Best of Spain 2010 - About this Tour

Tour Details | Departure Dates and Pricing

Details

• Duration (with arrival/departure): 16
• Tour Style: Regional
• Destinations: Madrid, Toledo, Burgos, Santander, Bilbao, San Sebastian, Pamplona, Zaragoza, Barcelona, Valencia, Granada, Torremolinos, Gibraltar, Seville, Cordoba

Itinerary

• Day 1 - Depart USA Overnight flight to Madrid



• Day 2 - Arrive Madrid (2 nights) Welcome to the Spanish capital, Madrid! After check-in, you may wish to relax at your hotel or why not take an excursion to El Escorial? This evening we will enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and meet our traveling companions.
  
  Hotel: Holiday Inn (2 nights)



• Day 3 - Toledo Excursion & Madrid Sightseeing First we enjoy an included excursion to Toledo, capital of Castile. Here sightseeing with a local guide includes a visit to the synagogue, the Church of Santo Tome and a steel workshop. Then we return to Madrid where our guided tour shows us the Plaza España, the Puerta del Sol, the Cibeles Fountain and Gran Via. This evening, perhaps dine in a restaurant on the Plaza Mayor (Buffet Breakfast)



• Day 4 - Madrid – Burgos – Santander This morning our journey takes us over the Guadarrama Mountains to El Cid’s city of Burgos, to see the gothic cathedral. From here we drive close to the Ebro and over the Cantabrian Cordillera to the coast and sophisticated Santander, capital of the Cantabrian region, for the night. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 
  
  Hotel: Santemar



• Day 5 - Santander – Bilbao – San Sebastian – Pamplona Today’s first stop is in Bilbao where there’s a chance to visit the new Guggenheim Museum. We pass by Guetaria, birthplace of Juan Sebastian Elcano who accomplished the first circumnavigation of the world as a member of the great Magelan expedition, 1519-1522. Then we head to seaside San Sebastian. On our arrival an orientation tour shows us the Bahia de la Concha beach, then on to Pamplona. Here we see the ancient streets and learn of the Festival of St. Firminius, when the bulls are left to run free through the town! (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 
  
  Hotel: NH Iruna Park



• Day 6 - Pamplona – Zaragoza – Barcelona (2 nights) Today we return to the Ebro Valley, stopping at Zaragoza where we see the Cathedral of El Pilar as well as the Cathedral La Seo. Then onto Barcelona where our Tour Director shows us a Hidden Treasure in this fascinating and vibrant city. (Buffet breakfast) 
  
  Hotel: Abba Sants (2 nights)



• Day 7 - Barcelona sightseeing & at leisure Our morning sightseeing tour with a local guide and audio system includes a walk through the Gothic Quarter with its impressive cathedral. We also see Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia plus many of his other eccentric architectural masterpieces. Later, we will view Columbus Monument and the Ramblas. Then enjoy time at leisure in this sophisticated city or perhaps take an optional excursion to mystical Montserrat to see the shrine to the Black Madonna, Our lady of Montserrat, or ‘La Moreneta’, as she is affectionately known all over Catalonia? (Buffet breakfast)



• Day 8 - Barcelona – Peñiscola – Valencia We drive past orange and almond orchards to Peñiscola with its ancient castle. Then through the ‘huertas’ to sunny Valencia, the third largest city in Spain, where our orientation includes the town hall, the Bull Ring, the Towers of Serrano and Quart and the cathedral. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 
  
  Hotel: Abba Acteon Plaza



• Day 9 - Valencia – Guadix – Granada This morning we travel inland to the ‘sierras’ and Guadix, stopping to view the troglodyte cave dwellings. Cave houses are common throughout the province of Granada, but the highest concentration is in Barrio Santiago. Some of the cave dwellings look like small cottages, others look like walled earthed mounds with chimneys sticking out! From here we continue our journey via the jagged Mora Pass, as we make our way to the Moorish city of Granada. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 
  
  Hotel: Gran Luna



• Day 10 - Granada – Costa del Sol (2 nights) This morning after breakfast our sightseeing tour with a local guide and audio system visits the spectacular Moorish Alhambra Palace. Our guided tour highlights the extraordinary architecture and shows us the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence, where we have fine views over the town and the surrounding hills. Afterwards we will continue to the coast, and our hotel for two nights, in the Costa del Sol with its long beaches, stopping in the resort of Torremolinos. (Buffet breakfast) 
  
  Hotel: Melia Costa Del Sol (2 nights)



• Day 11 - Costa del Sol at leisure After breakfast you can enjoy a full day at leisure perhaps to relax! Or you may wish to shop for souvenirs in the old town of Torremolinos, lie on the beach and soak up the sunshine or maybe take an optional excursion to the white-washed village of Mijas. Your evening is at leisure. (Buffet breakfast)



• Day 12 - Costa del Sol – Seville (2 nights) This morning we enjoy a scenic drive past the exciting millionaire’s resort of Marbella and on to La Linea. Later, we cross to the Rock of Gibraltar, with plenty of time for duty-free shopping before continuing through the Jerez countryside. Finally, we arrive in the Andalusian capital of Seville for two nights. Tonight we enjoy a typical Andalusian dinner of local specialities in an authentic hacienda. (Buffet breakfast / 'Be My Guest' Dinner) 
  
  Hotel: Tryp Macarena (2 nights)



• Day 13 - Seville sightseeing & at leisure This morning after breakfast we will drive through the tree-lined streets of Seville and enjoy a sightseeing tour with audio system including the cathedral with its Bell Tower and weather vane on the slender Giralda Tower. We will see the tomb of Christopher Columbus in the cathedral, the pools and fountains of the Maria Luisa Park and continue with a walk through the Jewish quarter. Tonight, why not experience a little Spanish passion at a fiery Flamenco show after dinner in our hotel? (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)



• Day 14 - Seville – Cordoba Today along the Guadalquivir Valley, past villages and towns studded with Moorish towers and fortresses, we travel to the perfectly preserved city of Cordoba. Here our sightseeing, including audio system, this afternoon features the magnificent Mezquita, a former 8th century Moorish mosque, now hosting Cordoba’s main cathedral, and we also have time to visit the medieval synagogue. Before dinner there is time for relaxation and exploration of the city on your own. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 
  
  Hotel: Ayre Hotel Cordoba



• Day 15 - Cordoba – Madrid Today we cross La Mancha to Puerto Lapice where, according to tradition, Don Quixote was dubbed knight by the local innkeeper. Next we drive back to Madrid where a local guide takes us on a visit to the world-famous Prado Museum to admire the paintings of Velazquez and Goya among the many fine works displayed. Then there is time perhaps to enjoy some last-minute shopping. This evening, join your Tour Director and traveling companions for a Farewell Dinner to celebrate the end of the Spanish tour we have enjoyed together. (Buffet breakfast / Farewell Dinner) 
  
  Hotel: NH Habana



• Day 16 - Madrid – USA This morning it is time for final goodbyes to Spain and our Tour Director as our vacation comes to an end. There are airport transfers available, conditions apply. (Buffet breakfast)



• Free airport transfers: Transfers on Day 2 at Madrid Airport will operate at 09.30, 12.30, 15.00 and 17.30. Passengers arriving later should make their own way to the first hotel. Return transfers on the last touring day will arrive at Madrid Airport at 07.00, 09.00 and 11.00.



• Important note: The visit to Gibraltar is subject to British and Spanish visa requirements. Please speak with your travel agent at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.
  


Depart USAArrive Madrid Toledo Excursion & Madrid SightseeingMadrid – Burgos – SantanderSantander – Bilbao – San Sebastian – PamplonaPamplona – Zaragoza – Barcelona Barcelona sightseeing & at leisureBarcelona – Peñiscola – ValenciaValencia – Guadix – GranadaGranada – Costa del Sol Costa del Sol at leisureCosta del Sol – Seville Seville sightseeing & at leisureSeville – CordobaCordoba – MadridMadrid – USAFree airport transfers:Important note:

Whats Included

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Sightseeing Highlights

• Madrid: See the Plaza España and Cibeles Fountain plus a highlight visit to the famous Prado Museum.
• Toledo: Visit to the Synagogue, Church of Santo Tomé and a steel workshop.
• Burgos: See the tomb of El Cid.
• Santander: Orientation tour.
• Bilbao: Photo stop at the Guggenheim Museum.
• San Sebastian: Orientation tour includes La Concha Bay.
• Pamplona: See the ancient streets where the bulls run.
• Zaragoza: View the Cathedral of El Pilar and La Seo.
• Barcelona: See the Gothic Quarter, Gaudi's Sagrada Familia and the Ramblas.
• Peñiscola: See the ancient castle used in the film 'El Cid'.
• Valencia: See the cathedral and Serrano and Cuarte Towers.
• Granada: Visit to the Alhambra Palace.
• Torremolinos: Stay in this famous holiday resort.
• Gibraltar: Visit the famous Rock.
• Seville: See the Bell Tower and Maria Luisa Park.
• Cordoba: See the Mezquita and medieval Synagogue.
• Guetaria: See the town of Elcano.
• Guadix See the cave dwellings.

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Dining Highlights

• 14 hot buffet breakfasts.
• 6 three-course dinners.
• ‘Be My Guest’ Andalusian dinner in an authentic hacienda.
• Farewell Dinner with wine in Madrid.
22 meals in total (see day-by-day itinerary)

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First Class Travel Highlights

• First Class hotel accommodation includes twin-bedded rooms with private facilities, all hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
• Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a washroom onboard.
• The services of one of Trafalgar's top professional multi-lingual Tour Directors.
• A qualified local city guide in Madrid, Toledo, Barcelona, Granada, Seville and Cordoba.
• Airport transfers are provided on Day 2 and Day 16.
• A stylish wallet, tour documents and a Welcome on Tour book.

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Airport Transfers

• London Gateways: Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the airport and your London hotel. But when you book your Trafalgar tour and take advantage of our land and air packages, we have included a FREE transfer to and from London’s airports and your Trafalgar London hotel. For passengers who have their own flight arrangements we offer you the opportunity to purchase inexpensive transfers to and from London’s Heathrow – Trafalgar has negotiated special rates for the Dot2Dot transfer from London’s Heathr
• Important – Please Note: Passengers will only be entitled to transfers to and from London Airports providing the following conditions are met:
• For included transfers: Your flights must be booked directly by Trafalgar no fewer than 21 days prior to departure. For chargeable transfers: Your Travel Agent provides detailed flight information to Trafalgar no fewer than 21 days prior to departure. Once transfers are booked they cannot be changed.
• For London arrivals, you must stay at a London hotel booked by Trafalgar on the night of arrival and the night prior to your departure date.
• Trafalgar only includes one inbound and one outbound transfer.
• In the event of flight delays outside of Trafalgar’s control, the transfers will be deemed to be cancelled.
• All transfers are based on group transfers. No refund is therefore available for missed transfers, or passengers not using this service.
• In the event of unforeseen events (such as road or rail works, strikes or demonstrations), Trafalgar will not be responsible for delayed or cancelled transfers.
• Heathrow Airport: National Express Dot2Dot will pick up and drop off in time to meet all flights to/from London’s Heathrow Airport. For guests arriving at the Dot2Dot desk after 22.00 hrs please make use of the courtesy phone to arrange your transfer to your Trafalgar hotel.
• Gatwick Airport: Passengers who have booked Trafalgar’s Land and Air packages arriving at London’s Gatwick Airport are provided with a Gatwick Express train voucher. The Gatwick Express train journey from Gatwick Airport to London’s Victoria Station takes 30 minutes. Guests then need to make their way from Victoria Station to their Trafalgar hotel.
• European Gateways: With Trafalgar all passengers will receive complimentary arrival and departure transfers on the scheduled arrival and departure day of their tour at the times specified below. Please ensure your Travel Agent reserves your flight to co-ordinate with the transfer times shown.
• Trafalgar Bonus - Passengers who book Trafalgar's Land+Air package and who arrive or depart outside of these specified times on the scheduled arrival and departure day of the tour will also be provided with a transfer.
• Passengers arriving before or leaving after the scheduled tour days are not entitled to a transfer but may book and purchase one through Trafalgar providing that they also purchase the additional pre and/or post tour hotel night(s) from Trafalgar. Please ask for prices of transfers at the time of booking your extra night accommodation.
• Land only passengers arriving or departing on the scheduled tour arrival or departure days but whose flights don't coincide with the listed transfer times below may also book and purchase these transfers. Flight details must be provided to Trafalgar not less than 21 days before the flight departure.
• Click here to see scheduled transfer times.

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Important note:
The visit to Gibraltar is subject to British and Spanish visa requirements. Please speak with your travel agent at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.

Options

Child Prices: Apply to children under the age of 16.