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| xotic and fascinating, the kingdom of Morocco is rich in history and culture. Your vacation begins in Casablanca, then drive to Rabat, the country's vibrant capital city, and Meknes with its monumental gates, mosques, palaces, and protective walls. Spend two nights in Fez, where the medina is one of the largest medieval cities in the world. Admire the scenery as the Middle Atlas mountain range transforms to desert and you approach the Erfoud oasis. Visit Rissani with the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Sharif, and enjoy the landscapes along the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" on the way to Ouazarzate, famous for its film studios. Cross the High Atlas mountains to reach Marrakesh, where the famous Djemaa el Fna square provides some of the world's greatest open-air entertainment. Return to Casablanca to see the sights with a local guide. |
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| mesmerizing country of ancient civilization, Egypt's culture and mysterious past fascinate generation after generation. Your journey begins in Cairo, the most populated metro area in Africa. See the Sphinx, Valley Temple, and the great Giza Pyramids, standing since approximately 2560 BC. Enjoy the included guided visit of the Natural Archaeological Museum as well as Coptic Cairo and the Saladin Citadel. Follow the Nile Delta to Alexandria on the Mediterranean Sea and visit the Fort of Qait, the gardens of Montaza, and the new library. Following the Mediterranean coastal road, stop in El Alamein, where two decisive battles were fought during WWII, then carry on to Marsa Matrouh, a large waterfront town with beautiful white beaches. En route back to Cairo, visit one of the ancient Coptic monasteries and do some last-minute souvenir shopping at Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. |
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| country of many contrasts, Turkey is a unique crossroads between Europe and Asia. Begin in Istanbul-a vibrant city of mosques, markets, peddlers, and historic buildings of Byzanteum Constantinople fame-and drive along the Sea of Marmara to Gallipoli on the Dardanelles. Visit the battle site of World War I, then ferry across to Asia Minor. Take time to visit the remains of Homer's legendary Troy, then motor through forested countryside to Kusadasi, famous for the Ephesus archaeological site. Continue through the "Greek Meander," the most fertile region in Turkey. Via Denizli, head north to Pamukkale with the ancient site of Hierapolis. By way of Konya, stop at the great 13th-century Agzikarahan Caravanserai, then to Goreme for an included visit to the amazing Rock Chapels carved by early Christians. arrive in Turkey's capital of Ankara. from here, travel into the kingdom of Phrygia to Gordion. Visit King Midas' tomb before continuing to Bursa, famous for its great mosque, covered bazaar, and silk market. Return to Istanbul and be sure to catch the unforgettable sight of the Bosporus at dusk. |
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| xperience Northern France's sights and landmarks, starting in Paris, the "City of Light." Enjoy a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral and a guided orientation of the city's main highlights: the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and many more. Visit Giverny with its splendid Monet Gardens, Rouen with its impressive Cathedral, admire Normandy's striking coastline with memories of D-Day, and relive William the Conqueror's feats as embroidered in the Bayeux tapestry. The wonder of Mont St. Michel is next on the list, then St. Malo, Rennes, and two overnights in Tours. On the way back to Paris, visit Orleans, the statue of Joan of Arc, and the Chatres Cathedral gothic masterpiece. Spend a final night in Paris to celebrate your vacation "joie de vivre!" |
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| he rediscovered jewels of Imperial Europe are the focus of this popular vacation, starting and ending in Munich. Visit Prague's Jewish Quarter, Charles Bridge, and the Bohemian atmosphere of Town Hall Square with its world-famous Astronomical Clock; in Budapest, experience Fishermen's Bastion, the Royal Castle, and a romantic promenade along the banks of the Danube. Add the sights, sounds, and tastes of Vienna-maybe sit in a cafe with a piece of scrumptious Sachertorte while listening to a legendary waltz. Other highlights are stops in medieval Nuremberg and Mozart's Salzburg, and enchanting natural scenery including the Alps and Danube River Valley-amazing features of a marvelous vacation. |
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| reece is a fascinating country with a long history and many traditions. This vacation features the major sights, starting in Athens with its Acropolis and lively Plaka quarter dotted with cafes and archaeological findings. Discover Meteora with its extraordinary monasteries built on rock formations; ancient Delphi, site of the Delphic Oracle; and Olympia, site of the first Olympic Games. Test the acoustics at the Epidauros Theater, and explore Mycenae, where Agamemnon's golden mask was found. Cross the Corinth Canal and return to Athens for the conclusion of your Greek adventure. |
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| rom Berber villages and awesome historical architecture to spectacular rocky gorges, Tunisia's enchanting blend of European sophistication and Arabian exoticism awaits you. From Tunis, continue on to the medina and mosque of Sousse, the old town of Monastir, impressive El Djem with its Roman Colosseum, and Sfax on the Gulf of Gabes. At Matmata, see the incredible underground troglodyte village used in the original "Star Wars" movie, then the salt lake of Chott El Jerid. Be enthralled as you travel on the Red Lizard train through the spectacular gorges of Selja before visiting the Roman ruins at Sbeitla. After the Grand Mosque at Kairouan, your Tunisian adventure culminates with a 2-night stay in the capital of Tunis, including the chance to visit Carthage, Sidi-Bou-Said, and the famous Bardo Museum. |
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his exciting vacation is a delightful introduction to the history and culture of England, Scotland, and Wales. Begin your trip in London with a full day to discover the city's landmarks on your own or to take an optional tour. Afterward, enjoy a walking tour in Cambridge, one of the country's oldest seats of learning, and then in York, England's most complete medieval city. See a section of Hadrian's wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes, before arriving in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, where your guided sightseeing tour includes mighty Edinburgh Castle with its Crown Jewels. Travel south through the Lowlands to Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed young runaway couples. Continue through the Lake District, considered the finest of England's national parks. Visit Wordsworth's charming Grasmere and follow the shores of beautiful Lake Windermere, England's largest lake. Enjoy a walking tour of 2,000-year-old Chester and an overnight in Liverpool of Beatles fame. Next up: Llangollen in Wales, home of an annual international competition for poets and musicians. Return to England to Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon and drive through the scenic Cotswolds. Enjoy an orientation drive in Bristol and explore elegant Georgian Bath, famous for its Roman relics. Contemplate mysterious Stonehenge and majestic Salisbury. Return to London for the conclusion of your grand Britain vacation. |
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| iscover the heart of the Italian lakes on this magnificent getaway. Your vacation begins with two nights at picturesque Lake Maggiore. Enjoy free time to relax or join an optional boat trip to the Borromean Islands. Heading east, cross the border into Switzerland for a stop at beautiful Lake Lugano. Stroll along the lakeside promenade, shop on Via Nassa, or explore the Piazza Riforma. Cross back into Italy to arrive at Lake Como, where you'll spend two nights and will enjoy an included boat trip to picture-perfect Bellagio. Continue through the Franciacorta wine-growing area and pause at Lake Iseo and the spa town of Sirmione on your way to lovely Lake Garda at the foot of the Alps. After two overnights, travel south to Romeo & Juliet's Verona, then return to Lake Maggiore for the conclusion of your glorious Italian lakes adventure. |
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