ITINERARY - Spain - 2012 Guides
2012 Guides - 2015 SsPAIN iTINERARY
Thursday, April 9th:
Departure Flight: Iberia 6166, departs Boston 5:30 pm, non-stop, arrives Madrid 6:30 am on Friday, April 10th
- meet and greet at airport; transfer to hotel (9 people)
Friday, April 10: Arrive in Madrid. Madrid for 4 nights
Accommodation 1 triple, 2 twins, & 1 double , breakfast & taxes included at Hotel Westin Palace *****
This luxury hotel is located in the heart of Madrid, within the Art Triangle. The Parliament is across the road, and the Royal Palace and Opera House within walking distance. The Westin Palace offers elegant facilities only 330 yards from the Prado, Thyssen and Reina Sofia Museums. http://www.westinpalacemadrid.com/
Afternoon of Friday, April 10th:
Afternoon Three-hour private guided tour of Madrid -Get a general overview of Madrid and don’t miss the most emblematic sites like the Almudena Cathedral, the Plaza Mayor and the Cibeles square.
Prado Area: Saint Jerome Royal Churh, Neptuno Fountain, Cibeles Fountain, Comunications Palace…
Retiro Park: Crystal Palace, Parterre Gardens, Alcalá Gate…
Letras neighborhood: The Congress of Deputies, Huertas Street, Santa Ana square…
Madrid of the Habsburgs: Plaza Mayor, San Miguel Market, Plaza de la Villa, Sacramento Church…
West Parks and Royal area: Almudena Cathedral, Royal Palace, Plaza de Oriente, Opera, Sabatini Gardens, Debod Temple…
Reina Sofia (modern art, Guernica), Thyssen_Bornemisza….
Evening
Visit Reina Sofia to see Guernica, etc (RS is free after 7:00 pm, and open until 9:00 pm on Friday evenings)
Dinner: Local tapas recommended by hotel concierge – probably Estado Puro Plaza Canovas del Castillo 4 91-3302400
2 Minutes walking distance from our hotel. They don´t take reservations in advance. One of the best near the hotel.
Saturday, April 11th:
Sightseeing in Madrid:
10:00 -11:30am – Guided tour of the Prado
11:30 am-approx 2:30 pm – free time & lunch at Prado
2:45 pm (or earlier) – Go to Thyssen-Bornemisza; tickets & headsets already purchased for 3:00 pm entry. Free time for approx. 1 hour to see Raoul Dufy show or whatever else you like
4:00-5:30 pm – Participatory tour of permanent collection at the T-B, led by Museum education department
Dinner: La Terraza del Casino Alcala 15 91-5321275 www.casinodemadrid.es 1* Michelin. Sit-down. 5 minutes walking distance. Jacket and tie required. (Anne Miller to take care of making reservation)
Sunday, April 12:
Full day private guided tour to Segovia and El Escorial - Departing Madrid by air-conditioned minibus, travel to the Royal Seat of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, the Spanish monarchs’ historical residence and royal monastery, 28 miles northwest of Madrid. This massive, regal complex of buildings are celebrated for their architectural perfection and a striking symbol of 16th-century Spanish power. Your tour of the World Heritage-listed royal complex takes you to the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo El Real, built by King Philip II to house the remains of his parents, Charles I and Isabella of Portugal. The tour guides you through the monastery’s basilica, with its important religious relics, highly decorated altar and Baroque dome inspired by St Peter’s in Rome. Your guided tour of El Escorial also takes you to the austere but grand palace and the royal mausoleum known as the Pantheon of Kings, home to the marble tomb of Charles V, the first king of Spain. For insights into the construction of El Escorial, browse the Architecture Room’s collection of architects’ and builders’ equipment dating back hundreds of years. Visit the Weapons Room to see ornate armaments, and admire painted frescoes in the highly decorated library. Then unravel centuries of history in the city of Segovia, from its two-tiered Roman aqueduct to its Moorish fort and stunning Gothic cathedral.
Bea has indicated that, if we want, guide will be able to include the Valley of the Fallen, a basilica and monumental memorial constructed at request of General Francisco Franco to honor those who died in the Spanish Civil War (BTW Franco is buried here too).
Lunch: Bea will provide lunch recommendations that we can choose and/or we can rely on guide. Given how long this day is, lunch should probably not be an elaborate affair.
Dinner in Madrid: Jose Luis Serrano 89 91-5630978 10 minutes by táxi Probably one of the best Tapas bars, classic and exclusive district. (Anne Miller to take care of reservation).
Monday, April 13:
Full day private guided tour of Toledo
Meet your English speaking Chauffeur in the lobby of your hotel & depart from Madrid
On arrival to TOLEDO you will meet your private local guide who will take you on a morning tour of the city's important monuments:
Entrance to the Toledo Cathedral, to San Juan de Los Reyes and to one synagogue (Santa María la Blanca). Walls, synagogues, homes of the nobility, courtyards, cloisters, Arabic baths, crypts, passageways, dungeons, plasterwork, coffered ceilings, Caliphal arches…Thousands of wonders in one single city. All of these and more can be seen in the city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site…
We may have more time for lunch here than in Segovia. Note from Meg: Ludena in Plaza Magdalena is the top rated Tapas restaurant in Toledo by Tripadvisor. Carcamusa (a braised pork and potato stew) is frequently mentioned as a favorite, local dish. Bea will also recommend restaurants/guide can advise.
Dinner in Madrid: El Pescador (Recommended by Lissa and concierges) Sit down. Ortega y Gasset 75 91-4021290 10 minutes by taxi. www.marisqueriaelpescador.net (Anne Miller to take care of reservation)
Tuesday, April 14: Seville for 2 nights
Meet & greet private transfer from Madrid hotel to Madrid train station (9 people)
1st class train from Madrid to Seville with seat reservations
Departure at 9 am, arrival at approx. 11:30 am
Meet & greet private transfer from Seville train station to hotel
Accommodation 4 deluxe twins & 1 double , breakfast & taxes included at Hotel Alfonso XIII*****
One of Spain's most prestigious hotels, Hotel Alfonso XIII is located next to Seville’s Real Alcazares. It offers an outdoor swimming pool, gym and a typical garden courtyard with fountain. http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=88
Afternoon of Tuesday, April 14th:
Private guided tour of Seville( 4 hour on foot)
The Cathedral of Santa Maria is the biggest in Spain and is where Christopher Columbus is buried and his tomb is always of great interest to visitors.The Giralda tower is an ancient Arabic minaret and symbol of the city, dominating the city skyline. This magnificent structure has been used a inspiration for similar architecture in Rabat and Marrakech. An Arabic palace from the 14th century, the Royal Alcazar was originally a Moorish fortress. Nowadays the Alcazar is residence of the Spanish kings. You will end the tour with a pleasant stroll through Santa Cruz, Seville's historical Jewish quarter. With narrow cobbled streets winding among white washed buildings, this is the most picturesque area of the city.
Evening
Bea has booked us a flamenco show for us at our desired venue: 7:00 PM one-hour performance La Casa del Flamenco Barrio Santa Cruz www.lacasadelflamencosevilla.com. The show embarks on a journey through all of the different branches of Flamenco, which allows our artists to unleash all of their talents. The unique nature of the environs and the reduced number of spectators produce an intimate and magical atmosphere, which captures the spirit of traditional Flamenco native to Andalusia.
Every night, two dancers, a singer-songwriter and a guitarist from our roster of artists, all professionals with an impressive artistic background, perform popular dances and songs, as well as guitar solos BEA TO CONFIRM FLAMENCO TIME/PLACE!
Following the flamenco, we will have dinner at Vineria San Telmo , apparently 5 minutes away from the flamenco venue. (Sue Dadd will book via the hotel concierge).
Wednesday, April 15 :
Full day private guided tour to Cordoba
With whitewashed courtyards, colorful cobblestone alleys, historic monuments and a fascinating melting pot of Muslim, Christian and Jewish culture, Cordoba is bound to enchant. On this easy day trip from Seville, let an expert guide show you the highlights of this beautiful Andalusian city, crowned by the UNESCO World Heritage–listed city center (the second-largest old town in Europe). Stand in awe of the Mezquita and the Alcázar, visit one Spain’s few existing synagogues, explore the medieval streets of the Jewish quarter and take a snapshot of iconic Calleja de las Flores. Sue Dadd also notes:
Lunch—a recommendation was made for El Caballo Rojo, within walking distance of Mezquita . Bea will also recommend restaurants/guide can recommend.
Palacio Museo de Viana—one of the few private palaces open to public
Shopping—Cordoba known for crafts; Arte Zoco, assoc. of best craftspeople established in old Jewish quarter; also Calle Sierpes, which is a fancy shopping area with lots of restaurants
Dinner in Seville: We will have dinner at Abades Triana, a sit-down restaurant 10 minutes from our hotel & overlooking the river. (Sue Dadd will book via the hotel concierge).
Thursday, April 16
Private transfer from Seville to Granada with a stop in Ronda (via car)
Explore the ancient city of Ronda. See the famous Plaza de Toros, a traditional bullfighting ring, as well as several important monuments, churches and bridges and admire views of El Tajo River gorge. Denise has asked Bea where the best location to stop for lunch is, as well as inquiring about whether our drive into Granada can include going along a specific scenic mountainside vista.
Granada Accommodation 4 twin rooms & 1 double room, breakfast & taxes included at Hotel Hospes Palacio de los Patos***** in Granada In a 19th-century palace, less than half a mile from Granada Cathedral, this beautiful luxury hotel offers a spa. The UNESCO-protected building features grounds with Arabian-style fountains. http://www.hospes.com/en/hotel-boutique-hotel-luxury-spain-hospes-granada-palacio-patos/
There should be some free time to sight-see in Granada in the afternoon
Dinner for 10 at La Tomases, at 9:00 pm (booked by Peggy via hotel concierge)
Friday, April 17:
Full day private guided tour of Alhambra Palace with entrance fees included and Albaicin and Sacromonte
Skip past the Alhambra’s long entrance lines with your private guide and explore this incredible palace complex! Including priority access, this private tour ensures you’ll see the best of Granada’s premier UNESCO World Heritage Site with ease. Tour all the must-visit Alhambra highlights like Alcazaba Fortress, the Nasrid Palaces and Generalife Gardens, while learning about its Moorish history.
Then start your stroll through gorgeous Albaicin. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the neighborhood sprawls over a hill adjacent to the Alhambra, and is known for its views of the palace complex set against the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Explore the area with your guide and admire the cármenes (Granadan villas) and their beautiful gardens that line the streets. Moorish architecture abounds in this charming quarter, and your guide will point out some of the finest examples while talking about the days when the Moors reigned.
After admiring views of the Alhambra — another of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage stunners — continue walking from Albaicin to the Sacromonte caves. Built on the slopes of Cerro de San Miguel, the caves were originally lived in by Spanish gypsies and the area became a popular for the community to meet up, dance flamenco and relax. Now a sought-after residential neighborhood, Sacromonte still retains its old-world charm and appeal, and represents the heart of Granada’s flamenco dancing scene.
Dinner for 10 at Los Patos at 9:00 pm (booked by Peggy via hotel concierge)
Saturday, April 18th
Private transfer from hotel to airport.
Those returning to Boston: Recommended Flight: Iberia 8641, departs Granada 10:10 am - arrives in Madrid 11:15 am. Connect to Iberia 6165, departs Madrid 12:45 pm - arrives in Boston at 2:30 pm.
For those going on to Barcelona: Recommended Flight: Iberia 5627, departs Granada 8:50 am - arrives Barcelona at 10:15 am
Barcelona:
Meet & greet private transfer from airport to hotel
3 twins + 1 double, breakfast & taxes included at Hotel Grand Central*****
Grand Central Hotel Barcelona is a designer hotel featuring fantastic views of the Gothic Quarter and Barcelona Cathedral from its rooftop infinity pool. It has stylish rooms with flat-screen satellite TV.The air-conditioned rooms at the Grand Hotel Barcelona have a modern design. They come with Wi-Fi connection, as well as a DVD player, and iPod docking station. The Grand Central’s restaurant, Ávalon, serves innovative Catalan food. There is also a trendy rooftop bar where you can enjoy a cocktail overlooking the city lights of Barcelona.
The hotel has a fitness center and massage services are also available. The staff at the 24-hour front desk can provide information about what to see and do in Barcelona, and you can also rent a car or a bike.The Born district, full of stylish shops and restaurants, is just a 3-minute walk from the Grand Central Hotel. http://www.grandhotelcentral.com/
Check in or leave our bags, whatever we’re able to do
Make our way to Montjuic, either via taxi or metro & funicular
See the sights on Montjuic:
*Catalan Museum, highlights of which include both Romanesque and Modernist art (“the Prado of Romanesque art; holds Europes’ best collection of Romanesque frescoes). We are STILL tryingto set up a group tour of the Romanesque art here. Museum never responded to emails; Bea’s group is now working on it, but having trouble because no one in Spain is responding due to Holy Week. Hope to have resolved by Monday! We’re hoping to have lunch here too.
The Olympic Stadium & the Miro Museum are also up on Montjuic.
At foot of Montjuic, see the Magic Fountains, after they’ve started at 6:00
Dinner TBD – either: tapas at Tapeo Anem de Tapas (in El Born area) or Can Paixane (Reina Christina 7), recommended by Sue Walling’s friend, OR sit-down tasting meal at Tast Ller.
Sunday, April 19th - Overview & Old City
Morning- guided overview tour of the city including a focus on the Gothic quarter (walking tour)
This private Barcelona walking tour features Barcelona’s Old Town (Casc Antic). Barcelona has managed to maintain one of the biggest and best preserved Medieval districts in Europe. Old Town is also Barcelona’s most popular and liveliest areas.
Your private Barcelona walking tour will begin with the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic), exploring its maze of narrow, winding streets and lanes on foot. Your private expert guide will take you on a walk past ancient Roman walls to the Gothic Cathedral, pointing out the gargoyles of domestic and mythical animals on its roof, and its cloister. You may opt for an interior visit here. Your guide will also take you past historical landmarks such as Pça.del Rei (former site of the Royal Palace), Pça. Sant Jaume with the Generalitat and City Hall buildings, and the former Jewish Quarter. Next you will continue on to another key part of Old Town: the Ribera (shore) district, where sailors, traders and craftsmen lived and worked during the Middle Ages. You will pass the Santa María del Mar church, which dates from the 14th century.
Would like to be in front of the cathedral in Gothic section at noon, so we can see locals dance the sardana
Afternoon free for people to wander the old city, walk the La Rambla, go the Picasso Museum, shop, etc
Dinner: Suzanne has made a 9:30 reservation at Els Quatre Gats. Per Suzanne, this is the restaurant where Picasso drew on napkins then sold the pictures (supposedly).
Monday, April 20th - Gaudi/Modernist Architecture
Guided tour, including transportation, of the Modernist (Gaudi) architecture of Barcelona and all entrance fees included
Your private tour in Barcelona will begin with the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) Church. Gaudi worked on this controversial piece of architecture, combining Gothic and curvilinear forms in a series of 18 towers, for nearly 50 years, yet it remains unfinished today. You will have a private guided tour of this unusual basilica’s interior.
Finally, your private tour in Barcelona will include a visit to the Batlló and Milà (La Pedrera) houses, two more of Gaudí’s surreal, beautiful architectural creations. Beyond being artistically innovative, with its undulating facade, Casa Milà was pioneering in its architecture, by having a structure of columns and floors free of load-bearing walls.The day’s itinerary will also take you to the Güell Park, where architecture and nature and fantasy and function blend. You will enjoy a guided walking tour through this fanciful park, featuring Gaudí’s whimsical multicolored mosaics and other intriguing architectural elements.
Rest of the day: free (might want to go to one of the marketplaces that were closed on Sunday)
Dinner: Suzanne has made a reservation for 8 people at 9:30 at Set Portes, where, she suggests, we might wish to share Paella.
Tuesday, April 21st
Private Transfer from hotel to airport. Depart for airport & fly home. Most people probably on BA 485, departing at 1:15 pm.
