Bullfighting in Seville took place in Plaza de San Francisco up until the 18th century, when construction began on the Real Maestranza de Caballería, today´s main site for bullfighting in Sevilla, found on Paseo de Colon.

Bullfighting is known to be an extremely risky profession, as before the bullrings were fit with medical centers, many bullfighters died in the ring. Despite the risk, many train for years to participate in the art of bullfighting, including some of the most famous of [...]]]> Bullfighting in Seville took place in Plaza de San Francisco up until the 18^th century, when construction began on the Real Maestranza de Caballería, today´s main site for bullfighting in Sevilla, found on Paseo de Colon.

Bullfighting is known to be an extremely risky profession, as before the bullrings were fit with medical centers, many bullfighters died in the ring. Despite the risk, many train for years to participate in the art of bullfighting, including some of the most famous of bullfighters hailing from right here in Seville. Sevillians Joselito el Gallo and Paquirri are extremely well known fighters around the world.

There is more than one type of bullfight to see. A professional bullfight, called a corrida de toros, is the most popular and traditional, consisting of three parts. The three parts are called tercios, and begin with faena de capote, cape work. Next comes the stabbing of the bull to weaken and tire it, which is called tercio de picador y banderillas. Lastly, there is faena con multa, the final killing. Less famous are los novilleros, not yet professional bullfighters who fight smaller bulls, though they are still a sight to see. Rejones are horseback bullfights which are particularly beautiful to watch.

The Maestrana of Seville has a capacity of 12,500 and is divided into two sections. The tendido de sol, the sunny section is where you can buy cheaper tickets, but in the tendido de sombra, the shaded section, the tickets are a bit more expensive. The bullfighting season runs from April through October. During the week of Feria, the most famous bullfighters, such as Rivera Ordóñez, Julián López “Juli,” Javier Conde, Morante de la Puebla, and Miguel Báez “Litri” usually fight. If seeing a professional bullfight is not in your budget, you can see younger toreros, mostly between the ages of 12 and 20, practicing in the Parque Alamillo on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from about 4:30 until 6:30. The young toreros learn the art of bullfighting by fighting a cart with wheels.

Don´t miss out on this aspect of Sevillian culture! For more fun in and around Sevilla, look into joining one of our upcoming trips!

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Cádiz is a great place to visit for it is not only the oldest urban area in Western Europe, but the town as a whole can be defined as different, ancient, decadent, and fun. Once you pass through the modern part of the town, you will reach puerta de tierra, the ¨gates of the earth,¨ the original yet well-restored city walls. Cádiz is known as the city of the watchtowers, due to the tower on each house from which residents [...]]]> Cádiz is a great place to visit for it is not only the oldest urban area in Western Europe, but the town as a whole can be defined as different, ancient, decadent, and fun. Once you pass through the modern part of the town, you will reach puerta de tierra, the ¨gates of the earth,¨ the original yet well-restored city walls. Cádiz is known as the city of the watchtowers, due to the tower on each house from which residents can watch boats entering into the port.

Many beautiful monuments define the historical area of Cádiz, such as the original cathedral of Santa Cruz, San Felipe Neri´s Oratory, and the Neo-classical cathedral, defined by its circular form and great vaults. You can also find a number of museums in Cádiz, including the Museum of Fine Arts, which boasts works by Goya, an archaeological museum containing Phoenician artifacts, and Museum of Sacred Art.

You can find La Pepa, a monument dedicated to the 1812 Constitution in Plaza de España. Cádiz has a number of parks and squares of to enjoy such as Plaza Mina, San Juan de Dios, Plaza de los Flores, and Mentidero, among others.

February marks the beginning of Cádiz´s festivals with the start of Carnival, when lights and color enliven the city. The Carnival officially opens on the first Sunday in February with a ceremony called the Óstioná y la Pestiña, in which ostiones (shellfish) and pestiños (sweets) are distributed. Shellfish is again given out the following Sunday, called the Erizá.

On Friday is the final performance at the Gran Teatro Falla, at which the musical groups present their songs. Their lyrics often criticize society, the government, or celebrities, along with praising their homeland, the people of the area, and their beautiful wives.

Saturday of Carnival is when the entire town dresses up, all in costume, marching around the streets until the early hours of the morning. This day also marks the choosing of the Carnival Queen and her helpers. Sunday afternoon is marked by a parade with the choirs on floats passing through the Plaza de las Flores.

Carnival is known for crowds of people eating fried fish and drinking Manzanilla on the streets. Carnival lasts until the end of February and is followed shortly by the beautiful Easter Week celebrations. October 7^th is the Fiesta de la Virgen Del Rosario, the town´s patron saint.

Throughout the summer, there are festivals celebrating cinema, Ibero-American Theater and flamenco. Cádiz´s white sandy beaches and its lively nightlife are also great reasons to visit during the summer.

To experience the excitement of carnival, join us on our upcoming trip!

Your friends at DiscoverSevilla

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Holy Week

Semana Santa in Seville originated in the Via Crucis started by the Duke of Medinaceli to honor the death of Jesus Christ. A procession was soon introduced as a main element of Semana Santa, with celebrants marching from the Duke´s palace to the small temple of Cruz del Campo. By the end of the nineteenth century, this religious festival had become the most important of the year throughout Seville.

The celebration is still a great event today, with almost fifty [...]]]> Holy Week

Semana Santa in Seville originated in the Via Crucis started by the Duke of Medinaceli to honor the death of Jesus Christ. A procession was soon introduced as a main element of Semana Santa, with celebrants marching from the Duke´s palace to the small temple of Cruz del Campo. By the end of the nineteenth century, this religious festival had become the most important of the year throughout Seville.

The celebration is still a great event today, with almost fifty brotherhoods, called hermandades, participating in the eight-day long celebration. Each hermandad proceeds from its respective church to the Cathedral and then returns. All of the processions prove very interesting, the most popular being those of the Macarena, Esperanza de Triana and Gran Poder. On the Thursday of Semana Santa, Holy Thursday, when woman can be seen in traditional black veils, known as mantillas, in mourning of the death of Jesus Christ. This is the most important day of the week, and most everything in the city is closed. The most popular processions occur overnight from Thursday evening to Friday morning, lasting as long as 14 hours.

Nazarenos are the members of the hermandades accompanying the floats wearing pointed hats called capirotes, which date back to the time when those condemned by the courts were obligated to wear them as a sign of humiliation. Wearing a capirote is a sign of repentance. Everyone including very young children participate in the processions, usually handing out candy to other children watching the march. Women were not originally permitted to join the procession but today more women are becoming involved. A lot of work goes into the preparations for Semana Santa, with Artisans such as gilders, restorers, musicians and carpenters preparing months before the event. As Semana Santa approaches, many of the costaleros, the men who carry the floats during the march, practice for the procession by carrying a wooden and metal structure through the streets. The musicians and bands also practice throughout the year.

The Feria

Feria originated around 1850 in Seville as two salesmen set up a livestock sale in the Prado de San Sebastian, located outside of the city walls. In 1975, the festival was moved to Los Remedios and now stands as one of the most important fiestas in Seville. The Feria today is a week of partying day and night, attended by all, from the young to the old. Feria begins on Monday night, known as ¨fried fish night,” for the tradition of eating fried fish, and ends at midnight of the following Sunday with a fireworks display.

During Feria, there are small streets lined with canvas tents, casetas, decorated with great color in traditional Sevillian style. There are a great number of women dressed in traditional flamenco dresses, as well as horses and carriages walking through the streets during the day. Flamenco performances can be seen typically starting around noon, with amazing choreography. At the casetas, you can also find food and wine.

We hope you appreciate Sevilla´s great fiestas and consider joining us on one of our upcoming excursions!

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In Seville, people typically meet up in a bar or restaurant. There are tapas bars all over the city, making it very easy to find a place to get a few drinks and a bite to eat. The majority of bars serve breakfast until eleven or twelve then begin preparing lunch which will last from around 2PM until 4PM. Between 4PM and 7PM, most restaurants do not serve hot food, with the exception of a few restaurants around the city [...]]]> In Seville, people typically meet up in a bar or restaurant. There are tapas bars all over the city, making it very easy to find a place to get a few drinks and a bite to eat. The majority of bars serve breakfast until eleven or twelve then begin preparing lunch which will last from around 2PM until 4PM. Between 4PM and 7PM, most restaurants do not serve hot food, with the exception of a few restaurants around the city center. Most bars close on Sunday afternoons, especially in Triana, los Remedios and la Macarena.

A typical Sevillian breakfast consists of toast and coffee. There are a variety of options for toppings on your toast, including butter, margarine, sobrasada, cheese and ham, or marmalade. One delicacy in particular is toast with olive oil, cured ham and tomato. Many people take their morning coffee break at a bar around 10 until 11:30 AM.

The biggest meal of the day is lunch, which begins around 2PM. Most office workers and students go home for their midday meal, and also include a nap, or siesta, in their time off before going back to work or school.

Between the hours of lunch and dinner, and often times in place of dinner, people enjoy going out for tapas and beers. Most people eat dinner around 9 PM on weekdays, but on weekends and holidays people may eat later, around about 11PM, before they go out in the city. Tapas are appetizer-sized portions of any food served in the bar, which are a great snack when you go out for drinks with friends.

Where to Eat

Santa Cruz

There are plenty of great places to try tapas in the Santa Cruz neighborhood. Bars around c/ Rodrigo Caro such as Las Columnas, La Sacristía and Álvaro Perejil are great for enjoying food and drink while admiring the Cathedral. Plaza de Alianza and Doña Elvira Plaza are also near this area and it is here that you can find more restaurants with typical Sevillian food with a fun atmosphere. You can also find one of the most treasured bars in the city, Las Teresas, in this area on c/ Ximénez de Enciso.

Another popular bar around Santa María la Blanca plaza is El Levíes, which offers cous cous, curry and salads, as well as typical Spanish tapas. On c/ Muro de los Navaros, you will find the only bar in Seville where they automatically serve you a tapa when you order a beer or glass of wine. This bar is called La Bañera.

From Plaza Alfalfa to la Macarena

When in the area of Plaza Alfalfa, a must try is La Trastienda, which serves every kind of shellfish, from crawfish to shrimp and prawns. There are many restaurants at which you can sit outside along the street, such as Bar Tino, which serves typical dishes including Serrano ham.

Another must try bar with a bustling atmosphere and friendly personality is Ajo Blanco, on c/ Alhóndiga. Its name, which translates to ¨white garlic, ¨ comes from a refreshing and healthy soup very typical of the area made with garlic, almonds, bread, melon, salt, vinegar and olive oil. The bar also offers vegetarian options and Mexican dishes.

You can find some of the best Pizza in Seville at Mía Tana on c/ Pérez Galdos, which is identified by the irresistible smell of Italian food. This area offers many other restaurants with international foods, such as Habanita, a Cuban vegetarian restaurant, and La Crepería offers French food.

Coloniales in Plaza Cristo de Burgos is another tapas bar you should visit. It is very popular, so the wait can be long but it is worth it, as the tapas are both delicious and cheap.

El Rinconcillo on c/ Gerona is the oldest bar in Seville, and offers great versions of typical tapas such as spinach with garbanzo beans. La Huerta offers a variety of vegetarian as well as other original dishes. Their potatoes with three sauces and the grilled vegetables are a must try.

Also keep an eye out for León de San Marco tavern in San Marcos plaza, which has both sandwiches and tapas. At Pumarejo Plaza, you can order the famous tuna and red pepper sandwich at one of the oldest bars in the neighborhood.

Nervión and around the center

Bar Jota, found on c/ Luis Montoto is a very typical cerveceria in Seville and serves as a meeting point for people of all ages. El Kiki, on c/ Juan Antonio Cavestany, is great for nice weather as there is a terrace on which you can enjoy a cold beer and tapas.

La Cigala de Oro on c/ Arroyo is a very famous bar-restaurant in this zone of the city with substantial and cheap plates and great service.

Alameda de Hercules

At La Madraza, you can get a very rich pate and solomillo with cream sauce. El Ambigú is an original and popular bar known for their delicious and affordable daily specials.

Right on the Alameda and on the surrounding streets, you will find an every greater selection of bars. This is another area with international options, such as a Hindu restaurant near calle Amador de Dios, and El Fondo, which offers great Italian food.  If you continue towards the river, you´ll see Döner Kebab at the rotary before the Barqueta bridge. This restaurant serves Egyptian specialties including falafel, hummus, and a variety desserts such as pastries made with walnuts, almonds or pistachios.

Bar El Callao and La Gallega is on c/ Lumbreras and is the perfect place for those who get hungry at an late hour since it remains open past midnight. Their famous bomba is a stuffed, fried potato and is a must try.

El Arenal

El Arenal is the zone around the Maestranza bullring, in which you can find both traditional and touristy restaurants. Casa de la Moneda is a fun bar with a lot of history and good tapas.

The combination plates at El Serranito, on c/ Antonio Díaz are a must try, as well as their renowned seranitos, son jacobos and glamenquines de jamón.

Triana

The zone along the river on calle Betis, though touristy, contains a large variety of good restaurants. Rio Grande is right on calle Betis and serves great seafood. El Quiosco de las Flores has a beautiful view of the river and city center, as well as delicious pescaito frito.

Santa Ana Bar is next to Santa Ana church and is covered in pictures from Semana Santa, mostly of the Esperanza de Triana, and pictures from Rocío and of toros.

If you cross San Jacinto Street, you can try a number of bars with a vibrant atmosphere, such as Bar Manolo, which has great paella and whisky solomillo. Not too far away, on c/ Antillano Campo, is Las Golondrinas, most well-known for their caballitos de jamón.

Los Remedios

Even though Los Remedios does not arise as the virtual center of the city until the week of Feria, there are many bars, cafes and stores located in this neighborhood, many of which are perfect for eating an afternoon pastry and coffee. You will find an incredible selection of pastries at Nova Roma. Bar Emilio is serves delicious serranitos, which are small Serrano ham sandwiches, in addition to eggplant with shrimp. Sancho Panza, a restaurant named for Don Quijote´s famous sidekick, serves good seafood and is known for importing products from Galicia.

We hope you enjoy Sevilla’s many great bars and restaurants and that you consider joining us on one of our upcoming excursions!

Your friends at DiscoverSevilla

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www.DiscoverSevilla.com

Getting from the airport to the city

You can get to the airport from the city center via bus. There is a bus that runs out to the airport every 30 minutes, starting at 6:15 AM and running until 11 PM. You can pick up the bus on either side of c/ Palos de la Frontera, Avenido de Carlos V, El Prado de San Sebastián, the Santa Justa station and Kansas City Ave. It is also possible to take a Taxi, [...]]]> Getting from the airport to the city

You can get to the airport from the city center via bus. There is a bus that runs out to the airport every 30 minutes, starting at 6:15 AM and running until 11 PM. You can pick up the bus on either side of c/ Palos de la Frontera, Avenido de Carlos V, El Prado de San Sebastián, the Santa Justa station and Kansas City Ave. It is also possible to take a Taxi, the prices of which are fixed and typically run around 18 euro. The ride to the airport will take about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Discovering Sevilla

Sevilla´s city buses are painted an unmistakable bright orange and red and provide a great option for transportation around the city. Information about the different routes, timetables and special services can be found on the TUSSAM website (www.tussam.com). Night busses are also available after midnight, departing from Plaza Nueva. Individual tickets can be purchased on the bus, but a more convenient option for frequent riders is the bonobus. This is good for 10 rides. TUSSAM also offers special passes for students and tourists.

Taxis are easy to find and relatively cheap in Sevilla, with the exception of Easter Week, Feria and the Christmas season. The rates are constant during the daytime, but be careful because they often increase at night and during holidays.

Discovering Andalucia and Spain

The train is a great option for getting around to other Andalucian towns and villages, as well as to other regions in Spain. The high-speed train, called the AVE, connects Sevilla to Madrid with only two stops, making the journey roughly two and a half hours. The AVE is a more expensive option, though there are discounts available up to 25% for round-trip voyages or for students. The main train station in Sevilla is Santa Justa on Kansas City Ave. More information about times and prices can be found at www.renfe.es.

An inter-rail ticket provides a cheaper option for traveling throughout Spain and all of Europe. The inter-rail ticket allows for travel through 17 European countries, divided into 8 zones. Choose a zone to travel within, and you will be able to buy a pass good for twelve days or one to two months for an unlimited number of trains. Further information can be found at www.raileurope.com.

When around Andalucia, the most flexible option is probably taking a bus. Buses run more frequently than the trains, cost less, and pass through the smaller villages. For bus travel within Andalucia, use the Prado De San Sebastián Station. For buses to the rest of Spain, the province of Huelva, and international destinations, you can buy tickets at the Plaza de Armas Station. You can purchase a eurolines pass for unlimited bus travel at a fixed price. Further information on eurolines can be found at www.eurolines.es.

We hope you enjoy traveling in and around Sevilla and consider joining us on one of our many exciting excursions!

Your friends at DiscoverSevilla

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A Brief History of Sevilla

Sevilla was officially founded by the Phoenicians in the first millennium BC, though early remains discovered just outside of Sevilla suggest there was an earlier Iberian settlement. Roman troops later conquered Sevilla during the Punic Wars and it stood as one of the most important cities of the Empire. Its status as a Roman colony turned Sevilla into a city of great prosperity and commercial importance, as the Guadalquivir River provided a fertile valley for cultivation [...]]]> A Brief History of Sevilla

Sevilla was officially founded by the Phoenicians in the first millennium BC, though early remains discovered just outside of Sevilla suggest there was an earlier Iberian settlement. Roman troops later conquered Sevilla during the Punic Wars and it stood as one of the most important cities of the Empire. Its status as a Roman colony turned Sevilla into a city of great prosperity and commercial importance, as the Guadalquivir River provided a fertile valley for cultivation of many products, namely oil and wine.

Sevilla’s commercial success continued into the Visigoth period, as marked by the existence of many commercial warehouses around the city. During this time, the first basilicas were erected, many of which can still be seen today. Remains can be found below the San Salvador Church as well as near the Patio de Banderas.

In 711 AD Moors successfully invaded the Visigoth state, which had been weakened by battles between its own tribes. The Moors quickly took complete control of Sevilla, claiming it the first Muslim capital of Al-Andalus, the Muslim name for the Iberian Peninsula. With the dissolution of the reign of the Caliph, Taif rule was established in Sevilla. This period was marked by the rule of the great warrior Almotamid, and later that of Almutamid, who eventually lost his kingdom to the Almoravids.

The construction of Sevilla’s city wall began under the Almoravids, yet the subsequent rulers, the Almohads, were responsible for construction of the one of the city’s most famous structures – the Mezquita Mayor and the Giralda.

The city was taken from the weakening Almohads by King Fernando III in 1248. The start of this new reign marked radical change in Sevilla, and for this, King Fernando III was referred to as “The Saint”. Though marked by a slight decrease directly following the Christian invasion, Sevilla’s population increased greatly with the arrival of many immigrants from Castilla. The start of the Christian period introduced new neighborhoods, including San Vicente, and new construction. Sevilla’s importance began to increase to an even greater degree during the sixteenth century, as it became a bridge between Europe and the Americas. It was during this period that one of Sevilla’s defining structures was built. Christian governors ordered the creation of a large Cathedral upon the site of the Mezquita Mayor, with all intents of it being the world’s largest monument to Christianity. Today, the Cathedral stands as the third largest church in the Christian world.

The seventeenth century in Sevilla was marked by an economic crisis as a result of the arrival of smaller quantities of gold from the Americas as well as the increase in conflicts in the Atlantic with Dutch and English pirates. The population also decreased significantly, falling from 100,000 to 60,000 in 1650 alone, due in large part to a Plague epidemic. These events proved detrimental to Sevilla, as it soon lost its exclusive rights on American commerce to Cadiz.

Though this period experienced the aforementioned setbacks, the city also saw the explosion of artistic talent, marked by the arrival of artists such as Velasquez, Valdes Leal and Murillo, and sculptors such as Martinez Montañés, Juan de Mesa and Pedro Roldán.

During the eighteenth century, Sevilla transformed into more of a provincial city, marked by the arrival of Felipe V, the first Bourbon King, who spent time in Seville in order to emerge from a bout of depression. Felipe V remained in Sevilla for three years, a time marked by constant fiestas proving beneficial for both the economy and the continued presence of artistic talent.

In Sevilla, the twentieth century was that of great exhibitions, including the Ibero-American Exhibition in 1929 and the Universal exhibition in 1992, each one symbolizing modernization and economic expansion. The early twentieth century was also marked by fascist rule in Europe, contributing to political tension and social inequities which eventually led to an uprising against the Second Republic in 1936, marking the start of the Spanish Civil War. This conflict lasted until 1939 and deeply divided the country.

Francisco Franco, a general from the Spanish Army, successfully led his group of nationals against the republican forces and took Sevilla in 1936. The city was the site of many communist assassinations and many political prisoners were taken. Franco’s forces moved on to take Madrid in 1939, ending the war yet leaving many Spaniards in desperate conditions of poverty and hunger. Franco’s rule after the war’s end was marked by suppressed liberties, the abolition of political parties, and the forced discontinuance of any liberal reforms that had begun before the war.

The first ten years of the Franquist dictatorship was defined by a period of isolation from the rest of Europe, until a military agreement was signed with the United States during the 1950s in order to improved Spain’s economy and industrialization. It was during this period that Sevilla’s historic center was destroyed in order to make room for new shops and offices.

Franco’s death allowed for monarchical rule to return to Spain, bringing Juan Carlos I to the throne in 1975 and restoring democracy in the country. The first free elections took place in 1978 and a new Spanish Constitution was approved, giving the different regions of Spain the right to organize themselves as they wish.

We hope you enjoy all Sevilla has to offer and who knows, we may see you on one of our upcoming trips!

Your friends at DiscoverSevilla

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Few things are more amazing than the expansive Saharan dunes and the infinite stars that illuminate the desert sky.  Spend 6 days traveling through Morocco and to the Sahara Desert on a fun, safe, and eye-opening excursion!   Morocco is filled with exquisite Muslim architecture, delicious food, sun-filled days, and miles of endless desert.  On this trip, you will have the chance to see it all, and the best thing about it is that everything is included in this package! You won’t [...]]]> Few things are more amazing than the expansive Saharan dunes and the infinite stars that illuminate the desert sky.  Spend 6 days traveling through Morocco and to the Sahara Desert on a fun, safe, and eye-opening excursion!   Morocco is filled with exquisite Muslim architecture, delicious food, sun-filled days, and miles of endless desert.  On this trip, you will have the chance to see it all, and the best thing about it is that everything is included in this package! You won’t need to worry about planning a thing, so join us on our next Saharan Adventure!

Rabat

Our first stop in Morocco will be the city of Rabat .  Located in Casablanca , Rabat is the current capital and religious center of Morocco .  Here, we will enjoy a gourmet lunch of traditional Moroccan food at a restaurant on the beach.   After, we will take a guided tour where we will visit the Mausoleum of Muhammad the V, the Hassan Mosque and the infamous Kasbah that overlooks the sea.

The Sahara

We will spend two nights in the Sahara , the biggest desert in the world.  On our first night, we will stay in luxury accommodations at a beautiful desert Kasbah.  There will be buffet-style meals to indulge your taste buds with a variety of Moroccan dishes, hookah pipes to relax and smoke some flavored shisha, and an animated bongo performance by the Berbers.

The following morning, we will visit a small Berber town where you will see first hand how their simplistic lifestyle has barely changed over centuries of existence.  The Berbers were the first settlers of Northern Africa , dating back before the Romans and Arabs.  To this day, they still reside in the countryside of Morocco and live solely off of the land. These unique and friendly people will give you a new appreciation of life and what you were blessed with.

In the afternoon, we will travel by camelback into the heart of the desert to hang out in the dunes and watch the sunset.  We will camp at a desert oasis for a night with the Berbers and enjoy music and entertainment around a bond fire.  In this serene and beautiful setting, you will be able to see thousands of stars, watch the luminous moon rise over the dunes, and just enjoy the company of good people sharing an unforgettable experience!

Fez

Once the capital of Morocco , this imperial city is most known for its strong spiritual  roots, commercial plants, and beautiful architecture.  It is the home of the Qarawiyyin Mosque, the largest mosque in all of Northern Africa .  Here, our professional guides will show you the labyrinth-like Medina , and the major points of interest in the city.  We will also tour the oldest tannery in the world, where to this day workers are still hand-dying leather products.

Horseback Riding

Sevilla is only a one hour bus-ride away from the beautiful Doñana National park, a protected area of diverse wildlife andnatural beauty, not to mention a wetland recognized internationally for its importance. Also the home to Matalascañas beach which is perfect for a day of horseback riding along the shore and through the park, frisbee, beach relaxation, and tapas. On this excursion you can see some of the beauty Spain has to offer beyond its spectacular historic architecture!

Gibraltar Gibraltar is the last of the British colonies located at the southern tip of the Spanish coastline, whose peninsula stretches into the Mediterranean, creating the Straight of Gibraltar between the Iberian Peninsula and the northern coast of Morocco. The name comes from the Arabic Jabal Tarik, meaning ‘mountain of Tariq’, referring to the great Rock of Gibraltar. The known inhabitants of the region include the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Visigoths, Moors, Spanish, and was the last known habitat of the [...]]]>
Gibraltar

Norte del Rif, Morocco If you are looking for a fun and easy way to travel to Morocco in the weekend excursion to Norte del Rif. The idea of traveling to Morocco can be to experience the Moroccan culture. We will travel to two of its main northern cities Chefchaouen with its buildings of blue and Tétouan.

Chechaouen began as a small fortress built by Spanish exiles to fight the Portuguese invasions and a refuge for Moors and Jews during the Reconquest [...]]]> Norte del Rif, Morocco
If you are looking for a fun and easy way to travel to Morocco in the weekend excursion to Norte del Rif. The idea of traveling to Morocco can be to experience the Moroccan culture. We will travel to two of its main northern cities Chefchaouen with its buildings of blue and Tétouan.

Chechaouen began as a small fortress built by Spanish exiles to fight the Portuguese invasions and a refuge for Moors and Jews during the Reconquest of Spain. It has many unique hand-crafted Moroccan goods like wool products, woven blankets, and local goat cheese. Chechaouen is also home to the only octagonal minaret in Islam, the ruins of a mosque built by the Spanish, and other impressive mosques that are open to visits.

Tétouan is the only open port of Morocco to the Mediterranean, located a few miles south of the Straight of Gibraltar. The city is in the middle of an orchard belt with orange, pomegranet, cypress, and almond trees. The old part of Tétouan is known for its white washed and low to the ground houses and there are people making handicrafts in the streets.

You will have the opportunity to ride on a camel in Tangiers and see the amazing natural beauty that exists in the Rif Mountains with the help of fun guides who know the area.