EXAMPLE ITINERARY THE BEST OF SPAIN Madrid, Andalucia & Barcelona From amazing architectural sights to fascinating cultural experiences and off the beaten track adventures, this tour offers the best of Spain. Take a journey through the country’s most important cities to learn about the amazing history and multi-ethnic heritage. Sample authentic Spanish cuisine and savour the vibrant atmosphere. Beginning in majestic Madrid and ending in cosmopolitan Barcelona, crossing through magical Andalucia, this amazing tour of Spain will treat you to a sumptuous, over two- weeks cultural buffet, with rich helpings of Catalunya’s Gaudí, Toledo’s El Greco, masterpieces of Madrid’s Prado and the Moorish and royal treasures of Granada, Córdoba and Sevilla. You’ll also experience the delights of whitewashed Andalusian hill towns, prancing horses, tasty tapas, and fine sherry wines. Get inspired with this interesting itinerary and let us create the trip of a lifetime... SUMMARY (17 nights) What’s Included? What’s not Included? Start Point: Madrid • All private transfers • International Air Flights Ending Point: Barcelona • Hotels (4 stars) • Medical Insurance 4 Nights Madrid • Breakfasts & all meals mentioned in the • Meals & Drinks, other than those itinerary mentioned in the itinerary 2 Nights Cordoba • Guided tours with fluent English • Tips & Gratuities 2 Nights Granada speaking guides. (including: skip the line 2 Nights Ronda access) 3 Nights Sevilla 4 Nights Barcelona This is an example itinerary which can always be adjusted to meet your individual requirements and budget. Just Explore Holidays & Tours SL T: +34 957 022 902 M: +34 639 933 717 E: [email protected] www.just-explore.com Spanish Licence: CIAN-146473-2 ITINERARY DAY 1: Madrid Arrival and first day at your leisure Upon arrival in Madrid, we will arrange for a private transfer to your hotel in the city centre. First afternoon & evening free to get acquainted with this cosmopolitan city and the vibrant atmosphere that it will offer over your stay. We will provide you with maps, tips, and recommendations for good places to go for dinner & drinks. DAY 2: Madrid Morning: Madrid guided tour Your art historian guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel for an introductory walking tour of approx. 4h to discover the highlights of Madrid. This tour is focussed on the Hapsburg and Bourbon legacy and includes a guided visit to the magnificent Royal Palace (this visit is subject to availability. Being a government building, the Royal Palace may be closed for ceremonies and official events). Madrid, Spain's central capital, is a city of elegant boulevards and expansive, manicured parks such as the Buen Retiro. It’s renowned for its rich repositories of European art, including the Prado Museum’s works by Goya, Velázquez and other Spanish masters. The heart of old Hapsburg Madrid is the portico-lined Plaza Mayor, and nearby is the baroque Royal Palace and Armory, displaying historic weaponry Free afternoon Afternoon & evening to explore other sites of Madrid at your leisure. Here are a few suggestions: - Prado Museum (We can pre-book "skip the line" tickets for you if you are interested) - Reina Sofia Museum - Thyssen Museum - Retiro Park (the green lung of Madrid) - The Crystal Palace (a beautiful glass structure from 1887 located in the heart of Retiro Park) - Las Letras neighbourhood (Plaza de Santa Ana) - The Debod Temple - Almudena Cathedral - Salamanca and Recoletos districts (high end shopping) - Colon district (try lunch or dinner at the trendy food court La Platea) - Fuencarral street or Gran Via (shopping districts) DAY 3: Segovia Morning: El Escorial Your driver and guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to drive you to El Escorial (approx. 45 mins) for a morning tour. Your guide will take you on a tour of the town including visits to the Monastery, Basilica, Royal Pantheon, Library, and Habsburg apartments. The Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, commonly known as El Escorial, is the historical residence of the King of Spain in the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. The site functions as a monastery, basilica, royal palace, pantheon, library, museum, university and hospital. The Escorial is comprised of two architectural complexes of great historical and cultural significance: The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial it self (a monastery originally Hieron y mite but occupied since 1885 by Augustinians) and La Granjilla de La Fresneda, a royal hunting lodge and monastic retreat about five kilometres. Situated at the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama just outside of Madrid and built during the reign of Philip II when Spain was at the height of its imperial power, El Escorial symbolizes the close union of church and state under the supreme authority of the Spanish monarchy. Afternoon: Segovia In the afternoon, your guide will take you for a 2-hour walking tour around the old town of Segovia including its famous Aqueduct (symbol of the city, built in 50BC and remarkably well preserved) and the Alcazar which dates back to the 11th-century. You will then be driven back to your hotel in Madrid where you will have this evening in the city free to enjoy at your leisure Long before Madrid became the capital of Spain in the 16th century, Segovia was one of the most important cities in the country, and the many Romanesque churches that one comes across at almost every turn around the city are certainly evidence to that. Segovia is a World Heritage City, with unique monuments that alone make a visit well worth while. However, once in Segovia you will find the city offers much, much more; an old Jewish quarter, stately homes, outstanding views and a green belt which is ideal for a pleasant stroll in the sunshine. Nowhere else in Spain has such a stunning monument to Roman grandeur (the soaring Aqueduct) surviving in the heart of a vibrant modern city. Many myths surround this impressive city, one being that it was founded by Hercules. Another, that Walt Disney is said to have modelled Sleeping Beauty's castle in California's Disneyland on Segovia's Alcázar. Myths aside, this is truly a magical city of warm terracotta and sand stone huesseta mid the rolling hill soft Castilla, against the back drop of the Sierra de Guadarrama. DAY 4: Toledo Morning Take the high-speed train to Toledo (only 30min from Madrid. From your accommodation, you can take a taxi to Atocha railway station which is approx. 10min ride or go walking which is approx. 15min distance) Upon arrival in Toledo, your art historian guide will meet you at the railway station and will take you on a short panoramic tour of the city in a taxi, stopping along the way at the most spectacular view points. This will be followed by a 3:30-hour walking tour of the historic centre. During this tour, you will be visiting the Cathedral, the Jewish quarter, the El Tránsito Synagogue and the San Juan de los Reyes Monastery. After the guided tour, you will have some free time to have lunch (good recommendations will be provided), stroll the narrow streets of the oldtown, and visit some other interesting sites on your own (i.e. the San Bartolome Church to admire the famous Greco painting "El Entierro del Conde Ordaz", The Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca or the Mezquita de la Luz) before taking a taxi back to the train station Late afternoon/Early evening You will take the return train to Madrid (later trains available at 18:25h, 19:20h) Free evening Back in Madrid, you can enjoy the evening by further exploring the city at your leisure or by revisiting your favourite spots. Toledo is an ancient city set on a hill above the plains of Castilla-La Mancha in central Spain. The capital of the region, it’s known for the medieval Arab, Jewish and Christian monuments in its walled old city. It was also the former home of Mannerist painter El Greco. The Moorish Bisagra Gate and the Sol Gate, in Mudéjar style, open in to the old quarter, where the Plaza de Zoco dover is a lively meeting place. DAY 5: Cordoba Morning: Madrid to Cordoba, High speed train Private transfer from your hotel in Madrid to the train station where you will take the high-speed train to Cordoba (Only 1:45hours!). Upon arrival in Cordoba, your private driver will take you to your hotel in the historic centre. Late morning : Cordoba guided tour Your art historian guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel for an introductory walking tour of approx. 3 hours to discover the main sites of this UNESCO listed city of Cordoba (the Mosque/Cathedral, the Jewish quarter, the Synagogue and the Royal Alcazar/Palace). Córdoba is a city in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia, and the capital of the province of Córdoba. It was an important Roman city and a major Islamic centre in the Middle Ages. It’s best known for La Mezquita, an immense mosque dating from 784A.D.,featuring a columned prayer hall and older Byzantine mosaics. After it became a Catholic church in 1236, a Renaissance-style nave was added in the 17th century Free afternoon Free afternoon in Cordoba at your leisure. Make sure that you don't miss a visit to: - The Viana Palace (a beautiful manor with stunning courtyards and gardens) - Julio Romero Museum (a local painter's art collection) - The Roman Bridge and The Calahorra Tower (Al Andalus museum) - The Roman Temple - Plaza de la Corredera - Plazade las Tendillas Free evening in Cordoba Free evening to explore the city at your leisure.