Cosmos Arrow 2010: Europe Vacations Arrow 2010: GRAND TOUR OF SPAIN (6850)
2010: GRAND TOUR OF SPAIN (6850)
16 days incl. travel, or 15 days from Madrid to Madrid
Get to know multi-faceted Spain on this exciting vacation. Start and end your journey in Madrid, the country's grand capital. Next, visit the Aranjuez Royal Palace, marvel at the Cuenca 'hanging houses,' and explore the ancient winding streets of Valencia. Drive along the Mediterranean coast and stop at Peniscola Castle on the way to beautiful Barcelona. Travel through Catalonia, stop in Saragossa, and continue to Pamplona, known for its running of the bulls. Carry on to Basque Country: visit the Sanctuary of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the seaport city of Bilbao, and the provincial capital of Castilla and Leon, Burgos. The heart of Spain reveals even more stunning cities, such as Segovia, Avila, and Salamanca, known for their unique historical centers and acclaimed for their wine production. Next, head south into sunny Andalusia for two overnights in spectacular Seville. Sample sherry wine in Jerez; stop in the white-washed village of Ronda; visit the exotic Alhambra complex, residence of the Moorish kings in Granada; enjoy the labyrinth of Cordoba's old Moorish quarter surrounding the exquisite Mezquita; and retrace Don Quixote's footsteps as you travel among the windmills and castles of La Mancha. In Madrid, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of this elegant city.

Special Departure:
Mar 26th Departure - Easter departure

HOTELS
Madrid Praga (F), Valencia Catalonia Excelsior (F), Barcelona Catalonia Aragon (ST), Pamplona** Maisonnave (ST), Burgos Corona de Castilla (F), Salamanca Catalonia Plaza (F), Seville Don Paco (ST), Granada Don Juan (ST), Cordoba Selu (ST)
Call (800) 468-2359 for more information or to book today! Mention code 8657659
Tour OperatorCosmos
OfferOffer valid through 12/31/2009
Duration
16 Days
Escorted
Escorted - Yes
Itinerary
DayDestinationDescription
Day 1Board your overnight transatlantic flightBOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT
Day 2MadridCheck into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to start exploring lively Madrid. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (D)
Day 3ValenciaStart the day by driving to nearby Aranjuez in the Castilian Plain, where you stop to visit the Royal Palace, originally built in the 14th century. Although burned down both in 1727 and 1728, it was splendidly rebuilt and became a favorite residence of Spanish royalty. Continue traveling southeast to the magnificently located old town of Cuenca, which stands high above the precipices of the Rivers Jucar and Huecar. It is famous for its 'hanging houses' that are suspended over the Huecar ravine. Journey on to Valencia for two overnights. (B,D)
Day 4ValenciaValencia is known mainly for its wonderful climate and the quality of its light. Enjoy a drive along wide avenues lined with fig and palm trees and along the old quarter's narrow streets with its fine gothic houses and typical patios. Time to do some shopping or more personal sightseeing and, of course, the option of joining an excursion. (B)
Day 5BarcelonaAn interesting day starts with a drive north to the nearby Castellon for a visit of its Peniscola Castle, built by the Knights Templar in the 14th century. The promontory on which the castle and town are located is a fine reminder of medieval times. Continue your journey through orange groves and seaside resorts past Tarragona to Catalonia's lively and beautiful capital, Barcelona. (B)
Day 6BarcelonaThis morning's sightseeing with a Local Guide will include a drive around Montjuic to see the Olympic Stadium and a great panoramic view of the port and city. The drive continues to the city center to Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire the greatness and eccentricity of Gaudi's architectural masterpieces in the Houses Batllo and Mila and the Sagrada Familia (entrance fees not included). (B,D)
Day 7PamplonaSee more of Catalonia as you drive northwest to Saragossa on the banks of the River Ebro. During your stop you'll have time to see the Sanctuary of our Lady of the Pillar. Continue north through fertile valleys and the Rioja wine-growing region to Basque Country and on to the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Navarra, Pamplona, for an overnight stay. (B)
Day 8BurgosStart the morning by driving further into Basque Country for a visit to the Sanctuary of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. Journey northwest to the port town of Bilbao. Time for an optional visit to the spectacular Guggenheim Museum. Apart from its amazing collection of modern paintings, the building itself, by Frank Gehry, is considered one of the 20th century's great architectural masterpieces. In the afternoon, travel south to Burgos. (B,D)
Day 9SalamancaToday, head southwest into Castile. Enjoy some grand scenery as you travel to the edge of the Sierra de Guadarrama, a green oasis in the Castilian desert. Stop in Segovia, magnificently perched on a rock formation at an altitude of 3,280 feet. The cathedral, the alcazar, and the Roman aqueduct are some of its more famous sights. Next, drive west to Avila for a short visit before continuing to Salamanca in time to enjoy the extraordinary beauty of its Plaza Mayor. (B,D)
Day 10SevilleLeave early this morning and cross the mighty Tagus River and the Guadarrama. Stop in Caceres, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its blend of Roman, Islamic, northern gothic, and Italian Renaissance styles. Enjoy more Spanish landscapes before reaching Seville, one of Spain's most colorful cities. (B,D)
Day 11SevilleA full day at leisure. Perhaps you'd like to spend this morning enjoying an optional sightseeing tour including the main highlights of the vibrant city. (B)
Day 12GranadaA day to see the best of Andalusia. Head first into the Jerez region for a sherry-tasting stop. Next, journey by way of the typically white-painted villages to the town of Ronda, famous for the ravine that literally cuts it in two and, of course, its bullfighting connections. Overnight in Granada in the shadow of the mighty Sierra Nevada. (B,D)
Day 13CordobaGranada was the Arabs' most treasured city; they still mourn its loss in their prayers. Learn more about it on the included visit with a Local Guide. More grand scenery this afternoon as you travel to Cordoba on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. (B,D)
Day 14MadridThis is perhaps Spain's most Moorish city with its great mosque, the Mezquita, one of Islam's most important pieces of architecture outside the Arab world. You'll enjoy the small, white-washed houses, the winding streets, and the colorful squares. Later, journey into the very heart of La Mancha, famed for its castles and windmills. Reach Madrid in time to enjoy a relaxed evening. (B)
Day 15MadridThis morning the optional trip to Toledo is most rewarding. The splendid setting of this old walled city above the Tagus was made famous in El Greco's painting, and even now it's like a great open-air museum of Spanish history and art. Later, join the included Madrid city sightseeing. Not only because it's the capital of Spain but also because it is situated 2,180 feet above sea level, the Spaniards say it's the nearest thing to heaven. (B)
Day 16Your homebound flight arrives the same dayReturn Home
Dates/Pricing
Click Quote or call (800) 468-2359 to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

DateDescriptionPrice FromQuote
March 13, 2010Land Only Price$1,679.00 (USD)Quote
March 27, 2010Land Only Price$1,679.00 (USD)Quote
April 10, 2010Land Only Price$1,749.00 (USD)Quote
April 24, 2010Land Only Price$1,749.00 (USD)Quote
May 08, 2010Land Only Price$1,779.00 (USD)Quote
May 22, 2010Land Only Price$1,779.00 (USD)Quote
June 05, 2010Land Only Price$1,779.00 (USD)Quote
June 19, 2010Land Only Price$1,779.00 (USD)Quote
July 03, 2010Land Only Price$1,739.00 (USD)Quote
July 17, 2010Land Only Price$1,739.00 (USD)Quote
July 31, 2010Land Only Price$1,739.00 (USD)Quote
August 14, 2010Land Only Price$1,739.00 (USD)Quote
August 21, 2010Land Only Price$1,739.00 (USD)Quote
August 28, 2010Land Only Price$1,789.00 (USD)Quote
September 04, 2010Land Only Price$1,789.00 (USD)Quote
September 11, 2010Land Only Price$1,789.00 (USD)Quote
September 18, 2010Land Only Price$1,789.00 (USD)Quote
September 25, 2010Land Only Price$1,789.00 (USD)Quote
October 02, 2010Land Only Price$1,789.00 (USD)Quote
October 09, 2010Land Only Price$1,789.00 (USD)Quote
October 16, 2010Land Only Price$1,725.00 (USD)Quote
October 23, 2010Land Only Price$1,725.00 (USD)Quote
October 30, 2010Land Only Price$1,725.00 (USD)Quote
November 06, 2010Land Only Price$1,675.00 (USD)Quote
Disclaimer
US$ Price Details

Single room supplement:
$700

No triple room reduction.

Our Volume Buying Power Saves You Money!
-We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city.
-Additional accommodations before or after your tour may be available at our low prices.

Additional Information:
-Departure/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at the time of booking.
-2009, 2010 & 2011 vacation itineraries and prices are subject to change.

Guaranteed Air-Inclusive Price:
Air-inclusive prices do not include a September 11th fee up to $10, passenger facility charges of up to $18, Federal domestic flight segment fees of up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government imposed fees of up to $300 depending on your itinerary. Please see the Applicable Airfare Taxes and Fee link above for more information.

Air booked in conjunction with a land vacation is considered an air-inclusive vacation. Air can only be booked by Globus in conjunction with a land package and is only available for passengers traveling from the United States. For vacation departures in 2010, your final air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed when your air schedule had been confirmed and your entire vacation package has been paid in full. For vacation departures in 2009, an additional $250 non-refundable deposit (total $500 non-refundable) is required for air booked in conjunction with any land vacation and your final air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed when your flight information is confirmed and Globus has received your full land and air deposit.

Not Included in the Vacation Price:
Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees including the September 11th Security fee up to $10 per person, Passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure, and other government imposed fees up to $300 per person; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Globus menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); optional excursions; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection premiums; all airline imposed baggage fees (including internal flights); and all other items of a personal nature.
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2010: GRAND TOUR OF SPAIN (6850)
From $1,675.00 (USD)
 
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