Spanish Wonder

Highlights

• 8 nights hotel accommodation 
• Be My Guest’ Andalusian dinner in an authentic hacienda
• Farewell Dinner with wine in Barcelona‘Be My Guest’ Andalusian dinner in an authentic hacienda
• Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a washroom onboard
• A qualified local city guide in Madrid, Toledo, Barcelona, Granada, Seville and Cordoba
• Tour leader throughout
   

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Madrid (2 nights)
Welcome to the Spanish capital, Madrid! Later, meet your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink and tour briefing with your fellow travellers. 
Hotel: Rafael Atocha

Day 2 - Toledo excursion and Madrid sightseeing
This morning we cross the plains of La Mancha as we drive to Toledo, the old capital of Spain, where our tour on foot, using our audio system, includes a visit to the Synagogue, the Church of Santo Tome and a local steel workshop. Then we return to Madrid where our sightseeing tour along the wide tree-lined avenues shows us the Cervantes Memorial in the Plaza de España, the Puerta del Sol and we walk to see the magnificent Plaza Mayor. (Buffet breakfast). 

Day 3 - Madrid – Cordoba – Seville (2 nights)
Our Tour Director will show us a Hidden Treasure during our travels today. But first to Puerto Lapice of legendary Don Quixote fame, then we pass the Sierra Morena mountain range before entering Andalucia and continuing to Cordoba where we visit the Mosque of the Caliphs and learn of the Moorish history of the region. Then we continue to our hotel in Seville. Tonight we enjoy a typical Andalusian dinner in an authentic hacienda. (Buffet breakfast / 'Be My Guest' dinner). Hotel: Tryp Macarena

Day 4 - Seville sightseeing and at leisure
Our sightseeing tour takes us through the tree-lined streets of Seville to see the Bell Tower and weather vane of the Giralda. We will also see the pools and fountains of the Maria Luisa Park and Christopher Columbus’ tomb, which lies in the magnificent gothic cathedral, and continue with a walk through the Jewish quarter. Tonight, why not experience a little Spanish passion at a fiery Flamenco show? (Buffet breakfast). 

Day 5 - Seville – Granada
A scenic drive takes us to Granada to enjoy a guided sightseeing tour with our audio system including one of the most important sights in Spain, the Alhambra Palace. Our guided tour of this magnificent example of Moorish architecture shows us the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence, where we have fine views over the town and the surrounding hills. Tonight, we dine in our hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner). 
Hotel: Alhamar

Day 6 - Granada – Valencia
Via the Mora Pass, we soon arrive at the Troglodyte dwellings of Guadix. Time to take pictures before we cross the rich and fertile region of Murcia before entering the Valencia region which was a kingdom in its own right after being reconquered from the Moors in 1238. Then we continue to the city of Valencia, renowned for its orange groves, where orientation shows us the Bull Ring, the great cathedral and the Towers of Serrano and Quart. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner). Hotel: Abba Acteon Plaza

Day 7 - Valencia – Barcelona (2 nights)
First through the Levant region to Peñiscola for our first stop. Then we enter the region of Catalonia and the capital, Barcelona where on arrival we will enjoy a sightseeing tour using our audio system and highlighting the fantasies of Gaudi, the Ramblas, the Plaza Catalunya and a walk through the Gothic quarter with its magnificent cathedral. (Buffet breakfast). Hotel: U232

Day 8 - Barcelona at leisure
Today is at leisure to explore this fascinating city or to maybe relax with a drink in one of the many open air cafes, shop in the chic boutiques along the Avinguda Diagonal or take an excursion to Montserrat, the mountain formation which inspired the works of Gaudi, to see the Black Madonna. This evening we enjoy a special Farewell Dinner with wine together with our Tour Director and new-found friends. (Buffet breakfast / Farewell dinner).

Day 9 - Depart Barcelona
This morning after breakfast, time for final goodbyes to Spain, our Tour Director and our fellow travellers as our Spanish tour comes to an end. (Buffet breakfast)

Destination Information

Budget airlines and affordable fares have turned Spain into a beach resort haven for northern Europeans wishing to escape their own damp climates. With sun-bleached beaches and a favourable rate of exchange for most travellers, it's easy to see why. Some may feel that the Canary and Balearic Islands have been overrun by tourists, and this is true to some extent - Tenerife, Lanzarote and Mallorca have become synonymous with cheap package holidays and warm beer, and Ibiza's reputation has, for some, been tarnished by the revellers frequenting its famous dance clubs and beach parties; however even here you will find many magical, unspoilt corners awaiting discovery. 

Spain is comprised of numerous autonomous regions, offering such variation within one country. The hundreds of miles of Mediterranean coastline provide ample opportunity to get off the beaten track, and the country's vibrant cities and colourful festivals will amaze and delight even the most seasoned traveller. There is the Spain of Gaudi, Dali, and Picasso, of Goya and Velazquez - proudly displayed in Madrid's museums and galleries. Spain's Pamplona is a unique experience of thundering streets that vibrate to the rhythm of man and beast during the annual running of the bulls, and while the whole country celebrates each February with the Carnaval, no place does it better than Sitges. Barcelona is Spain's showcase of the unique architectural style of Gaudi's bizarre organic turrets and balconies. For a more provincial experience, the Valencian town of Buñol goes wild every year with the La Tomatina festival, a time when the region's surplus tomatoes - following the annual harvest - are dumped on the streets and pelted about in a friendly riot. 

Spain is also a country rich in heritage and the historic cities of Toledo, Salamanca, Seville and Granada promise a wealth of early Christian and Moorish buildings and monuments, as well as the remains of some incredible medieval sites. Spain has six cities that have been declared Unesco World Heritage sites, more than any other country in the world.

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Pricing

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• Availability: 26 Jun 10 - 26 Jun 10 Adult Price from £985
   
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