News
15 November 2018, 11:53
Inspiring experiences – and belly dancing
Spanish influences in North Africa are revealed on Saga’s exploration of fascinating cultural heritage
- All-inclusive cruise package
- VIP travel between home and port
- Farewell season for elegant Saga Pearl II
The chance to immerse yourself in the culture of Spain and North Africa makes a voyage aboard elegant ship Saga Pearl II far more than a sightseeing cruise.
Belly dancing and craft classes, fascinating talks and food demonstrations add even more enjoyment to the inspiring experiences awaiting Saga’s guests in Andalusia, Algeria and the African coastal enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.
Among highlights of the Spanish Morocco and Andalusia cruise are Algeria’s amazing, dome-shaped Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania and options to see Granada’s magnificent Alhambra palace and visit historic Cordoba, home to the Mezquita mosque-cathedral.
Saga Pearl II, in the last of her nine years in Saga’s fleet, has traditional teak decks, a spa and an indoor pool, and the all-inclusive package features a choice of table wines at lunch and dinner, house-branded spirits and soft drinks, afternoon tea and 24-hour room service. Gratuities are also included in the cruise price.
From Ceuta, on the Straits of Gibraltar, guests can visit the Moroccan hillside town of Tetouan, and head into the rugged Rif mountains for stupendous views. The tiny enclave is dominated by the hill of Monte Hacho, suggested as the source of the legend of the Pillars of Hercules. Foodies can also join a Tapas tour in Ceuta’s city centre for an introduction to local cuisine in different three bars.
Melilla, a staging point for General Franco’s rebellion of 1936, features architecture seen as the Catalan version of Art Nouveau, while Cartagena, in Spain, is the base for an overnight excursion to the Moorish Alhambra palace, and Malaga offers stunning beaches and the chance to visit the Mezquita in Cordoba, a significant treasure of Islamic architecture.
Algiers has stronger French influences, while the Royal Mausoleum, dating from the first century BC, is the resting place of a Berber king and his wife – the daughter of Cleopatra and Mark Antony. The cruise will also call at the Galician city of Vigo and Palma, Mallorca.
For details visit saga.co.uk/ocean-cruises or call 0800 50 50 30.
Spanish Morocco and Andalusia, 15 nights from £2,484 per person, aboard Saga Pearl II, departing Portsmouth on Friday, January 18, 2019.
Price includes UK travel package to and from Portsmouth, all meals and entertainment, all-inclusive drinks include a choice of table wines at lunch and dinner, house-branded spirits and soft drinks, afternoon tea, 24-hour room service, afternoon tea, 24-hour room service, welcome cocktail party, unlimited tea and coffee in selected venues, free wifi, all on-board gratuities, porterage, free shuttle bus to nearest town centre (whenever possible and when the ship is berthed more than 500 yards away), optional travel insurance and additional cancellation rights, or a discount if passenger has own insurance.
All excursions mentioned are optional, at an additional cost, and are subject to availability and change. Some of the highlights detailed may only be seen on optional excursions or by exploring independently.
Price based on two people sharing an Inside Guarantee where guests receive their cabin number shortly before sailing (or at embarkation) and not at the time of booking. Your cabin may be located anywhere on the ship and twin cabins may have two single beds or one double bed. Further terms and conditions apply. Please call for further details. Fare was correct at the time of going to print and is subject to availability and change.
Editors:
Saga is a specialist in the provision of products and services for life after 50. The Saga brand is one of the most recognised and trusted brands in the UK and is known for its high level of customer service and its high quality, award winning products and services including cruises and holidays, insurance, personal finance and publishing. Visit saga.co.uk
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