15 days Best Of Spain ( Summer 2018 )
Ditch your siesta and embrace the spirit of Spain - the vibrant cityscapes of Madrid, Seville and Barcelona, running of the bulls in Pamplona, the smell of orange zest en route to Valencia yours to discover as you indulge in Spain's intense flavours and explore the Roman and Moorish influences that have shaped its distinct art, architecture and culture.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Madrid | Welcome to the fiery Iberian capital that is Madrid - a fitting introduction to an epic journey tracing the very best that Spain has to offer. Delve deep into the soul of a city that marches to the tune of the tapas tango and explore the bustling streets before meeting up with your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a memorable Welcome Reception and orientation drive to see some of the city's most iconic sights. Hotel Rafael Atocha Meals Welcome Reception |
| 2 | Madrid – Burgos – Santander | Journey over the pine-clad Guadarrama Mountains to Burgos, the historic capital of Castile, where we will visit the tomb of El Cid, a national hero and the protagonist of the most significant medieval Spanish epic poem - El Cantar de Mio Cide. We cross the Ebro River and the Cantabrian Cordillera mountains, travelling to the coast and the sophisticated capital of the Cantabrian region, Santander. After dining in your hotel, take to the bustling streets of this university town. Hotel Santemar Meals Buffet Breakfast Dinner with wine |
| 3 | Santander – Bilbao – San Sebastian – Pamplona | We depart Santander and travel to Bilbao to view the striking Guggenheim Museum, built from titanium, glass and limestone and designed by renowned US architect Frank Gehry. Continuing to San Sebastian, the gourmet capital of Spain, we see the beautiful Bahia de la Concha beach during our orientation drive. Our overnight stay is in the vibrant city of Pamplona, famous for its Running of the Bulls fiesta. Follow in the footsteps of Hemingway and enjoy a drink at Café Iruña, ramble along the brilliantly lit city ramparts or delight in the local pintxos before enjoying dinner at your hotel this evening. Hotel NH Iruna Park Meals Buffet Breakfast Dinner with wine |
| 4 | Pamplona – Zaragoza – Barcelona (2 Nights) | Meandering through the Ebro Valley en route to beguiling Barcelona, we view the Cathedrals of El Pilar and La Seo in Zaragoza. Soak up the charm of a city that professes two great loves - Gaudi and football. Enjoy panoramic views of a city, which dates back to Roman times, from Montjuïc, then spend the rest of the day at leisure. Amble through the Gothic Quarter's labyrinthine lanes, indulge in the aromas and flavours of La Boqueria and discover the best crèma Catalana in town. Hotel Ayre Gran Via Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 5 | Barcelona Sightseeing | The whimsical fantasy world of Gaudi is on display this morning as we embark on a sightseeing tour to see the inspiring, but as yet unfinished, La Sagrada Família in the company of a Local Specialist. We'll see Las Ramblas and Plaça de Catalunya, which lies at the heart of Barcelona, before paying tribute to Christopher Columbus at the monument that bears his name. This afternoon, consider joining an Optional Experience to the mountain-top monastery of Montserrat to see the shrine of the Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia. Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 6 | Barcelona – Peñiscola – Valencia | The sweet scent of oranges accompanies us on our journey along the Costa Dorada south to fortified Peñiscola where we'll see the ancient castle used in the film 'El Cid'. Continuing through fertile huertas, we arrive in sunny Valencia where we will stay the night. Our orientation of this cultural city includes views of the town hall, the Bull Ring, the Towers of Serrano and Quart, and the cathedral, which is said to home one of the Holy Chalices of the World. Witness the modern verve of Valencia and view the City of Arts and Sciences, a large-scale urban recreation centre for culture and science, designed by Santiago Calatrava, before spending the rest of the evening at leisure. Hotel Silken Puerta Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 7 | Valencia – Granada | Journey via the dramatic Mora Pass to the city of Granada where we meet our Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Alhambra Palace - its golden façades and extraordinary Moorish architecture reflect centuries of multicultural history which you will have a rare opportunity to explore as you wander through its palaces and exotic water gardens. Check into your hotel later, where you dine tonight. Hotel Occidental Meals Buffet Breakfast Dinner with wine |
| 8 | Granada – Costa del Sol (2 Nights) | Set your watch to Spanish time and enjoy a leisurely morning on your terms, or consider taking an Optional Experience to explore the medieval Moorish Quarter of Granada - Albayzín - with its narrow winding lanes, churches, minarets and palaces. We leave Granada behind for the sun-kissed shores of the Costa del Sol where we'll spend the next two nights. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own terms. Stroll along the beachside promenade, relax at one of the nearby beach cafes or perhaps visit the picture-perfect white-washed Andalusian village of Mijas - the choice is yours. Hotel Melia Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 9 | Costa del Sol | Another day in paradise for you to kick back, worship the Spanish sunshine and taste la buena vida. Enjoy fresh seafood in Torremolinos, relax on the bleached beaches and soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere or consider an Optional Experience to the effervescent Andalusian capital of Málaga to explore centuries of fascinating history. Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 10 | Costa del Sol – Gibraltar† – Seville (2 Nights) | A scenic drive takes you past the millionaire's resort of Marbella and on to La Linea. Cross to the Rock of Gibraltar, for free time to explore. Consider joining an Optional Experience to St. Michael's Cave to see the Barbary Macaques (Rock Apes). This afternoon continue through the Andalucian countryside past Jerez - famous for sherry production - to Seville. Tonight join your companions for a delicious Be My Guest dinner at an olive oil mill where you learn how oil is produced from the 6,000 olive trees. Hotel Las Casas De La Juderia Authentic Accommodation Meals Buffet Breakfast Be My Guest Dining |
| 11 | Seville Sightseeing | Join your Local Specialist this morning for a tour of Seville's leafy avenues. See the iconic Giralda Tower, a former minaret that was converted to a bell tower and visit the Seville Cathedral, the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. Meander through Maria Luisa Park with its tiled fountains, pavilions, palms and orange trees and walk through the imposing Plaza de España. Explore the Jewish history of Spain in Seville's former Jewish Quarter where a wall separated the Jewish community from the rest of the city during medieval times. Tonight, consider soaking up the fiery flamenco atmosphere in the city that made this passionate dance famous. Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 12 | Seville – Córdoba | We journey to Córdoba to meet a Local Specialist for a visit to the astounding Mosque of the Caliphs, a jewel of Hispano-Islamic art featuring striking arches and Byzantine mosaics. Then visit the remains of the 14th century mudejar-style synagogue in the old Jewish neighbourhood before spending the rest of the day at leisure admiring the city's extraordinary Moorish architecture and heritage. This evening we dine at our hotel. Hotel Ayre Meals Buffet Breakfast Dinner with wine |
| 13 | Córdoba – Toledo – Madrid (2 Nights) | The ancient imperial city of Toledo is our first stop today where we join a Local Specialist for a fascinating walking tour of the city's narrow streets. We'll visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to one of El Greco's most famous paintings - The Burial of Count Orgaz, and the synagogue, the oldest one still standing in Europe. This evening we arrive in the feisty Madrid, where we'll spend the next two nights. Hotel Rafael Atocha Meals Buffet Breakfast |
| 14 | Madrid Sightseeing | The lavish palaces and grand plazas of Madrid take centre stage today as we join our Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Spain's capital city. See Plaza España, Gran Vía, Puerta Del Sol and the Cibeles Fountain before visiting the world-famous Prado Museum, featuring one of the world's finest collections of European art, including masterpieces by Velazquez. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the city. Visit the Royal Palace with its spectacular Goya artworks, relax in the leafy Buen Retiro Park or enjoy the flavours and aromas of jamon in the Market of San Miguel. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for an unforgettable Farewell Dinner to celebrate an epic adventure through Spain. Meals Buffet Breakfast Farewell Dinner |
| 15 | Depart Madrid | Our journey together has come to an end. For now it's a fond adios to Spain and newfound friends. Transfers are available. Conditions apply. Meals Buffet Breakfast |