Madrid |
Royal Palace | Toledo | Cordoba | Seville | Flamenco Show | Granada |
Alhambra | Valencia | Lladro-City of Porcelain | City of Arts &
Sciences | Barcelona
Tour Toledo, the former capital of the
Spanish Empire.
Feel the energy of Spain at
a flamenco performance in Seville.
Discover 9 UNESCO World
Heritage sites.
Enjoy two-night stays in
captivating Madrid, Seville, Valencia and Barcelona.
Explore the monumental
Royal Palace, official residence of the royal family.
Savor regional wine with
every included dinner.
Experience the benefits of
Whisper headsets, designed for better communication between you and
your guides.
Specially-priced
Air Rates
Available:YES
Revel in Royalty of Spanish Culture Experience Spain’s colorful
pageant of art, history and culture. Set against a backdrop that spans
sunny Mediterranean shores and grand mountain ranges, this stunning
destination is dotted with white pueblos, groves of oranges and olives.
Explore the priceless treasures of the Royal Palace, Europe’s 2nd
largest palace. Visit the exotic and expansive Alhambra palace,
resplendent with Moorish regal flair. See the Cathedral of Seville, the
3rd largest in the world. Enjoy reserved seating at a flamenco show and
feel the passion of this famous dance. Explore Madrid, Valencia,
Barcelona, Granada, Cordoba and Toledo. Become part of an authentic
“paella experience,” and learn how this rice dish is made and where it
originated. Marvel at Valencia’s “City of Arts & Sciences.” See how
precious lladro figurines are made by hand. View Antonio Gaudi’s
architectural masterpieces, including La Sagrada Famila. Spain beckons.
THIS
TOUR
INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING TRANSPORTATION MODES:
Ride
in Comfort
Each
Collette motorcoach has upholstered, reclining seats with headrests and
individual air-conditioning vents. A high-fidelity sound system
broadcasts professional Tour Director's commentary to every seat. Our
custom of daily seat rotation gives everyone a variety of vantage
points to see the passing countryside and city scenes.
AIRPORT
TRANSFERS Airport
transfers
may be included when you make your flight arrangements.
MADRID H10 Puerta De Alcala (F) SEVILLEMelia Sevilla (F) GRANADA Catalonia Granada (F) VALENCIA Sh Valencia Palace (F) BARCELONA Hotel Colon Barcelona (F)
DINING
HIGHLIGHTS
14
Meals
9 Breakfasts
1 Lunches
4 Dinners
Day 1
OVERNIGHT
FLIGHT
You
are on your way to a colorful cultural adventure featuring the best of
Spain.
Day2
MADRID, SPAIN
- TOUR BEGINS
Welcome
to Madrid, Spain’s capital and largest city. Tonight, enjoy a welcome
dinner.
Today
dinner will be included.
Day
3
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. Join a local expert to explore the
priceless masterpieces of the Prado Museum* which opened in 1819 and
boasts the world's finest collection of art by masters such as
Velazquez and Goya. This afternoon we travel to Toledo, a UNESCO World
Heritage 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. You’ll
also stop at the Church of Santo Tome to view El Greco’s masterpiece
painting, The Burial of Count Orgaz.
Today
breakfast will be included.
Day4
MADRID -
CORDOBA - SEVILLE
Travel to the extraordinary Moorish city of Cordoba.
You may opt to take the AVE high-speed train to reduce travel time and
increase leisure time in Cordoba. Upon arrival, 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 will be included.
Day
5
SEVILLE
Today
you will see Columbus’ tomb, the ornate cathedral (UNESCO), and the
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 de España and the beautiful
Maria Luisa Park, one of the loveliest in all of Europe. This evening,
enjoy an authentic flamenco show (UNESCO) featuring Seville's top
performers.
Today
breakfast will be included.
Day6
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,** an immense hilltop palace (UNESCO). 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 will be included.
Day7
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 will be included
DAY8VALENCIA - PAELLA
EXPERIENCE -
VALENCIA
It’s
your choice! Take a walking tour of historic Valencia to see the ornate
14th-century Serranos Towers and imposing 15th-century Quart Towers;
then arrive at the bustling central market, one of the largest in
Europe, where you’ll shop side-by-side with the locals before
concluding your tour at the impressive 13th-century Gothic cathedral
-OR- explore the impressive City of Arts & Science, an ultramodern,
multi-faceted educational institution, followed by a tour of the Lladro
City of Porcelain to learn about the history and creative process of
the world-famous, handmade Lladro figurines.*** Later, gather together
and travel to the area where paella cuisine originated. A “paella
experience” features a boat ride on the canals surrounding rice field
plantations; a visit to a traditional fisherman’s home known as a
“barraca”; a paella-making demonstration and an authentic paella lunch.
The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Today
breakfast and lunch will be included.
Day
9
VALENCIA -
BARCELONA
Travel to Barcelona, one of Europe’s most beautiful
and exciting cities. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Barcelona’s
fascinating boulevards including the famous Las Ramblas, dotted with
colorful bird and flower stalls.
Today
breakfast will be included.
Day10
BARCELONA
Today,
get an in-depth look at vibrant and lively Barcelona. Your panoramic
tour showcases the Columbus Monument, Parc de Montjuic, Antoni Gaudi’s
UNESCO World Heritage sites including La Sagrada Familia, Batllo House
and the unconventional Casa Mila building with a guided visit to Parc
Güell. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner celebrating the
end of an unforgettable trip to Spain!
Today
breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day
11
BARCELONA -
TOUR ENDS
You
return home with vivid memories of a spectacularly beautiful land with
an old, rich and diverse cultural heritage.
Spain's
Classics
10 Day Tour
11 Days
w/Air
From
$2349USD
(Less
applicable COLLETTE and GARDNER TRAVEL Promotional Discounts) NOTE:
Tour prices are land only rates based on per person, double occupancy.
Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and
inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of
booking. Government taxes and fees are additional. Land rates are
guaranteed at time of deposit. Certain taxes and fees are to be paid
upon exiting the country in local currencies.
Tour-based Airfare is available to coordinate with
this tour
through Collette Vacations at attractive rates.
REQUEST RATES, AVAILABILITY AND OTHER INFORMATION HERE
Request ourLOW
UNPUBLISHED RATEand
availability for this tour: We
will provide our competitive rate to you by email
response or phone
call
as you prefer it.
PLEASE NOTE: We have
access
to the
U.S./Canada reservations only for this tour. If
you reside outside of the U.S./Canada please contact the closest
Collette Vacations travel agent in your country of origin.
Guided
by Travel!
Prices
are
per person based on double occupancy and are land only. We also offer
competitive group-based airfares from your home city airport that fit
with this particular touring program.
Save today on EVERY Collette Vacation!
Toll Free Call
1-877-510-4653 USA and Canada
We
provide an additional "Thank You!"for
all Collette
tour programs. Call or Email us for details about our "Thank You!"
Promotion for all first-time tour
clients. Offer subject
to availability and change without notice.
TALK
TO AN EXPERIENCED Collette Vacation
Specialist
As a
full-service travel provider we
can
help
you in finding your
perfect tour at the best price available today. We've been
representing COLLETTE
VACATIONS for
over 35 years. We
can take you all the way from your own hometown to
some of the most beautiful touring experiences in Europe and then back
again - all with the expertise of a seasoned COLLETTE professional travel counselor.
When it is important to get it right, you can trust the services of our
own professional COLLETTE Certified travel specialists.
Please
feel free
to call us or email us or we would be happy to provide your information
via email
on the tour form, below.
Requesting Availability We will check your requested tour
program and accommodations for the date range that you may specify in
the boxes below and reply back to you as soon as possible. Of course
the more information that you can provide us, the closer we will be in
matching your needs and preferences. We will not knowingly sell or pass
along your information that you provide to any third party for any
reason (see Liabilities
and Privacy Policy). And we use SSL Technology to safeguard your
information on our tour request forms that we have posted throughout
our website.
We are available to answer your inquiries in person Monday - Friday
(except holidays) from 8:30am until 5:30pm CST (1-877-510-4653 |
817-788-5210). We are available from time to time on the weekends via
email to answer your questions. Our typical response time for your
email request ranges from 3 hours to as many as 72 depending upon the
availability of onsite resources and those of the tour companies and
resorts/lodging establishments, as well as any variations you may
request from our listed programs. We will respond to your
requests as quickly as possible and as soon as we have all components
of your package confirmable. All tour program rates are based upon
double occupancy unless otherwise specified.
Thank
you for
your interest in this quality tour by COLLETTE Vacations!
Randy
C.
Gardner President Gardner Travel
Service,
Inc.
PASSPORT
& VISA INFORMATION
Certain countries
require a minimum of 6 months passport validity. You are strongly urged
to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the
U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa
requirements.
IMPORTANT: We recommend that our
clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and
applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual
passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your
emergency contact.
DESTINATION FACTS &
STATS
Time Zone Spainl is 5 hours ahead of
Eastern Standard Time.
The currency in Spain is the Euro.
Electricity
Voltage in Spain is 220V.
An
adaptor (which changes the
physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current)
are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different
from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if
your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the
plug. When packing your electronic items for travel, please review the
converter electric current level to make sure it is the same or greater
than the items you are planning on using. If you plan on utilizing or
transporting a sleep apnea machine, please remember to pack an
extension cord and adapter plug to ensure proper function.
Elevation
Elevation on this tour will not exceed 2,200 feet (Madrid).
Optional Excursions
for
Spain's
Classics
Plan Ahead, Reserve
Now!
Add
a
touch of
personalization to your vacation by selecting from our well-researched
list of options. While Collette is known for our many inclusions, we
also want to be sure you have adequate free time and options to enhance
your vacation – your way. And now, you can reserve your options in
advance of your tour!
Availability
is
limited
and reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. Payment must
be received no later than 15 days prior to departure. Prices are
subject to change. Children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by
an adult.
Madrid by Night with Tapas Dinner - $95 Madrid Duration: 3 Hours
Madrid is a city that never sleeps and a trip to Spain would not be
complete without experiencing a Tapas dinner at a popular local
restaurant, located in the heart of Madrid. Enjoy old world ambiance
and traditional castillian “tapas” including Spanish omelette,
croquetes of Iberian ham, homemade sausage and other local favorites.
Wine, coffee or tea and mineral water are included with dinner. Later,
view Madrid’s major sights and avenues illuminated at night. Take a
stroll through nearby San Miguel Market, Plaza Mayor and Puerta del
Sol. Next, travel by coach viewing Plaza d’Espana, known for its statue
dedicated to Cervantes, author of Don Quijote de la Mancha, the Royal
Palace, the illuminated buildings along Gran Via, Paseo Castellano and
Velazquez Avenue. In addition, marvel at the beautiful Poseidon and
Cibeles Fountains and Plaza Colon.
Barcelona
By Night with Dinner at the Port - $89 Barcelona Duration: 3 Hours
While in Barcelona, tantalize your taste buds with Mediterranean
cuisine at one of Barcelona’s waterfront restaurants, Moncho’s. You
will enjoy a wonderful three course meal of typical local dishes while
enjoying views of the marina. Famous for its seafood and local cuisine,
Moncho’s will surely be a highlight for anyone traveling to Barcelona.
After your delicious dinner, enjoy a panoramic evening tour of Antonio
Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo and Casa Mila…see the city’s
historic Columbus Monument, Plaza d’Espana and the ever-fashionable
Diagonal Avenue, Barcelona’s own “5th Avenue!” This experience will
certainly be a wonderful addition to your time in cultural Barcelona!
Montserrat - $75 Barcelona Duration: 5 Hours
A leisurely drive through picturesque villages brings you to majestic
Montserrat Mountain, soaring 4,320 feet above sea level. A local guide
will lead you on a tour exploring the area's most important sights.
While here, stroll the grounds of the 8th-century monastery and see its
famous Romanesque sculpture of the "Black Virgin," patron saint of
Catalonia. This is also the site of many pilgrimages and where
Christopher Columbus brought missionaries to pay homage.
Collette
Vacations
is a global
leader of
world travel and Escorted Tours, offering 150 vacation choices on all
seven continents. We are a family-owned business, now in our third
generation of Sullivan-family ownership.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our whole purpose at Collette Vacations is to fulfill vacation dreams.
Our daily goal is to deliver to our family of travelers the highest
quality, best value and exceptional service, every time, everywhere. We
strive to create extraordinary vacation experiences on all 7
continents. Our greatest reward is planning our clients’ next trip.
The
Collette
Difference
IT'S
IN
THE DETAILS
Our NO
WORRIES cancellation waver means you can cancel anytime prior to
the day of departure and receive a full
cash refund.
Add up the cost of hotels, transportation, meals, sightseeing and
entertainment and you'll find what an incredible savings
a tour offers.
On a tour, you'll find yourself saying, "I never would have thought to
try that!" We work everyday to uncover those gems that make your
vacation special. Let our experience
work for yours.
Don't
worry about
planning the details, getting directions, picking great hotels,
or purchasing sightseeing tickets - we do that!
Our tour
managers are with you from start to finish, taking care of every
detail - and brightening your vacation with history and anecdotes that
bring the destination to life. A Collette Tour means less time planning
and more time enjoying.
You pack the bags - we'll lug them around! That's right - when you're
on tour with us, we take care of all
luggage handling... including the tip!
The Difference Starts at Your Door
You’ve worked hard. You’ve earned a
trip somewhere wonderful in the
world. You’re here, on this page, because you are already thinking
about it.
We believe
travel should be easy and convenient, from start to finish.
That’s why we have introduced our
Included
Sedan Service:
Collette’s roundtrip sedan service takes
you from your home to the
airport.
It’s included with all air-inclusive
journeys to anywhere in the world.
It’s yet another reason to travel even more.
Not
valid on group travel. Included in many U.S.
cities within a 50 mile radius of more than 90 airport gateways.
Service is available between 51 and 75 miles for a small fee. One
transfer per room booking. Additional stops are not permitted on route.
For parties of 3 or more alternate vehicles may be used. Other
restrictions may apply; call for details.
Why Travel on an Escorted Tour?
We
take the hassle out of travel, so you have all the fun. Here's how.
Our buying power gets you unbeatable value. Our tours
include
your sightseeing, entertainment, admissions to museums and parks, great
hotels and many meals, making it a hassle free experience for you from
start to finish. Our hotels are centrally located, so you won't waste a
second of your free time in buses or cabs. Even your luggage is managed
for you.
We planned ahead, so Europe with us is still a
bargain. We can
provide a
vacation to Europe, for example, at 15% less than you would pay if you
planned it on your own. There is no better time than now to buy a
packaged vacation.
Imagine seeing Thailand for less than $90 a day, and
that includes your hotel. On our
Thailand -
Ancient Capitals and Countryside tour, you'll ride an elephant and
cruise the Mekong River into Laos, just two unforgettable included
experiences among 14 days worth of discoveries You'll also enjoy 26
meals on tour, including a dinner cruise on a rice barge. See the
Golden Buddha, the ruins of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, the colorful
pageantry of a Hill Tribe cultural show - it's all included!
It's like traveling with a friend who knows the area. Your tour
manager
will be with you every step of the way, handling the tedious details of
travel, while you relax and enjoy the trip. They are seasoned
professionals with in-depth knowledge about your destination and a
passion for sharing it.
Our tour developers personally scout out the best for
you. They search
for
accommodations, restaurants, attractions and entertainment to assemble
not only a fantastic trip, but create an entire experience that
captures the spirit of your destination. Learn the secrets of Tuscan
cuisine from a Florentine chef in Italy. Fly a kite in China. Feed a
kangaroo in Australia. Our tour developers love creating those
unforgettable moments that make your trip uniquely yours.
We've got something for everyone, from Branson to
Beijing. Collette
Vacations travels to more than 150 destinations on all seven
continents. We also offer Explorations by Collette, small-group tours
with a maximum of only 16 - 24 passengers that wander off the beaten
path. Explorations tours feature boutique hotels, outdoor activities
and interaction with local people.
No Worries Protection Plan
What exactly is your cancellation waiver? We have the
best
cancellation waiver in the industry-period. You can cancel your trip up
until the day prior to departure for any reason - sickness, change of
heart or any reason whatsoever-and you will receive a full refund,
minus the small cost of the insurance. That's a cash refund, not a
voucher or certificate. There's no risk when you book with Collette.
But isn't
it
expensive? Not at all!
Let's
say you were planning to take our Italian Vistas tour for 13 days. The
land-only waiver is just $170 per person. That breaks down to about
$13.07 a day-just a little over eight euros! The land and air waiver is
only $30 more. That's airplane peanuts compared to the peace of mind
you'll enjoy.
Plus,
you're
covered on tour. Our
cancellation
waiver and insurance plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your
trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation,
suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or
more, you're covered.
Testimonials: My
husband had an
accident in New Zealand…He subsequently had to be transferred by
ambulance to Invercargill (Southland Hospital) to have surgery on his
leg. He spent one week in the hospital. I am so glad we always take out
the insurance. This is our third trip with Collette and we always take
out the insurance…In spite of the accident, we had a wonderful time in
Australia and New Zealand up to Queenstown and we are very glad we took
the trip. Genevieve Gallagher, Clifton Park, NY
We
had one
unfortunate problem; one traveler broke her ankle…Thank goodness I
insist that my passengers take the insurance. Virginia Gratton,
Greenport, NY
CANCELLATION
WAIVER & INSURANCE PLAN
Exception: If
you originally purchased non-refundable airline tickets, the Waiver
does not provide a refund for the airline tickets, taxes or fees in the
event of a cancellation or a return transportation benefit if you must
return home early. The air waiver does not cover medical evacuation or
additional expenses associated with a medical emergency.
The Waiver Fee does not cover any single supplement charges which arise
from an individual’s traveling companion electing to cancel for any
reason prior to departure. In this case, the single supplement will be
deducted from the refund of the person who cancels. Division of this
charge between the two passengers involved is solely their
responsibility. If insufficient funds are deducted from the canceling
client, the traveling client will be charged the remaining portion of
the single supplement.
Payment of the Waiver Fee (if chosen) must be received by Collette
Vacations with your Deposit. The Waiver is non-transferable and valid
for each applicant only.
Collette Vacations can assume no responsibility for and cannot be held
liable for any wrongful, negligent or unauthorized acts or omissions of
any travel agent or travel agency other than that of Collette Travel
Service, Inc. itself, and its own employees.
PART
B – Benefits Provided by the Insurance Company Listed Below
Accidental
Death & Dismemberment
$25,000
Accident
& Sickness Medical Expense
$25,000
Emergency
Evacuation & Repatriation
$50,000
Travel
Delay (Maximum of $100 per Day)
$1,500
Baggage
and Personal Effects
$2,000
Baggage
Delay
$200
PART B CONDITIONS &
LIMITATIONS Certain exclusions and limitations apply and are
detailed in the Certificate of Coverage. For example, coverage does not
apply to: any sickness or condition of you, a Traveling Companion or an
Immediate Family Member traveling with you that existed during the 60
days prior to the effective date of the coverages (this exclusion is
waived if your plan payment is received by Collette Vacations within 7
days of your initial deposit/payment for your trip and you are not
disabled from travel at the time your plan payment is received),
suicide, normal pregnancy, war or any act of war, mental or nervous
disorders. A Traveling Companion is defined as a person booked to share
accommodations in the same room with you during your trip. Sickness or
injury must require care by a Physician and must commence while the
Travel Protection Plan is in effect for you. This plan does not cover a
loss that results from an illness, disease, or other condition (of you,
an Immediate Family Member, Traveling Companion or Business Partner),
event or circumstance which occurs at a time when this plan is not in
effect for you.
Part B of this plan is underwritten by: Stonebridge Casualty Insurance
Company, Columbus, Ohio 464-03
Where to Present Part A
Claims
To request a refund under the Cancellation Fee and Unused Services
Waiver, please send any unused
airlines tickets (only if purchased from Collette Vacations), a
doctor’s note or medical documentation and a written request to:
Collette
Vacations
ATTN: Customer Service Department
162 Middle Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
If cancellation
occurs
prior to departure, contact the Collette Vacations Reservations
Department.
When a client cancels prior to departure any due refunds are processed
through the booking agent. Agent commissions are not protected if
cancellation occurs prior to departure.
All Inquiries and Claims under Part B should be reported to the Plan
Administrator:
Trip Mate*
9225 Ward Parkway, Suite 200
Kansas City, MO 64114
Tel: 800-888-7292
*In CA, dba Trip Mate Insurance Agency
CANCELLATION
WAIVER & INSURANCE PLAN PRICING (Per Person)
Land Only Clients
$30 for all
domestic
escorted tours under 6 days
$110 for all
domestic
escorted tours of 6 days or more
$110 for all
international tours 9 days or under (except cruises, Canadian Rockies
Train Tours, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt)
$170 for
international tours 10 days or more (except cruises, Canadian Rockies
Train Tours, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt)
$195 for all
Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt
$205 for all
cruises
and Canadian Rockies Train Tours
When
purchasing pre and post night
accommodations, including optional extensions, the number of days will
be added to the total number of tour days, and may subsequently alter
your waiver fees. Please confirm with your reservation agent at time of
booking.
Air
Inclusive Clients (air is
purchased through Collette Vacations)
$60 for all
domestic
escorted tours under 6 days
$140 for all
domestic
escorted tours of 6 days or more
$150 for all
international tours 9 days or under (except cruises, Canadian Rockies
Train Tours, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt)
$200 for all
international tours 10 days or more (except cruises, Canadian Rockies
Train Tours, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt)
$225 for all
Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt
$235 for all
cruises
and Canadian Rockies Train Tours
The
Cancellation Waiver fee with air can
only be purchased by individuals who have purchased air through
Collette Vacations.
Collette Tours is a
NON-FEE buy!
We will not charge a
fee for any/all tour
planning for Collette Vacations. Our services are absolutely
free when servicing this quality program. Rest assured, you will
receive the quality that you expect and the unique value of a
well-designed tour program from the beginning and planning stage to the
culmination of this exceptional journey.
Experience
the Collette Difference with Gardner Travel! IT'S CALLED
WORRY-FREE TRAVEL AND
IT MEANS OUR PEOPLE TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO!
If
you like the above tour program you
may also want to view the following tour programs for
comparison:
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. Join a local expert to explore the
priceless masterpieces of the Prado Museum* which opened in 1819 and
boasts the world's finest collection of art by masters such as
Velazquez and Goya. This afternoon we travel to Toledo, a UNESCO World
Heritage 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. You’ll
also stop at the Church of Santo Tome to view El Greco’s masterpiece
painting, The Burial of Count Orgaz.
Travel to the extraordinary Moorish city of Cordoba.
You may opt to take the AVE high-speed train to reduce travel time and
increase leisure time in Cordoba. Upon arrival, 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.”
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,** an immense hilltop palace (UNESCO). Also tour
the Generalife, meaning “garden of the architect,” where the grounds
are beautifully designed with waterfalls, courtyards and smaller secret
gardens.
Travel to Barcelona, one of Europe’s most beautiful
and exciting cities. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Barcelona’s
fascinating boulevards including the famous Las Ramblas, dotted with
colorful bird and flower stalls.
