Southern Spain & Morocco · Southern Spain & Morocco Tour Information Dossier . Welcome to Europe!...

Southern Spain & Morocco Tour Information Dossier

www.bunniktours.com.au

Welcome to Europe! We are so happy to welcome you along for your Bunnik tour. Each tour is planned with great care, as if it were for our own family. For us it’s about sharing the joy of travel and discovery.

You’ll gain real insight into every destination you visit with the support of our expert local guides and have a load of fun travelling in the comfort of a small group.

In this Tour Information Dossier we’ve compiled some useful information on the countries you will visit on your upcoming tour. We hope this informs you, excites you and enhances your holiday time in Europe.

Happy travels! Marion, Dennis & Sacha Bunnik



Before you go… Europe

Passport & Visas We require that your passport is valid for travel for at least six months from the date you are planning to return to Australia. Your passport must be valid to travel internationally and must be machine-readable. You also need to carry a valid return ticket on you.

Whether travelling on an Australian passport or the passport of another country, all travellers require visas for a number of countries and it is your responsibility to secure what may be required before departing Australia. You can consult with your travel agent but it is also recommended that you check the foreign embassy website for your respective destination as it can also provide you with useful information.

Useful Websites Australian Government Advisory and Consular Service: www.smartraveller.gov.au Customs Australia: www.customs.gov.au Time: www.timeanddate.com/worldclock Climate: www.weatherbase.com Currency Conversion: www.xe.com Allergy website: http://allergictravelerapp.com/how/

Emergency Numbers – Australian Embassy Country Address Tel Fax

Morocco 28 Avenue S.A.R Sidi Mohammed Souissi 10105 (BP 45) Rabat

+212 5376 33333

Spain Torre Espacio, Paseo de la Castellana, 259D, Planta 24 Madrid 28046

+34 91 353 6600 +34 91 353 6692

If an emergency occurs while you are en route to your destination or while you are on tour, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in your documentation wallet.

Health & Wellbeing

• For specific vaccination and health issues/alerts please contact your local GP or the Travel Doctor (Travellers Medical & Vaccination Centre) on 1300 658 844 or online at www.traveldoctor.com.au.

• We recommend taking your usual cold and flu medication as well as diarrhoea and vomiting medication. It can be tricky finding the equivalent to what you’re used to taking when you’re overseas.

• If you have a food allergy which needs to be managed on tour, please advise your travel consultant as soon as possible, and your Tour Director upon arrival.

http://www.customs.gov.au/

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock

http://allergictravelerapp.com/how/



• If you do become ill while away please seek medical treatment as soon as possible so that you can get back to enjoying your holiday and to prevent the spread of infection amongst the group. We recommend using hand sanitising gel before meals and upon entering the bus.

• For general health and wellbeing on the tour please ensure you wash your hands frequently, especially before eating. Carry insect repellent and sunscreen and a supply of disinfecting wipes or cleansing gel which can be found at most chemists.

• Keep well hydrated by making sure you purchase enough water to drink and for brushing teeth etc.

Level of Fitness At Bunnik Tours, we don’t put specific age limits on our tours, but we also recognise some travellers may find our itineraries challenging. We have a duty of care to all tour participants and the tour guides, so we do have a firm policy on the level of fitness required by all our clients in an attempt to ensure your safety and the safety of other travellers on our tours.

To get the most from your Bunnik tour, you will need a good level of fitness and mobility and an open mind. Many of the best sights can only be accessed on foot. You should be able to walk at least 3.5 kilometres or 2-3 hours on uneven ground with no walking aids and climb several flights of stairs or short, steep hills. You should also be able to carry your own bags to and from your hotel room if required, plus get on and off various modes of transport unaided.

Staying Safe

• Always carry your passport and other travel documents in your hand luggage. Keep photocopies in a separate bag and leave a copy at home with family or friends in case of an emergency.

• Keep your passport safe at all times. We recommend using the safe in your hotel room – and always remember to clear the safe before checking out of the hotel.

• Write down a list of emergency numbers and email addresses eg. bank details, relatives/friends, doctor. This way if you lose your phone you’ll still be able to contact people if you need to.

• Take twice the amount of medication than you’ll need and divide it in two and store them in separate bags – one of those being your hand luggage.

• When exploring on your own please take a business card from the hotel so that you can always find your way back and only take the necessities with you – leave your valuables in your hotel room safe.

• It never hurts to tell your fellow travellers of your plans!

Power Points We recommend purchasing a universal plug adaptor which can be used to fit all electrical sockets. Universal plug adaptors that can fit all electrical sockets are readily available for purchase in Australia before you depart. If you intend to take your mobile phone and/or tablet, it is suggested you purchase a universal plug adaptor with built in USB ports.

As a guide, these plug types are mainly used throughout Europe:

Type C Type F Type E



Practical Considerations

� Advise your Travel Consultant of any dietary requirements and seat requests

� Have you had any required vaccinations? Contact your local GP or the Travel Doctor (Travellers Medical & Vaccination Centre) on 1300 658 844

� Register your details with www.smartraveller.gov.au � Arrange for a spare copy of your itinerary to be left with a friend or relative � Check with your mobile phone network provider that your phone is compatible overseas � Exchange currency, arrange a cash passport/credit card or similar � Advise your bank of your travel plans so that they can make a note of it. Otherwise they may cancel your

credit card as a safety measure due to the overseas transactions. Also make a note of the 24-hour emergency contact number of the bank or building society which issued your credit card in the unlikely event that your card is lost or stolen.

� If you haven’t already, have a read through all your tour documents as they will provide you with lots of useful information

� Arrange for Australia Post to hold onto your mail for the time you’re away � Cancel your newspaper delivery / Foxtel, etc.

� Scan a copy of your passport and important documentation and email to yourself

Packing List Suggestions

� Travel documents e.g. passport(s), travel insurance certificate and e-tickets � Day-pack to carry your personal belongings while out and about � Money belt and luggage padlocks � Local language phrase book � Ear plugs, eye mask and travel pillow � Snacks such as muesli bars, nuts and crackers which you can snack on throughout the day � First aid kit and personal medications (a doctor’s letter may be needed if carrying large amounts) � Sun protection e.g. hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm and insect repellent � Antibacterial wipes or hand gel � Electricity conversion plugs, spare batteries and memory card � Torch and alarm clock � Comfortable walking shoes and a pair of evening shoes � Clothing to suit weather conditions (refer to our website - www.bunniktours.com.au for weather charts).

Also a light jumper, a waterproof jacket/poncho/umbrella for cooler weather or wet conditions, thermal clothing is a good space saver and great for layering

� Swimwear � Trousers, shorts/skirt that reach below the knee � Scarf or shawl to carry in your day-pack for cool evenings (and can also be used for temple visits if

necessary) etc.

Note: The packing list has been compiled from suggestions by previous passengers and local staff – it is only a guide and Bunnik Tours recommends that you check recent weather conditions before your departure.



We love getting feedback – Let us hear it! Upon your return home, please look out for an email from us containing a link to our online tour survey, which we encourage you to complete.

We pride ourselves on the quality of our tours and it is your feedback that helps to ensure we are providing you with the best touring experience.



On Tour

Check-In for your flights It is important that you arrive at the airport at least three hours in advance for international flights. This will allow you plenty of time to check your baggage in, get your boarding passes and seat assignments, and make your way through security to the boarding area. Please ensure you arrive at the airport at the correct time. Early morning flights (flights departing shortly after midnight) may require you to check-in the day before. Airlines have little leniency if flights are missed.

Comfort on your flight

• Wear loose clothes and comfortable shoes during your flights.

• Try to hydrate yourself regularly with water (avoid caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks).

• Alleviate the pressure on your ears by chewing gum, yawning, swallowing, or gently blowing your nose.

• Try to walk up and down the aisle to stretch out your limbs and get blood circulating. Also maybe do a few isometric exercises.

• If you arrive in the morning, try to sleep during your flight so you can stay awake through to the evening once you have arrived at your destination.

Delayed or missed flights In the unfortunate event that you miss a flight completely or that you are delayed substantially, please advise the airline representative that you are a group tour passenger bound for a specific start location, date and time. Always call Bunnik Tours on 1800 286 645 (or +61 8 8359 2295 if you are already overseas) to advise your new flight times or the local operator where your tour starts, whose phone number is in your tour documentation.

Arrival Information Upon arrival at the airport on the first day of your tour (or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation with Bunnik Tours), your airport transfer is included in your tour. Different types of transfers are booked depending on the destination, therefore check your travel documents on meeting points etc. Airport transfers cannot be re-routed to other pick-up points or destinations. Hotel check-in time is generally around 3.00pm local time, but where possible, the hotel will try and have your room available earlier. If your flight arrives in the morning, your luggage can be stored at the hotel until your room is ready.

Tour Guide When you’re travelling, your guide will be an invaluable resource to you as they will be able to explain all the different cultural norms and traditions as well as offering dining and sightseeing suggestions during your free time. All Bunnik Tours’ guides have a great love for their country and culture and will be happy to share this with you as well as answer any questions you may have.

Tour Etiquette Travelling in a small group is half the fun of touring and we regularly receive feedback from our clients remarking how well everyone got along on tour and lifelong friendships often develop.

However, sweeping statements and generalisations can be offensive to others. We would therefore like to remind you that other people’s religious beliefs, political and sexual orientations may differ from your own, and we respectfully ask you to be mindful of this while on tour.



What to Wear Due to global weather changes, temperatures may deviate from the norms. We recommend layered easy care, loose-fitting clothing, an item or two for rain or unseasonable temperatures and something warmer. Always pack extra layers regardless of the season you’re travelling in, as the weather can be unpredictable and it’s better to pack a few extra pieces just in case. Cool cotton clothing, a hat, sunscreen, a good pair of sunglasses and most importantly, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. When visiting mosques and temples, long sleeves, loose pants or long skirts are essential.

Currency The recommended currency to take to Spain and Morocco is the Euro. The Euro is the currency of Spain, and once you are in Morocco you will then be able to change some Euro into Moroccan Dirham.

Advise your bank of your travel plans so that they can make a note of it, otherwise they may cancel your credit card as a safety measure due to the overseas transactions. Also make a note of the 24-hour emergency contact number of the bank or building society which issued your credit card in the unlikely event that your card is lost or stolen.

Whenever possible use ATMs when the banks are open (Mon – Fri) so that if a machine ‘eats’ your card you can then deal with it straight away. It is always advisable to carry a supply of cash in addition to your credit card.

We advise you to exchange some money into the local currency at the airport even if the exchange rate is not the best, this way you’ll have money to get a drink, snack or give a tip during those first few hours of arrival. Your guide will be able to advise you on the best places to exchange money. Small change is also useful for paying for toilets while on tour which is customary in many places outside of Australia. Spain The Euro (EUR; symbol €). Notes come in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Morocco The Dirham (MAD; symbol Dh). Notes come in denominations of Dh200, 100, 50 and 20.



Countries we visit

Morocco Morocco’s dazzling mosaic of Arab and Berber cultures, with a dash of African and European influence is at once strange and romantic, alluring and surprising. It’s little wonder that Morocco has regularly drawn seekers of the exotic. The country is one of Africa’s most popular travel destinations. No matter how well-seasoned a traveller you are, you’ll find plenty to see and do. Fine Atlantic and Mediterranean beaches, desert excursions, wondrous imperial cities, Islamic landmarks, Joujoukan and Gnaoua trance music, Roman antiquities, resort facilities, mountain villages, oases and towering sand dunes, Morocco has it all!

Fast Facts Capital

Population

Language

Religion

Time Zone

Voltage

Dialling code

Rabat 36.2 million Arabic, Berber, French

Islam 11 hours behind AEST *

220v +212

*Time differences depend on daylight savings.

• Morocco gained independence from France in 1956.

• Fez is, of course, where fezzes (the red hats) come from.

• In previous times, it was unlawful to sell a date tree in Morocco, as it was a source of food for the family.

• Tangier was an International City, from 1922 to 1956, being ruled by representatives of eight European countries.

• A number of stone circles present in Morocco serve as the proof of its contact with the megalithic cultures of Atlantic Europe.

Local Etiquette and Helpful Tips

• Remember that Morocco is a Muslim country where modesty is appreciated. Dress conservatively, which means covering your shoulders, upper arms and legs (unless you are at a beach).

• Beware of tours by self-proclaimed guides (called faux guides). If you’re harassed, calmly but firmly decline their offer, if the harassment continues make an obvious attempt to seek out a police officer.

• Take drug laws very seriously – even though drugs such as hashish seem widely available, drug laws particularly when foreigners are involved, are harsh.

• Refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours in the holy month of Ramadan.



• If you’re not Muslim, don’t enter a mosque without asking permission. Visit the ornate medersas (theological schools) instead. At smaller, less frequented mosques, custodians may allow you to enter outside of prayer times, if you ask politely.

Weather October-December and March-May are really Morocco’s best seasons, when temperatures average in the low 20s. The summer shouldn’t be ruled out though as the average temperature in Marrakesh and Fez can be around 38°C and the coastal cities of Casablanca, Rabat and Tangier remain comfortable, if somewhat humid at 27-29°C. South of the Atlas Mountains temperatures increase greatly.

Getting Around Morocco has a surprisingly good public transport system. The best way of getting around Moroccan cities is either by walking or hailing a petit taxi (for travel within the city). A grand taxi is more expensive and is used for travel between neighbouring towns.

When catching taxis, have small change on you and choose one with a meter, if it doesn’t have one then negotiate the price before getting in. Also, ask your guide or hotel staff the names of reputable taxi companies.

Dining Moroccan cuisine is essentially tasty comfort food with exotic spices. There are many low-cost places to dine on local dishes but even if you’re travelling on a budget, splurge one night for a feast in a deluxe restaurant. Harira, the traditional garbanzo and noodle soup, is a good starter. Various couscous dishes, tagines (stewed meat or chicken with vegetables, served in a conical clay dish) and kebabs (also called brochettes) are the most common entrees. Other tasty dishes include hout (a fish stew), mechoui (roast mutton) and djaja mahamara (chicken stuffed with almonds, raisins and couscous). Bastilla is pigeon cooked in dough with nuts and honey. If you crave international fare, you’ll generally find pizza and pasta, hamburgers and sandwiches, and to a lesser degree, Chinese food. Be aware that the taste of non-Moroccan food may not match your expectations. Almond and filo pastries are excellent. Sweet mint tea, served in a clear glass crammed with mint leaves, is served everywhere. Fresh-squeezed juices and milk shakes are also very refreshing. Beer and wine are usually available in hotels and restaurants catering to foreign visitors however, the consumption of alcohol is strongly discouraged in open areas such as outdoor cafes.

Note: When dining at buffets (i.e. breakfast) please refrain from taking food away with you to ‘save’ for later! If you feel that you’ll need snacks between meals, pack some dried fruit, nuts, muesli bars etc.

Shopping & Souvenirs Morocco appears to be filled with bargains, but look closely before buying. Good buys in wool carpets and leather goods can be found, but most of what is sold is of poor quality. Other items available include gems, fossils from the Sahara, thuya wood carvings, pottery, mosaic tiles, beaten brass, silk, hand-embroidered clothing, copperware, silver and gold. Bargaining is the rule in the medina; the medina is the old town centre of any Moroccan city. Offer a third to half the price quoted and take it from there. Be patient and polite but insistent. If bargaining is not your game or you’d like to avoid the hassles of the medina, you can find goods with fixed prices at craftsmen’s cooperatives, called Syndicat d’Initiative, in most of the larger cities. Pay with cash whenever possible; credit cards can be overcharged. It is also better to take goods home with you than to have them shipped. Stores sometimes substitute cheap goods for purchased items when they ship overseas.

Gelato



Places We Visit in Morocco

Casablanca Well known because of the Humphrey Bogart film of the same name, Casablanca is Morocco’s largest and most modern city. Before the French began to develop it as the country’s economic capital in 1912, Casa – as Casablanca is commonly called – was only a small trading post. Its subsequent rapid growth has wiped away most of its romantic image and it’s bound to disappoint most visitors. Now, basically a big commercial and industrial city, its market pales in comparison with those of Fez or Marrakesh.

Marrakesh This is the most popular of Morocco’s imperial cities and a must-see. The setting is stunning, with ochre stucco buildings on a dry, rocky plain and the snow-peaked Atlas Mountains as a backdrop, although they’re not always visible. Much of the medina is surrounded by beautifully restored pinkish-red ramparts and lovely palm gardens are interspersed among the impressive buildings, including several nicely renovated courtyard mansions (riads) that now serve as hotels. The modern town has gracious, wide avenues and large, resort-style hotels. The vast square called Djemaa el-Fna is the main show in town. It’s a market scene straight out of the movies, with snake charmers, musicians, acrobats and storytellers. At night, the plaza is filled with gas lit restaurant stalls and people enjoying the food and spectacle. If you’d rather not be in the thick of things, you can enjoy the atmosphere from one of the rooftop terrace restaurants overlooking the plaza.

Boumalne A small town, located at the edge of the Upper Dades Valley, Boumalne sits on a desert plateau high in the Atlas Mountains. A quaint town, like many throughout Morocco, brings to mind a bygone era and is well worth exploration. The weekly market day is a lot of fun and a great way to experience the chaos of a local Moroccan market.

Merzouga A hidden jewel, deep in the Sahara Mountains, Merzouga is nestled amongst the Erg Chebbi dunes. Most well-known for the incredible sunrises and sunsets over the sand dunes, some of which are up to 350 metres high. Things to do here include a camel ride into the desert, climbing the sand dunes and visiting the nearby local Berber villages for a taste of traditional Berber life. Merzouga is quite remote and the town itself is quaint and charming, offering only a few restaurants and bars, a general store, internet café and some small hotels.

Fez Fez has rightly been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its walled medina is one of the most intact and impressive medieval cities in the Arab world and taken as a whole, it’s the architectural highlight of Morocco. Fez also has a French-planned new city (ville nouvelle) and the contrast between the old and the new sections makes sightseeing all the more fascinating. You truly feel as if you’re stepping into the past when you walk through one of the gates to the old medina. The medina is divided into two sections, Fez el-Bali (the older, more extensive part) and Fez el-Jedid (the newer, smaller part). Fez el-Bali is a formidable maze and you could spend several days exploring the narrow, winding alleys. Centuries-old crafts and trades are on display in the souks in both parts of the medina.

These colourful bazaars are a shopper’s delight. Self-described guides will no doubt offer to take you to the tanneries, where animal hides are tanned, dyed and fashioned into everything from slippers to suitcases - be prepared for the odours! You can also see (and hear!) coppersmiths at work and gaze at bright displays of fabric, thread, spices and handicrafts.

Chefchaouen One of the most picturesque cities in Morocco, Chefchaouen is easily recognisable due to its distinctive buildings all painted in various shades of blue. For this reason, it is a wonderful place to explore on foot, especially the old walled medina, Plaza Uta el-Hammam and the kasbah.



Spain The true essence of Spain is in its passion for life! Whether it’s flamenco dancing and music or bullfighting, impressive architecture and stunning natural beauty, colourful fiestas… and afternoon siestas! Almost every town and village has its own fiesta, which is easy to stumble upon and join unannounced. A short walk through many a Spanish city can lead you past a medieval Arab fortress, a bar where tapas and wine are consumed with gusto, or into a park where a guitarist is practising. Young lovers embrace in the ancient streets, and flamenco stars dance with a fury both rehearsed and passionate. Spain can be wonderfully theatrical and down-to-earth at the same time.

Fast Facts Capital

Population

Language

Religion

Time Zone

Voltage

Dialling code

Madrid 46.4 million Spanish Roman Catholic 11 hours behind AEST *

230v +34

*Time differences depend on daylight savings.

• Christopher Columbus set sail from Spain to find the New World.

• Bullfighting in Spain is regarded as an art as well as a popular attraction and is its biggest and most controversial sport. Bullfighting is a central part of Spanish history, art and culture and there are bull rings in all important cities and even a few minor ones.

• Spanish culture greatly influenced modern art from the late 1800s, with artists like Antoni Gaudí (Art Nouveau), Pablo Picasso (expressionism, cubism, and surrealism), Joan Miró (surrealism) and Salvador Dalí (surrealism).

• The Spanish Inquisition, which aimed at converting non-Christians to Christian Catholicism, started in 1478 and was not abolished until 1834. It is estimated that the Inquisition processed some 350,000 people, of whom at least 10% were executed (most famously burnt at the stake).

• Spain did not participate in either the First or Second World War.



Local Etiquette and Helpful Tips

• ‘Siesta’ is an afternoon nap, so this means that most of the shops and services are closed between 1:30pm and 4:30pm (except for restaurants).

• Please wear long trousers when going out for dinner (men).

• Be respectful when visiting churches: casual dress is fine as long as it’s neat and tidy.

• Spaniards object to men going bare-chested anywhere other than the beach or poolside.

• People are often referred to as Don or Doña and their first name when in formal occasion.

• You may be interrupted while you are speaking. This is not an insult, it merely means the person is interested in what you are saying; several people may speak at once.

• Spaniards are very thorough. They will review every minute detail to make certain it is understood.

Weather The months April to June, September and October are the best times to visit Spain. July and August are generally very hot, and it can be quite cool in October in the higher elevations and Basque area. Jumpers will be needed for the evenings. Winter, though generally mild, can be rainy, foggy and windy. It rains more on the Bay of Biscay coast than on the southern Mediterranean coast.

Getting Around All Spanish cities have an old historic centre and walking is often the best way to see it. However, you can always hail a taxi if you need to. In urban areas they have meters and further out from the cities they charge per kilometre. The best and quickest way to travel longer distances is on the underground metro or by tram or bus.

When catching taxis, have small change on you and choose one with a meter, if it doesn’t have one then negotiate the price before getting in. Also, ask your guide or hotel staff the names of reputable taxi companies.

Dining Spanish cooking is reason enough for a trip to Spain. Part of the pleasure of dining on the Iberian Peninsula is variety—each region has a distinctive style. Galicia is known for its wonderful seafood; the Basque Country for its bacalao (a preserved salt cod that tastes better than it sounds); Castile for its cheese, grilled meats and cochinillo (roast suckling pig); Extremadura for Iberian or Serrano ham (a dry-cured spiced ham similar to Italy’s Prosciutto di Parma); Navarra for trout and chorizo (a spicy sausage); Andalusia for gazpacho, salmorejo and ajo blanco (delicious chilled soups) and tapas; Catalonia for grilled rabbit, romesco (a sweet pepper sauce traditionally eaten with grilled spring onions) and butifarra (blood sausage). Paella (a delicious saffron-flavoured rice dish with pimiento, peas, fish and shellfish) is found throughout Spain, but the most authentic version comes from Valencia, where the dish originated. One of the best ways to sample Spanish cooking is at a tapas bar. Tapas are small portions of just about anything: cheese, olives, squid, smoked shrimp, sausage, patatas bravas (fried potatoes in a paprika sauce) and marinated vegetables, to name just a few.

Note: When dining at buffets (i.e. breakfast) please refrain from taking food away with you to ‘save’ for later! If you feel that you’ll need snacks between meals, pack some dried fruit, nuts, muesli bars etc. Paella & Sangria



Shopping & Souvenirs Spain offers unique handcrafted items: contemporary and antique paintings and sculptures, knotted rugs, guitars, ornate handmade shawls, decorative pottery, handmade furniture, and ornamental combs and fans. Other items found in Spain are Lladro (Spanish porcelain), copper and steel wares, leather goods (purses, shoes, wallets) and Spanish antiques, which can be found on Calle del Prado in Madrid.

Spanish regional specialties include various local liqueurs and wines; gold in Toledo; exquisite lace embroideries in the towns of Torrijos, Oropesa and Lagartera; and ceramics in Talavera, Illescas, Cuenca, Numancia de la Sagra and Mariges (Valencia).

Places We Visit in Spain

Mijas Known as the white village of Mijas, this traditional town is tucked into the mountains of the Andalucia hinterland with the crystal blue Mediterranean Sea as an impressive backdrop. Shops, restaurants, cafés and bars line the delightful cobblestone streets which makes Mijas a wonderful place to take a stroll and soak up the atmosphere.

Malaga Located along the stunning Mediterranean coast, Malaga is the largest city in the famous Costa del Sol region and birthplace of artist, Pablo Picasso. With its warm and inviting Mediterranean climate, Malaga offers visitors lots of variety, with many outdoor activities such as cycling, rock climbing, hiking, and of course, incredible beaches. It also has a lovely old city to explore and many exciting restaurants to sample.

Granada Granada is one of the pearls of southern Spain, visited by tourists from all over the world. The city is located at the foot of the ‘Sierra Nevada’, Spain’s highest mountain range with great possibilities for winter sports. The highest peak is ‘Mulhacén’ at 3,478 metres. Granada is not far from the Mediterranean Sea, so it’s a great place to visit in any season.

Seville Seville is full of twisting, narrow streets overhung by balconies, grand churches, beautiful gardens, squares and parks. Already a major trading centre when the Romans conquered the Iberian Peninsula, it became the most important city in Spain during the Spanish colonial period, when it had a monopoly on trade with the Americas. The city’s cathedral is one of the world’s largest in the Gothic style – trying to get a sense of its size (or a picture of the building) is difficult because it’s hemmed in by so many other structures. Just across from the cathedral is the entrance to the Alcazar, the magnificent royal residence. Thanks to Expo ‘92, Seville and its suburbs underwent multi-million-dollar improvements. Buildings and monuments were given face-lifts, and new highways and rail lines were installed, including a high-speed line (AVE) connecting the city with Madrid and Cordoba.

Cordoba As capital of the Umayyad caliphate of Spain (929-1031), Cordoba was one of the largest and most advanced cities in the medieval world. The splendour of that period can still be seen in the Mezquita (Spanish for Mosque). Built and enlarged between the 8th and 10th centuries, its giant red and white horseshoe arches will not fail to impress. Madrid Madrid strikes a balance between constant, almost chaotic motion and uncompromising leisure. Madrileños, as the city’s residents are called, seem always to be on the go, except when they’re taking long breaks to eat, drink and enjoy life. The competing urges to move or sit for hours are cleverly reconciled in the institution known as ir de tapas, which entails hopping leisurely from one tapas bar to the next. As a visitor to Madrid, you’ll invariably be drawn into the city’s stream of movement as you rush to see one more art collection, taste Castilian, Basque or Galician dishes in neighbouring restaurants, or buy tickets for an evening performance. But take a cue from Madrileños and incorporate some quiet time into your hectic schedule. People-watch at a terrace cafe, study the mystical quality in El Greco’s paintings, savour the subtle hint of saffron in a dish and appreciate the mournful beauty of flamenco. Take a deep breath, and then move on to the next stop.

Generalife Garens, Granada

Seville



Useful Phrases English Arabic Spanish

Hello Ahlan Hola

Good morning Sabah el kheir Buenos dias

Good evening Masaa el kheir Buenas noches

Goodbye Ma'a as-salaama Adios

Please Men Fadlak Por favor

Thank you Shoukran Gracias

Yes Ah or Aywa Si

No Laa No

Do you speak English? Hal tatakalam Englisi? Hablas Ingles?

I don’t understand Mosh Fahem No entiendo

Please write it down Men fadlak ektebhali Por favor, escribalo

How much does it cost? Da Bekam? Or Bekam? Cuanto cuesta?

Where is…? Feen…? Donde esta….?

Telephone Telephone Telefono

Toilet Hammam or Toilette Baños

Tea Shaay Te

Coffee Qahwa or Ahwa Café

Bottled water Ezazet Maya / Maya Maadaneya

El agua embotellada

Cheers! Fe sahetak (when clinking glasses)

Salud!

I am allergic to… Ana Andy hasaseya men…. Soy alergico a….

Does this have … in it? Hal fiha…..? Tiene esto….en ella?

Peanuts Sudani Cacahuates

Nuts Mekassarat Nueces

Seafood Asmak or Samak Frutos del mar

Shellfish Mahar or Kawakei Mariscos

Meat Lahma Carne

Gluten Ganeen El Kamh Gluten

Wheat Kamh Trigo

Eggs Beidd Huevos

Dairy Albaan Lacteos

Pork Lahm Khanzir Carne de cerdo

Soy Soya De soja

I am… Ana … Soy…

Vegetarian Nabaty Vegetariana

Vegan Nabaty Vegetariano

Celiac Hasaseya men el kamh Caeliac

Diabetic Marid Sokkar Diabeticos

Please note that this information is indicative only and subject to change. Bunnik Tours does not accept any liability for incorrect or incomplete information.

Southern Spain & Morocco · Southern Spain & Morocco Tour Information Dossier . Welcome to Europe!...

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Transcript of Southern Spain & Morocco · Southern Spain & Morocco Tour Information Dossier . Welcome to Europe!...