Andalusia And Major Mediterranean Cities 8 Day Tour

Andalusia And Major Mediterranean Cities 8 Day Tour
Eight day tour of Andalusia and Major Mediterranean cities
1st Day (Sun.) LISBON – CACERES – CORDOBA
Depart at 07:30 hrs for Caceres, a designated World Heritage place because of the city’s blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic and Italian Renaissance architecture. Walk through its Plaza Mayor and the Old Town with its famous Medieval Quarter. Afterwards, continue on towards Cordoba, once the capital of the Caliphate, and enjoy dinner and comfortable accommodation in your hotel.
2nd Day (Mon.) CORDOBA – SEVILLE
Have breakfast in your hotel, and then you will not want to miss a tour of Cordoba's impressive Mosque. There's plenty of relaxation for both mind and spirit when you stroll through the narrow, winding streets of the Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon, a short two-hour journey will whisk you to Seville, where your hotel accommodation and dinner await.
3rd Day (Tue.) SEVILLE
Start the day off with breakfast in your hotel. In the morning, enjoy a panoramic tour of the city, taking in the exterior of the Cathedral (the second largest in the Catholic world after St. Peters in Rome), the Santa Cruz quarter (the backdrop to the story of “Carmen” as well as the very spot where the myth of “Don Juan” began), Maria Luisa Park and Plaza de España. The afternoon is free, so that you can venture out on your own to discover many more fantastic views of this lovely city, and taste some of its unique flavours. After an active day, you will be happy to return to your hotel for dinner. There's also an optional Flamenco tour, if you want to experience even more of the city's famous qualities.
4th Day (Wed.) SEVILLE – GRANADA
Enjoy breakfast in your hotel, and then drive east along the famous Caliphate road to the heart of ANDALUSIA, passing by fields full of olive trees. Head for the city of Granada and its incredible and amazing architecture. The city was the last stronghold of the Moorish Kingdoms until 1492. Visit the world famous Alhambra complex and Generalife Gardens, both of which have inspired literary authors to describe its striking sights and sounds, as for example in the “Tales of the Alhambra” by W. Irving. You will find dinner and accommodation waiting for you in your hotel. You may also wish to visit the optional Gipsy Flamenco Show in the Sacromonte quarter.
5th Day (Thu.) GRANADA – VALENCIA
After another fine breakfast in your hotel, set off for the glittering Mediterranean coast. Pass through Murcia, capital of the fertile region around the Segura river, and continue north via Alicante, the second largest city in the region of Valencia. Reach Valencia, one of the main capitals of the Mediterranean coast with its modern Architectural Complex combining a mix of Arts and Sciences. This interesting attraction has six key elements called the Hemispheric, Umbracle, Science Museum, Oceanographic, Palau de les Arts and Ágora. While you are here, don't forget to sample Valencia's most famous culinary speciality: the much loved, and delicious “Paella”. At the end of the day, return to your hotel accommodation.
6th Day (Fri.) VALENCIA – BARCELONA
Take your time to enjoy breakfast in your hotel. After that, set off on a morning city tour of this wonderful place, including a drive through the old city showing the most prominent buildings. See the old riverbed of the Turia and the most avant-garde complex “Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias” where you will view the architecturally stunning exteriors of the six buildings. In the early afternoon, head northwards and follow the Mediterranean coast to Catalunya, via Tarragona, known in Roman times as Tarraco. Finally, catch a first glimpse of Barcelona, as you enter this major Mediterranean city, which is the home of famous architect Gaudí, a leading figure and symbol of Catalonian modernism. At the end of a busy day, your hotel accomodation offers a welcome chance to rest in comfort.
7th Day (Sat.) BARCELONA
Have a lovely breakfast in hour hotel. After that, enjoy a morning city tour of Barcelona. You might remember that the city was famous for hosting the Olympic Games with great style in 1992. Drive along the main avenues and view some impressive modernist buildings by Gaudí such as La Pedrera, Casa Milá, etc. – all of these have been declared World Heritage buildings. – See the Montjuïc Park with its spectacular views of the city and harbour, the famous Olympic Ring, a fitting monument to Columbus and the impressive Olympic Port. The afternoon is free, so that you can explore this wonderful city and all it has to offer, including some quite delicious and varied types of food. Your accommodation in a comfortable hotel is guaranteed at the end of the day.
8th Day (Sun.) BARCELONA – ZARAGOZA – MADRID
After breakfast in your hotel, take a trip through some economically important industrial and agricultural areas until you arrive in Zaragoza, the capital city of Aragón. Admire its scenic location on the banks of the majestic Ebro river, which is the biggest river in the whole of the Iberian Peninsula. Zaragoza was known as Caesar Augusta during the Roman period, and that's where its modern name comes from. Spend some free time admiring he impressive Baroque architecture of the Basilic-Temple of Our Lady Pilar before continuing on to your next destination, which is Madrid.
Highlights
• Depart from Lisbon and head for Caceres and Cordoba
• See the fabulous Mosque and intricate Jewish Quarter at Cordoba
• Explore Seville, the home of Carmen and Don Juan
• Admire the world-famous Alhambra Complex in Granada
• See the architecture and taste the local food in Valencia
• Spend some time in Barcelona, famous for Gaudi and OIympic sports
• Return to Madrid via Zaragoza, the capital of Aragón