Discovering Cultural Morocco

Famous for its outstanding natural beauty, the Atlantic island of Madeira is known as the ‘floating garden’, with its array of subtropical flowers and plants – grown from the bulbs and seeds of the British merchants who came to the island after making their fortune from selling Madeiran wine. Produced since the 17th century, Madeira Wine’s historical and maritime links make for fascinating reading, of course accompanied by a glass or two of the ‘liquid history’, as described by Winston Churchill.

Situated in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, on Morocco’s southern Atlantic coast, the present-day town of Agadir was rebuilt in the 1960’s due to a devastating earthquake. It’s a lively beachside town, with wide boulevards, sandy beaches and azure blue seas. Contrasting with this, the old port area offers markets selling local spices, fruit and vegetables. Nearby, nomadic Berber villagers live in clay homes in the shadows of the mountains.

A bustling and cosmopolitan city, Casablanca still offers a taste of its French colonial past, with the art-deco Ville Nouvelle at its centre. The Old Medina is full of crowded streets and tiny shops, and the Hassan Il Mosque dominates the city, where the 210m minaret – the tallest in the world, shines a laser beam at night pointing towards Mecca. This breathtaking building can accommodate 25, 000 worshippers, with a further 80, 000 in the courtyard.

Tangier is the gateway from Europe to Africa, due to its location on the Straits of Gibraltar, and has seen rapid progression into a cosmopolitan city, whilst still retaining its history. The Medina is situated within the walls of a 15th century Portuguese fortress, and is a labyrinth of market stalls and cafés, where the popular Moroccan mint tea is often served. Gunpowder tea first arrived here in the 18th century, and where locals added fresh mint and sugar – this refreshing drink is now available throughout Tangier.

Overlooking the River Tagus, Portugal’s capital city offers an abundance of maritime highlights, including the iconic Ponte de Abril suspension bridge, and the UNESCO-listed Belém Tower, which served as an embarkation and disembarkation point for Vasco de Gama and other Portuguese explorers. The delicious pastéis de nata are also not to be missed when visiting Lisbon, particularly when sampled at the original bakery, which opened in 1837.

A short journey from Leixões takes you into the heart of Oporto, with its fortress-like Cathedral – offering stunning views across the city, and the Baroque Church of Clérigos. Head to the historic Ribeira District, where the narrow, cobbled lanes wind their way down to the Douro River, or visit one of the many wine cellars for a taste of the rich and smooth fortified wine named after the city, Port.