2009 Spanish Crown
Highlights
Madrid's Prado Museum Great Mosque of Cordoba Seville Cathedral Ronda's Historic Old Town Beaches of Costa del Sol Alhambra Palace in Granada Barcelona's Gothic Cathedral
What's Included
Airport transfers when CIE Tours books your air tickets 12 buffet breakfasts (BB) Sightseeing by modern air-conditioned motor coach 5 dinners with wine and mineral water (D) Services of an English-speaking tour director throughout Walking tours of Toledo and Cordoba Services of local guides in all major cities Visits and admissions to Prado Museum, Transito Synagogue, Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue, St. Tome Church, Mosque of the Caliphs, Seville Cathedral, Alcazar Fortress, Christopher Columbus' Burial Place, Alhambra Palace, Palacio de Generalife, Valencia Cathedral and Barcelona Cathedral Whisper technology enhanced touring Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags & strap First class hotels with private bath/shower for 12 nights All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
What's Included
Call 1 (800) 999-2599 for more information or to book today! Mention code 8241471
- Tour Operator
- CIE Tours
- Duration
- 14 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Depart USA | Depart U.S.: Depart your home town for Spain and enjoy in-flight entertainment as you travel. |
| Day 2 | Madrid | Arrive in Madrid: Land in Madrid and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day at leisure so that you may rest or explore the city a little on your own. This evening meet your tour director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner and orientation briefing. (D) |
| Day 3 | Madrid | Madrid City Tour: This morning take a sightseeing tour of Madrid. Drive along the Grand Via through the Opera District, past the Plaza de Colon, and view the Royal Palace. Pass the Puerto del Sol Plaza and Plaza Espana with its monument to the writer, Cervantes. The tour ends at the Prado Museum with a guided walk through some of the famous collections by Spain's prominent artists, including El Greco, Velazquez and Ribera. In the afternoon travel to Toledo, the "Museum City." Enjoy a walking tour to see the most famous monuments and visit the Transito Synagogue, Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue and St. Tome Church with its El Greco masterpiece, the Burial of Count Orgaz. You will also see fine examples of Damasquinado, inlaid handcrafted work unique to Toledo. Return to Madrid where the evening is at leisure. (BB) |
| Day 4 | Madrid | Day at Leisure: Today you have a full day to explore Madrid on your own. Or you may take an optional tour to El Escorial, King Philip II's most enduring legacy to Spain. This austere monastery is set in the foothills of the Guadarrama Mountains, an hour from Madrid. Erected in 1584 as a memorial to King Philip II's father, King Charles V, and to commemorate Spain's victory at Saint Quentin in 1557, it has become the burial place of subsequent Spanish kings and queens. (BB) |
| Day 5 | Seville | Cordoba City Tour: This morning depart for Seville and travel through the region of La Mancha, legendary home of Don Quixote, featuring panoramic views of its famous windmills. Drive to Cordoba, birthplace of philosopher Moshe Ben Maimon. Visit the Mosque of the Caliphs and then enjoy a walking tour to see the Roman Bridge and a beautifully restored 14th-century synagogue. Continue your drive to Seville for your next overnight stay and dinner. (BB, D) |
| Day 6 | Seville | Seville Sightseeing: A morning tour begins with a visit to Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. View the Giralda Tower overlooking the Guadalquivir River. Visit the Alcazar Fortress, the Barrio Santa Cruz (the old Jewish quarter) and the burial site of Christopher Columbus. Drive to the Plaza de Espana, passing Maria Luisa Park and explore the narrow streets and many plazas of the Santa Cruz Quarter. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Seville's shops, museums and cafes. In the evening you may like to experience an optional traditional Flamenco show. (BB) |
| Day 7 | Torremolinos | Ronda & Costa del Sol: This morning travel through the Sherry wine-producing region of Jerez and on to Ronda. View the famous bullring, Spain's oldest, and enjoy incredible views from the gorge of El Tajo, followed by free time to stroll around the town. In the afternoon continue your drive passing the glamorous resort of Marbella to the town of Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol. (BB) |
| Day 8 | Torremolinos | Costa del Sol Day at Leisure: Today enjoy a free day in the beautiful Costa del Sol where you may enjoy leisure activities, browse around the shops or just relax. If you wish, you may take an optional tour to Gibraltar, a British colony for over 300 years. Take a minibus around the impressive Rock of Gibraltar. See St. Michael's Cave, World War II tunnels and installations, the famous Barbary Apes and dramatic views of Spanish and Moroccan coastlines. Spend some time in the town's main street with colonial buildings and duty-free shops before returning to your hotel. (BB) |
| Day 9 | Torremolinos | Free Day in Torremolinos: Enjoy another full day at leisure in the Costa del Sol or take an optional half day tour of Malaga, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. Begin with a visit to the Picasso Museum and Gibralfaro Castle, a once important fortress for both Moors and Spaniards, affording spectacular views of the beach and lively harbor. Drive along the sea front with its palm-lined avenues and beach restaurants to admire historical sights including the 2,000-year-old Roman Amphitheater. (BB) |
| Day 10 | Granada | Alhambra Palace: Drive to Granada where a visit to the Alhambra Palace will show you fine examples of Moorish architecture. See the famous Lion Courtyard, an oblong patio surrounded by 124 white marble columns and paved with brightly-colored tiles. In the center is the Fountain of Lions, an alabaster basin supported by twelve lions in white marble. Walk through the water gardens of the Palacio de Generalife, built in the 14th century. Enjoy breathtaking views of the town below with the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the background. Tonight enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (BB, D) |
| Day 11 | Valencia | Valencia City Tour: Today head north through the groves of olives, almonds, lemons and oranges to the garden city of Valencia. On arrival take a guided orientation tour to view the City Gates, City Hall and the elaborately-decorated Gothic Cathedral. View the modern City of Arts and Sciences developed by architect Santiago Calatrava as a large-scale urban recreation center with promenades and bridges. (BB, D) |
| Day 12 | Barcelona | Barcelona City Sightseeing: This morning drive along the coast of Catalunya to Barcelona. In the afternoon start your tour of the city center by driving along the Old Harbor to the Plaza Catalunya. In the heart of the charming Gothic Quarter with its narrow streets, visit the imposing Gothic Cathedral. Then view Gaudi's distinctive Sagrada Familia Church, which is still being built, and drive up Montjuic Hill to the site of the 1992 Olympic Stadium. Tonight a farewell dinner at a local restaurant is a perfect way to end your tour. (BB, D) |
| Day 13 | Barcelona | Full Day at Leisure in Barcelona: Today spend some time sightseeing on your own in this exciting city. You may like to walk along the pedestrian area of the Ramblas, browse through the ancient streets of the Gothic Quarter, enjoy cafe life or do some shopping. Art lovers may like to visit the Picasso Museum housed in three lovely stone mansions or the Miro Foundation located in Montjuic. (BB) |
| Day 14 | Return USA | Depart for U.S.: Transfer to Barcelona Airport for your flight back home. (BB) |
- Dates/Pricing
- Lodging
Hotel Gaudi - Madrid - 3 night(s) Hesperia Sevilla Hotel - Seville - 2 night(s) Melia Costa del Sol - Torremolinos - 3 night(s) Gran Hotel Luna - Granada - 1 night(s) Hotel Valencia Center - Valencia - 1 night(s) Barcelona Centre Hotel - Barcelona - 2 night(s)
- Disclaimer
- Coach Tour and River Cruise prices are based on two people sharing rooms
- This list indicates brochure rates and dates.
- Air price is based on departures from New York. Additional add-on airfares from other cities are available! The air inclusive prices below are for general information only and not a reflection of current seat availability.
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