Ten Day-Travelling in Spain

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1 Palace Tours - Luxury Tours Collection 20 Wall Street, Princeton, New Jersey USA Telephone: Call Us A Glimpse of Spain: Future Meets History in Andalusia Travel through exquisite cites of Andalusia and bask under the sun on the beaches of Costa del Sol on this 8-day journey. This amazing trip includes unforgettable visits to Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Costa del Sol and Toledo. You may visit remarkable monuments like the Mezquite and Jewish Quarter in Cordoba, the Cathedral and Santa Cruz Quarter in Seville, La Alhambra and Generalife Gardens in Granada, the Alcazar in Toledo and enjoy four long days on the world-famous beaches of Costa del Sol. There you will have free time to relax on the beach, shop, and visit museums and parks. Optional tours and excursions are also available. Highlights: Mosque of Cordoba See Seville from its 230-foot tall bell tower Free time on the beaches of Costa del Sol Museums, parks, water sports Alhambra and Gardens of Generalife City monument tour of Toledo Itinerary Day 1 - Spend the day exploring Madrid, Cordoba and Seville and watch an optional Flamenco Show or Bullfight On the first day of your journey, depart from the country's capital through the land of Don Quixote The Man from La Mancha to Córdoba, situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir River and the foothills of Sierra Morena. Embark on the city tour visiting such sites as the Mezquita (Mosque) and Jewish Quarter. Later, continue to Seville to watch an optional Bullfight at the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza (if possible) or enjoy an optional Flamenco show. Dinner is served at the hotel (D) Day 2 - Explore beautiful Seville and optional Flamenco Show This day brings you to an exciting tour of the city of Seville. You may visit sights such as Cathedral from outside, Santa Cruz Quarter and Maria Luisa Gardens. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure to discover the breathtaking views of this enchanting city from atop of la Giralda, the 230-foot tall bell tower; visit the impressive Plaza España, a magnificent sample of the Iberoamerican exposition of 1929 and featured in the film Star Wars Episode II; see the Cathedral, currently the third largest temple in the world; or watch an optional Flamenco show. This evening enjoy delicious dinner. (B,D) Day 3 - Journey to Costa del Sol Enjoy a breakfast and an early afternoon departure for Costa del Sol. Dinner is served at the hotel. (B,D) A Glimpse of Spain: Future Meets History in Andalusia( 1/10

2 Day 4 - Relax in Costa del Sol Spend your entire day at leisure to bask under the sun on the beautiful beaches of Costa del Sol or enjoy the artwork and explore the archaeological remains found in the many cathedrals, museums, monestaries and town halls. You'll also have an opportunity to take an optional tour to Gibraltar, Ronda, Malaga, Marbella, Mijas or Tangier. (B,D) Day 5 - Glorious Costa del Sol and optional Day Tours Another day spent at leisure in Costa del Sol. Take advantage of the beautiful beaches, experience the outdoors in one of Costa Del Sol's many parks or enjoy an optional tour to Gibraltar, Ronda, Malaga, Marbella, Mijas or Tangier. (B,D) Day 6 - Enjoy the many offerings of Costa del Sol or an optional Day Tour Enjoy another day on the glorious beaches of Costa del Sol. Explore the local markets, amusement parks, aquariums, golf courses or take your pick at trying almost every imaginable water sport on this magnificant coast. You'll also have another opportunity to take an optional tour to Gibraltar, Ronda, Malaga, Marbella, Mijas or Tangier. (B,D) Day 7 - Visit the Sights of Granada with an optional Gypsy Night Tour After breakfast depart for Granada where you visit the La Alhambra and Generalife Gardens, the last stronghold of the Moorish Kingdoms up to 1492 and the inspiration for Washington Irving's Tales of the Alhambra. Delicious dinner is served at the hotel. Enjoy an optional Gypsy night tour in this historical city. (B,D) Day 8 - Discover the Sights of Toledo After breakfast depart towards the Imperial City of Toledo (World Heritage city), where the three cultures of Spain - Christians, Moorish and Jewish - have lived together since the 13th century. Explore the most important city monuments and archeological remains, and learn about the famous Damasquinado, the Moorish art of inlaying gold or silver threads into black steel to make jewelry or decorative crafts. Later continue the journey to Madrid where your tour ends. (B) Destination Information Cordoba Córdoba (also Cordova) is a city in Andalusia, southern Spain, and the capital of the province of Córdoba. A Iberian and Roman city in ancient times, in the Middle Ages it was a capital of a Islamic caliphate and one of the largest cities in the world. Today a moderately-sized modern city, the old town contains many impressive architectural reminders of when Córdoba governed almost all of the Iberian Peninsula. One such masterpiece is the Great Mosque of Córdoba, which contains columns that date back to the Roman and Visigothic periods, primarily constructed during the Umayyad period (its construction started in 784). It was converted into a Cathedral after the Reconquista. Tourism is especially intense in Córdoba during May because of the weather and as this month hosts three very popular festivals. Costa del Sol A Glimpse of Spain: Future Meets History in Andalusia( 2/10

3 The Costa del Sol ("Sun Coast") is a region in the south of Spain, in the autonomous community of Andalusia, comprising the coastal towns and communities along the Mediterranean coastline of the Málaga province. Formerly made up only of a series of small, quiet fishing settlements, the region has been completely transformed during the latter part of the 20th century into a tourist destination of world renown. Costa del Sol is a popular destination for foreign tourists not only for its beaches but also for its local culture. The area is particularly famous for its towns like Marbella, which provides the Costa del Sol with its reputation for being a playground for the rich and famous. Granada Granada is a city and the capital of the province of Granada, in the autonomous community of Andalusia, Spain. The city of Granada is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, yet only one hour from the Mediterranean coast, the Costa Tropical. The Alhambra, a Moorish citadel and palace, is in Granada. It is one of the most famous items of the Islamic historical legacy that makes Granada a hot spot among cultural and tourist cities in Spain. Granada is also well-known within Spain due to the prestigious University of Granada and, nowadays, vibrant night-life. Madrid Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. The culture of Madrid was dominated by its religious and royal history, evident by enormous, monolithic cathedrals and churches, although nowadays Madrid is just as much a cosmopolitan city as Berlin or London, full of new architecture, life style and nightlife. Madrid is best known for its great cultural and artistic heritage, and is considered one of the top European destinations concerning art museums. Best known is the "Golden Triangle of Art," located along the Paseo del Prado and comprising three museums, the Prado Museum, the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum, and the Reina Sofia Museum, which is home to Pablo Picasso's Guernica. Malaga Málaga is located in southern Spain, on the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) on the northern side of the Mediterranean Sea. It lies about 100 km east of the Strait of Gibraltar and about 130 km east of Tarifa (the southernmost point of continental Europe) and about 130 km on north of Africa. Lies on a similar latitude (36 N) as Algiers in Algeria, Tunis in Tunisia, Aleppo in Syria, Mosul in Iraq, Tehran in Iran, Kunduz in Afghanistan and Fresno, California in the United States. Seville Seville is the artistic, cultural, and financial capital of southern Spain, and capital of Andalusia. The Cathedral of Seville is now arguably the largest church in the world when compared using the measurement of volume, and is also the final resting place of the remains of Christopher Columbus. La Giralda is a large and beautiful minaret tower, originally intended for the chief mosque, but now is the magnificent bell tower of the Cathedral and prominent symbol of Seville. The Real Alcázar is a beautiful palace, built in Mudéjar (Moorish) style in the 14 th century. With its myriad of rooms, extravagant architecture, lavish gardens with many courtyards, ponds and secrets to be explored, it is a fascinating place to visit. Toledo An often overlooked gem, Toledo sits majestically above the the Tagus River in central Spain. The history of Toledo dates back to Roman occupation (Toletum) circa 192BC, followed by Visigothic rule, Muslim rule and finally the Reconquest of Toledo in 1085AD. Toledo was the capital of the Spanish empire until the mid 1500's when the royal court moved to Madrid. Toledo was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 for its extensive cultural and monumental heritage and place of coexistence of Christian, Jewish A Glimpse of Spain: Future Meets History in Andalusia( 3/10

4 and Moorish cultures. Don't miss the centerpiece of Toledo, its Cathedral, and the baroque Transparente behind the main altar. The Cathedral also has a great art gallery with works by Raphael, Rubens, Goya, Titian, and one of El Greco's major works, The Disrobing of Christ. Price Chart All Rates in US$ per person including ALL taxes and surcharges Group Tour Rates Class Dates Single Rate Double Rate Triple Rate Deluxe Luxury For departures May 2,2016 through June 27,2016 For departures July 4,2016 through September 26,2016 For departures May 2,2016 through June 27,2016 For departures July 4,2016 through September 26,2016 US$ 1,100 US$ 823 N/A US$ 1,156 US$ 878 N/A US$ 1,162 US$ 867 N/A US$ 1,228 US$ 934 N/A Departures May ,9,16,23,30 Jun ,13,20,27 Jul ,11,18,25 Aug ,8,15,22,29 Sep ,12,19,26 The tour is available in two classes. The services in the 2 classes are the same but the only difference is the hotels utilized: The Three Star Class includes accommodation at Emperador Trajano or similar in Seville, Las Piramides or similar in Costa del Sol and Los Angeles or similar in Granada The Four Star Class includes accommodation Melia Lebreros or similar in Seville, Melia Costa del Sol or similar in Costa del Sol and Abades Nevada Palace or similar in Granada. Your tour cost includes the following: 07 nights accommodation at hotels as per itinerary. In case the hotels mentioned on the site are not available, similar hotels will be provided. Transportation via air conditioned deluxe bus as per itinerary Meals as specified in the itinerary (B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner) Guided sightseeing tours as specified in the itinerary Your tour cost excludes the following: International and domestic airfare Travel insurance and visa fees Any additional hotel accommodation or airport transfers before/after the tour Beverages, gratuities, telephone bills, or other items of a personal nature Any item not specifically mentioned as "included" Accommodation Hotel Melia Costa del Sol, Costa del Sol (4 -Star) Paseo Maritimo 11 Playa De BajonoTorremolinos, Malaga Spain A Glimpse of Spain: Future Meets History in Andalusia( 4/10

5 Hotel Melia Costa del Sol is a large, modern hotel set on the seafront on the Costa del Sol, next to lively Torremolinos and just 12 kilometers from Malaga. Guests can relax with a drink in the lounge, browse free newspapers in the lobby, and use high-speed Internet access in public areas. There is also a pool with loungers and parasols, a gym, and an extensive Health Spa complete with sauna, steam bath, massage treatments and jetted tub. The multilingual staff at the 24-hour front desk can advise on sightseeing opportunities and offer a safe-deposit box for valuables. There is also free parking. Facilities 24-hour front desk Coffee shop or café Bar/lounge Business center Safe-deposit box - front desk Audio-visual equipment Babysitting or child care Hair salon ATM/banking Medical assistance available Elevator/lift Air-conditioned public areas Beauty services Billiards Complimentary newspapers in lobby Concierge desk Conference room(s) Currency exchange Dry cleaning service Full-service health spa Gift shops or newsstand High speed Internet access in public areas Laundry facilities Meeting rooms (small groups) Multilingual staff Free Parking Porter/bellhop Restaurant(s) in hotel Room service (24 hours) Smoke-free property Swimming pool - children's Swimming pool - outdoor seasonal Rooms Facilities: Air conditioning Internet access - wireless, dial-up & high speed Cable/satellite TV Balcony Direct-dial phone Minibar Wake-up calls Housekeeping Private bathroom Hair dryer Bidet Extra towels/bedding in room Makeup mirror Shower/tub combination Electronic/magnetic keys Desk In-room safe Smoking rooms Cribs (infant beds) available Abades Nevada Palace Hotel, Granada (4-Star) C/ de la Sultana S/N Granada Abades Nevada Palace is a unique hotel in Granada due to its avant-garde architecture, modern facilities and little details. Everything you are searching for surrounded by a magical environment with the best service and Abades Group's guaranty. 258 bedrooms totally equipped where to enjoy the best views of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada Ski Station thanks to its elliptical construction. All bedrooms are equipped with the most modern technologies, a functional design which will make our guests feel at home. Facilities High food and beverage quality Convention Centre Multi-functional rooms with avant-garde technology Spa: Health, beauty and gym area Outdoor swimming pool Lounge Bar Wi-fi System Private car park Los Angeles Hotel, Granada (4 ****) Cuesta Escoriaza, Granada Our rooms are strategically located in an exceptional area, between the historic center, the commercial district of the city, and the Alhambra, while still providing exceptional quiet and tranquility. Here at Los Angeles Hotel and Spa, we have definitely made things so that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable stay. Facilities Room Service Restaurant Café Disco Pools Spa Gym Room Facilities: Room service Satellite television Complete baths Some of our suites include Jacuzzis A Glimpse of Spain: Future Meets History in Andalusia( 5/10

6 Internet Air conditioning Room Service Direct Line Telephone Minibar Access to a safe. SOL PRINCIPE, Malaga (4****) Paseo Colorado,26 This hotel, situated right on the beach, is perfect for a relaxed holiday next to the sea. Of particular note are the panoramic views of the promenade, of the garden and of the swimming pool. It's 799 rooms are the perfect place in which to relax after a day of activities. The facilities are completed with 6 swimming pools in which to enjoy a cooling dip. Guided tours arranged. Facilities Money Exchange, Balcony, Bars:, Bellboy, Billiards, Car Rental, Coffee-Shop, Cots (On Request), Daytime Entertainment, Fax Service, Hairdresser, Hairdryer, Handicapped access to Garden, Handicapped access to Hotel, Handicapped access to Lifts, Handicapped access to Reception, Handicapped access to Swimming pool, Heating in Public Areas, Information Bureau, Internet Corner, Kids-Club, Laundry service, Lifts:, Magnifiying Mirror, Mini-Golf, Night-time Entertainment, Number of Restaurants, Nursery Service, Play-area for children, Pool bars:, Printer Service, Satellite TV, Shop, Smoke Detectors, Sofa-Bed, Supermarket, Table tennis, Telephone, TV Room:, Videogames Hotel Meliá Lebreros, Seville (4-Star) Calle Luis de Morales, 2a, Seville, Spain The hotel provides a total of 437 rooms, 165 of which are standard rooms with king size bed, 15 with a special sports bed, 5 especially adapted for the disabled, 6 junior suites and 36 rooms on the Royal Service floor with an exclusive check-in / check-out area, and Premium and Premium Superior rooms. Meliá Lebreros has 16 event rooms with a capacity for up to 500 people, all of them fully equipped with the latest audiovisual technology, making our hotel a perfect choice for all of your business events. Facilities 24 hour room service (with extra charge) Wake up call 24 hour 'Serviexpress' (direct line to customer service) Laundry and express laundry service (with extra charge) Concierge Free Business Center Room Facilities: Interactive satellite TV with 34 channels, video and Digital Plus High speed ADSL Internet connection and WiFi (with extra charge) Radio-alarm clock (available via the interactive TV) Minibar (with extra charge) Free safe (large enough for laptop) Direct dial telephone (with extra charge) Air conditioning/central heating Desk Bathtub Shower Arte bathroom amenities Hairdryer Magnifying mirror Pillow menu. Catalonia Santa Justa, Seville (4 ****) José Laguillo, Sevilla Renovated in 2011, this hotel is located in Seville's Santa Justa. It is well connected, very close to the city railway station and 15 minutes from the historic city center. It is a prime area for sightseeing and to stay during a business trip. A Glimpse of Spain: Future Meets History in Andalusia( 6/10

7 Facilities Air Conditioning and Heating Car Rental Car and Motorbike Rental Currency Exchange Free internet connection Wi - Fi internet access Public Parking Outdoor Pool External Service Restaurant Pet residence (on request) Kids club Babysitting (on request) Laundry and Dry Cleaning ** The above accommodations are for reference and all efforts will be made to give these accommodations. In some circumstances if they are not available, alternate arrangements will be made in similar hotels Travel Tips & FAQ's What are the passport/visa requirements for travel to Spain? Please ensure that your passport has at least three blank pages and that it is valid for at least six months beyond your departure date from Spain. Please check with your local embassy regarding visa requirements. What type of clothing is recommended based on the local weather conditions? As most of the tours are during the spring, when the weather is warm, leisure style clothing is recommended. Please bring along a jacket or coat for chilly evenings and windy days, and sun protection for warm afternoons. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. What kind of cuisine is served? Meals are buffet-style with a good variety of fresh local fare, and there are always vegetarian options available. If you have any special requests, we will try our best to accommodate them; please advise Palace Tours upon booking, and also advise your guide upon arrival. Is the tour accessible to wheelchairs / physical challenges? Please know that not all hotels/sights are wheelchair accessible; please check with us at the time of booking. Wheelchairs for sightseeing excursions can be made available upon request; kindly advise our office as soon as possible. What is the maximum group size on the tour? Excursions utilize a deluxe air-conditioned coach, which can seat a maximum of 40 passengers, however the average number of passengers on any given tour is What happens during the "panoramic tour"? For the panoramic city tours, clients remain seated on the coach and are driven around the popular city sights. How much should I expect to tip? Tipping is not mandatory, and is left to the sole discretion of the traveler. This is a decision that should be made based on your enjoyment of the journey and the service; however the customary gratuity is around 10%. 1. I am a US Citizen. Do I need a visa to go to Spain? No. Citizens of the United States do not need a visa for Spain. All other nationalities should check with the local Spanish consulate for Visa requirements. Palace Tours does not provide Visa service. 2. How many travelers can fit in each room? In a deluxe room, two people can sleep comfortably. If you need more room, you may upgrade to a suite to comfortably service three people. This option is especially attractive to parents travelling with a child. If you are travelling with more than one child or more than three people, you will need to reserve two rooms. A Glimpse of Spain: Future Meets History in Andalusia( 7/10

8 3. Are the cities wheelchair accessible? Yes, they are. Many cities have cobblestone streets and the person with the wheelchair would need someone who is able to help them on these more difficult streets. The monuments are wheelchair accessible, but many do not have elevators and if there is a floor higher than ground level it may not be accessible. 4. Is the cuisine in Spain dietary restriction friendly? Spanish cuisine s staples are often ham, seafood, and wheat products. While being a vegetarian in Spain is not easy, it is doable! One classic dish from Spain is the Spanish omelets, which is made with eggs and potatoes. Now vegetarian restaurants are popping up all over Spain to accommodate more people. You can find other classic dishes made without meat, such as paella and cocido. Before ordering a drink in Andalucia, where a complimentary tapa is customary, be sure to mention any dietary restrictions you may have. 5. What type of clothes should we pack? This depends on the time of year you are going. All year long we suggest packing comfortable walking shoes, and in the spring and fall to wear layers. In those seasons it s often chilly in the morning and warm in the afternoon sun. Sunglasses are recommended as well, as the sun in Spain is very strong. 6. Is it customary to tip people in Spain? While the tipping culture is nothing like the United States, it is typical to tip a euro or two at a restaurant if you are a) a large group of people dining, or b) you really loved the service and the restaurant! Terms & Conditions Payment terms: - 10% of total tour cost due at the time of booking - 90% or balance no later than 65 days prior to tour departure date CANCELLATION FEES: (i) 5% of the total tour value if cancelled more than 60 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS (ii) 10% of the total tour value if cancelled up to 30 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS (iii) 20% of the total tour value if cancelled up to 15 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS (iv) 100% of the total tour value if cancelled 0-14 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover the losses incurred in case of cancellation. For information on available plans or to purchase travel insurance, please visit A Glimpse of Spain: Future Meets History in Andalusia( 8/10

9 Palace Tours Contact Information ON THE WEB: BY BY PHONE: USA: Princeton, NJ: New York, NY: Houston, TX: BY FAX: International: Spain : United Kingdom: Hong Kong: (852) South Africa : (+27) Australia: New Zealand: BY POSTAL MAIL: Palace Tours Ltd. 20 Wall Street Princeton, New Jersey DIRECTIONS TO OUR CORPORATE OFFICE Please call ahead for hours and appointments! By Car: From Princeton area: Our office is located on the north side of Route 206 in Princeton, New Jersey. We are in the Research Park office complex, directly opposite from the Princeton Airport. From points North: Via Route 1: Take Route 1 South towards Trenton. After you pass Forrestal Village Campus, you will begin to see signs for Downtown Princeton & Shopping. Turn right on Washington Road. Follow Washington Road for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left on Nassau Street (Route 27). Turn right on Stockton Street (Route 206 North) & follow for approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto Wall Street. Via Route 287: Take Route 287 South towards Somerville. Take exit 17 for Route 206 South (Somerville). You will pass through a traffic circle follow signs for Route 206 South. Follow Route 206 South for approximately 12 miles. Turn left onto Wall Street. From points South: Via the Garden State Parkway: Take the Parkway North/South to exit 98 for Route 138 West toward Trenton. Route 138 West becomes Route 195 West. Follow 195 West for approximately 17 miles. Merge onto Route 295 North toward Trenton. Follow directions below. Via Route 95/ 295: Take Route 95 North until it becomes Route 295 North toward Trenton. Take exit 67A and merge onto Route 1 North. Follow Route 1 North for approximately 5 miles. Take the exit for Washington Road. Turn right on Washington Road. Follow Washington Road for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left on Nassau Street (Route 27). Turn A Glimpse of Spain: Future Meets History in Andalusia( 9/10

10 right on Stockton Street (Route 206 North) & follow for approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto Wall Street. By train: Princeton Junction is the main train station along the Northeast Corridor for Amtrak and New Jersey Transit. Visitors can take a cab from here to Princeton or transfer to a one-car train to Princeton called the "Dinky". The train ride takes about 5 minutes, and drops you at University Place across from McCarter Theatre. If you choose this option, be sure to purchase a rail ticket to Princeton for presentation upon boarding the Dinky. Our office is a 10-minute cab ride from Princeton station (approx. 4.5 miles). By bus: Several buses arrive and depart daily from Princeton Research Park (i.e., New Jersey Transit s 605 Montgomery Line). From the bus station, walk into the Research Park office complex. We are located at #20 Wall Street. *For emergencies while traveling within India, you may contact our Jaipur office. Details will be provided in your travel vouchers, which are issued upon full payment. A Glimpse of Spain: Future Meets History in Andalusia( 10/10