Spain & Portugal. Arts Club Tour Depart 28 April, 2016 Return 18 May, Day 1 Friday, 29 April 2016: Arrive in Barcelona, Spain

Transcription

1 Spain & Portugal Arts Club Tour 2016 Depart 28 April, 2016 Return 18 May, 2016 Day 1 Friday, 29 April 2016: Arrive in Barcelona, Spain Welcome to Barcelona, Spain! A group transfer will take you to your hotel for check in. This evening meet your tour director and travelling companions for a welcome reception with wine and snacks. Day 2 Saturday, 30 April 2016: Barcelona Sightseeing with a local guide features the Columbus Monument, Plaza de Cataluna, and Paseo de Gracia. Admire the Sagrada Familia Basilica, Gaudi s masterpiece, and enjoy a panoramic view of the city harbour from Montjuic Hill. Also visit the Gothic quarter. Afternoon is at leisure. This evening enjoy a Spanish dinner in the heart of Barcelona. (B, D)

2 Day 3 Sunday, 1 May 2016: Barcelona, Excursion to Montserrat Drive through picturesque villages to 4,320 foot Montserrat with its impressive Benedictine monastery perched halfway up the mountain. Visit the Royal Basilica, one of Spain's most important pilgrimage sites for hundreds of years due to its famous 12 th century Romanesque carving of the Virgin Moreneta. Enjoy a nice lunch and take in the natural beauty of these surroundings. (B, L) Day 4 Monday, 2 May 2016: Barcelona Valencia Drive along the coast to Valencia, once a royal capital. During a guided walking tour, Valencia s Roman, Moorish, and Spanish history comes alive. Sample a traditional Horchata drink, and tonight a special paella dinner will be prepared for you at one of Valencia s local restaurants. (B, D) Day 5 Tuesday, 3 May 2016: Valencia Granada Enjoy a scenic drive towards the mountains past troglodyte cave dwellings hollowed out of the soft tufa stone, near Guadix and Purullena. Cross Mora Pass and arrive in Granada, where a special dinner awaits you for the perfect introduction to this magnificent city. (B, D)

3 Day 6 Wednesday, 4 May 2016: Granada Sightseeing with a local guide features Granada s main attraction, the Alhambra Complex - a fantasy of lace in stone surrounded by arabesque gardens and fountains. Also amble through the exotic Water Gardens of the Generalife. This afternoon, discover the Cathedral of Granada, considered to be one of Spain s most important Renaissance buildings. Visit the richly decorated Royal Chapel, built between 1505 and 1521 and which houses the mortal remains of Queen Isabella of Castile and King Ferdinand of Aragon, the couple who unified Spain under one monarchy. Then, visit the Carthusian Monastery, an outstanding example of Baroque architecture with its intricate white stucco works. Construction began in 1516 and continued for the next 300 years, but the project was never completed. The monastery was home to a community of monks and laymen who lived under a vow of silence. (B) Day 7 Thursday, 5 May 2016: Granada Malaga Marbella Head to beautiful Malaga, the city where Pablo Picasso was born. A local guide will take you on a walking tour of the Old City followed by a visit to the Picasso Museum, which displays over 200 pieces of his work. Later, continue on to the glamorous resort town of Marbella. (B, D) Day 8 Friday, 6 May 2016: Marbella Excursion to Ronda Today, travel to Ronda, one of the most historic towns in the region. A sightseeing tour will take you to one of Spain s oldest buildings, the Plaza de Toros, where you will learn about bullfighting. Then take in the breathtaking views if El Tajo Gorge. Tour a local winery to learn more about the vineyards in this area. Enjoy a wine tasting and light lunch. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to relax and explore this amazing picturesque town. (B, L)

4 Day 9 Saturday, 7 May 2016: Marbella Gibraltar Seville Drive to the Rock of Gibraltar, in British hands since Hear about its turbulent history from your local guide, see the Moorish castle, and visit St. Michael s Caves and the colony of Barbary apes. Then, on through the sunny sherry wine region on the Costa de la Luz to vibrant, festive Seville, where an exclusive visit has been included to the Mirador de las Setas. (B, D) Day 10 Sunday, 8 May 2016: Seville During your sightseeing tour with a local guide, hear about the city s role in Roman times, its conquest by the Moors in 712 A.D, and its contribution to the discovery of the New World. Admire Maria Luisa Park, the Golden Tower on the Guadalquivir River, and the university that used to be the tobacco factory of Carmen fame. Also visit the Alcazar, founded in the 11th century as a Moorish fortress, with its Palacio de Don Pedro. Then, stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming Santa Cruz quarter. This evening, savour an Andalusian dinner while enjoying an exciting flamenco show. The flamenco dance, with its roots in Indian, Arabic, and Spanish cultures, is a highly-expressive, passionate dance form that no visitor to Spain should miss. (B, D) Day 11 Monday, 9 May 2016: Seville Setúbal, Portugal Lisbon A scenic drive today takes you to Portugal. Stop in Setúbal and enjoy a wine tasting before arriving in Lisbon, proud capital of Portugal. This evening, enjoy a dinner with Fado-style entertaining which combines elements of Portuguese country folk music with Moorish and African influences. It originated in the port city of Lisbon, where many cultures met and merged over centuries; it is the music that reveals the Portuguese soul. (B, D)

5 Day 12 Tuesday, 10 May 2016: Lisbon, Portugal Lisbon was the center of Europe s longest-lived overseas empire. Portugal s imperial ambitions date back to Prince Henry the Navigator s 15 th century discoveries in West Africa. Morning sightseeing with a local guide features a drive through the Baixa quarter s main squares. Then, enjoy a walk through the cobblestone alleys of quaint Alfama, the popular quarter of the seamen and Fado singers. Drive along the grand Avenida da Liberdade up to Pombal Square, and stop for pictures of Belem Tower and the Monument of the Discoverers. Also visit Jeronimos Monastery with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. For a true taste of Lisbon, enjoy a pastel (a traditional Portuguese pastry) and a drink at Pasteis de Belém. Dinner this evening will be in the Alfama quarter, known for its medieval alleys and outstanding views. (B, D) Day 13 Wednesday, 11 May, 2016: Lisbon, Excursion to Sintra & Queluz Enjoy a panoramic drive through Lisbon and along the scenic Estoril coast to the picturesque fishing village of Cascais, with free time for lunch. Later, drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sintra, with guided sightseeing and time at leisure for shopping. On the way back to Lisbon, stop in Queluz to visit the 17 th century Versailles-like royal palace and gardens, the country's finest example of Rococo architecture. (B, L) Day 14 Thursday, 12 May, 2016: Lisbon Fatima Porto Before heading to Porto, melt into the stream of pilgrims from all over the world as you visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima. Drive by ancient Bucaco Forest on your way to Porto, Portugal s second largest city. This evening, sip a drink while enjoying a scenic cruise along the Douro on a river boat. Later, enjoy a delicious Portuguese dinner. (B, D)

6 Day 15 Friday, 13 May 2016: Porto Sightseeing with a local guide includes a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River, the soaring cathedral, the richly decorated Church of Sao Francisco, and the Stock Exchange with its contemporary Arabian Hall, inspired by Granada s Alhambra. Next, visit the famous Sandeman & Co. Port Wine Cellar to taste the port wine produced from grapes of the Douro Valley. This afternoon visit Sao Bento train station, inaugurated in 1916 and famous for its 20,000 ceramic tiles depicting scenes of Portugal's history. Admire the magnificent neo-gothic facade of Lello Bookshop, named by The Guardian as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Time to browse and see its amazing interior of stained glass, carved wood, pressed copper and glass-enclosed bookshelves. Your excursion ends with a visit to Casa da Musica, the modern and unique concert hall, whose architect was awarded the Pritkzer Prize for his design. (B, L) Day 16 Saturday, 14 May 2016: Porto Salamanca, Spain Depart Porto for Salamanca, Spain. Upon arrival in Salamanca, follow your tour director for a pleasant walk to beautiful Plaza Mayor. A highlight is your overnight stay at Hacienda Zorita, where wine tasting and dinner await you. (B, D) Day 17 Sunday, 15 May 2016: Salamanca Avila Toledo Madrid Journey to Madrid today, the capital of Spain since Before arriving in Madrid, enjoy a walk through the walled town of Avila, where St. Theresa founded the Discalced Carmelites, along with St. John of the Cross. Then, on to Toledo spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River. A local guide takes you to the Moorish bridge, an early synagogue, the 13 th century gothic cathedral, and the Church of Santo Tome with one of El Greco s most famous paintings. Tonight is your chance to try many of the dishes for which Madrid is renowned at one of Madrid's favorite restaurants. Drinks and coffee are included. During this evening, don't miss the opportunity to sip a glass of Sangria, the most traditional and famous Spanish drink prepared with wine, chopped fruit, sweetener, and a small amount of added brandy. (B, D)

7 Day 18 Monday, 16 May 2016: Madrid Madrid today is a strikingly modern city, the showcase of a country resolutely turned towards the future. Your local guide takes you to the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de España, with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, elegant Calle Alcala, and Paseo de Castellana. Then, enjoy a highlight visit to the palatial Prado Museum with its priceless art treasures. Remainder of the day is at leisure. (B, D) Day 19 Tuesday, 17 May 2016: Madrid - El Escorial & Valley of the Fallen Excursion Visit El Escorial, a renaissance-style quadrangular complex of white-grey stone which houses the Mausoleum of the Spanish Monarchs and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built under the order of King Phillip II, it is considered the eighth Wonder of the World. Later, continue through the Valley of the Fallen to the basilica and the 492-foot cross commemorating the victims of the civil war. Lunch today will be the perfect moment to say adios and to toast all of the memorable experiences you had on this trip. (B, L) Day 20 Wednesday, 18 May 2016: Depart Madrid A group transfer will take you to the airport for your homebound flight. (B)

8 Included: HOTELS: 19 nights (Hotels are subject to change due to operational reasons at the hotels.) MEALS: Barcelona: Catalonia Ramblas Valencia: NH Centre Granada: Saray Hotel Marbella: Fuerte Miramar Seville: Ayre Hotel Seville Lisbon: Marquis de Pombal Porto: Tiara Park Salamanca: Hacienda Zorita Madrid: Husa Princesa Accommodations will be provided in deluxe first-class hotels. Rooms are twin-bedded, with private bath or shower; double beds on request only. Hotel taxes, service charges, state and local taxes, tips to baggage porters and hotel staff are all included in our tour price. 19 breakfasts (B) 5 lunches (L) with wine 12 dinners (D) with wine SIGHTSEEING: Sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary with inside visits (including admission charges). Sightseeing is with local guides where applicable. TOUR DIRECTOR: The services of a professional, multilingual Spanish/Portuguese tour director will be provided throughout the tour. The guide will travel with us the entire trip from Barcelona to Madrid. NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR PRICE: COST: Air fare, airport taxes (where applicable), excess baggage, meals not included in attached itinerary, all items of a personal nature such as laundry, cleaning, telephone, telex or fax expenses, and tips to motor coach driver, tour director and local guides. $5,699 per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement: $1200 **(Limited availability for single rooms)** Pre-paid gratuities: $TBA (making life simpler) Deposit: Non-refundable $250 at time of booking. TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insurance for all ages with cancellation and medical only $299 (also covers pre-existing). The pre-existing coverage on this policy is excellent, since very few policies cover this and, based on our age group, it is a very wise choice to take this coverage. Insurance can only be included at time of full deposit. This tour is not suitable for individuals with balance or mobility issues. To confirm your reservation for this incredible tour of Spain and Portugal in 2016 or for any further questions, please geoffclydesdale@gmail.com or call Monique at TravelTST at Full itinerary will be available on