Day 1: Sunday, November 07, 2010
Overnight Flight
Day 2: Monday, November 08, 2010
Arrive Madrid, Spain
Welcome to Madrid, Spain's capital and largest city. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner.
Today Dinner is included.
Day 3: Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Madrid - Prado Museum - Toledo - Madrid
During a locally guided tour of Madrid's historic center, see the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, where events have been held since the 17th century. A guided tour of the Prado Museum, open since 1819, provides you with an historical and cultural perspective of this magnificent museum that boasts the world's finest collection of art by masters such as Velazquez and Goya. This afternoon travel to Toledo, a UNESCO site and the capital of medieval Spain until 1560. A comprehensive tour highlights the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the 13th century synagogue, a testament to Toledo's Jewish heritage. Also stop in the Church of Santo Tome to view El Greco's masterpiece painting, The Burial of Count Orgaz.
Today Breakfast is included.
Day 4: Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Madrid - Cordoba - Seville
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Travel to the extraordinary Moorish city of Cordoba. Embark on a walking tour of the Mezquita. This UNESCO site, an architectural marvel, built by the Moors in the 8th century as a magnificent mosque, was converted into the city's cathedral in the 16th century. Continue your exploration of Cordoba in the city's well-preserved and historical old Jewish Quarter. Later, transfer to Seville, considered Spain's "cultural capital."
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.
Day 5: Thursday, November 11, 2010
Seville
Today you will see Columbus' tomb, the ornate cathedral, a UNESCO site, and Giralda Bell Tower. Enjoy a walking tour of the quaint old Santa Cruz Quarter with its bright flowers, white-washed buildings and winding streets; then continue to Plaza D'Espana and the beautiful Maria Luisa Park, one of the loveliest in all of Europe. A local flamenco dancer joins you for a typical "tapas lunch" featuring small portions of hot and cold specialties; here you learn about the history, culture and artistry of flamenco. This evening, take your reserved seats for an authentic flamenco show featuring Seville's top performers.
Today Breakfast and Lunch is included.
Day 6: Friday, November 12, 2010
Seville - Granada
Travel along the peaceful Sierra Nevada to Granada, the last great capital of the Moors in Spain before it fell to the Catholic monarchs in 1492. Join a local expert for a tour of the world-famous Alhambra, the immense hilltop palace that is a UNESCO site. Also tour the Generalife, meaning "garden of the architect," where the grounds are beautifully designed with waterfalls, courtyards and smaller secret gardens.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.
Day 7: Saturday, November 13, 2010
Granada - Valencia
Today you travel through Spain's amazing landscape viewing rolling hills dotted with picturesque olive groves while en route to the Mediterranean coast. Arrive in the city of Valencia, a treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture, surrounded by citrus groves.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.
Day 8: Sunday, November 14, 2010
Valencia - Barcelona
A city tour of historic Valencia features the ornate 14th century Serranos Tower and imposing 15th century Quart Tower. You'll also see the bustling central market, one of the largest in Europe, and view the Gothic Cathedral, where construction began in 1262 on the site of an ancient mosque. Your trip to Valencia would not be complete without a stop at Lonja, the old Silk Exchange, recognized by UNESCO as one of the most beautiful buildings of European civil Gothic architecture.
Today Breakfast is included.
Day 9: Monday, November 15, 2010
Barcelona
Get an in-depth look at Barcelona, one of the most vibrant and lively cities in Spain! Your locally guided tour showcases Las Ramblas Boulevard, the most famous in Barcelona, dotted with bird and flower stalls. Also see Columbus Monument; Parc Montjuic; Antonio Gaudi's works including "La Sagrada Familia," a UNESCO site which is still under construction; Parc Guell, and the unconventional Casa Mila building. This afternoon continue to explore colorful Barcelona on your own. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a lovely trip to Spain!
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.
Day 10: Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Barcelona - Tour Ends
You return home with vivid memories of a spectacularly beautiful land with an old, rich and diverse cultural heritage.
Today Breakfast is included.
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November 07 - November 16, 2010
Highlights...
Madrid • Prado Museum • Toledo • Cordoba • Seville • Flamenco Show • Granada • Alhambra • Valencia • Barcelona •
10 Days • 14 Meals:
8 Breakfasts • 1 Lunches • 5 Dinners
Per Person Rates*:
Double $2689
Single $3139
Triple $2659
*Included in Price: Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $120 (subject to increase until paid in full),Hotel Transfers, Round Trip Air from Los Angeles Intl Airport.
Click Here for Details
YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE |
DAY 1 |
• |
Overnight Flight |
DAY 2 - 3 |
• |
Melia Galgos Hotel, Madrid |
DAY 4 - 5 |
• |
Melia Sevilla, Seville |
|
or Melia Lebreros, Seville |
DAY 6 |
• |
Hotel Tryp Albayzin, Granada |
DAY 7 |
• |
Hotel Beatriz Rey Don Jaime, Valencia |
DAY 8 - 9 |
• |
Hotel Colon, Barcelona |
On some dates alternate hotels may be used. |
Experience It!
The Flamenco
"El cante", "el baile," and "la guitarria." Combine the three into one romantic tour de force, and you have the essence of the flamenc...the song, the dance and the guitar. The flamenco's roots began in southern Spain as a 17th-century art form created by Andalusian gypsies. Similar to the blues that originated in America's Deep South, the "cante," or song, was a way for the gypsies to express their sorrow and repression. They sang their lyrics in the dark mines where they worked, using verse to help ease each other's personal grief. As the 18th-century approached, the gypsies gained more legal rights and many were able to purchase musical instruments. Soon the "guitarria," or guitar, was added to their repertoire. The "baile," or dance, quickly followed - and like any great art form, the flamenco took off. Soon performances in more mainstream venues like local cafes and dance halls combined with old-fashioned commercialism to make the flamenco the national dance of Spain.
Click here for: Important Reservation Information.
Please Note:
• Passport is required.
• To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
• Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.
• Included breakfasts are buffet breakfasts.
• This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
• Hotel check-in on your day of arrival is 3:00 PM. Rooms may not be available prior to that time. |
