Touring: Roman and Mystic Catalonia + Spanish Delights-9 days

This nine day tour will take you to the heartland of Catalonia with its Roman ruins, mediaeval abbeys and sophisticated Barcelona, home of the modernista movement. Then discover the magic of Spain. Visit bustling Madrid and Valencia and let yourself be seduced by the legacy of Moorish Andalusia and the passion and fire of flamenco. The tour is fully escorted throughout, all accommodation is in four star hotels and travel is by luxury air-conditioned bus.

On the first day we'll leave Barcelona, heading for Tarragona, known to the Romans as Tarraco, passing through the charming coastal resort of Sitges on the way. The following day we'll pay a visit to the mediaeval Cistercian Abbey of Santes Creus, and then stop for some wine tasting at world famous Bodegues Torres before returning to Barcelona.

After a night here we'll go on a tour of this lively city, visiting the impressive legacy of visionary architect Antoni Gaudi, the old Port and Gothic Quarter, Montjuic and the Olympic Ring. The afternoon is yours to do as you will.

Early next morning we'll heading through the parched plains of Aragonn, heading for the nation's capital Madrid, located on the high Castillian meseta. We'll also make a stop at Zaragoza with its famous Cathedral on the way.

After spending the night in Madrid we'll now drive south through La Mancha following the tracks of Don Quixote, heading for the city of Cordoba, once the capital of an Empire that extended from the Persian Gulf to the Atlantic. We'll tour this beautiful city, visiting the old Jewish Quarter and the Mosque before continuing to Seville where we'll spend the night.

In the morning we'll go on a panoramic tour of this vibrant city, visiting the Cathedral from outside, the shady Maria Luisa gardens and the old Santa Cruz Quarter. Then in the afternoon you can explore this fascinating city at your own pace. In the evening you will have the chance to experience a sensual evening of Flamenco.

Early the next morning we'll follow the Caliphate Road to the city of Granada, capital of the last Moorish stronghold in Spain. Here we'll visit the exquisite Alhambra Palace and the lush Generalife Gardens.

Next stop is Valencia, a bustling modern port city and home to the paella. On the way to the hotel we'll visit the brand new City of Arts and Sciences. The next morning you'll have plenty of time to explore this vibrant city on your own before we leave for Barcelona in the early afternoon.

Meeting / Pick up point:Carrer Balmes 5.
Duration: 9 days.
Start or opening time: Thursdays 8.30am.
End or closing time: English & Spanish.
Others: Others: Includes bed and breakfast, 1 lunch and 4 dinners. Customers can choose between 2 options: A (first class) and T (economy class). A class will stay at Catalonia Gran Vía **** / Santo Domingo **** hotel (Madrid), Meliá Lebreros **** hotel (Sevilla), Abades Nevada Palace **** hotel (Granada) and Abba Acteon **** hotel (Valencia). T class will stay at Regente *** / Florida Norte **** hotel (Madrid), Emperador Trajano **** hotel (Sevilla), Los Ángeles **** hotel (Granada) and Tryp Oceanic *** hotel (Valencia).

Meal

Drinks

Assistance or guided tour

Admissions

Equipment

Optional meal

In Spanish, A class