Highlights of Spain, a Luxury Link Exclusive

Transcription

1 Highlights of Spain, a Luxury Link Exclusive Highlights Duration: 9 Days Arrival City: Barcelona, Spain Arrival Airport: BCN Departure City: Ronda, Spain Departure Airport: RRA Day 1: Arrival day in Barcelona Upon arrival at Barcelona airport you will be met in the arrival hall by your driver and privately transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to rest and enjoy the facilities of your hotel. This evening you will be privately transferred to the Tablao Flamenco Cordobés restaurant for a flamenco performance, including dinner. With an exquisite handcrafted decor and excellent service and authenticity, dining in Cordobés is a must in order to really see a flamenco Tablao. The history of the Hotel El Palace has gone hand in hand with the most remarkable events in Barcelona, during the last century. All rooms are carefully decorated, with high ceilings and large windows. In the décor elegant shapes predominate, the neutral tones and touches giving it a unique quality in design and comfort. All rooms benefit from the most modern equipment such as air-conditioning, satellite TV, direct telephone, Wi-Fi internet access, safe and mini-bar. The one Michelin star restaurant Caelis offers 21st Century International cuisine, at The Garden buffet breakfast is served each

2 morning, the AE Restaurant serves light lunches and dinners in a French brasserie atmosphere and there are also 2 bars. El Palace Hotel Barcelona Classic Deluxe Double/Twin 3 nights Meal Plan: Dinner Lodging: El Palace Hotel Barcelona Description: El Palace Hotel has been totally refurbished and opened again in late The works have preserved the classic spirit that has always characterized this property, distinguished as a symbol of Barcelona s hotel tradition. Set in the heart of the city center, close to Las Ramblas and in the most prestigious shopping area, it is surrounded by boulevards, boutiques and main attractions. Day 2: Barcelona sightseeing tour and enjoy exploring Tapas in the evening Today enjoy a morning sightseeing tour (4 hours) of Barcelona with your Englishspeaking guide and private vehicle to discover the masterpieces of Catalonia's most famous architect, Gaudí: the Casa Mila with its wave-like facade and the impressive but unfinished Sagrada Familia Basilica. You will also visit the Parc Guell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Gaudi's most colourful creations. This afternoon is at your leisure. Early this evening you will start your tapas tour with your expert local guide (up to 4 hours). There is no more Spanish way of spending an evening than to stroll in search of dinner in a few of Barcelona's most interesting "tapas bars". You may like to sit down and enjoy a variety of raciones ( Tapas ) in one place or, stroll between several. It will be a totally informal, and great fun evening. It is of course easy to go off on your own and explore in search of tapas but it is all too easy to get lost or confused and for this reason to be guided by a local connoisseur will infinitely enhance your experience. After your tour your guide will accompany you back to your hotel. El Palace Hotel Barcelona Classic Deluxe King/Twin, Dinner Lodging: El Palace Hotel Barcelona Description: El Palace Hotel has been totally refurbished and opened again in late The works have preserved the classic spirit that has always characterized this property, distinguished as a symbol of Barcelona s hotel tradition. Set in the heart of the

3 city center, close to Las Ramblas and in the most prestigious shopping area, it is surrounded by boulevards, boutiques and main attractions. Day 3: Cycle through the vineyards of Penedes or a helicopter tour for a different view of Barcelona Today is at your leisure. You may like to visit the famous almost 200 years old Boquería Market, probably the most amazing display of produce and foodstuffs you will ever see. Though a mighty city, Barcelona is only a few miles from one of the most interesting wine regions of Spain, the Penedés. This is the home of Spain s renowned sparkling cava, made in exactly the same way as Champagne and enjoyed all over the world. The countryside in the winter sunshine has a unique charm and one way to enjoy it is to get out on bikes and pedal through the vineyards visiting small or large wineries; perhaps one of the great cava houses like the architecturally spectacular Cordorniú, or tiny family properties that are way off the tourist track. This is all in the company of a private expert cycling guide. The visit will be for the morning and will include lunch. How far you cycle is completely up to you. Your route will start at around 45km but then you can keep going further if you are feeling particularly active. Optional Extra 35 minute helicopter tour. See Barcelona from a different perspective today, as you fly over the city during a public 35 minute helicopter ride. Soar over the city and coast and view from above the streets that you have been exploring. Pass by dramatic the Montserrat mountains, a spectacular range of peaks to the north-west of Barcelona. El Palace Hotel Barcelona Classic Deluxe King/Twin Lodging: El Palace Hotel Barcelona Description: El Palace Hotel has been totally refurbished and opened again in late The works have preserved the classic spirit that has always characterized this property, distinguished as a symbol of Barcelona s hotel tradition. Set in the heart of the city center, close to Las Ramblas and in the most prestigious shopping area, it is surrounded by boulevards, boutiques and main attractions. Day 4: Board a train to Madrid and explore the city in the afternoon This morning meet your Barcelona Guardian Angel for the private vehicle transfer to the Barcelona rail station to board your AVE train (Club Class) to Madrid. Upon arrival at the Madrid rail station, make your way off the train and your Madrid Guardian Angel will be waiting for you at the end of the platform. Transfer by private vehicle to your hotel.

4 At 2,100 feet above sea level, Madrid is Europe's highest capital city. Originally a provincial town, it was elevated to capital status in 1561 by Felipe II. Madrid's city centre is quite compact and many attractions and museums are located within close proximity to one another. The city has a lush abundance of parks and open spaces providing a welcoming retreat from its everyday hubbub. From gothic and baroque to neoclassical and modern, there are many types of architectural styles displayed in its buildings: Madrid has a profuse amount of fine shops, museums, art galleries and cultural activities to experience. Spaniards dine and retire late and Madrileños are no exception. The city (and its inhabitants), never seem to sleep and the city centre lures residents and visitors alike to the numerous restaurants, countless bars and music clubs. All who visit are quickly drawn to this city's vibrant energy and charm, which is reflected in the spirit of its people. This afternoon you embark on a 4 hour introductory tour of the city with your guide for today. Your sightseeing will be tailored to your interest and energy level. You might begin with a visit the historic centre around the arcaded 17th century Plaza Mayor, the Puerta del Sol, the Retiro Park and the elegant Salamanca district. Situated in the heart of Madrid, by the Prado and the Spanish Parliament Buildings, the Westin Palace Hotel has been host to Princes, Prime Ministers and Presidents from all over the world. Conceived by King Alfonso XIII and inspired by the French baroque style, the hotel combines monumental elegance with all the services and luxuries of a modern hotel. The hotel offers two restaurants, bar, fitness centre and sauna. Westin Palace Madrid Deluxe Double/Twin 2 nights Lodging: Westin Palace Madrid Description: Located in the heart of the Spanish capital, and within walking distance of prestigious museums and the main business and shopping district, The Westin Palace Madrid has been the choice for discerning guests seeking a base in which to relax, celebrate or do business in Madrid for over a century. Day 5: Visit the Art galleries of Madrid This morning enjoy a half day tour (4 hours) with your local English-speaking guide and private vehicle. Today you can visit two of the three art galleries in Madrid that the city is famed for. You may wish to visit the Prado Museum, which for many visitors is one of Madrid's main attractions. Here you can view works by Spain's three great masters: Goya, Velazquez and El Greco. You may choose to visit the magnificent Thyssen-

5 Bornemisza collection which boasts 800 paintings and is regarded as one of the most important privately assembled art collections in the world or your preference may be to visit the Reina Sofia Art Centre, which concentrates on 20th century art, and its most famous work Picasso's 'Guernica'. Whichever combination you prefer your expert guide will be sure to bring the art work to life for you. This afternoon is at your leisure. This evening you will be transferred to the starting point of your two hour privately guided Segway tour. As you surely know the Segway provides a self-balancing, personal transportation device that's designed to operate in any pedestrian environment and is perfect for exploring the back streets and parks of Madrid. The tour begins with a personal training and safety demonstration beforehand by the private guide who will accompany you throughout, pointing out some of the most famous and memorable sights of the city, illuminated for the evening. A good route would be to first discover the district around the popular Plaza Santa Ana (famous for its tapas) and then on to the beautiful green Retiro Park. From there you could also continue into the elegant Serrano shopping district (great for Segways). After your adventure you will be accompanied back to your hotel by your Guardian Angel. Westin Palace Madrid Deluxe Double/Twin Lodging: Westin Palace Madrid Description: Located in the heart of the Spanish capital, and within walking distance of prestigious museums and the main business and shopping district, The Westin Palace Madrid has been the choice for discerning guests seeking a base in which to relax, celebrate or do business in Madrid for over a century. Day 6: Madrid sightseeing tour and then journey to Cordoba in the afternoon This morning you will be met at your hotel by your Madrid Guardian Angel and transferred by private vehicle to the Madrid rail station to board your train (Club Class) to Cordoba, one of Spain's oldest cities. Upon arrival, you will be met at the rail station by your local English-speaking guide and private vehicle for a sightseeing tour (2½ hours) of the city. Enjoy a walking tour through the flower-filled streets of the Jewish Quarter and visit the Mezquita, built between the 8th and 10th centuries and considered to be one of the most extraordinary buildings in all of Europe. In the 1520s, a Christian Baroque nave was constructed in the heart of the mosque, which fortunately is so large that the unity of the building was not destroyed by this resplendent but anomalous

6 addition. After lunch at leisure, transfer by private vehicle through spectacular countryside to Granada. The Alhambra Palace is an impressive Moorish, castle-like property within the grounds of the Alhambra, in the old quarter of Granada. Enjoy the magnificent views from the terraces, overlooking the city and the year-round snow on the mountains in the distance. There are 115 Doubles Rooms and 11 Suites, offering the old-fashioned ambiance, lot of space and are decorated in traditional style. All rooms feature: telephone, mini bar, colour TV set with international satellite channels, piped music, individual safety box, room service and laundry and valet service. Hotel Alhambra Palace Classic Double/Twin 1 night Lodging: Hotel Alhambra Palace Description: Alhambra Palace Hotel is located inside the City of the Alhambra. It dominates the hill of The Sabika, at only 5 minutes walk from the places and gardens of the Alhambra. The property can be reached easily through the Granada s beltway, South Alhambra. Day 7: Enjoy the magnificent views from the terraces of Alhambra Palace The Alhambra is the most perfect example of a medieval Muslim palace in the whole world. It is today a World Heritage Site and you will see it all, in the hands of an outstanding local guide; the place of the Nasaries, the Court of Myrtles, the Court of the Lions, and then the delicious gardens of the Generalife a smaller palace just up the hill which in the early 20th century was restored to how it was in the days of the last Arab kings of Granada before the city fell to the Christian monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella in (4 hours with driver and guide). This afternoon, you will be met at your hotel by your driver and privately transferred directly to Seville. The Hotel Meliá Colon is an elegant five star hotel splendidly situated in the old quarter of Seville, between the Maestranza bull ring, the Torre del Oro and the Giralda. It is not far from the Cartuja, and all the other famous landmarks of Seville. All bedrooms have air-conditioning and hairdryers. Facilities include a gymnasium, sauna and boutiques. Gran Hotel Melia Colon Deluxe Double/Twin 2 nights

7 Lodging: Gran Hotel Melia Colon Description: Design and service in a luxury city hotel in Seville. Gran Meliá Colón, located in the historical, cultural, commercial and financial heart of the city, offers a striking combination of art, culture and style. Day 8: Walking tour of the historic heart of Seville This morning explore the historic heart of the city of Seville on a walking tour with your local guide (4 hrs). Visit the 15th Century Cathedral, one of the most breath-taking in all of Christendom, and see La Giralda, Seville's most famous monument. The Moorish tower was erected as a minaret in the 12th century. Visit the Alcazar, a magnificent 14th century Mudejar palace that is one of the oldest royal residences in Europe still in use. You will also enjoy a walk through the Barrio de Santa Cruz, a maze of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, small squares and flower filled patios. Meet your cycling guide this afternoon for a 2 and a half hour cycling tour through the city. You will have the opportunity to ride through the city s picturesque parks, along the river and through the fascinating Triana area. Your guide will even treat you to a drink at a top bar in the centre of the city! Gran Hotel Melia Colon Deluxe Double/Twin Lodging: Gran Hotel Melia Colon Description: Design and service in a luxury city hotel in Seville. Gran Meliá Colón, located in the historical, cultural, commercial and financial heart of the city, offers a striking combination of art, culture and style. Day 9: Departure day Today you will be privately transferred to Seville airport for your flight home.

8 Trip Includes Buffet breakfast Private transport by Mercedes E Class or similar for 1-2 people, Mercedes Viano or similar for 3-4 people travelling. Please note that the vehicle provided allows for ONE piece of luggage per person. For additional luggage, larger vehicles can be provided for a supplementary cost. Club Class train tickets from Barcelona to Madrid and Madrid to Cordoba Tour Guardian Angel assistance at the Barcelona and Madrid train stations Basic English-speaking driver for stated transfers Expert local English-speaking guides for stated sightseeing Vehicles, drivers & guides available for the stated amount of sightseeing as applicable, ie 3-4 hours for half day tours and 8hrs for full day tours, starting from the time indicated in the final itinerary Entrance fees to all sights and museums All taxes 24 hour emergency contact service based at our Office in Europe Trip Excludes All air travel and associated costs All meals except breakfast unless stated otherwise in the itinerary Porterage Gratuities* All items of a personal nature (e.g. beverages, telephone calls, laundry, personal insurance) Anything not specifically mentioned in the Inclusions list above.