Why visit Morocco?

Are you looking for culture, history, sun, shopping, tantalising cuisine and stunning scenery wrapped up with a touch of adventure and mystery? Look no further for this is Morocco. So near yet so far, in just over three hours from London you can find yourself immersed in an exotic world of palaces, mosques, snake charmers and story tellers.

This North African country has been influenced over the centuries by Berbers, the Roman Empire, French and Spanish. All have left their mark. Morocco has four Imperial Cities, which have been the Capitol at some point in her fascinating history. Our tour of the month, Highlights of Morocco, visits three of them, Marrakech, Rabat and Meknes.

These vibrant cities boast palaces, museums and exciting souks. The Labyrinth of streets showcase vendors offering everything from jewellery, to leather goods, musical instruments to metal work and spices to medicines for every ailment. Bargaining, of course, is all part of the fun!

Whilst western food is available Moroccan cuisine offers delicious stews, couscous and tagines. Lamb, chicken, fish or perhaps a pigeon or camel dish awaits to tantalize your gastronomic senses. Vegetarian dishes are easy to find as many speciality dishes are cooked without meat. Moroccan’s do have a sweet tooth! Sweet pastries and mint tea are not to be missed. Big on flavour and rich on colour you will not go hungry here!

The scenery is stunning as you climb in to the Atlas Mountains. Its snow-capped peaks and lush valleys peppered with mud built villages locked in time adds dimension to this intriguing landscape.

Morocco is all about experience and this is one place you will not be disappointed and at a very affordable price!

The mere mention of Transylvania conjures up in most people’s minds thoughts of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, vampires and wolves.

Bordered to the east by the beautiful Carpathian Mountains this is a Country that allows you to step back in time. Forest, meadows, medieval towns, castles, walled cities, citadels and traditional villages all add to this unique slow paced, unspoilt destination.

Her multi-ethnic heritage adds colour to not only the architecture but the folk costumes, music and of course the cuisine. Local food offers a variety of interesting flavours and wholesome dishes not to mention the light wines or the double distilled liquors.

Whether you want to shop for antiques or handmade items, go in search of the brown bears that reside here or look out for shepherds as they heard their flocks this is a fascinating untouched land. One to visit before it arrives in the 21^st Century.

Itinerary

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises has changed the way you can see the world. Now is the time to immerse yourself in new cultures. The new approach is about truly experiencing a destination to make your holiday so much more memorable. The cuisine is award winning and the wine selection is the largest at sea. If you enjoy luxurious spa treatments then book a suite with direct access to the spa area.

We recommend Celebrity cruises for the food, service and the small touches that make a big difference to your holiday.

About the Celebrity Constellation

The Celebrity Constellation has been revamped and she now boasts a spectacular, new look and ambience. From the moment you go into the magnificent Grand Foyer or taste a succulent steak in the Tuscan Grille, or drink your favourite vodka at the ice-topped Martini Bar – you’ll feel totally pampered.

The suites and staterooms offer stylish new decor with flat-screen TVs and the level of personal service remains first class.

Facilities

Entertainment, Casino, Childrens Play Area, Cinema, Fortunes Casino, Michaels Club, Photo Gallery, Reflections, Theatre, Video Arcade, Youth & Teen Centres, Fitness, Aerobics/Yoga, Basketball, Fitness Equipment, Gym, Jogging Track, Food and Drink Bar, Bistro, Cafe al Bacio, Cellar Masters, Cova Cafe, Dining Room, Martini Bar Restaurant, The Conservatory, Tuscan Grill, Other Art Gallery, Conference Facilities, Elevator, Photo Gallery, Recreational, Aqua Spa, Card Room, Indoor Pool, Library, Outdoor Pool, Relaxation, Aqua Spa, Beauty Salon, Sauna, Spa, Steam Room, Swimming Pool, Whirlpool, Technology, Interactive TV, Internet Access Lounge, Internet Cafe

A China Tour Experience by Wendy Wu

Days 1-2: Fly to Shanghai

You fly overnight into the lively city of Shanghai (China’s largest and most affluent city), sometimes referred to as ‘the Paris of the East’ with its unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures. After arriving at your hotel the rest of the day is at your leisure to start to experience Shanghai with it’s amazing local culture and also to view the city lit up at night by an abundance of colourful lights.

Day 3: Zhujiajiao Water Town

You will visit Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town with 1700 years of history. The town is built on an old canal system which once used to move goods all over imperial China. There are many narrow alley ways which have a unique charm. The waterways are lined with historic buildings with stone bridges across them. You go back to Shanghai to view the fine arts and antiquities at the Shanghai Museum. Your dinner will an authentic local cuisine experience

Day 4: Shanghai

China’s big city – Shanghai, where eastern and western architectures converge and contrast on streets lined with modern skyscrapers and enhanced with majestic 10th century temples. Day 4 visits include the Yu Gardens and a cultural tour of the old town. You will see the magnificent colonial architecture and can take a gentle stroll along the Bund. Then its on to the entertainment district in the Xintiandi area. The day finishes with a gentle panoramic cruise along the Huangpu River which provides the perfect conclusion to the day.

Day 5: Xian

On Day 5 you fly to Xian, which was the ancient former capital. Tonight feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings before a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

Day 6: Terracotta Warriors

The Terracotta Warriors were discovered in the 1970’s and have been on the very top of the “must see” list for tourists to China. Visitors remain intrigued by the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang (China’s first Emperor). The tour allows you to view the mysterious ranks of life-sized warriors. Afterwards you visit Xian’s well preserved old town and can walk on the 14th century city walls.

Day 7: Fly to Beijing

The morning tour includes a trip to the enchanting Little Wild Goose Pagoda and we allow time to stroll through the alleys of the Muslim Quarter, which offer Islamic food. Next, fly to Beijing, the capital of China.

Day 8: Forbidden City

Prepare for an amazing day. You will walk across Tiananmen Square and into the Forbidden City and then go through the Gate of Supreme Harmony. You can enjoy the aura of the Temple of Heaven before enjoying an evening watching a Chinese acrobatic show.

Day 9: Great Wall of China

This day you will see China’s most popular sight – the Great Wall which is so large that it can be seen from space. Have a walk along its structure to appreciate both the huge magnificence of the wall and the sensational scenery that it passes. Next you will have a chance to buy a piece of Jade at the Jade Museum and learn about the delicate process of carving the stone. In the afternoon you will capture the landscapes of the Summer Palace as you see the traditional Chinese gardens and beautiful architecture.

Day 10: Fly Beijing to Hong Kong

Day 12: Fly from Hong Kong to UK

Hong Kong extension

Your FREE Hong Kong trip includes:

2 nights accommodation with breakfast

Half day Hong Kong Island tour

Airport transfers

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day

The cruise visits some amazing Baltic destinations:-

Bruges, Warnemunde, Tallin, Helsinki, Copenhagen and includes an overnight stay in St Petersburg where you can visit:-

– Church of the Savior on Blood
– The Grand Palace
– St. Isaac’s Cathedral State Museum-Memorial

In addition you will have a day in the beautiful city of Stockholm where you can visit the Vasa Museum (the only preserved seventeenth-century ship in the world), the Royal Palace and Abba the Museum and many more attractions.

All this aboard the incredible Celebrity Eclipse®.

Sailing Itinerary

Date Ports of Call Arrival Departure Activity
Sun 22 May 2016 Southampton, England – 1630 Boarding
Mon 23 May 2016 Bruges, Belgium (Zeebrugge) 0700 1500 Docked
Tue 24 May 2016 At Sea – – –
Wed 25 May 2016 Warnemunde, Germany 0930 2359 Docked
Thu 26 May 2016 At Sea – – –
Fri 27 May 2016 Muuga (Tallinn), Estonia 1000 1700 Docked
Sat 28 May 2016 St.Petersburg, Russia 0700 – Docked
Sun 29 May 2016 St.Petersburg, Russia – 1800 Docked
Mon 30 May 2016 Helsinki, Finland 0800 1700 Docked
Tue 31 May 2016 Stockholm, Sweden 0900 1700 Docked
Wed 01 Jun 2016 At Sea – – –
Thu 02 Jun 2016 Copenhagen, Denmark 1100 2359 Docked
Fri 03 Jun 2016 At Sea – – –
Sat 04 Jun 2016 At Sea – – –
Sun 05 Jun 2016 Southampton, England 0530 – Departure