Spain

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrive Madrid

Welcome to the vibrant Capital city! Here, you are met & are escorted to your hotel. Overnight in Madrid. Rest of the day at leisure on own. Visit one of the many shopping areas around the streets of Almirante and Conde de Xiquena. Also visit the large departmental stores in the vicinity of Puerta del Sol and Salamanca district which has prestigious shops selling fashions, accessories, jewellery and furniture. Head for some exciting nightlife at one of the many streets of Paseo de la Castellana or Paseo del Prado which has some of the best quality restaurants, cafes and popular night spots. Overnight at the hotel.

02 Madrid – City tour

After breakfast proceed for a city tour of Madrid. Start the tour at the “Plaza Mayor” (Main Square) which was made in the 16th century. Beneath the arcades you can find an assortment of shops that sell fabrics, costume jewellery and souvenirs along with outdoor cafes and bakeries. Then visit “Palacio Real” (RoyalPalace). The palace is no longer used as a residence but is used as a tourist attraction. Most of the important rooms can be visited and the palace is very interesting in its architecture and gardens. There are some excellent frescoes inside the palace. After that visit the PradoMuseum which is considered one of the world’s finest museum and provides with a historical and cultural perspective. It houses the world’s finest masterpieces by famous painters like Velazquez and Goya. Visit the Puerta del Sol (Sun Gateway) which was once a 15th century defensive bulwark, part of a wall which enclosed the town of Madrid. The former “Casa de Correos” (Post Office) was built in 1768 under the direction of French architect Marquet. It is crowned with a tower with a clock on its four sides; the most famous time piece in Madrid. At the stroke of midnight on 31st December, the people of Madrid usher in the New year to its chimes. Rest of the day at leisure to explore and shop at Puerta de Sol. Overnight at the hotel.

03 Madrid – Toledo – Madrid

After breakfast day at leisure or take an optional tour of “Toledo” for half day; the capital of medieval Spain until 1560. The tour highlights the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the 13th century synagogue, a testament to Toledo’s Jewish heritage. Also stop at the Church of Santo Tome to view El Greco’s masterpiece painting “The Burial of Count Orgaz”. Rest of the day at leisure to explore Madrid on own. Overnight at the hotel.

04 Madrid – Cordoba

After breakfast check out and transfer to the train station destination to Cordoba”. In 1994 UNESCO declared the city’s old part to be a world heritage site and this is why Cordoba is one of Spain’s most visited tourist destinations. On arrival, you are met & are transferred to your hotel. You are free to spend the rest of the evening exploring the alleys, lanes & gardens. Overnight in Cordoba

05 Cordoba – Sevilla

Cordoba, one of the most interesting cities in Andalusia, South of Spain, is best seen on foot. Post breakfast; proceed to the meeting point for the city tour on foot for half day tour takes you to the great monuments of Mesquite, the Moorish mosque & to Synagogue & Jewry. This ancient city, which has been declared World Heritage site, is a living legacy of the diverse cultures that settled in it throughout history. Still preserves traces of the ancient splendor of the Caliphate of Cordoba, which made this city one of the most cultured and refined of medieval Europe. Our tour starts with your local guide in your hotel. Visit will be a walking tour, due the small streets of the center of Cordoba. With our guide we will take a stroll through the historic quarter of Cordoba is to discover a beautiful network of small streets, alleys, squares and whitewashed courtyards arranged around the Mosque-Cathedral, which reflects the importance of the city during medieval times and which is a real symbol of the capital. Our first stop will be in the Mosque, due the Arab domination in the Iberian Peninsula. In the tenth century, during the rule of Abd-al-Rahman III, the medina at one point had a thousand mosques. Dominating the landscape: the Great Mosque. Its fame spread after it was built, due to its ingenious construction and its wealth. The “forest of columns” (there are nearly a thousand of them), set on top of the Visigoth basilica, is one of the main attractions of this place. We will continue in another Muslim-Hispanic legacy is the Jewish quarter, which runs from the mosque to the walls and the Almodovar Gate. It is made up of a network of narrow streets with whitewashed façades, adorned with tiles and grilles. The Plazuela de las Flores is located in this district, as well as the house of the Dukes of Medina Sidonia, and the Synagogue, the only one that still stands in the city. Following the visits, you are escorted to the train station for a 2 hour train journey through Andalusia to Sevilla – the capital of the region. Upon arrival, you are met & are escorted to the hotel. This is one of the most loved places in Spain & boasts of 3000 hours of sun per year! Overnight in Sevilla.

06 Sevilla

Following a delicious breakfast this morning, its time to explore the city which is so rich in its history & monuments. Built on the banks of the GuadalquivirRiver, Seville is a rich Arab legacy, every street and square that makes up the historic quarter of Andalusia, a collection of historic buildings, many of which have been declared World Heritage Sites, and also contains colourful districts with great popular flavour. Our tour starts with your local guide in your hotel or just near it at around 09.00 hrs. Walking into the best-known streets, like Sierpes or Campana, we will pass to numerous churches, hospitals, Renaissance palaces and Baroque buildings. First stop will be in the cathedral, one of the world’s most beautiful Gothic temples. The dimensions of this cathedral make it the third largest church in the world. The Renaissance style chapter room is from the second half of the sixteenth century. The main sacristy is from the Plateresque era. The remains of Christopher Columbus lie in the cathedral. After the Cathedral, we will visit the Giralda, The former minaret of the Arab mosque. It was finished off in the 16th century with a belltower, the declining pavilions and the weather vane. The part which is decorated with bricks is the work of the architect Alí de Gómara. It is possible to reach the belltower by climbing ramps, where it is possible to enjoy extraordinary views of the town. We will visit the Santa Cruz quarter, the streets with more character, it was the jewish quarter, a complex network of little streets with a typical Andalusian flavour. We will get lost in its streets. After the Santa Cruz quarter, we will pass by the Reales Alcázares (Royal Fortresses), Archive of the Indies declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the leads us to Spanish renaissance art and one of the most important documentation centres in existence relating to the conquest of America. Another important renaissance building in the city is the Casa de Pilatos, a palace that fuses Gothic and Mudejar elements with Renaissance influences of Italian origin. We can also approach the baroque façade of the Royal Tobacco Factory, now the University, the San Telmo Palace and we will arrive till the Guadalquivir river, where we will find the Torre del Oro, of Arab origin, which dates back to the 13th century and was part of the ancient walls. From here, we will arrive to Plaza de España, built because of the Ibero-american Exhibition of 1929. Its floor plan is semicircular. It is dominated by 2 towers, one on each side of the enclosed area, which frame the central building where the main rooms are. Between the two towers runs a network of galleries with an arcade of semicircular arches leading to exits in different parts of the square, where a fountain stands. Enjoy your free time doing what the Andalusians do best – enjoy “tapas” the typical Spanish dishes & a glass of Sherry wine in one of the thousands of bars in the city. Overnight in Seville.

07 Sevilla – Granada

After breakfast have your last walk closed to the Guadalquivir river as farewell. At middle morning you’ll be escorted and transferred to the train station destination to Granada. Arrive at Granada and transfer to hotel and check in. This place is the last great capital of the Moors in Spain before it fell to the Catholic monarchs in 1492. Afternoon free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

08 Granada – Valencia

After breakfast check out and transfer to the airport for your flight to Valencia. Arrive at Valencia and transfer to hotel and check in. Rest of the evening at leisure to explore the place on your own. Valencia is situated in the centre of the Spanish Mediterranean coastline and overlooks the Gulf of Valencia. It is also the administrative capital of the Valencia community. Valencia has outstanding landscape, wide pavements and modern architecture. Evening you can shop for some exquisite and world famous “Lladro” porcelain figurines, handmade glassware, ceramics, handicrafts and jewellery along with the latest fashions. Overnight at the hotel.

09 Valencia

After breakfast visit the city lead by one of our specialist guides. Valencia is a treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture surrounded by citrus groves. View the highlights of this historical city, such as the ornate 14th century Serranos Tower and imposing 15th century QuartTower. You will also visit the bustling central market one of the largest in Europe housing thousands of stalls and a true representation of colorful Spanish life. Also visit the Gothic Cathedral where construction began in 1262 on the site of an ancient mosque. See the Valencia Institute of Modern Art having permanent collections, temporary exhibitions, conferences and workshops. Your trip will be incomplete without a stop at the Lonja, the old Silk Exchange, recognized by UNESCO as one of the most beautiful buildings of European civil Gothic architecture. You will have evening free to visit one of the many beautiful beaches like Levante / Malvarrosa which is a high quality beach in the north with excellent water sports and equipments available on hire. Have a fun evening where you will have a presentation on how to make the traditional Valencia paella (Spanish dish) followed by a delicious paella dinner. We recommend having dinner at “El Carme”. Valencia is known for its vibrant nightlife which begins only after midnight where the music plays until dawn. A lot of clubs are situated in “Calle Juan Llorens” area. Overnight at the hotel.

10 Valencia – Barcelona

After breakfast check out and transfer to the station for your train to Barcelona. Arrive at Barcelona and transfer to hotel and check in. You’ll have rest of day for discover its history, which might be surprised that such a modern and enterprising city preserves its historic Gothic center almost intact, or by the curious contrast between the maze of narrow streets and the grid-like layout of the “Eixample”, the urban planning “Enlargement” project of the end of the 19th century. Fabulous architecture, brilliant Spanish cuisine, flamboyant culture and wonderful weather combine to make Barcelona a truly magnificent city. Enjoy the day exploring on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 Barcelona

After breakfast, proceed for a city tour of Barcelona, Catalonia’s capital and one of the most vibrant and lively cities in Spain. The tour starts with “Las Ramblas” which is a tree lined pedestrian boulevard selling everything from clothes, jewellery, souvenirs etc. See the Bird market, colorful flower stalls, 19th century Opera House and The Columbus Monument. Then visit the Barri Gotic – a concentration of medieval Gothic buildings with a maze of interconnecting streets linking with squares with plenty of cafes. Two of the city’s most significant buildings – the Ajuntament and the Palau de la Generalitat are located here. After that visit the Museu Picasso which is Barcelona’s most visited museum. The museum shows numerous works that trace the artist’s early years. Then visit the “La Sagrada Familia” which is not to be missed. The life’s work of Barcelona’s favorite artist, Antoni Gaudi, the magnificent spires of the unfinished cathedral imprint themselves boldly against the sky with swelling outlines. Gaudi dies in 1926 before his masterwork was completed. The cathedral is still under construction. Also visit the La Pedrera – another Gaudi masterpiece, it is a quarry with uneven grey stone façade that ripples around a street corner with wrought – iron balconies. Visitors can tour the building and go right up to the roof. There is also a museum dedicated to Gaudi’s work. Evening is free for some shopping as this city is a city of styles. Shop at some of the best designer lables outlets at La Rambla and Placa de Catalunya. Enjoy some of the best nightlife the city offers like outdoor cafes, restaurants and discotheques. Overnight at the hotel.

12 Barcelona – Montserrat – Barcelona

After breakfast, visit Montserrat, driving across picturesque little villages will reach the outstanding MontserratMountain situated at an altitude of 1,235 metres (about 4,320 feet). Will visit the Royal Basilica, where the famous XII century Romanesque sculpture of Virgin Moreneta shall be admired. An audition of “La Escolania de Montserrat” will be included; this children chorus is considered as one of the oldest in Europe (every day except Saturdays and special days). It is said that an image of the Virgin de Montserrat appeared in a cave in the mountain. Situated 20 kilometres northwest of Barcelona, the monastery was founded by Abbott Oliba in 1025, although there is evidence that in the year 888, there was a chapel. In the 13th century the first EuropeanSchool for child singers was created. In the way back to the terminal a short stop at the Barcelona’s harbour will be made, client will have the option to go down and visit on its own the Aquarium or all the shops, restaurants and bars placed in this area. Overnight at the hotel.

13 Depart Barcelona

Following breakfast this morning you are escorted to the airport to catch your flight back home. We are sure you have had a great holiday!