Spain In Luxury

Itinerary

• Spain

  Spain is a country located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Its mainland is bordered to the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea, to the north by France, and to the west by Portugal. Spanish territory also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Spain is the second largest country in Western Europe after France. Because of its location, Spain has had an intriguing role in global history. Archaeological and genetic evidence suggests that the Iberian Peninsula acted as one of three major refugia from which northern Europe was repopulated following the end of the last ice age. Andalusia was the furthest reach of the great Moorish empire. And it was also the seat of a global empire that discovered the New World, and left a legacy of over 400 million Spanish speakers today. Through war and peace, under different religions, and with strong regional differences - Spain continues to be a remarkable destination with intriguing cities and natural beauty.

• Barcelona

  In Barcelona, and throughout Catalonia, there are two official languages: Catalan, the language of the Catalans, and Spanish, the official language of Spain.Wherever you are in Barcelona, there's always something to see nearby around the neighbourhood or district: jewels of home-grown Catalan architecture, modernisme, and contemporary architecture, markets that are a treat for the senses, treasures of the ancient Roman and medieval city, parks where you can unwind … And the best thing of all is, you don't have to be a great explorer to find and discover all of Barcelona’s neighbourhoods. Barcelona is legendary for its nightlife, but don't venture out for dinner before 11pm, the restaurants don't really get going till midnight, and the clubs start hopping from the wee hours till dawn.

• Madrid

  As the capital of the Spanish Empire, Madrid was once the richest and most powerful city in the world. That kind of past leaves a big impression on a place and in Madrid it is easy to see. For palaces, museums and concerts it is up there with the best in the world. The museums of the "golden triangle" alone, namely the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza, feature a stunning array of paintings ranging from Old Masters to modern surrealists all housed in some of Spain's most magnificent buildings. And the rest of the city is just as rich in cultural icons and architecture. But Madrid is also a city for going out and partying. The area of Malasana is packed with bars and restaurants that stay open until dawn and rival anything Barcelona has to offer.

• • Barcelona
  • Hotel Majestic Barcelona

  Day 1: Barcelona

  Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

  A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

  Take a half day walking tour following the footsteps of the legendary Architect Gaudi, with your private professional English speaking Guide. Walk in Barcelona of 1900's, in the neighbourhood of " El Ensanche", discovering the temple of "La Sagrada Familia", Gracia avenue with the houses of Gaudí, and the Batlló House. Other sights to be visited are the Paseo de Gracia, and the facades of Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. (Tickets to Casa Batlló, Sagrada Familia and La Pedrera are included).

  Accommodation: Majestic (5*)

  Majestic (5*) is located on Passeig de Gràcia in the Eixample district, two blocks from Gaudí’s La Pedrera and one kilometre from Barcelona’s markets and galleries along Las Ramblas. All 303 guestrooms are decorated in warm Mediterranean colors and have wireless Internet access, laptop-size safes, minibars, stereo systems, interactive TVs, and marble baths. The Majestic Hotel’s rooftop terrace is home to the mural-splashed Bar de la Piscina, and a swimming pool and deck that offer spectacular views of Gaudí’s La Sagrada Família cathedral.

• • Picasso Museum
  • La Boquería food market

  Day 2: Barcelona

  Visit the art galleries and/or museums of your choice in Barcelona with this Articket which entitles you to free admission to seven of the most important and remarkable museums and art centres in Barcelona: Picasso Museum, Fundacion Joan Miro, Casa Mila, Fundacion Antonio Tapies, Museo Nacional de Arte de Catalunya (MNAC), Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Barcelona (MACBA) and Centro de Cultura Contemporanea de Barcelona (CCCB). The Articket can be used once at each museum and at any time during a period of six months, so you can use it whenever you like throughout your stay in the city. Exchange your voucher for the Articket at any of the included museums during their opening hours.

  A unique opportunity to find off-the-beaten track Tapas bars with your private English speaking guide. Enjoy a wander through the back alleys and discover a hidden side of Barcelona. You will explore the Eixample district known as the Quadrat d'Or, or Golden Square, where you’ll find some of the best samples of Modernism Architecture. Check out the Old Medieval Town (or Casa Antic) and La Boquería food market just off Las Ramblas, the best place to watch Barcelona’s bustling evening life. (Food & Drinks at own expense).

  Accommodation: Majestic (5*)

• Day 3: Barcelona

  Enjoy a four hour private tour to Montserrat Mountain and Monastery. The site of a Benedictine abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat, is located on the mountain and hosts the Virgin of Montserrat sanctuary and which is identified by some with the location of the Holy Grail in Arthurian myth. The summit of Montserrat is called Sant Jeroni (Saint Jerome) and stands at 1,236 meters (4,055 feet) above sea-level. It is accessible by hiking trails which connect from the top entrance to the Sant Joan funicular, the monastery, or the base of the mountain. Enjoy taking the funicular up to the site and check out the open air Museum. At the end of the tour, your driver will bring you back to your hotel or leave you in the city centre if you prefer to do some independent exploring.

  Accommodation: Majestic (5*)
• • Puerta del Sol
  • Hospes Madrid

  Day 4: Barcelona - Madrid

  Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

  Enjoy your flight from Barcelona to Madrid today. Flight duration is approximately one hour.

  Meet your driver for a private airport transfer in Madrid.

  Your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you through the narrow and steep streets of the oldest part of Madrid, discovering the history and emblematic locations such as Plaza Mayor, Puerta de Sol and Plaza de la Villa. (No entrance fees included).

  Accommodation: Hospes Madrid (5*)

  The five-storey hotel is located in a historic building on Plaza de la Independencia in the centre of Madrid, 200 metres from Retiro Park and 15 kilometres from the airport. Hospes Madrid's 42 modern guestrooms are decorated in warm shades, and include Egyptian cotton sheets, bathrobes, satellite television, wireless Internet, and pillow menus. The hotel spa offers treatments to relax and revitalize including massages and facials, and the onsite Senzone Restaurant and Terrace Bar provides a modern setting to enjoy cocktails.

• • Royal Palace
  • Flamenco dancer

  Day 5: Madrid

  Start your private half day tour with the El Prado museum. Your guide will meet you at the gallery (please see Welcome Pack for meeting point). With your private guide, visit the most important rooms of the most relevant Spanish painters, and, of course, Las Meninas by Velázquez, Las Majas by Goya and the Adoración de los Pastores by El Greco. Continue your tour by walking over to visit the Royal Palace, approx 20min on foot. (If you'd prefer to hop in a taxi and pay for this locally, please just let you guide know or alternatively we can organise a private transfer - please ask and we will re-quote you). The Royal Palace was built during the XVIIIth Century and is housed in the building of the old Alcázar of Madrid. It is one of the richest in Europe and is very well preserved. It is used by the Spanish Crown in Official Receptions, Presentation of Credentials and Official Events, such as State Meetings. Its rooms are full of artistic works belonging to the Royal Family.

  Enjoy a three course typical Spanish dinner before watching a breathtaking perfomance of Flamenco. Located in the Old Quarter of Madrid, Corral de La Moreria Flamenco is an authentic tablao (place where flamenco is performed) where singers, guitarists and dancers share their talent to make you feel the art of 'Flamenco'. Enjoy a three course dinner including wine and mineral water before the performance.

  Accommodation: Hospes Madrid (5*)
• • Toledo

  Day 6: Madrid

  Spend a morning or afternoon in Toledo, Spain's medieval capital and a treasure trove of El Greco artworks. You'll discover a glorious city filled with amazing medieval architecture, and take a walk into the past along its cobblestone alleyways. A highlight of any visit to Toledo is seeing the famous paintings bythe 16th-century master, El Greco. Toledo was the setting for many of El Greco's artworks, and a tour highlight is The Burial of the Count of Orgaz in the church of St. Tome. Toledo is a National Monument to Spain's art and history, combining Arabic, Mudejar Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Surrounded by the River Tajo, the atmospheric walled town is crammed with churches and museums. Tour Highlights include the amazing 13th-century cathedral, the exterior of the medieval castle and Santa Maria La Blanca Synagogue. You’ll also visit St. Tome Church before being returned to Madrid.

  Accommodation: Hospes Madrid (5*)

• Day 7: Madrid

  Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

  Accommodation: Depart

  Depart Madrid (Barajas) Airport. End of itinerary.

Accommodation

• Collectibles

  Pablo Picasso was almost certainly the most famous artist of the 20th century. During his artistic career, which lasted more than 75 years, he created thousands of works, not only paintings but also sculptures, prints, and ceramics, using all kinds of materials. First famous for his pioneering role in Cubism, Picasso continued to develop his art with a pace and vitality comparable to the accelerated technological and cultural changes of the century whose art he dominated. Each change embodied a radical new idea, and it might be said that Picasso lived several artistic lifetimes.

• Culinary Delights

  The tapa tradition is as important for the conversation and company as for the delicious food. Every Spaniard has his favourite tasca, as the tapas bars are often called, where he goes regularly to meet his friends or business acquaintances. Tapas can be found in even the smallest bar in a tiny village.

• Historic Moment

  The guitar was invented in Andalusia in the 1790s when a sixth string was added to the Moorish lute. It gained its modern shape in the 1870s. Spanish musicians have taken the humble guitar to dizzying heights of virtuosity and none more so than Andrés Segovia (1893-1997), who established classical guitar as a genre.

• • Hotel Majestic Barcelona

  Majestic (5*)

  Majestic (5*) is located on Passeig de Gràcia in the Eixample district, two blocks from Gaudí’s La Pedrera and one kilometre from Barcelona’s markets and galleries along Las Ramblas. All 303 guestrooms are decorated in warm Mediterranean colors and have wireless Internet access, laptop-size safes, minibars, stereo systems, interactive TVs, and marble baths. The Majestic Hotel’s rooftop terrace is home to the mural-splashed Bar de la Piscina, and a swimming pool and deck that offer spectacular views of Gaudí’s La Sagrada Família cathedral.

  • More information
• • Hospes Madrid

  Hospes Madrid (5*)

  The five-storey hotel is located in a historic building on Plaza de la Independencia in the centre of Madrid, 200 metres from Retiro Park and 15 kilometres from the airport. Hospes Madrid's 42 modern guestrooms are decorated in warm shades, and include Egyptian cotton sheets, bathrobes, satellite television, wireless Internet, and pillow menus. The hotel spa offers treatments to relax and revitalize including massages and facials, and the onsite Senzone Restaurant and Terrace Bar provides a modern setting to enjoy cocktails.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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