11 Days, Canary Island & Iberian Intrigue

Situated along Africa’s northernmost coastline, Agadir enjoys a year-round temperate climate and all the delights of a modern city. Relax on one of the many excellent beaches, browse through the shops and marketplaces in town and sample some of the local cuisine. You can also venture on a fascinating excursion to the 16th-century Bedouin city of Taroudant, cradled against the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. From the ancient walls there’s an incredible view
of the city, port and ocean far below. In the heart of the old medina, you may explore one of Morocco’s liveliest souks, a labyrinth of shops featuring local handicrafts.

The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest ocean in the world. It lies between North and South America in the west and Europe and Africa in the east.

The airport for Puerto La Cruz in northeast on the Caribbean. Isla de Margarita is off the coast.

Dating back to ancient times, the Andalusian port of Cadiz is a cluster of narrow streets opening onto little squares, with a golden-domed cathedral in the distance. From here, you can travel to Seville, home of the famous Giralda Tower, 15th-century cathedral, and the Alcazar, once a palace of the Moorish kings.

Of all the cities in all the world, Hollywood chose this one to immortalise as the classic exotic colonial outpost. Those looking for a latter-day Humphrey Bogart round every corner will be disappointed. This is no sleepy dive. Morocco’s largest city and industrial centre, it’s a huge brash metropolis where traditional Moroccan burnouses (cloaks) seem out of place among the natty suits and designer sunglasses.

Portugal is for explorers. Its valiant seamen first charted the Azores, discovered Japan, and unlocked the major sea routes the world over. Now you can share the anticipation they must have felt as you explore this exciting city.

You’ll discover an 8th-century Moorish castle, quaint cafes and a palm-studded coastline. The Alfama district is a maze of narrow, twisting streets, whitewashed houses, flowered balconies, archways, terraces and courtyards that charm your socks off. (And if you can find your way out of this dizzying array, 20th-century Lisbon is just as intoxicating.)

Of course, if you’d rather play by the sea, the Portuguese Riviera lies just outside town, offering something for everyone, from sun, sand and surf to thrilling casinos. Lisbon is a vast garden abounding with flowers and tropical plants. The city’s appeal lies in the magnificent vistas from its many belvederes and in the tree-lined avenues and squares decorated with mosaic pavements.

The Mediterranean Sea, a sea of myth and legend, is the largest inland sea. It is south of Europe, north of Africa, and west of Asia. It connects to the Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Gibraltar, and to the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara, and the Red Sea.

Ancient civilizations flourished around the Mediterranean Sea. Later, the Mediterranean linked Europe, Africa and Asia as a major water highway for trade by merchants. After the building of the Suez Canal in 1869 it became, yet again, a major link between Europe and the Far East.

The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife boasts a rich variety of scenery and attractions, from lively resorts and volcanic beachs in the south to the lush interior of the Orotava Valley and the stunning lunar landscapes of El Teide National Park, dominated by 12,000 ft. snow-capped Mount Teide, Spain’s highest mountain. The historic capital, Santa Cruz, is in the north.