SPAIN - Barcelona -Andalucia- Madrid - Itinerary

14 Days - September 23 - 2012

 

 

Day 1 - Sunday, September 23 - Barcelona
Our Spanish adventure commences in wonderful Barcelona. With typical Catalan pride and creativity Barcelona remains determined to project itself as Spain’s most innovative city.

Our specialist guide joins us for a walking tour which offers  more than just a glimpse of a city which was reborn with the Olympics in 1992. 

The tour takes us to the Passeig de Gracia, the most stylish street of Barcelona, lined with boutique shops and art galleries. La Rambla, with its outdoor cafes, flower stands, exotic birds and equally colourful street performers.

Just off La Rambla are the antique stalls at La Boqueria, Barcelona’s outdoor market considered to be one of the best markets in the world.  Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter rests on the ancient Roman city of Barcino, today full of buildings from the 13th to the 15th century.  The Quarter is full of interesting shapes, peaceful plazas and winding alleyways, with its medieval Cathedral and the Picasso Museum.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure.  Our guide will assist with suggestions.

This evening we meet for a “welcome” dinner to get to know our fellow tour members and enjoy Barcelona by night.
(B, D)

 

Day 2 - Monday, September 24 - Barcelona
We have a special treat today as we join our chef for a visit to the Market of Sant Josep: La Boqueria to buy the fresh food we will use to cook our lunch.  The market itself is an experience. Its history is entwined with the city's history, families, popular traditions and celebrations. Many of the present stall owners are third and fourth generation. They are the union of the past with the present. This is all part of our cooking experience as we learn about the produce of the market, cooking in Spain and especially Cataluña.  The beauty of this experience is learning and enjoying the delights of Catalun food as we sit down to lunch and savour the fruits of our labour.

Evening at leisure.
(B, L)

 

Day 3- Tuesday, September 25 – Barcelona –Girona & Costa Brava
This morning we join our guide and driver for a full day tour north to Girona and the Costa Brava.

The province of Girona lies in the northeast of Spain, bordering France and the Catalan provinces of Barcelona and Lleida. The most striking characteristic of this historic area of north Cataluña is undoubtedly its great diversity - internationally acclaimed beaches, spectacular mountains of the Pyrenees, a rugged rocky coastline reaching up to the French border, and the green rolling hills of rural Girona.

Girona’s history dates back to the Roman era, and the town is full of magnificent monuments, museums and archives. Successive rulers have left a mix of architecture in Girona ranging from the Gothic cathedral to the beautiful 12th century Arab baths. Our guide will lead us through the winding medieval alleyways of Girona. Girona’s Call, the old Jewish Quarter, was home to a prosperous community until the end of the 15th century.

After lunch we travel to Figueres, Salvador Dalí’s hometown. Here we visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum, designed by the artist himself. It contains a broad range of works spanning his career. In the museum, the highlights include a stage set featuring large mannequins, a long black Cadillac with sprinklers inside, and a salon that uses furniture to recreate Mae West’s face (with a sofa fashioned like soft red lips). Dalí himself is buried in a crypt here, next to a series of gold cobra statues.
(B)

 

Day 4 - Wednesday, September 26 – Barcelona-Córdoba
Sadly we farewell Barcelona this morning and board the AVE Train south to the heart of Andalucia and one of Spain’s oldest cities, Cordoba.

While the rest of Europe was languishing during the Dark Ages, southern Spain, al-Andalus, thrived. Its scholars - Christian, Muslim and Jew - created a society that became the safeguard of Greek and Roman learning. As capital of el-Andalus until its fall in 1236, Cordoba was a city of half a million people, with thousands of mosques and the first street-lighting in Europe. Students and merchants flocked to Cordoba from all over Europe, Africa and even Asia. Its libraries boasted hundreds of thousands of volumes, its palaces and baths were renowned for their opulence and its luxury goods were coveted all over Europe.

After checking in to our hotel in the centre of Cordoba we are met by our expert local guide for a stroll through the medieval streets of the old town to visit one of the most magnificent of all Islamic buildings, the city’s mesmerising Mezquita Mosque or Grand Mosque, Dating from 785, the Mosque is so massive that it contains a Catholic Cathedral within it.  It is one of the world’s best-known pieces of religious architecture.

Evening at leisure
(B)

Day 5- Thursday, September 27 – Córdoba – Granada
We have time this morning to revisit some of the sights from yesterday before boarding our train to Granada, home to the magnificent Alhambra.

In the early evening we  take in the magnificent view of the Alhambra Palaces.  As twilight falls, the sun casts its brilliant hues on this amazing piece of history.  The back drop for this wonderful scene is the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

From here we walk through the winding cobbled streets of the Albaicín, a truly fascinating neighborhood of Granada which, to this day, preserves many facets of its Moorish heritage. Our guide will tell you about the past, present and future of this district as you stroll some of its most character filled streets and squares.

At the end of the walk we stop at a couple of typical local bars. In Granada it is the tradition for each drink to be accompanied by a small snack, the tapa. Not only is this a great introduction to the cuisine, but it also gives us an insight into the local culture.  Much of the social life revolves around tapeando – going out for drinks and tapas.
(B, Tapas Dinner)

 

Day 6- Friday, September 28 – Granada
This morning we visit the jewel of Granada the Alhambra, Generalife and Gardens. This is an idyllic refuge of palaces, gardens, flowers, mosaics and fountains. We visit the Alcazaba, Royal Palaces, Palatial gardens, Generalife Palace and the Palace of Carlos V, a Renaissance jewel within the Alhambra.

With our expert guide, we go beyond the text in our guide book and discover a fascinating world that was home to the Nasrid sultans, rulers of the last Spanish Moorish kingdom.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to discover or rediscover more delights of Granada or linger longer in the Alhambra.

Evening will be at leisure.
(B)

 

                                   View of the Alhambra from the Albacyin

Day 7- Saturday, September 29 - Granada-Ronda
Today we continue our travels to Ronda by coach. This intriguing town lies on top of a rocky escarpment divided by the deep El Tajo gorge. Add to this the famous 18th century Puente Nuevo 'new' bridge which straddles the 100m chasm below and the spectacular views out over the Serranía de Ronda Mountains.  Ronda is also famous as the birthplace of modern bullfighting and home to one of the oldest bullrings in Spain

Our home in Ronda is an ancient Andalucian house built in 1736 and located in the very heart of the old historic and artistic area of Ronda “La Ciudad”.  This lovely traditional home is now a wonderful boutique hotel complete with modern comforts while retaining its traditional charm - a relaxing base in this stunning town.
(B)

  

Day 8 – Sunday, September 30 – Ronda-Jerez- Sevilla
After Breakfast we leave Ronda, and travel west to Jerez de la Frontera – the capital of Sherry production in Europe. We are joined by our culinary expert for wine tasting followed by lunch at one of the best restaurants in Jerez to enjoy a meal of excellent local dishes accompanied by fine wine. After lunch we will continue to Sevilla.
(B, L)

  

Day 9- Monday, October 1 - Sevilla
The capital of Andalucia, Seville is a captivating and beautiful city.  It is the city of flamenco, bulls, Carmen and Don Juan; its history and culture give rise to pride, tradition, passion and joy. It comprises enchanting neighbourhoods with twisting narrow streets, stunning patios and squares lined with orange trees.

Our tour this morning includes the enormous cathedral, the largest Gothic building in the world, featuring the tomb of Christopher Columbus and its 12th-century bell-tower, La Giralda, originally built by the Moors as a minaret.

We visit the ornately decorated Alcazar Palace and its Andalusian gardens.  Originally a Moorish palace, it was re-built and designed by Mudejar craftsmen for the Christian royalty after the expulsion of the Moors.

This afternoon is free to revisit some of the sights from this morning in more depth or to explore new adventures.  Wander through the Barrio de Santa Cruz: originally the Jewish Quarter and now the prettiest quarter of Sevilla.  Visit the Murillo Gardens, a typical Sevillan garden full of arcades and foliage.

This evening we enjoy a traditional Flamenco Show.
(B)

                                                   

                                                                 La Giralda

Day 10- Tuesday, October 2 – Sevilla-Madrid 
We leave southern Spain and the delights of Andalusia to travel north on the AVE train bound for Spain’s capital Madrid.

After check in at our beautiful centrally located hotel we meet our expert local guide for a walking tour of this wonderful city.

The inhabitants of Madrid call their city, La Villa, the “village” and in many areas it still retains the feel of a village.  However, it is definitely a spectacular “village”.  It is a bustling modern city with a refined cultural heart while still providing ample opportunity for enjoying the good life of Madrid with its many beautiful boutiques, restaurants and Tapas bars.

Our walking tour includes some of the capital's most impressive sights, such as the Plaza de Oriente and the historic quarter including the 17th-century Plaza Mayor, a wonderful Baroque square lined with arcades filled with picturesque cafes.

We walk through the peaceful Plaza de la Villa where the City Hall stands and the narrow streets of Madrid of the “Austrias”, named after the Austro-Hapsburg dynasty which came to rule over in 1516. Much of the Austrias neighbourhood today is a gastronomic centre, with traditional favourites aplenty, including the famous Botin, the oldest restaurant in the world. The nuns of the Convent nearby occasionally offer their home made cakes too! 

This evening is free for individual adventure or perhaps joining with other group members for a visit to the popular Madrid tapas bars.
(B)

                                        

                                                    The Royal Palace Madrid

Day 11- Wednesday, October 3 – Madrid 
Madrid is home to three of the world’s best art galleries – the Prado, the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen. This morning we begin our “cultural” day with a guided tour of the Prado - home to the works of many famous European artists but importantly home to the extensive works of the wonderful Spanish artists Goya, El Greco and Velázquez.  

Our expert guide will take you by the hand and lead you through these magnificent galleries.  The collections are so vast and inspiring they can overwhelm.  Our expert will show you the most significant and unique pieces from each era and artist. 

Depending on your tastes you may wish to extend your visit of the Prado or continue on to visit the Thyssen or Reina Sofia Galleries which are nearby.  

The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Our guide can assist with suggestions.
(B)

  

Day 12- Thursday, October 4 – Madrid-Toledo-Madrid
This morning we embark on a full day tour to the walled town of Toledo with its winding streets and medieval buildings. Although now completely overshadowed by nearby Madrid, it is Toledo and its narrow, winding streets and steps, stone houses and churches that embody Spain’s past.   

In the Middle Ages, Toledo was built on a “convergence” of Christianity, Islam and Judaism, and contains two of the remaining medieval Spanish synagogues. We visit El Tránsito, a 13th century synagogue and the adjoining Jewish Museum, devoted to the history and legacy of Jewish Spain. At the centre of Toledo, is the soaring Gothic cathedral. Its Sacristy contains many paintings by El Greco, Van Dyck and Goya, plus an impressive collection of medieval garments and textiles.

We stop at the church of Santo Tomé, to marvel at El Greco’s famed Burial of the Count of Orgaz, considered to be El Greco’s finest work. The Museum of El Greco contains an extensive collection of the former Toledo resident’s paintings – including more of his most famous ones.
(B)

  

Day 13- Friday, October 5 – Madrid – Segovia – El Escorial -Madrid
We leave Madrid today to enjoy some of the surrounding countryside with a visit to the charming Romanesque town of Segovia with its towering Roman Aqueduct. 

UNESCO has recognised the importance of the old city and Aqueduct by naming it a World Heritage site. We travel the winding roads of this lovely town with a private walking tour which also includes the Alcazar Palace. This Palace has undergone many reincarnations over the centuries. Originally a fortress, it was also a Military College and a Royal Palace.  

Lunch will be at leisure, your guide will assist with suggestions. 

On our return journey to Madrid we visit the El Escorial Monastery which was originally built as a palace by Felipe II of Spain. It is also the burial site of many of the Spanish monarchs of the last five centuries as well housing some amazing works of art. Our last stop is the Fallen Valley which was constructed by General Franco to honour those who died in the Spanish civil War. Franco himself is also buried here.

We return to Madrid in the late afternoon for our “farewell dinner”.
(B,L)

  

Day 14- Saturday, October 6 - Madrid – Departure
This morning we go our separate ways either to continue our adventures in other places or to continue to enjoy the delights of Spain.
(B)

  

 Costs and Additional Details

 

 

Tour Inclusions

 

Meals                      As listed in Itinerary - All Breakfasts.  Lunches and Dinners as noted.

Services                  An Australian Tour Manager and a Registered English speaking Spanish guide

                             Plus Expert local guides

                                                                             

Fees                      Excursions and Tours (As per Itinerary)

                            All Entrance Fees (As per Itinerary) unless otherwise noted

                              

Costs                     Based on Share Twin/Dbl room

                            Single cost option subject to availability of single rooms.

 

Tour Exclusions

 

Meals                    Other than those listed in Itinerary

Tips                      It is custom to tip both the Guide and the Driver.  Guidelines will

                            be advised with departure documents.

Airfares                  Group Airfare is available for those departing Australia on the group departure date if there are sufficient numbers.  Alternatively we can assist with the airfare most suited to your needs.

 

Option                  Stopover available on return journey - please ask for costing.

Misc.                   Items of a personal nature such as laundry, dry cleaning, personal accident and
medical expenses, incidental expenses, taxi fares where not part of a regular transfer, telephone and internet communication charges, excess baggage.