufera Lake by boat during an Exclusive Experience and learn how fishermen and rice growers ply their trade here. Visit the island of El Palmar and discover its typical 'barraca' houses.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the most beautiful sites in Upper Egypt: The Karnak Temple Complex, Luxor, Edfu, the Philae Temple Complex, and Kom Ombo
• Local boat tour around the island of Elephantine
• THE MUSTS:
  • The Valley of the Kings and four of its tombs, including Seti I
  • The magnificent Philae Temple Complex

• Oporto River Cruise & Wine Cellar Visit
• Douro Valley Winery Visit & Tasting

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• Coptic Cairo and the historic city
• Discover the Giza pyramid complex and Sphinx
• THE MUSTS:
  • The Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
  • The necropolis in Saqqara and the pyramid of Teti

• Pick up some local recipes during a cooking classes in Barcelona, San Sebastian and at your farm stay in the rolling hills of the Alentejo region, whipping up regional specialties like pork with clams.
• Explore the Coa Valley, the centre of a rewilding project, and enjoy a night in a gorgeous historical guesthouse where you’ll join your hosts for a home-cooked meal of fresh, local produce.
• Tour the markets of Oviedo, Potes and A Coruna where stallholders will show you how to spot the most flavourful ingredients. After all, who knows where to find the freshest produce better than the locals?
• Sample the plates that make this region a true foodie's delight. Whether it’s tapas and paella, or regional specialty cheeses, pasteis de nata and tinned fish, your tongue and tummy will be happy you made the trip.
• Savour the vast range of delicious drops that Spain is known for, including cava, vermouth, wine and cider. Get up close and personal with their production methods, learn the traditional ways to drink them and sit back and enjoy a sip in the Spanish sunshine.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Open Arms. Donations help them safeguard the physical integrity and rights of migrant people in imminent danger who have fled their homes across the Mediterranean Sea

• Porto Sightseeing Tour (Half-Day)
• Douro Valley Winery Visit & Tasting

• Journey into the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley and indulge in a wine tasting of local wines, served with a delicious lunch of Portuguese specialties.
• Tick Madrid, Salamanca, Porto and Lisbon off your bucket list and spend afternoons wandering around narrow, cobbled streets, colourful architecture with hilltop views and glittering coasts as you wait for nightly sunsets to transform these cities into glittering havens.
• Feast on Spanish and Portuguese cuisine, snacks and local wines with a delicious tapas welcome dinner in Madrid, a port tasting in Porto, a bacalhau dinner in Coimbra and the unmissable pasteis de nata from the best spot in Lisbon – yum!
• Rub shoulders with the locals in the University of Coimbra, famed for its baroque library and historical buildings, during a tour with a local guide who has all the insights.
• Spend a day discovering the history of Tomar – a 12th century town of relaxed streets, verdant gardens and the Castelo de Tomar, a Templar castle just waiting for the curious to explore its ramparts and cloisters.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, REFOOD. Donations help them save good food, from restaurants and supermarkets, that is destined to go to waste and distribute it amongst people in need.

• 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
• 10 Breakfast (B)
• 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
• 2 Dinner (D)
• 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
• Panoias-Ourique: Saddle up for a superb stud farm visit, the tragic story of unrequited love and a traditional home-cooked Be My Guest lunch with Tiago and Vera in Portugal's beautiful Alentejo.
• Lisbon: Visit the Hieronymite Monastery, a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome and exquisite example of Manueline architecture.
• Porto: Savour the flavours of Portugal's centuries-old Port heritage and gain insights into its local production at a tasting in a Port cellar.
• Lisbon: Explore with your Local Specialist, from the Lower Town, beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco. Visit the Belém Quarter to see the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the medieval Belém Tower.
• Algarve: A Local Specialist takes you to the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe on this sightseeing tour. Explore the history of the Algarve in depth.
• Évora: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with your Local Specialist and see the famous Roman Temple. Witness the fascinating cathedral and its mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
• Castelo de Vide: See the traditional cobblestone streets and whitewashed homes of Castelo de Vide.
• Casa de Mateus: Admire the Baroque architecture of Mateus Palace and its gardens.
• Douro Valley: Marvel at the extensive terraced vineyards as you travel through the Douro Valley.
• Guimaraes: See Guimarães Castle and the Palace of Dukes before walking through the medieval squares of central Guimarães.
• Porto: See the Clerigos Tower, Avenida dos Aliados and the Bolsa former stock exchange.
• Coimbra: With a Local Specialist, visit the University and witness the triumphal arches, painted ceilings, and walls of ancient tomes in the Joanina Library.
• Tomar: Dominating the town is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Templar Castle and the Convent of Christ. During your visit with a Local Specialist, see the Manueline Window and follow the story of the mysterious Knights Templar.
• Fátima: Join the faithful at one of the world's holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions or see the basilica.
• Batalha: Join a Local Specialist to see the Monastery of Batalha, with included entry to the cloisters and chapels.
• Nazaré: Enjoy time at leisure on Portugal's Costa de Prata.
• Obidos: Stroll along the cobblestone streets and view the traditional azulejos of medieval Óbidos, perhaps stopping in a local shop to try the regional cherry liqueur, Ginja.
• : Explore Lisbon, Coimbra, Tomar, Évora and Porto with a Local Specialist
• : Discover the Algarve, Lagos, Castelo de Vide, Viseu, Nazaré and Óbidos
• : Visit the Hieronymite Monastery in Lisbon, the cathedral in Évora, the Palace Gardens at Palacio de Mateus, the Stock Exchange Palace, Arabian Hall and a local port wine cellar in Porto, the University Library of Coimbra, the Convent of Christ in Tomar, the Shrine at Fátima and the Gothic Monastery at Batalha
• : View the Castle of Guimarães
• : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
• : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
• : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
• : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
• : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
• : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
• : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
• : Optional Experiences and free time

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• THE CANARY ISLANDS: A BIOSPHERE RESERVE
  • Black sand beaches; lush forests; steep cliffs; dark, ragged crags; waves of dunes; charming, colonial towns; and bustling cities: The Canaries are a study in contrasts.
• VISIT THE HEART OF SIX ISLANDS
  • Three national parks: Teide, Garajonay, and Timanfaya
  • Tours of Gran Canaria, La Gomera, and Fuerteventura
• A DELICIOUS EXPERIENCE
  • Local wine and cheese tastings

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• THE CANARY ISLANDS: A BIOSPHERE RESERVE
  • Black sand beaches; lush forests; steep cliffs; dark, ragged crags; waves of dunes; charming, colonial towns; and bustling cities: The Canaries are a study in contrasts.
• VISIT THE HEART OF SIX ISLANDS
  • Three national parks: Teide, Garajonay, and Timanfaya
  • Tours of Gran Canaria, La Gomera, and Fuerteventura
• A DELICIOUS EXPERIENCE
  • Local wine and cheese tastings

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise through the Douro Valley to the Spanish border
• Original back-to-back cruises to discover Portugal and Spain
• THE MUST-SEE SITES:
  • Salamanca and its prestigious university, one of the oldest in Europe
  • Vila Real and the Mateus Palace gardens
• EVERYTHING INCLUDED ON BOARD

• Tick Madrid, Salamanca, Porto and Lisbon off your bucket list and spend afternoons wandering around narrow, cobbled streets, colourful architecture with hilltop views and glittering coasts as you wait for nightly sunsets to transform these cities into glittering havens.
• Learn about the history and artistry of the unique Fallas festival of Valencia by meeting a professional artist in their workshop to find out how they construct these intricately detailed and often enormous statues.
• Savour a Spanish favourite at a Madrid insititution – cinnamon and sugar-dusted churros with velvety chocolate sauce from a churreria that has over a century of expertise.
• Feast on Spanish and Portuguese cuisine, snacks and local wines with a delicious tapas welcome dinner in Madrid, a port tasting in Porto, a bacalhau dinner in Coimbra and the unmissable pasteis de nata from the best spot in Lisbon – yum!
• Spend a day discovering the history of Tomar – a 12th century town of relaxed streets, public gardens and the Castelo de Tomar, a Templar castle just waiting for the curious to explore its ramparts and cloisters.