spain itin 1 - thetravelclubsite.com itin 1.pdf · day$1$&$2:$$tampa$–$madrid$!...
Post on 20-Jan-2021
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Day 1 & 2: Tampa – Madrid Prepare yourself for the trip of a lifetime as we embark upon an overnight trans Atlantic flight from Tampa, waking up in Madrid, Europe’s highest capital city at over 2,000 feet above sea level. After gathering our luggage, clearing customs, and meeting our Tour Director, we will leave Madrid for a ½ day excursion and a guided visit to King Philip II’s 400 year old retreat, the Monestario de la San Lorenzo which stands at 3,500 ft, above sea level in the Guadarrama Mountains and boasts 2,600 windows, 1,200 doors, and over 100 miles of passages. Later this afternoon, providing it has re-‐opened from a 3 year refurbishment, we will visit the Valley of the Fallen, Spain’s monument to the fallen victims of the Spanish Civil War, and final resting place of General Franco, Spain’s longtime fascist dictator. The monument itself is actually underground, but atop the hill stands the world’s largest monumental cross. A 500 ft. granite cross, with a funicular that will take us up to the base for an amazing view. Just a short drive takes us back to Madrid to check into our hotel and where our traditional Spanish dinner is waiting. Day 3: Madrid & Segovia Our morning adventure takes us to the quaint medieval town of Segovia where we will see a 2,000 year old Roman Aqueduct that is 100 feet tall and 2,500 feet long, has 118 arches, and 20,00 granite blocks, all without any mortar. Up until the late 19th century, this aqueduct still carried water, and they say it could still function today. Next on our journey is the Cathedral, a Renaissance church and one of Spain’s, last major Gothic churches. The main attraction of Segovia however, is the Alcazar, a grand palace from the Middle Ages
The front of the Alcazar is built like the bow of a ship, and overlooks the town of Segovia and the Eresma River . Another short drive takes us back into Madrid for lunch and a brief orientation tour. Next, we have a guided tour of the Royal Palace, listed as Europe’s third greatest palace , only behind Versailles, and Vienna’s Schonbrunn. Built by King Philip V the grandson of King Louis XIV, it is very French in design, and truly magnificent. Later today we will visit the Prado Museum, home to many great masterpieces by Goya, Velazquez, Bosch, El Greco, Raphael, and many more. Tonight we say “Adios Madrid” as we enjoy a wonderful meal in one of Madrid’s top rated restaurants. Day 4 : Madrid – Granada Today we head south across the “parched earth” land of Miguel de Cervantes’ Man of La Mancha, Don Quixote catching glimpses of windmills, sun bleached red roofs, and with time permitting, a brief stop for a photo op at the ruined Castle in Consuegra.
This afternoon we reach Granada, the last stronghold of the Moors. The Alhambra Palace was home to the last Sultans in Spain, and the site of Washington Irving’s “Tales of the Alhambra”. Upon arriving in Granada, we will check into our hotel and then take a short city tour ending up at San Nicolas viewpoint, hopefully around sunset for the most spectacular views of the Alhambra. Day 5: Granada – Nerja – Costa del Sol Today’s highlight is the magnificent Alhambra a 14th century palace of the Moorish Empire. Within the confines of the Alhambra, we will take a guided tour of the Gardens, Palacios Nazaries, Charles V’s Palace, and the Alcazba. After a brief stop at the Royal Chapel where Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand are buried, we will have lunch, and head south across the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the coastal town of Nerja. In Nerja we will have time to explore, shop, and take a stroll along the Balcony of Europe overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. From Nerja, we travel to Costa del Sol for the next 3 nights. Dinner tonight will be in the hotel.
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