LAST DAY OF FLASH SALE! 7 Day Escorted Tour to Madrid, Valencia & Barcelona

DAY 1: Tuesday - Arrive in Madrid (D)
Arrive in the lively metropolis of Madrid, capital of Spain since 1562, birthplace of many of the world's greatest writers, painters and artists. Transfer to your hotel with time to rest and relax or get acquainted with this beautiful city. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink and orientation meeting with your Tour Manager and fellow travellers at approximately 7 pm, followed by a Welcome Dinner
Overnight: Madrid

DAY 2: Wednesday - Tour Madrid's Treasures (B)
Today's tour of Madrid's impressive architecture begins at the Plaza de Cibeles with its striking buildings. Continue via the elegant Plaza Mayor to the magnificent Royal Palace, Europe's second largest, and to the Plaza de España dominated by the monument to Cervantes, famed author of Don Quixote. Then, on to the renowned Prado Museum; stand before an astonishing collection of masterpieces by Velazquez, Goya, El Greco and more. The rest of the day is yours to explore this city of great monuments and museums on your own or, join the optional tour to Escorial. Enjoy a visit to what has often been described as the "eighth wonder of the world". El Escorial is, perhaps, Philip II´s most enduring legacy to Spain. This combination monastery-palace-mausoleum is situated approximately one hour outside of Madrid in the foothills of the Guadarrama Mountains
Optional: Half Day Escorial Tour (PM)
Overnight: Madrid

DAY 3: Thursday - Medieval Toledo, The "Garden City" of Valencia (B, D)
Travel to nearby Toledo, the former capital city of Spain that still retains its medieval atmosphere and charm. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, Toledo is known for its extensive monumental heritage and historical coexistence of Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures. Walk through the ancient Jewish Quarter and Plaza de Zocodover. Continue to the Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue with its beautiful Moorish architecture, the oldest synagogue in Europe still standing, and the St. Tome Church, with its brilliant El Greco masterpiece. Then, travel east towards the Mediterranean coast to the "garden city" of Valencia for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Valencia

DAY 4: Friday - Valencia City Tour (B)
Valencia is Spain's major Mediterranean port - this unique city is shaped by the vastness of the sea and the closeness of the coastal mountains. On the morning tour, hear about "El Cid", Spain's national hero who fought here against the Moors. Discover this treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture before continuing to the City Gates and City Hall. Arrive at the fantastic City of Arts and Sciences designed by contemporary artist Santiago Calatrava. This huge scientific and cultural complex is made up of impressive buildings and stands out because of its extraordinary avant-garde architecture. During a tour of the Palau de les Arts, gain insight into the design and history of the building and marvel at its shimmering trencadis exterior. The rest of the day is yours to linger at this site or wander on your own. Perhaps participate in the optional Paella Cooking Class with Dinner. Learn how to prepare Paella Valenciana in the city where this delicious dish was created. This freestyle combination of rice, meat, and vegetables is a very popular regional dish and a staple in most Valencian diets
Optional: Paella Cooking Class with Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Valencia

DAY 5: Saturday - Fairytale Peniscola, Wine Tasting in Penedes, Arrive in Barcelona (B)
Head along the intense blue of the Mediterranean coast to the fortified fairytale city of Peniscola crowned by a Templar castle featured in the movie "El Cid". View the lighthouse, built on a rocky headland, and the lighthouse keeper's cottage with its precipitous winding steps leading down to the sea. Then, continue through Costa Dorada to the wine country of Penedes, one of the most exciting wine regions in Spain. A wide range of wine styles are produced here including the traditional (sparkling) white and rosé Cava. Winemaking in the region dates back millennia; the ancient Romans have left here many vestiges of their wine production. Stop at one of the wine cellars for a tasting of the local wines before travelling to sensational Barcelona. Upon arrival, ascend Montjuic Hill home to the Olympic complex, a number of sports facilities built for the 1992 Summer Olympics. Tonight, enjoy your first taste of Barcelona's rousing nightlife and fabulous cuisine
Overnight: Barcelona

DAY 6: Sunday - Barcelona City Tour (B, D)
Start the day in this artistic city with a drive along the Old Harbour to the Plaza Catalunya, the city's bustling main square. Pass the famous works of Gaudi, the master architect, including the Casa Batllo, seemingly constructed from skulls and bones. Then, continue on to view the iconic symbol of Barcelona, Gaudi's masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, a colossal church that is legendary and still unfinished. Conclude the tour with a visit to Park Guell, Barcelona's most famous park, a playful creation by Gaudi. Learn intriguing facts about its creator and admire the park's colourful design and intricate tile work. The rest of the day is on your own for exploring the many galleries, or just savouring the magnificent surroundings. Attend the optional tour to Montserrat. Take a relaxing drive along the picturesque villages of the province to reach Montserrat Mountain. On arrival, visit the Royal Basilica, where you will see the famous 12th-century Romanesque sculpture of "Virgen Moreneta". Tonight, a Farewell Dinner together at a local restaurant is a perfect way to end your tour
Optional: Half Day Montserrat Tour (PM)
Overnight: Barcelona

DAY 7: Monday - Depart Spain (B)
Bid "adios" to Spain and your fellow travellers.

Please note prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

Second Traveller saves 50% and Solo Travellers Save 25% when you book your holiday by 28 Oct 2019!

Advertised prices based on 14 Apr 20 departure^:

• Twin share - from $1899^ for first person / $950^ for companion traveller in same room
• Solo Traveller - from $2004^

For pricing on the below alternative departures, please call our travel team on freecall 1300 414 198 today!

• 24 Mar 20
• 14 Apr 20
• 21 Apr 20
• 05 May 20
• 12 May 20
• 19 May 20
• 26 May 20
• 02 Jun 20
• 09 Jun 20
• 16 Jun 20
• 23 Jun 20
• 07 Jul 20
• 21 Jul 20
• 11 Aug 20
• 25 Aug 20
• 08 Sep 20
• 15 Sep 20
• 22 Sep 20
• 29 Sep 20
• 06 Oct 20
• 13 Oct 20
• 27 Oct 20
• 03 Nov 20
• 10 Nov 20

^ Prices are advertised as land only unless otherwise specified. Land only does not includes international airfares, arrival / departure transfers & optional tours.

Freecall our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to secure your booking NOW!

Accommodation on your holiday includes:

• Barcelo Torre de Madrid, Madrid
• Barcelo Valencia, Valencia
• Catalonia Ramblas, Barcelona or Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona, Barcelona

Is This Trip Right for You?

This moderately active trip covers a fair amount of ground each day. Expect from three to four hours walking every touring day. The pace is moderate, however you will encounter some uneven surfaces, cobblestone streets, stairs, steps and significant slopes. This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking. This is a Classic program.

Climate & Clothing

Spain - Spring and Autumn: 55–75°F; Summer: 75–90°F; Winter: 35–55°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).

Gratuities

For the convenience of our Australian guests, gratuities are included for your Tour Manager, local guides, drivers, guide and/or driver assistants, hotel porters and wait staff. Since gratuities are not included for other guests, you may still hear references to tipping during your trip. Rest assured that your Tour Manager and other service providers will be correctly tipped on your behalf. However, in some instances, we are unable to include gratuities on your behalf in which case you will find recommended gratuities below. We are also unable to include tips on independent tours in which case you will find details and recommendations below. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. There may be other occasions where a tip is appropriate but, as always, tipping is a matter of personal discretion.

Spain - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge.