THE BEST OF SPAIN with FriendsTravel.com
Custom designed European group tour (Ref: 611011)
Day 1: MADRID
When we arrive at Barajas Airport, we will be met and privately transferred into Madrid where we will check in for two nights at the Hesperia Madrid, a sophisticated and chic, luxury hotel in a great location in the Paseo de las Castellana. Madrid’s center is very compact and the hotel is not far from most points of interest. This is one of the safest districts to stay in Madrid. Member of Leading Hotels of the World. The balance of our day is free to relax and recover from our long flight. This evening we will reconvene for a gala welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
Day 2: MADRID
An English speaking guide will meet us in the hotel lobby this morning and escort us on a half day city tour. Afternoon and evening are free to shop or explore on our own. (B)
Day 3: TOLEDO / GRANADA
By coach and with a driver only we will set out this morning to Toledo, known as the City of the Three Cultures, a name that refers to the Christian, Islamic, and Hebrew cultures that have coexisted over the centuries within its walls. An English speaking, local guide will escort us on a walking tour of this historic city and we’ll have time for lunch on our own. Later, continuing on to Granada where we will spend one night at the Alhambra Palace Hotel, an impressive Moorish-castle style hotel set on a hill overlooking the city. It’s just a 5-minute walk from the Alhambra and 10-minutes from the city center. Dinner at our hotel included tonight. (B,D)
Day 4: GRANADA / RONDA / MARBELLA OR COSTA DE CADIZ
This morning we’ll tour the Alhambra and Granada with a local guide before continuing on to Ronda, where we meet a local guide who will introduce us to this city, known as the birthplace of bullfighting. Afterwards on to the Costa de Sol to stay two nights at Hotel Fuerte Marbella, a 4* hotel located on the beachfront in a superb location in the heart of Marbella. The hotel overlooks the sea and a sandy beach is separated from the hotel by a small promenade. It’s just a few minutes stroll to the center of Marbella and numerous shops, restaurants and places of interest are right on your doorstep. (B) Or, we can continue (about 1-hour further than Marbella) to the Costa de Cadiz and Puerto de Santa Maria (known for its sherry) to stay two nights at Monasterio de San Miguel, an historic hotel in a former baroque-style monastery & convent dating from 1733, located 2 minutes from beach. (B)
Day 5: MARBELLA OR PUERTO DE SANTA MARIA
If staying in Marbella we’ll have a free day or an optional excursion to Gibraltar (price for Gibraltar excursion will follow). (B) Should we choose to stay in Puerto de Santa Maria, we will visit a winery for a sherry tasting and see a horse show in Jerez de la Frontera (tapas lunch included). (B,L)
Day 6: SEVILLE
We journey on to Seville today to settle in for two nights at Hotel Vincci la Rabida, a boutique hotel located in an exquisitely restored eighteenth century palace in the heart of old Seville. The hotel is very well connected to all main streets of the city, as well as to all points of interest to the visitor – it is just a stroll away from the famous Cathedral and the Maestranza Bullfighting Arena. Or at Casas del Rey de Baeza, located in the historical centre of Seville, just a few blocks away from the Casa de Pilatos and other monuments. The traditional 18th century mansion has 44 bedrooms, each unique in layout and decoration. Tonight we’ll enjoy a tapas dinner at a local restaurant near our hotel. (B,D)
Day 7: SEVILLE
A guided half day city tour will help acquaint us with this lively town and the afternoon we’re free to explore on our own. (B)
Day 8: CORDOBA / MADRID
We’ll say good-bye to Seville this morning and travel on to Cordoba. A local guide will meet and escort us on a city tour and we’ll have time for lunch on our own before driving back to Madrid this afternoon. For our final night we will return to the Hesperia Madrid Hotel. (B)
Day 9: DEPART
We transfer back to Barajas Airport (one transfer) to board our return flight and where services end. (B)
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