So what happened? In February I left on the first big trip of 2015 + one month full of unforgettable travel, although it feels like I was gone a year… 3 continents, 3 islands, 5 countries, 13 cities, 5 flights, 4 airlines, 2 train rides, 1 cruise, many bus tours/transfers, thousands of pictures and countless memories! So grateful for this AMAZING adventure with my mom!

Image below: Flying over the Alps (New York City > Milan, Italy) was truly beautiful!

Monthtrip Intro2

Morocco

Casablanca + Rabat + Meknes + Fes + Sahara Desert, Merzouga + Ouarzazate + Marrakech + Essaouira

This trip all started with a ASTA travel agent conference in Marrakech. My mom was able to invite one guest, and lucky me I was able to join. We went on a tour before the conference with Yalla Tours that really allowed us to experience a lot of the country. I can’t say enough good things about Yalla and our tour guide, Moulay. After the conference we had a little time to explore Marrakech and went on a day trip to gorgeous Essaouira.

At a Glance:

  • Tour inside the magnificent Hassan II Mosque
  • Stood next to the Oudaya Gate, the Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of Mohamed V
  • Enjoyed the famous mint tea daily
  • Explored many old and new medinas in a handful of cities
  • Tour of Fes tannery, the oldest in the world
  • Spent some nights in authentic riads
  • Saw amazing pottery and crafts being made in person
  • Tasted a variety of tagine
  • Drove through the Middle Atlas and High Atlas mountains
  • Rode a horse in the snowy mountains
  • Camped in the Sahara Desert
  • Rode (and kissed) a camel at sunrise in the sand dunes
  • Attended conference sessions and met many amazing travel agents
  • Met some of the world champion Arabian horses at Selman Hotel
  • Wandered through white and blue Essaouira

For all pictures: click on one to bring up a slideshow gallery

Spain

Barcelona

After Morocco we continued on to Barcelona for a few days.

At a Glance:

For all pictures: click on one to bring up a slideshow gallery

Canary Islands cruise

Madeira + Tenerife + Lanzarote + Malaga

Leaving from the port in Barcelona, we cruised to Casablanca and then continued to the islands.

At a Glance:

  • NCL sailing
  • Madeira Monte Cable Car ride
  • World famous tobogganing down from the village Monte in the mountains
  • Tasted Madeira wine at Vinhos Barbeito
  • Explored Teide National Park
  • Saw volcanoes and craters feet away
  • Walked on black sand (from ash)
  • Got lost and ended up in a field of wild flowers
  • Wandered along colorful side streets
  • Tasted a variety of local specialties

For all pictures: click on one to bring up a slideshow gallery

Italy

Milan

Since our flight stopped in Milan we decided to take advantage and stay a few days at the end of the trip before continuing on home. Although it was rainy, that didn’t stop us from exploring and having a lovely time.

At a Glance:

  • Ended the trip at the Park Hyatt (incredible 5-star hotel)
  • Made a real espresso
  • City tour of Milan
  • Admired the Duomo during the day, night and on a rainy evening
  • Strolled through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which was steps away from our hotel
  • Enjoyed flavorful risotto, local specials and Italian wine
  • Saw da Vinci’s masterpiece, ‘The Last Supper’ (couldn’t take any pictures)
  • Learned a few italian words from a flower stand owner
  • Wandered the rainy cobblestone streets
  • Tasted exceptional gelato

For all pictures: click on one to bring up a slideshow gallery

And that was a glance into one amazing month! There will be much more coming on each destination soon. As for now, I’m busy packing and getting ready for the second international trip of 2015… leaving for Europe in two days! #travelbug

Have you been to any of these destinations/what did you think? Would love to hear about your trip.

Today’s tidbit
“Dare to travel on new paths.”― Lailah Gifty Akita

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