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DAY 1 Madrid – Zaragoza (320
km)
Starting
in the Spanish capital, Madrid, we will pass the Cibeles
Fountain by coach before arriving at the Plaza Mayor, Piazza di
Spagna, Plaza de Colónand Royal Palace of Madrid. The Royal Palace of Madrid
was built by the Spanish Royal Family with its magnificent and splendid
former empire and historical grandeur.Next stop is the Puertadel Sol, a
public square in Madrid. You can find the Km. 0 squared tile placed on the
pavement, which represents the Puerta del Sol is the centre of the radial
network of Spanish road. In the square, you can shop for speciality leather
goods, clothing and traditional Spanish souvenirs in Spain. In the
afternoon, we say farewell to Madrid and head to party town
of Zaragoza.
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DAY 2 Zaragoza –
Barcelona (300 km)
In the morning,
we drive directly to the Spanish warm and charming coastal city of
Barcelona. After arrival we will visit the Columbus Monument and La Rambla,
followed by Sagrada Família, the monumental Roman-Catholic
Church designed by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. Gaudí’s unique
vision and out-worldly decoration can be seen throughout the city
and makes it feel like one is entering the Artist’s mind. Our
next photo stop is Camp Nou, the home grounds of FC Barcelona
since 1957. We’ll also visit Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, the main
stadium where the 1992 Summer Olympics were located from Montjuïc,
a large hill to the southwest of Barcelona which overlooks the city views.
Any remaining leisure time is taken at the bustling Plaza Catalonia,
where you can eat, drink and shop like the locals do.
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DAY 3 Barcelona – Valencia
– Alicante (525 km)
After having
breakfast at the hotel, we leave Barcelona for Spain’s third largest
city, Valencia. Valencia forms the gateway to North Africa. With a
history of affluent commerce, cultural ties to Moorish and Arab
culture, Valencia enjoys a level of prosperity and
depth thanks to its advantageous geographical location. Despite
Valencia's understated position in these recent times, the port and its
businesses still attract traders from all
continents throughout the year. Upon arrival, we will visit
the Modernisme Plaza of the City Hall of Valencia, the Ancient
City Gates and the grand Valencia Cathedral, where you can see the
true Holy Grail. The day is completed with a drive into our next
stop Alicante.
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DAY 4 Alicante – Granda –
Malaga (485 km)
This morning we
depart for the city of Granada on the plateau of the Andalusia province. This
historic city has been ruled by Visigoth and Arab. It became the last
stronghold for the Arab Dynasty while its eight-hundred-year-long rule in
the Iberian Peninsula. In 15th century, King Ferdinand successfully expelled
the Arabs and achieved to unite Spain. We will visit the Alhambra, a Moorish
citadel and palace, also known as the Red Palace. Once arrived, the Moorish
legacy will catch your eye immediately. Generally referred to as the
‘golden age’ of architecture, the dome shape is both stunning and
admirable. We continue our journey to the popular European
coastline of Costa del Sol where we check into our hotel for a much
needed rest.
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DAY 5 Malaga – Seville (210
km)
In
the morning, we go northbound to the largest city of the autonomous community
of Andalusia, Seville. This city was the capital of the Muslim dynasty,
considered to be the guardian angel of culture in Andalusia and the
birthplace of the flamenco dance. Seville is the primary setting of many
operas, the best known of which is Bizet’s Carmen. As the fourth largest
city in Spain, it has hosted the World’s Fair in 1992. Upon arrival, we
visit Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral and the third-largest
church in the world. Its completion was back to the early 16th century and
now the cathedral halls are dedicated as Royal Chapel, the burial place of
the kings’ mausoleum for over a century, also the tomb of Christopher
Columbus who discovered the New World as a credit to the great navigator. From
there onwards we see the Alcázar of Seville, used to be a Muslim palace and
the Spanish Royal Palace. The upper levels of the Alcázar are still used by
the royal family as the official Seville residence, which is the oldest
royal palace still in use in Europe and was registered in 1987 by UNESCO as
a World Heritage Site, along with the Seville Cathedral. Then we walk
through the Santa Cruz, Torre del Oro (the Tower of Gold) and Maria Luisa
Park, here the 1992 World Expo was located. In Plaza de España (Spain
Square), we can admire a crafted porcelain painting, detailing the history
and elegance of old Spain.
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DAY 6 Seville – Lisbon (460
km)
Today
we depart for the capital and the largest city of Portugal, Lisbon. We are
expected to arrive in Cabo da Roca (Cape Roca) in the afternoon, which forms
the westernmost extent of mainland Portugal and continental Europe. The cape
displays the voluminous Atlantic surrounded by endless scenery. Don’t forget
to buy the remembrance certificate to prove once footstep was on the west
point as it will be a memorable souvenir to keep. Later we will be back
to the Lisbon city centre and visit Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery,
both were classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Belém Tower played a
significant role in the Portuguese maritime discoveries of the era of the
Age of Discoveries. Jerónimos Monastery is one of the most prominent
examples of the Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style of architecture in
Lisbon. You will pass through Marquis of Pombal Square and then stop at
Rossio Square for some free time to sample authentic Portuguese custard
tarts at the century-old bakery.
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DAY 7 Lisbon – Toledo -
Madrid (675 km)
Today we will
drive back to Madrid via Toledo, a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO in
1986 for its extensive cultural and monumental heritage. This old city is
located on a mountaintop, surrounded on three sides by a bend in the Tagus
River and houses many historical sites. We stroll across
the city, overlooking the Alcázar of Toledo and visiting the grand structure
of Toledo Cathedral, you will feel the grandeur of Spain of
old times. The day is concluded with a well-earned rest as you
recline in our coach to catch a breath taking landscape of Spain and
enjoy its rich palette of colours in natural surroundings while on the
journey to Madrid.
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