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Insight Vacations - Best of Spain and Portugal 2012
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15 Days - Spain and Portugal - Premium Escorted, Departs from & returns to Madrid
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- Summary
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Best of Spain and Portugal - 15 Days
Combining some of Spain's most popular attractions with the lesser known delights of Portugal, allowing for an insightful exploration of the Iberian Peninsula.
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Tour Pace
This popular tour moves at a comfortable pace with five two-night stays in Madrid, Lisbon, Seville, the Costa del Sol and Barcelona. Driving days are not too long and with frequent comfort stops.
Hotels
An excellent mixture of both modern and traditional hotels; with the modern and luxurious Marriott in Lisbon and the Melia Costa del Sol, the Saray in Granada designed in the style of the Alhambra and the more traditional Husa Reina Victoria hotel in Valencia.
Passenger Testimonial
‘We liked our tour director, Toni, and our tour very, very much. It was better than any of us expected. Spain and Portugal were lovely and friendly and fun. Our hotels were much nicer than we expected. We would travel on Insight again in a heartbeat'.
Allan
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- Highlights
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Included Premium Highlights
* Admire the paintings of Velâzquez & Goya on a guided visit of Madrid's Prado Museum
* Visit the unique city of Toledo, to admire the Cathedral & El Greco's masterpiece in the chapel of Santo Tomé
* Visit the Royal Chapel in the ornate Gothic Monastery of Batalha
* Visit Jeronimo's Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline art
* Visit the tomb of Christopher Columbus in Seville's Gothic Cathedral, built in the 15th century
* Visit the Rock of Gibraltar, St. Michael's Cave & see the Barbary Apes
* Journey high above the Mediterranean to the white-washed village of Mijas
* In Granada, visit the exquisite Alhambra Palace & water gardens of the Generalife
Included Personal Insights
* Enjoy a short tutorial about the world-famous wines of the region
Included Other Excursions & Sights
* See Madrid's Cervantes Monument, Cibeles Fountain & Puerta del Sol
* See the cathedral in the university town of Salamanca
* See the walled town of Avila
* See the wine stores of the Vila Nova de Gaia in Oporto
* Visit the neo-classical Basilica in the pilgrimage town of Fatima
* Visit the ancient fortified city of Obidos
* View the modern Monument to the Discoveries & ancient Belem Tower in Lisbon
* View the Alcazar, Giralda Tower, & the fashionable Santa Cruz quarter in Seville
* Visit Gibraltar to see the famous Rock
* See Valencia's Generalidad Palace, El Miguelete Tower, City Gates & Cathedral
* See the white walled cottages & stone castle of PeñÍscola
* Drive through Barcelona's modern Eixample District to view Gaudi's Sagrada Familia
* Visit the Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter & Barcelona's most famous street, La Rambla
* Scenic drives across the Guadarrama Mountains, Mora Pass & along the Costa del Sol
Included First Class Services
* Escorted by a professional Tour Director
* Headsets for all guided visits & walking tours
* Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with extended leg room & on-board restroom
* Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes & porterage
* Insight Traveller document wallet, map book journal & information pack
* Airport arrival & departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 1 & Day 16
* Should your flights not coincide with these arrival & departure transfers, please make your own way to/from the airport
Included Quality Dining
* Highlight Dinner featuring a Flamenco Show in Seville (HD)
* Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant from our selection in Granada (DA)
* 15 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 4 three-course table d'hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
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- Itinerary
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Day 1 - MADRID AT LEISURE
Welcome to Madrid, Europe’s highest capital, occupying the centre of the Iberian peninsula. At Madrid Airport, transfers depart for the tour hotel at 09:00, 11:00, 13:30 & 16:00. Later meet your Tour Director for a Welcome reception with drink and a light meal, followed by time to relax.
Hotel: NH Abascal/Gran Melia Fenix
Meals: Welcome Reception
Day 2 - MADRID SIGHTSEEING
A guided sightseeing tour takes you along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana past Madrid’s most famous fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles. Drive down the Gran Via to the Cervantes Monument in the Plaza España and cross the Puerta del Sol. Highlight of your tour is a visit to the magnificent Prado Museum to admire the paintings of Velázquez, Goya and many others.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 3 - MADRID - TOLEDO - SALAMANCA
This morning is devoted to Toledo, former capital of Spain. Walk through the maze of narrow cobbled streets to visit the Cathedral with its high altar, baroque window and paintings by El Greco. Later, pass the ancient walls of Avila en route to ‘golden’ Salamanca with its honey-coloured cathedral.
Hotel: Alameda Palace
Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dinner
Day 4 - SALAMANCA - PORTO
Cross the Portuguese border to reach Porto. En route, hear an informative tutorial about the wines that make this region so famous. With your Tour Director, see the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores which house the famous port wines and admire the multi-coloured houses and churches covered in glazed tiles.
Hotel: Tiara Park Atlantic
Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dinner
Day 5 - PORTO - FATIMA - OBIDOS - LISBON
After breakfast, head south to miraculous Fatima to join the pilgrims flocking into the great Basilica. Then continue to the fortified city of Obidos, where you walk inside the walls to explore the flower-decked houses and narrow, medieval streets. Your destination is the Portuguese capital.
Hotel: Marriott
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 6 - LISBON SIGHTSEEING
Today’s sightseeing with a local guide shows you Sao Jorge Castle, the Monument to the Discoveries and the Belem Tower. Later, visit Jeronimo’s Monastery with its superbly ornate cloister. The afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 7 - LISBON - SEVILLE
Leave Lisbon via the modern Tagus Bridge and cross the border to reach Seville. A tour with a local guide includes the immense Cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus, and the slender Giralda Tower. Tour the Santa Cruz Quarter with its flower-decked wrought-iron balconies and see the Alcazar. Tonight settle back for a Highlight Dinner and entertainment featuring a fiery Flamenco show.
Hotel: Ayre/Melia Sevilla
Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner
Day 8 - SEVILLE AT LEISURE
The day is completely yours to relax, explore or continue sightseeing in this fascinating city. One suggestion is an optional excursion to Cordoba to visit the magnificent Mezquita?
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 9 - SEVILLE - GIBRALTAR - COSTA DEL SOL
Head south to Gibraltar, attached to Spain, yet an independent colony under British control since 1704. Visit the Rock of Gibraltar, St. Michael’s Cave and see the Barbary Apes, legendary guardians of the colony! Later, take the scenic route along the Costa del Sol to your hotel.
Hotel: Melia Costa Del Sol
Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dinner
Day 10 - COSTA DEL SOL AT LEISURE
Enjoy a whole day at leisure on the Costa del Sol. Relax by the blue Mediterranean waters, stroll along the promenade or savour the specialities in the local restaurants.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 11 - COSTA DEL SOL - GRANADA
Drive through the green hills above the Costa del Sol to the white-washed village of Mijas. Stroll through the old streets and gardens and take in the views of the coast. Continue to Granada to visit the magnificent Alhambra Palace. See the Lion Court as well as the water gardens of the royal summer residence. This evening choose your own personal ambience and cuisine from our Dine-Around selection of restaurants.
Hotel: Saray
Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dine Around
Day 12 - GRANADA - VALENCIA
Enjoy superb views over the Sierra Nevada as you cross the Mora Pass. Continue past the cave dwellings near Guadix to the hi-rise of the Costa Blanca. Now through the famous orange groves to Valencia. You see the ultra-modern Centre of Arts and Sciences then circumnavigate the old town, past the City Gates of Serranos and Quart to reach your hotel. Maybe take a walk to the Cathedral and El Miguelete.
Hotel: Husa Reina Victoria/ NH Center
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 13 - VALENCIA - BARCELONA
Follow the coast to Peñíscola to view the sea-lapped castle used in the film El Cid. Continue along the Costa Dorada to Barcelona. Join your local guide by the cathedral in the Gothic quarter for a walking tour. Now drive along the Passeig de Gràcia, where stands the most amazing Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district to visit Gaudi’s extraordinary, unfinished Sagrada Familia church.
Hotel: Melia Barcelona
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
Day 14 - BARCELONA AT LEISURE
Today has been set aside as a free day to allow you to explore this vibrant city at your own pace. Options include an excursion to the great Monastery of Montserrat to see the Black Madonna. This evening, raise your glasses at a tour finalé Celebration Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner
Day 15 - BARCELONA
Your tour ends after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Barcelona Airport at 07:00, 09:00 & 11:00. The 09:00 transfer will continue to Madrid, scheduled to arrive early evening.
Meals: Buffet Breakfast
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- Tour Map
- Dates & Prices
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2012 EARLYBIRD Special - Tour Dates & Prices
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Departs on
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Returns on
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Brochure Price
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Costless Discount Price
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Insight Vacations Premium Escorted Europe and Britain 202
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2012
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All prices are in Australian Dollars and based on twin share
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Sat, Mar 17, 2012
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Sat, Mar 31, 2012
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$3150.00
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Sat, Mar 24, 2012
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Sat, Apr 07, 2012
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$3150.00
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Sat, Mar 31, 2012
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Sat, Apr 14, 2012
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$3150.00
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Sat, Apr 07, 2012
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Sat, Apr 21, 2012
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$3185.00
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Sat, Apr 14, 2012
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Sat, Apr 28, 2012
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$3185.00
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Sat, Apr 21, 2012
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Sat, May 05, 2012
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$3185.00
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Sat, Apr 28, 2012
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Sat, May 12, 2012
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$3235.00
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Sat, May 05, 2012
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Sat, May 19, 2012
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$3235.00
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Sat, May 12, 2012
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Sat, May 26, 2012
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$3235.00
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Sat, May 19, 2012
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Sat, Jun 02, 2012
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$3235.00
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Sat, May 26, 2012
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Sat, Jun 09, 2012
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$3235.00
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Sat, Jun 02, 2012
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Sat, Jun 16, 2012
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$3235.00
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Sat, Jun 09, 2012
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Sat, Jun 23, 2012
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$3235.00
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Sat, Jun 16, 2012
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Sat, Jun 30, 2012
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$3199.00
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Sat, Jun 23, 2012
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Sat, Jul 07, 2012
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$3199.00
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Sat, Jun 30, 2012
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Sat, Jul 14, 2012
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$3199.00
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Sat, Jul 07, 2012
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Sat, Jul 21, 2012
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$3199.00
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Sat, Jul 14, 2012
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Sat, Jul 28, 2012
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$3199.00
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Sat, Jul 21, 2012
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Sat, Aug 04, 2012
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$3199.00
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Sat, Jul 28, 2012
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Sat, Aug 11, 2012
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$3199.00
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Sat, Aug 04, 2012
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Sat, Aug 18, 2012
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$3199.00
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Sat, Aug 11, 2012
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Sat, Aug 25, 2012
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$3199.00
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Sat, Aug 18, 2012
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Sat, Sep 01, 2012
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$3250.00
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Sat, Aug 25, 2012
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Sat, Sep 08, 2012
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$3250.00
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Sat, Sep 01, 2012
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Sat, Sep 15, 2012
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$3299.00
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Sat, Sep 08, 2012
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Sat, Sep 22, 2012
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$3299.00
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Sat, Sep 15, 2012
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Sat, Sep 29, 2012
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$3299.00
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Sat, Sep 22, 2012
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Sat, Oct 06, 2012
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$3265.00
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Sat, Sep 29, 2012
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Sat, Oct 13, 2012
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$3265.00
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Sat, Oct 06, 2012
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Sat, Oct 20, 2012
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$3199.00
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Sat, Oct 13, 2012
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Sat, Oct 27, 2012
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$3199.00
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Sat, Oct 20, 2012
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Sat, Nov 03, 2012
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$3185.00
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Sat, Oct 27, 2012
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Sat, Nov 10, 2012
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$3099.00
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Sat, Nov 03, 2012
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Sat, Nov 17, 2012
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$3099.00
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DEF = Definite Departure
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Costless Prices are subject to early payment conditions / based on limited availability / and can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices are in Australian Dollars and based on twin share, single room supplements apply.
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* = Multiple departures on the same day - tours may operate in reverse, and some locations/hotels may differ.
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- Optionals
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Your Insight tour already includes a host of bonus highlights and comprehensive sightseeing. However, there is an exciting array of optional excursions which will turn an already amazing experience into the trip of a lifetime! These are entirely optional and can be booked through your Tour Director/Local Representative at the commencement of your tour. All prices are quoted in local currency. Payment can be made in cash or by Visa, Mastercard or American Express. To help your pre-tour budgeting we suggest you allow approximately EURO 45 per person per day for optional excursions.
LIS02 - FADO EVENING
Savour dinner in a typical Portuguese nightspot, specialising in beautiful and haunting Fado melodies. Wine included.
EURO 59
LIS01 - SINTRA, CASCAIS & ESTORIL EXCURSION
We leave the city of Lisbon for the slopes of the Sierra de Sintra. After visiting an impressive palace, we see the fashionable casino resort of Estoril before returning to Lisbon by way of the quaint fishing village of Cascais. EURO 41
LIS05 - LISBON BY NIGHT
We drive first to the Barrio Alto, the old quarter of Lisbon, to admire the views over the city. We then take a short funicular ride to the Baixa, the heart of the downtown area where after a short walk you will havetime to have a leisurely dinner in one of the many restaurants in this area. Later back to the hotel passing the sights of the city by night. EURO 18
LIS07 - SEAFOOD DINNER BY THE TAGUS RIVER
Take the ferry across the mighty Tagus River and enjoy typical Portuguese seafood and fish specialities. After dinner cross the impressive suspension bridge for sweeping views over the Portuguese capital. EURO 46
SVL01 - CORDOBA & THE MESQUITA
A morning excursion to historic Cordoba, the most perfectly preserved Moorish city, where our guided walking tour shows us this fascinating city including the magnificent 'Mesquita', an 8th century mosque which is considered to be one of the finest monuments built by the Moors during their occupation of Spain. EURO 41
SVL09 - ANDALUSIAN TAPAS & THE ATMOSPHERE OF OLD SEVILLE
Enjoy a delicious selection of tapas specialities in a local restaurant with wine included. Then later we conclude the evening by taking an atmospheric walk through the old quarter of Seville which has a special magicin the evening. EURO 47
BCN02 - BARCELONA BY NIGHT WITH DINNER
After a delightful dinner in a traditional Catalan restaurant, we take a scenic drive up the hill of Montjuic to see the sparkling harbour and Olympic city lights. EURO 50
BCN06 - GUELL PARK & EVENING DRIVE
Park Guell is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site - 'Works of Antoni Gaud'. The highest point of the park offers a panoramic view of Barcelona and the bay. Gaudi incorporated motifs of Catalan nationalism and elements from religious mysticism and ancient poetry into the park resulting in a unique and authentic experience. You will have some free time in Port Olympic to dine in one of the many restaurants, before taking a night drive through the city. EURO 26
MAD08 - EXCURSION TO SEGOVIA
We drive to Segovia, originally founded by the Romans, where, with a local guide, we enjoy a walking tour of the medieval streets from the ancient aqueduct to the magnificent Alcazar. Our guided tour of this 14th century palace shows us the splendour of the art and armoury of the Spanish medieval era. Then we take a panoramic drive to admire the stunning views over the Eresma valley, the 28 m (92 ft) high Roman aqueduct and the many picturesque and ancient buildings of this medieval jewel. EURO 43
MAD07 - MADRILENO DINNER & PLAZA MAYOR
First it's off to Plaza Mayor, once the Main Square dating back to 1617 and dominated by the spectacular facade of the 'Casa de la Pandaria'. After time for photos we drive to our traditional 'Meson' to try many of the dishes that Madrid is renowned for. Drinks such as regional wine, beer and soft drinks are included but we suggest sampling some of Spain's famous 'Sangria'. All this will be accompanied by a local 'Tuna de Madrid' playing all your favourite Spanish songs on traditional instruments. EURO 57
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KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES BUSINESS CLASS SPECIAL LIMITED SEATS
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Example airfare Perth - Amsterdam Airfare including pre-paid taxes and fuel surcharges
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$5369
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SALE ENDS 15 OCT 2011
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OTHER AIRFARES / DEPARTURE / DESTINATION CITIES AVAILABLE
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From: Adelaide - Brisbane / Melbourne / Perth / Sydney
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To: Amsterdam - Athens - Barcelona - Berlin - Birmingham - Bologna - Bordeaux - Bremen - Brussels - Basel - Bucharest - Budapest - Cork - Cologne - Copenhagen - Dublin - Dusseldorf - Edinburgh - Florence - Frankfurt - Geneva - Glasgow - Gothenburg - Hamburg - Hanover - Helsinki - Istanbul - Kiev - Lisbon - London - Linkoping - Liverpool - Luxemburg - Lyon - Madrid - Manchester - Marseille - Milan - Moscow - Munich - Newcastle - Nice - Nuremburg - Oslo - Paphos - Paris - Prague - Riga - Rome - St Petersburg - Stockholm - Strasbourg - Stuttgart - Tallinn - Toulouse - Venice - Vienna - Vilnius - Warsaw - Zurich
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Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. All trademarks are property of their legal owners.
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**Costless Discount Prices are based on 12 month earlypayment option**
* Tour prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
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