ARRIVE IN MADRID SPAIN. After arrival check into your hotel. At 6pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
2
MADRID. The capital of Spain since 1561, Madrid today is a strikingly modern city, the showcase of a country resolutely turned towards the future. Your Local Guide takes you to the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de Espana with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, elegant Calle Alcala, and Paseo de Castellana. Then, the highlight: a visit to the palatial PRADO MUSEUM with its priceless art treasures. In the afternoon an optional excursion to El Escorial can be arranged. (B)
3
MADRID-SEGOVIA-AVILA-SALAMANCA. A day in beautiful Castile. Cross the rugged Sierra de Guadarrama on the way to Segovia, famous for the 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct. Next, enjoy a walk through the walled town of Avila, where St. Theresa founded the Order of Carmelites. Overnight in Salamanca, whose baroque Plaza Mayor is one of the country's grandest squares. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
4
SALAMANCA-FATIMA-LISBON, PORTUGAL. The majestic scenery of the Serra da Estrela mountain range forms the backdrop of your morning drive into Portugal. Before heading for Lisbon, melt into the stream of pilgrims from all over the world as you visit the SANCTUARY OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY in Fatima. This evening, why not sign up for an optional dinner with Fado-style entertainment? (B)
5
LISBON. Lisbon was the centre of Europe's longest-lived overseas empire. Portugal's imperial ambitions date back to Prince Henry the Navigator's 15th-century discoveries in West Africa. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features a drive through the Baixa quarter's main squares. Then, enjoy a walk through the cobblestone alleys of quaint ALFAMA, the popular quarter of the seamen and Fado singers. Drive along the grand Avenida da Liberdade up to Pombal Square. Stop for pictures of Belem Tower, guarding the mouth of the Tagus, and visit JERONIMOS MONASTERY with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Afternoon and evening at leisure. An exciting optional excursion to Sintra and the royal palace of Queluz is available. (B)
6
LISBON-SEVILLE, SPAIN. Today, enjoy a comfortable drive back into Spain and to the vibrant capital of Andalusia, Seville. (B,D)
7
SEVILLE. During your sightseeing tour with a Local Guide, hear about the city's role in Roman times, its conquest by the Moors in 712 AD, and its contribution to the discovery of the New World. Admire Maria Luisa Park, the Golden Tower on the Guadalquivir River, and the university that used to be the tobacco factory of Carmen fame. Then, stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming SANTA CRUZ QUARTER . Highlight is a visit to the ALCAZAR, founded in the 11th century as a Moorish fortress, with its Palacio de Don Pedro. For those interested, an optional extended guided visit to the cathedral is available. Tonight, for a truly Andalusian night out, reserve a seat at our optional Flamenco show. (B)
8
SEVILLE-TANGIER, MOROCCO. Through the sunny sherry wine region of Jerez to Algeciras. Board your FERRY and sail across the Straits of Gibraltar to Africa. Continue to Tangier, jumping-off point for the Moorish conquest of Spain and home town of legendary medieval traveller Ibn Batuta. Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a panoramic drive to CAP SPARTEL, where you will quench your thirst Bedouin-style with a glass of hot mint tea. (B,D)
9
TANGIER-COSTA DEL SOL, SPAIN. Visit Tangier's colorful GRAND SOCCO square and explore the narrow streets of the Kasbah. Return across the Straits and back in Spain, drive to your hotel in Torremolinos at the elegant Costa del Sol. (B)
10
AT LEISURE ON THE COSTA DEL SOL. Enjoy the sandy beaches, browse through the trendy boutiques, or join an optional excursion to the Rock of Gibraltar, in British hands since 1704. (B)
11
COSTA DEL SOL-GRANADA. Into the mountains to history-steeped Granada. Enjoy a walking tour with a Local Guide and visit its main attraction, the ALHAMBRA COMPLEX. A fantasy of "lace in stone" surrounded by arabesque gardens and fountains, it affords superb views of the Old Quarter and Sacromonte, a mountain occupied by Gypsy cave dwellers. Also admire the magnificent WATER GARDENS OF THE GENERALIFE, the royal summer residence. (B,D)
12
GRANADA-TOLEDO-MADRID. The olive and orange groves of the rolling Andalusian hills and later the more barren landscapes of Don Quixote's La Mancha unfold before your eyes on the way north to Toledo, spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River. Your walking tour with a Local Guide features the Moorish bridge and visits to an early SYNAGOGUE, the 13th-century gothic CATHEDRAL, and the CHURCH OF SANTO TOME with one of El Greco's most famous paintings. Time to visit a DAMASCENE STEEL WORKSHOP before returning to Madrid. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B,D)
13
MADRID. Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
MADRID: Welcome and farewell dinners; guided sightseeing, visit the Prado Museum
SEGOVIA: Take pictures of the Roman aqueduct.
AVILA: Visit the walled town.
SALAMANCA: Dinner at a local restaurant
FATIMA: Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary
LISBON: Guided sightseeing, visit the Alfama quarter and Jeronimos Monastery
SEVILLE: Guided sightseeing, walk through the Santa Cruz quarter, and visit the Alcazar
ALGECIRAS-TANGIER: By ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar
TANGIER: Guided sightseeing, panoramic drive to Cap Spartel; visit the Grand Socco square
GRANADA: Guided walking tour, visit the Alhambra complex and the Water Gardens of the Generalife
TOLEDO: Guided walking tour, visit an early synagogue, the gothic cathedral, and Santo Tome Church with one of El Greco's masterpieces; a Damascene steel workshop
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
MEALS: Full buffet breakfast daily (B); 6 three-course dinners (D), including welcome and farewell dinners in Madrid and a special dinner with wine in Salamanca
Meals Breakfast - 12 Lunch - 0 Dinner - 6
Optional Excursions
To help plan your leisure time, as well as your pre-tour budgeting, here is a list of optional excursions that may be offered on this tour.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your tour. Please note prices may be based on the previous year and are subject to change. Full terms and conditions are contained in the important travel documents.
Cost
Description
49
EUR
Name:EL ESCORIAL Location:MADRID Details:Visit EL ESCORIAL a Renaissance style quadrangular complex of white-grey stone, which houses the Mausoleum of the Spanish Monarchs and is listed as Unesco World Heritage Site. Built under the order of King Phillip II it is considered the eighth wonder of the world.
55
EUR
Name:PANORAMIC DRIVE & DINNER Location:MADRID Details:Drive through the capital's boulevards, passing beautiful buildings and fountains. Later dine Spanish-style at one of Madrid's favourite restaurants with drinks included.
59
EUR
Name:FADO MUSIC & DINNER Location:LISBON Details:Treat yourself to an evening of Fado music and dinner at a local restaurant.
49
EUR
Name:DINNER BY THE TAGUS Location:LISBON Details:Take the ferry across the Tagus River to a typical Portuguese restaurant for dinner. Return to the hotel by motorcoach, crossing the spectacular "25th of April" suspension bridge.
47
EUR
Name:EXCURSION TO SINTRA & QUELUZ Location:LISBON Details:Enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes on the Iberian Peninsula, while driving along the scenic ocean road to the picturesque fishing village of Cascais and fashionable Estoril.Togheter with a local expert visit the World Heritage Site of Sintra and later the ROYAL PALACE of Queluz.
18
EUR
Name:LA GIRALDA AND COLUMBUS TOMB Location:SEVILLE Details:Seville's 15th century gothic cathedral is the third-largest church in Europe and boasts the breathtaking La Giralda, one of the three remaining Almohad minarets in the world. This beautiful structure became the bell tower of the Cathedral and dominates the city's skyline. The Cathedral also houses the remains of explorer Christopher Columbus.
57
EUR
Name:ANDALUSIAN DINNER & FLAMENCO Location:SEVILLE Details:While savouring a three-course Adalusian dinner with drinks, enjoy an exciting and passionate flamenco show.
29
EUR
Name:EXCURSION TO THE FORTRESS OF ASILAH Location:TANGIER Details:Visit the peaceful seaside resort of Asilah with its own Medina (ancient city) and fortresses, reflecting the many different cultures which have left their marks. Tea and typical Moroccan pastries are included.
43
EUR
Name:DINNER ON THE CARIHUELA Location:TORREMOLINOS Details:Enjoy a four-course dinner with drinks at one of the celebrated restaurants in La Carihuela, the original fisherman's district in Torremolinos, famous for the best seafood in the region.
60
EUR
Name:FULL-DAY EXCURSION TO GIBRALTAR Location:TORREMOLINOS Details:Visit the strategic rock fortress of of Gibraltar, in British hands since 1704. See the Upper Galleries, part of the Great Seige Tunnels (outside); visit ST. MICHAEL'S CAVES, view the ruins of the Moorish Castle, and admire the colony of Barbary Apes, a species of tailless monkeys called Barbary Macaques.
39
EUR
Name:GLIMPSES OF GRANADA Location:GRANADA Details:With your local guide, discover the Royal Chapel in Granda's cathedral, which houses the mortal remains of the couple who unified Spain under one monarchy, Queen Isabella of Castile and King Ferdinand of Aragon. Then, visit the Carthusian Monastery, an outstanding example of Baroque architecture. Finally, enjoy a beautiful view over the city and The Alhambra from the famous El Albaic�n Moorish quarter.
Optional Excursions
