Highlights of Spain – 9 days land only – Early payment discount

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- Return airport/hotel transfers
- 8 nights hotel accommodation
- Breakfast daily & selected dinners including a Welcome dinner, two Signature dinners, a three course dinner & a Celebration dinner
- Touring by luxury coach with the business class legroom
- Assistance of a Tour Director
- Sightseeing in all towns & cities visited
- Exclusive experiences
- All hotel service charges & tips, baggage handling fees & local taxes
- Highlights: Barcelona, Peñíscola, Valencia, Granada, Seville, Cordoba, Madrid

** Tour operates between APR 2017 - OCT 2017. Please enquire with your Travel Agent with regards to the price for other early payment discount dates

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Welcome to Barcelona

Airport transfers depart from Barcelona Airport for your hotel at 09:30, 12:30 & 15:00. Later, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception & the chance to mingle over a delightful evening of dinner & wine.

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Barcelona, the City of Gaudi

Relaxed Start) Join a Local Expert to explore the narrow lanes & old squares behind the cathedral. See the lively Las Ramblas as you head along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned with elegant wrought-iron street lamps & some of the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district for a visit inside Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, to see the central nave with its giant, tree-like pillars & spectacular vaulting. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore.

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Along the Orange Blossom Coast to Valencia

(Relaxed Start) Follow the sunny Costa Dorada, past the rice fields of the Ebro Delta to stop by Peñíscola & see the sea-lapped castle, used in the film El Cid. Pass through the famous orange groves to Valencia, the 'City of Arts & Sciences'. Circumnavigate the old town, past the City Gates of Serranos & Quart to reach your hotel. Valencia is home to one of the world's greatest dishes, paella. Learn the authentic recipe in a fun cookery demonstration & savour the flavours of this classic dish for dinner, washed down with a glass of sangria.

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Follow the Sierra Nevada to Granada & the Alhambra

Drive along the Costa Blanca, past the castle at Lorca & troglodyte dwellings hollowed out of the soft rock, at Purullena. Enjoy views of the Sierra Nevada from the distance as you reach glorious Granada. Overlooking the town stands one of the most remarkable fortresses ever built – the Alhambra. Explore this exquisite palace; a fantasy of stone-cut lace, arabesque gardens & fountains, built as a citadel by the Moors in the 13th century. Also stroll through the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the Royal summer residence.

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Scenic drive to Seville

(Relaxed Start) In the morning, there is time if you wish, to explore the labyrinthine Albaicin Quarter - from the Church of St Nicholas, there is one of the most superb views of the Alhambra. Then drive to Seville past gleaming white villages & olive groves that stretch as far as the eye can see. This stunning capital of Andalucía is simply one of Spain's most charming jewels. At night, enjoy the flavours of Andalucía & share in the passion of Spain's most fiery region at a flamenco show & dinner.

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Seville, the City of Carmen

(Relaxed Start) Seville has a distinctive character & presence that is best revealed by a Local Expert. During your stay, visit the Plaza de España in Maria Luisa Park. Then stroll through the fashionable Santa Cruz Quarter with its flower bedecked, wrought-iron balconies. Emerge by the Alcazar - a Moorish fantasy in stone, set in richly scented gardens. Visit the massive cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus & enriched with the spoils of the New World. The energetic can climb the Giralda Tower, former minaret of the Great Mosque, & enjoy views over the city. The afternoon is at leisure.

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Moorish Cordoba and on to Madrid

Set off early along the Guadalquivir Valley, passing villages & towns studded with Moorish towers & fortresses. Stop in the perfectly preserved Moorish city of Cordoba. See the famous 2,000-year-old bridge & meet a local historian for a visit to the magnificent Mezquita, an 8th century mosque with a Christian church built inside it. Afterwards, there is free time to stroll through the narrow streets of the Old Jewish Quarter. Follow in the footsteps of Don Quixote as you travel through the Mancha & on to the capital of Madrid.

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Madrid of the Bourbons

(Relaxed Start) Join a Local Expert for sightseeing along the noble avenues. See the statue of Cervantes' fictional hero, Don Quixote, in the Plaza de España. Continue past the Cibeles Fountain & the Parliament to cross the Puerta del Sol. Visit the Prado Museum, a magnificent palace housing works by Botticelli, Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens & others. Take time out to relax at a cafe or shop in the trendy boutiques, or perhaps enjoy an optional experience to beautiful Toledo? In the evening, join your farewell Celebration Dinner in the heart of town, complete with wine.

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Farewell Madrid

Board your onward flight, taking home memories & friendships that will last a lifetime. Departure transfers arrive at Madrid Airport at 07:00, 09:00 & 11:00.