Trafalgar > Best of Spain

Best of Spain
16 Days starting from $2,499

Countries Visited:
Spain

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Length: 16 Days
Type: First Class Europe & Britain 2008
Category: Regional Europe
Operator: Trafalgar
Tour Code: SBES-2008
   
 
 
About This Tour


Cities Visited:
Madrid, Toledo, Burgos, Santander, Bilbao, San Sebastian, Pamplona, Zaragoza, Barcelona, Valencia, Granada, Torremolinos, Gibraltar, Seville, Cordoba

A leisurely trip that shows you Spain''s medieval past poised harmoniously alongside its modern city life. See the Plaza Espana, visit the opulent Alhambra Palace, and relax on the Costa del Sol.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing
  • Details
  • SPECIALS

Sightseeing Highlights
  • Madrid: Sightseeing including the Plaza Espana and Cibeles Fountain plus a highlight visit to the famous Prado Museum.
  • Toledo: Sightseeing includes visits to the Synagogue, Church of Santo Tomé and a steel workshop.
  • Burgos: See the tomb of El Cid.
  • Santander: Orientation tour.
  • Bilbao: Photo stop at the Guggenheim Museum.
  • San Sebastian: Orientation tour includes ''La Concha'' Bay.
  • Pamplona: See the ancient streets where the bulls run.
  • Zaragoza: View the Cathedral of El Pilar and La Seo.
  • Barcelona: Sightseeing includes the Gothic Quarter, Gaudi''s ''Sagrada Familia'' and the Ramblas.
  • Peñiscola: See the ancient castle used in the film ''El Cid''.
  • Valencia: See the Cathedral and Serrano and Cuarte Towers.
  • Granada: Sightseeing including a visit to the Alhambra Palace.
  • Torremolinos: Stay in this famous holiday resort.
  • Gibraltar: Visit the famous Rock.
  • Seville: Sightseeing including the Bell Tower and Maria Luisa Park.
  • Cordoba: Sightseeing including the Mezquita and medieval Synagogue.
  • Scenic drives: Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains, the Cantabrian Cordillera, Montserrat Mountain, the Catalonian vineyards, Levant region, the Mora Pass, the Costa del Sol, Andalusia, Guadalquivir Valley and La Mancha.

Dining Highlights
  • 1 Welcome Drink with your Tour Director in Madrid
  • 14 Hot Buffet breakfasts
  • 6 three-course dinners in hotels
  • 1 local speciality restaurant dinner in Barcelona
  • Farewell Dinner with wine in Madrid
22 meals in total (see day-by-day itinerary)
First Class Travel Highlights
  • The services of one of Trafalgar''s top professional multi-lingual Tour Directors.
  • A qualified local city guide in Madrid, Toledo, Barcelona, Granada, Seville and Cordoba.
  • Chauffeur driven on Trafalgarís luxury air-conditioned coaches with onboard washroom.
  • Stay in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
  • All hotel service charges, tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
  • A stylish wallet, tour documents and map book journal.

Airport Transfers
Madrid Airport Transfers will be provided on Days 2 and 16. Group transfers on arrival at Madrid Airport will operate at 09.30, 12.30 and 15.00. Return transfers from the last hotel will arrive at Madrid Airport at 08.30 and 11.30.
  • London Gateways: Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the Airport and central London. When you book your tour with Trafalgar your transfers to and from the airport are included. It''s that simple. Trafalgar has included a Free transfer to and from your airport and Central London.
  • Important – Please Note: Passengers will only be entitled to transfers to and from London Airports providing the following conditions are met:
  • You are staying at a London hotel, booked by Trafalgar, on the night of your arrival and the night prior to the date of your departure.
  • Flights are either booked by Trafalgar or detailed information on flights is provided by your Travel Agent not less than 21 days prior to departure.
  • Only one included transfer both inbound and outbound per tour is included by Trafalgar. Transfers are by express train to a Central London Rail Station.
  • Only one included transfer both inbound and outbound per tour is included by Trafalgar. Transfers are by express train to a Central London Rail Station.
  • Heathrow Airport: Inbound transfers operate between 06.00-21.30. Outbound transfers are timed to connect with scheduled flights departing between 08.00-23.00. Transfers will be by coach. Gatwick Airport: Inbound transfers operate between 06.00-12.30. Outbound transfers are timed to connect with scheduled flights departing between 08.00-23.00. Transfers will be by express train and coach. Transfers outside these times will be at the passengers own expense.
  • In the event of unforeseen events (road or rail works, demonstrations, strikes) Trafalgar will not be held responsible for delayed or cancelled transfers.
  • No refund is available for passengers not utilising this service.
  • Why not upgrade to a Hotelink transfer from the Airport to-the-door of your Trafalgar London hotel? (please ask Trafalgar or your travel agent of the additional upgrade price per person when booking)
  • European Gateways: With Trafalgar all passengers will receive complimentary arrival and departure transfers on the scheduled arrival and departure day of their tour at the times specified below. Please ensure your Travel Agent reserves your flight to co-ordinate with the transfer times shown.
  • Trafalgar Bonus - Passengers who book Trafalgar''s Land+Air package and who arrive or depart outside of these specified times on the scheduled arrival and departure day of the tour will also be provided with a transfer.
  • Passengers arriving before or leaving after the scheduled tour days are not entitled to a transfer but may book and purchase one through Trafalgar providing that they also purchase the additional pre and/or post tour hotel night(s) from Trafalgar. Please ask for prices of transfers at the time of booking your extra night accommodation.
  • Land only passengers arriving or departing on the scheduled tour arrival or departure days but whose flights don''t coincide with the listed transfer times below may also book and purchase these transfers. Flight details must be provided to Trafalgar not less than 21 days before the flight departure.
  • Click here to see scheduled transfer times.

Additional Visa Requirements
Additional Visa Requirements For NON-USA citizens the visit to Gibraltar is subject to British and Spanish Visa requirements.
  • Day 1- Depart USA Overnight flight to Madrid


  • Day 2 - Arrive Madrid (2 nights) On arrival at Madrid Airport you are met and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you may wish to relax at your hotel or why not take an excursion to El Escorial? This evening we will enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and travelling companions.

    Hotel: Holiday Inn (2 nights)


  • Day 3 - Toledo Excursion & Madrid Sightseeing First we enjoy an included excursion to Toledo, capital of Castile. Here sightseeing with a local guide includes a visit to the Synagogue, the Church of Santo Tome and a steel workshop. Then we return to Madrid where our guided tour shows us the Plaza Espana, the Puerta del Sol, the Cibeles Fountain and Gran Via.This evening, perhaps dine in a restaurant on the Plaza Mayor. (Buffet Breakfast)


  • Day 4 - Madrid – Burgos – Santander This morning our journey takes us over the Guadarrama Mountains to El Cid''s city of Burgos, to see the gothic Cathedral. From here, we drive close to the Ebro, and over the Cantabrian Cordillera to the coast and sophisticated Santander for the night. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Santemar


  • Day 5 - Santander - Bilbao - San Sebastian - Pamplona Today''s first stop is in Bilbao where there''s a chance to visit the new Guggenheim Museum before heading to seaside San Sebastian. On our arrival an orientation tour shows us the Bahia de la Concha beach, then on to Pamplona. Here we see the ancient streets and learn of the Festival of St. Firminius, when the bulls are left to run free through the town!
    (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: NH Iruna Park


  • Day 6 - Pamplona - Zaragoza - Barcelona (2 nights) Today we return to the Ebro Valley, stopping at Zaragoza, where we see the Cathedral of El Pilar as well as the Cathedral La Seo. Then onto Barcelona where our Tour Director shows us a Hidden Treasure and we enjoy dinner in a typical restaurant. (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

    Hotel: Abba Sants (2 nights)



  • Day 7 - Barcelona sightseeing & at leisure Our morning sightseeing tour with a local guide and audio system includes a walk through the Gothic Quarter with its impressive Cathedral. We also see Gaudi''s ''Sagrada Familia'' plus many of his other eccentric architectural masterpieces. Later, we''ll view Columbus'' Monument and the Ramblas. Then enjoy time at leisure in this sophisticated city, or perhaps an optional excursion to mystical Montserrat? (Buffet Breakfast)


  • Day 8 - Barcelona – Peñiscola – Valencia We drive past orange and almond orchards to Peniscola with its ancient castle. Then through the ëhuertasí to sunny Valencia where our orientation includes the Town Hall, the Bull Ring, the Towers of Serrano and Cuarte and the Cathedral. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Abba Acteon Plaza


  • Day 9 - Valencia – Guadix – Granada This morning we travel inland to the ësierrasíand Guadix, stopping to view the troglodyte cave dwellings. From here we continue our journey via the jagged Mora Pass, as we make our way to the Moorish city of Granada. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Gran Luna de Granada


  • Day 10 - Granada - Costa del Sol (2 nights) This morning after breakfast our sightseeing tour with a local guide and audio system visits the spectacular Alhambra Palace as well as the Generalife Gardens. After, we will continue to the coast, and our hotel for two nights, in the Costa del Sol with its long beaches, stopping in the resort of Torremolinos. (Buffet Breakfast)

    Hotel: Melia Costa del Sol (2 nights)


  • Day 11 - Costa del Sol at leisure After breakfast you can enjoy a full day at leisure perhaps to relax! Or you may wish to shop for souvenirs in the old town of Torremolinos, lie on the beach and soak up the sunshine or maybe take an optional excursion to the white-washed village of Mijas. Your evening is at leisure. (Buffet Breakfast)


  • Day 12 - Costa del Sol – Seville (2 nights) This morning we enjoy a scenic drive past the exciting millionaire''s resort of Marbella and on to La Linea. Later, we cross to the Rock of Gibraltar, with plenty of time for duty-free shopping before continuing through the Jerez countryside. Finally, we arrive in the Andalusian capital of Seville for two nights. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Tryp Macarena (2 nights)


  • Day 13 - Seville sightseeing & at leisure This morning after breakfast we will drive through the tree-lined streets of Seville and enjoy a sightseeing tour with audio system including the Bell Tower and weather vane of the Giralda. We''ll also see the pools and fountains of the Maria Luisa Park and Christopher Columbus'' tomb and continue with a walk through the Jewish quarter. Tonight, why not experience a little Spanish passion at a fiery Flamenco show? (Buffet Breakfast)


  • Day 14 - Seville – Cordoba Today along the Guadalquivir Valley, we travel to the Roman founded city of Cordoba. Here our sightseeing including audio system this afternoon features the Mezquita, a former Moorish Mosque, now hosting Cordoba''s main Cathedral and also a visit to the medieval synagogue. Before dinner, there''s time for relaxation and exploration of the city on your own. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Occidental


  • Day 15 - Cordoba – Madrid Today we cross La Mancha to Puerto Lapice where, according to tradition, Don Quixote was dubbed Knight by the local innkeeper. Next we drive back to Madrid where a local guide takes us on a visit to the world-famous Prado Museum to admire the paintings of Velazquez and Goya among the many fine works displayed (audio system included). Then there''s time perhaps to enjoy some last minute shopping. This evening, join your Tour Director and travelling companions for a Farewell Dinner. (Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

    Hotel: Agumar


  • Day 16 - Madrid - USA Time to bid farewell to new-found friends as we transfer you to the airport for your return flight to America. (Buffet Breakfast)



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to check rates and availability online, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Or, to speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
3/14/2009 - 3/29/2009
$3,099
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3/21/2009 - 4/5/2009
$3,125
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3/28/2009 - 4/12/2009
$3,299
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4/11/2009 - 4/26/2009
$3,225
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4/18/2009 - 5/3/2009
$3,225
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4/25/2009 - 5/10/2009
$3,199
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5/2/2009 - 5/17/2009
$3,199
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5/9/2009 - 5/24/2009
$3,199
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5/16/2009 - 5/31/2009
$3,199
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5/23/2009 - 6/7/2009
$3,199
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5/30/2009 - 6/14/2009
$3,199
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6/6/2009 - 6/21/2009
$3,199
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6/13/2009 - 6/28/2009
$3,199
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6/20/2009 - 7/5/2009
$3,150
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6/27/2009 - 7/12/2009
$3,150
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7/4/2009 - 7/19/2009
$3,375
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7/11/2009 - 7/26/2009
$3,150
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7/18/2009 - 8/2/2009
$3,150
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7/25/2009 - 8/9/2009
$3,150
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8/1/2009 - 8/16/2009
$3,150
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8/8/2009 - 8/23/2009
$3,150
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8/15/2009 - 8/30/2009
$3,150
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8/22/2009 - 9/6/2009
$3,175
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8/29/2009 - 9/13/2009
$3,175
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9/5/2009 - 9/20/2009
$3,250
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9/12/2009 - 9/27/2009
$3,250
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9/19/2009 - 10/4/2009
$3,250
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9/26/2009 - 10/11/2009
$3,250
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10/3/2009 - 10/18/2009
$3,250
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10/10/2009 - 10/25/2009
$3,190
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10/24/2009 - 11/8/2009
$3,025
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All Land & Air Prices: Additional taxes and fees will apply, please visit www.trafalgar.com/taxesandfees. Airline fuel surcharges are included in the base fare. Additional restrictions will apply; please visit www.trafalgar.com/restrictions. Prices shown are from New York City (Europe vacations), Los Angeles (South Pacific & Asia vacations) and Miami (South America vacations).
* This list indicates brochure rates and dates.
** For single travellers purchasing the twin-share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms.
Please note: In addition to being sold out or on a request basis only, a tour departure may not be displayed on this site for operation reasons.
For details on discounts that apply to this tour please refer to a brochure or see your Travel Agent.
The displayed prices are based on twin-share accommodation. A single supplement price is available on request.
  • Madrid
  • Toledo
  • Burgos
  • Santander
  • Bilbao
  • San Sebastian
  • Pamplona
  • Zaragoza
  • Barcelona
  • Peñiscola
  • Valencia
  • Granada
  • Torremolinos
  • Gibraltar
  • Seville
  • Cordoba
All Land & Air Prices: Additional taxes and fees will apply, please visit www.trafalgar.com/taxesandfees. Airline fuel surcharges are included in the base fare. Additional restrictions will apply; please visit www.trafalgar.com/restrictions. Prices shown are from New York City (Europe vacations), Los Angeles (South Pacific & Asia vacations) and Miami (South America vacations).
* This list indicates brochure rates and dates.
** For single travellers purchasing the twin-share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms.
Please note: In addition to being sold out or on a request basis only, a tour departure may not be displayed on this site for operation reasons.
For details on discounts that apply to this tour please refer to a brochure or see your Travel Agent.
The displayed prices are based on twin-share accommodation. A single supplement price is available on request.

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Take advantage of Trafalgar's great savings and discounts

Take advantage of Trafalgar's great savings and discounts.

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT - Save up to 10%

Many Trafalgar tours sell out months before the departure date, so book NOW to avoid disappointment.The earlier you pay, the more you save! If you book and pay in full you'll save up to 10% off the Land-only portion of your trip. Below is our Early Payment Saving options - pay between:

4-6 months SAVE 2.5%

7-9 months SAVE 5%

10-12 months SAVE 7.5%

1 year or more SAVE 10%

All tours must be booked and paid for in full for this discount to apply. This discount does not apply to our Free & Easy Series, Greek Cruises, Egypt, European Express tour and extra night accommodation.*When booking our Basel to Amsterdam River Cruise please check our River Cruise brochure for the savings and discounts exclusions. Conditions apply.

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SAVE ON YOUR 2nd TOUR - Save 5%

Book two Trafalgar holidays, each 8 days or longer for a reduction of 5% off the land portion of the tour with the shortest duration. Take three tours and save on two! Ask your travel professional for suggestions on your perfect tour combination.

IMPORTANT: Tours are combinable with second and subsequent additional tours. Tours must be booked at the same time. Discount is per person only and does NOT apply to our Free & Easy Series, Cruises, Egypt and extra night accommodation or any combination of a tour plus a cruise or rail journey as shown in brochures. Please see our Trafalgar brochures for their saving or discount exclusions. Conditions apply.

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TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS - Save 5%

A party of five or more friends - Travel with 5 to 8 friends or family members on the same tour and everyone will receive a discount of 5% off the Land portion of the tour.

A party of 9 or more friends - Further significant savings are available for larger groups of friends and families traveling together. Ask your Travel Agent for full details.

IMPORTANT: Space is limited to one group per motorcoach, so book early! These discounts cannot be combined with any other rooming, Young Traveler or Triple Room Discounts. Names of all passengers traveling must be advised to Trafalgar at the time of booking in order to qualify. These discounts do not apply to extra night accommodation, are not combinable with our Frequent Traveler offer and are not available on Winter tours, Free & Easy Series, Cruises, Egypt, Turkey, Israel and Greece tours. Conditions apply.

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YOUNG TRAVELER AGES - SAVE 10%

Share your holiday memories with your family and take advantage of a discount on the Land-only portion of your tour. Young Travelers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date, and MUST be accompanied by and adult (limit of one young traveler per room).

On all escorted tours, children under 5 years old are NOT accepted. The Young Traveler must be the specified age at the time of travel to be eligible for this discount. This discount cannot be combined with our TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS DISCOUNTS, and is limited to one young traveler discount per room. It also does not apply to our Free & Easy Series, Cruises, Egypt, Turkey or Israel tours, extra night accommodation or London and gateway accommodation. Conditions apply.

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SINGLE TRAVELER room share and save

One of the great benefits of Escorted Travel is the ease of traveling solo, and with Trafalgar we make it simple by offering the following options:

Guaranteed Room Share

When traveling alone, we understand that some clients do not want to incur the expense of an additional single room supplement. With this in mind, on the majority of our itineraries, Trafalgar offers you the opportunity to purchase these tours on a 'room sharing' basis. We will accommodate you with a fellow passenger of the same sex on a 'twin room' basis (non-smoking rooms only). Please note that regrettably, we cannot guarantee that room mates will be of a similar age group. Even so, it is an enjoyable way to travel and get to make new friends and a positive way to stretch your vacation budget further. If we fail to match you we will provide a single room at no extra cost.

This service does not apply to our Free & Easy Series, Cruises, European Express tour, Egypt, Turkey, Israel and extra night accommodation. Conditions apply.

Single Supplement Value

If you prefer the privacy of your own room, you'll appreciate our low single room supplement.

TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNT

Travel with three people, sharing one room and each of you will receive a discount off the land-only portion of your tour price. Each itinerary page will list the price reduction, see the tour of your choice.

Triple room discounts are based on sharing a twin-bedded room with an extra bed which may be a rollaway. This discount is applicable to itineraries featuring the Triple Room Reduction offer only.


   
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