A Mediterranean Cruise Ship Will Surround You With History and Luxury

When one thinks of Europe, one usually has visions of royalty, tradition and grandeur that come to mind. For many centuries, many monarchs have ruled over the nations of Italy, France, Spain, England and other countries. The history of both the rise and fall of these European empires and the people that they ruled makes Mediterranean Sea cruises some of the most memorable and exciting.

Ancient architecture, along with fine art and wondrous natural beauty are often attributed to the continent of Europe. Cruises aboard well known cruise lines like Holland America are a great way for you and your family to fully enjoy all that Europe can offer. You will travel on some of the most luxurious cruise ships to ever sail the high seas, complete with fun activities that every age group can enjoy, as well as exceptional cuisine and delightful entertainment.

Your choice of Mediterranean Sea cruises is quite extensive. Depending on the cruise you choose, you may visit exciting ports such as:

Rome, Italy

Remarkable and world-renowned sites await you as you venture to Rome. Generally most famous as the home to the Vatican, the Parthenon and the Colosseum, Rome has a unique heritage steeped in religion, power and innovation. From some amazing aqueducts to the intriguingly exquisite squares and fountains, an experience in Rome will be uniquely European. These cruises can depart from many U.S. and European ports.

Monte Carlo, Monaco

One of the more romantic places on Earth, Monte Carlo is positioned between the sea and the mountains. The setting of a true-life fairy tale between Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace, who was a former U.S. movie star and resident. With very ornate palaces, several stately museums and its world-class cuisine, a Mediterranean cruise that includes a stop at Monte Carlo is your chance to step into a world of regal elegance.

To learn everything you need to know about traveling on a Mediterranean cruise ship visit this site about western Mediterranean cruises to find out more about Mediterranean cruises of all kinds, including many European destinations.

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Spanish Music on a Luxury Holiday

Spanish music is known for its vibrancy and passion; from Flamenco dancing to Spanish guitar, its music is famous. With so many luxury hotels in Spain to choose from, you could combine a holiday of pampering and luxury, with traditional Spanish music and dance your nights away.

Flamenco

Why not centre a tailor made holiday in Spain around flamenco dancing? You could bring out your inner passion as your swing your hips in a local night club, returning to your luxury Spain hotel exhausted but invigorated. It would certainly be a different experience.

Flamenco music dates back to late 18th century. It is thought to have originated in Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera and Triana. It is made up of three essential elements: the dance (baile), the guitar (guitarra) and the song (cante). Flamenco needs to be appreciated from all three angles, and a tailor made holiday in Spain will allow you to do just that.

Folk Music Across Spain

Depending on which region you choose for your luxury Spain holiday, a range of folk music traditions can be heard. Traditional folk music is still alive in Spain today, and you could well experience its rich history and rhythmic sounds while on a tailor made Spain holiday.

In western Andalusia gaita rociera (a kind of 3-hole pipe) is a commonly used instrument in the traditional folk music of the region. And if your tailor made Spain holiday takes you to Malaga, violin and plucked-strings will more likely be the instruments you'll hear when listening to traditional bands.

While popular across Spain, Jota is a musical form which could have originated in the Southern part of Aragon. If your tailor made Spain holiday should take you to this region, you will likely hear music performed on castanet, guitar, tambourines, bandurria and flute. Jota is a rich musical form, and is inspirational to listen to. With strong percussive sounds, the music has a distinctly North African feel. Coupled with a stay in a luxury Spain hotel, you could have an excellent holiday in this destination.

Spanish Popular Music

One of the primary historical landmarks for Spanish pop music was the Benidorm International Song Festival, founded in 1959 in Benidorm. This was a platform for international performers to play to a Spanish audience, and the festival's success led to the creation of similar festivals across Spain. It would be a great musical addition to a tailor made Spain holiday if you timed your trip with one of the festivals. These festivals were the breeding ground for many up-and-coming Spanish musicians, allowing them to find their performing feet on home ground. One such iconic Spanish singer who has gained international acclaim is Julio Iglesias.

It was in the 1980s that the Spanish music industry really took off on the international market. This decade saw the cultural reawakening of La Movida Madrilena, which is still evident in Spanish music today. Contemporary Spanish popular music spans across international genres such as rock, ska, reggae blues and hip-hop, and a tailor made Spain holiday could well include enjoying the country's musical entertainment.

Jackie Fillis is a Mediterranean holiday expert for Harlequin Holidays, a specialist operator providing quality accommodation for a luxury holiday, Spain. Harlequin Holidays has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants ready to share their knowledge of the Mediterranean and Caribbean, and help you to plan and book your ideal holiday.

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