Exploring The Mediterranean: Highlights Of Lisbon And Beyond

The Mediterranean offers a stunning blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, making it a dream destination for travelers. Recently, Jerry and Mary Klingenberger embarked on an unforgettable Mediterranean travel journey to explore this remarkable region. We hope you enjoy a glimpse into their adventure and insights to inspire your next getaway!

Why We Chose The Mediterranean

As travel advisors, we’re passionate about experiencing destinations firsthand to better guide our clients. The Mediterranean’s allure: its rich history, diverse cultures, and spectacular coastlines drew us in. Each city we visited revealed its own unique charm, leaving us eager to share our discoveries about Mediterranean travel experiences with fellow travelers.

Favorite Destinations: A Few Highlights

• Lisbon, Portugal: Lisbon is a unique and charming destination, offering a distinctive vibe and a rich history. While more laid-back than other European capitals, it stands out with beautiful vistas from its peaks and steep inclines, perfect for hikers. São Jorge Castle, with its royal and military history, adds to the city’s allure. Lisbon is a food lover’s haven, featuring Michelin-rated restaurants at reasonable prices. For sports fans, there are several great sports bars with plenty of TVs for watching American football games.

• Taormina, Sicily: This coastal gem boasts ancient Greek and Roman theaters, quaint streets filled with shops, and staircases lined with delightful restaurants. Whether exploring by land or sea, the views are breathtaking.

• Athens, Greece: It was awe-inspiring to stand at the Acropolis and retrace the steps of ancient civilizations. History enthusiasts should also visit the Parthenon and the nearby Temple of Poseidon.

• Seville, Spain: From the stunning Alcázar palace to the vibrant architecture of the Plaza de España, Seville dazzles with its blend of cultures and lush gardens.

Cultural Encounters

One of the joys of Mediterranean trave; is connecting with the locals. Their pride in their heritage, coupled with their warmth and knowledge of global events, was truly inspiring. 

Mary and Jerry even spotted several locations made famous by popular shows and films like Game of Thrones and The Godfather.

Memorable Experiences

• Athens, Greece: In Athens, they witnessed the changing of the guard at Parliament and toured the Acropolis Museum, an architectural marvel offering a unique perspective on ancient Greece. Athens is stunning, with the Acropolis and Parthenon in clear view. 

Pro Travel Tip: For a better experience, a private guide with early entrance to the Acropolis is recommended to avoid crowds. The trek can be tough, so alternatively, the Acropolis Museum offers a brilliant tour, with a layout that mirrors the ascent of the Acropolis, featuring large windows and stunning views, but is much easier on the knees!

• Valletta, Malta: This off-the-beaten-path destination amazed them with its centuries-old fortresses, vibrant streets, and the stunning St. John’s Co-Cathedral, home to priceless Baroque masterpieces.

Culinary Delights

The Mediterranean is a paradise for food lovers. In Seville, Jerry and Mary dined at a 350-year-old restaurant, savoring fresh fish, flavorful pasta, and delightful local wines.

Michelin-starred restaurants in Lisbon and authentic eateries in Taormina also allowed them to enjoy more unforgettable meals.

Getting Around

The Mediterranean’s cities are best explored on foot. Mary and Jerry found comfortable sneakers essential, especially for navigating Lisbon’s steep hills and Seville’s bustling streets. Public transportation, like Lisbon’s tram system and Seville’s bus network, makes getting around convenient and efficient.

Cultural Insights

The region’s rich tapestry of history and modern life is fascinating. English is widely spoken, and locals are eager to share their favorite spots. From the sun-soaked streets of Lisbon to the artistic soul of Malaga, every stop felt like stepping into a storybook for Jerry and Mary.

Travel Tips

What to Pack: The Mediterranean sun can be intense, even in autumn. Bring a variety of hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Layers are key for cooler mornings and evenings.

• Enhance Your Experience: Refresh your knowledge of European history before your trip, as it will deepen your appreciation for the historic sites you’ll encounter.

Let’s Plan Your Mediterranean Travel Adventure

Whether it’s wandering Lisbon’s historic streets, marveling at Seville’s Moorish architecture, or soaking in the coastal beauty of Taormina, the Mediterranean promises a journey of discovery.

Ready to explore? Our team at Covington Travel is here to help you plan a personalized itinerary filled with unforgettable experiences. Let’s bring your Mediterranean dreams to life!

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