Highlights of Spain ~ Saki

The tour started on April 10th but I was lucky to spend 1 day prior in London and 1 days prior in Madrid, so by April 10th I was ready for the tour.

I was in London about 2-1/2 weeks before the Royal Wedding but did not see much difference. London is always very busy with tourists and the only evidence of the wedding were all the gifts related to the wedding. I took the Hop off hop & on bus and saw the whole city from the top of the bus. 

I arrived in Madrid a day earlier and had a pick up car arranged by Trafalgar to drive me to the hotel. We arrived at Rafael Atocha hotel in about 20 minutes. The hotel is very plain looking. The room was large, with a queen size bed. There is not much to do around the hotel, however, taking a 10 minutes walk to the left of the hotel, there is a center not far. The hotel is next to the main railroad station (the famous Atocha station were a few years ago was a terrorist attack and people were killed). On the way to the center, there are a few restaurants and on the main streets there is the Reina Sofia modern art museum, shops and restaurants (even McDonalds and BurgerKing). I walked for a while, ate something and decided to return to the hotel for a good nights' sleep.

Sunday, April 10th

It was the official day of the start of the tour however, the welcome meeting was scheduled only for 7 pm so I still had a whole day to wonder.

Breakfast was a buffet style. There was a table assigned to Trafalgar however, no one was there yet. The breakfast was nice - a variety of breads, cereals, cold cuts, cheese, fruit, eggs, sausages, drinks etc. More than enough to keep you satisfied.

After breakfast I took a walk to the Modern art Museum. Sunday admission was free and I was able to see many modern art paintings and some by Picasso & Dali. Photos were allowed. There were many people in the streets, stolling on a very nice and warm Sunday. I walked further to the Botanic Gardens and enjoyed the flowers, trees and bushes. Next to the Botanic Gardens is the Prado Art Museum. I decided not to go in

At 7 pm we had our welcome meeting. We all gathered in a conference room, had Sangria to drink and met our tour director - Manuel. He explained everything about the tour, had us get up and introduce ourselves and gave each of us the "whisperer" an audio device to hear the tour guides while they walk and explain the sites. This is the first time I have had it on a Trafalgar tour.

We had a group of 48 people from: USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapour, and Malaysia, about 8 single ladies and the rest - couples. No young children.

Monday, April 11th

Every morning we had a wake up call scheduled either at 6:15 or 7. Luggage out by the door about 45 minutes later and breakfast for about 1 hour. 

Breakfast in each hotel was about the same: cereals, fruit, cold cuts, cheese, tomatoes, eggs, sausages, bacon, cakes etc. 

This morning we drove to Toledo. We had a local TG and did a walking tour of the old city. There was a lot of walking, up hill, cobble stone streets, very narrow streets but cars still drove through. We walked to the Arab section and than to the Jewish quarters where an old synagoge still stands. A cute town and interesting architecture. We stopped at a metal-work factory to see how for generations they make swords, knives, and other metal work and sell all over the world. There was also jewelery inlayed with gold which is an old Arab design. 

After the metal shop, we stopped at the Church of Santo Tome which houses a huge El Greco painting. 

Next we continued to drive towards Cordoba. On the way plenty of live trees. A stop for lunch and continue driving. 

On the coach we were given the optional tour list. We had 13 optionals most of them as listed in the itinerary. The total price for all was 593 Euros. I decided to do all of them. 

We arrived in Cordoba and drove to our hotel - Ayre which was located in a very beautiful, wealthy residential area, hidden completely between some nice private homes. Very pretty hotel, spacious, bright and elegant room. Very pleasant surprise. 

Dinner was at 7:45 in the hotel. It was explained to us that in Spain dinner is very late, the Spaniards eat at about 9 or later!

Our dinner was buffet style, a nice variety of salads, seafood salada, pasta salad, chicken, port, fish, potatoes, vegetables and other undefined food. It was still light out and I took a walk after dinner with another lady. 

When I returned to the room to sleep, I found out that as nice as the hotel is, the walls must have been very thin. I could hear voices, shower water running very loud and noise from the courtyard right under my window. 

Tuesday, April 12th

After breakfast we drove to the old city of Cordoba - to the Jewish quarters and Muslem Mosque. In the Jewish quarters we stopped at the ruins of the Jewish Synagoge. There are no more Jews living in that area but the synagoge is well preserved. You can see how much the Arab influence contributed to the synagoge's decor. 

From there we walked to the oldest and biggest Moseque which now is the Catholic Cathedral. It is an amazing structure of arches inside the cathedral, beautiful art work, gold decor, statues, very impressive and just incredible Catholic Cathedral. Amazing to see how a Mosque with Arab architecture turned to a Cathedral.

From there we drove for about 2 hours to Granada. We checked into a very nice, modern hotel - Gran Luna. The room was small but very nice, queen size bed. 

We had about 2 hours to ourselves and a few of us decided to go to lunch. We stopped at a Tapas bar and enjoyed nice Spanish food. 

Later in the afternoon we went with a local guide to the old city. There was a lot of walking through narrow, cobbal streets. It was warm and we ended up at the top of the hill with a view of the Alahambra. From there we drove to the Royal Chapel where King Fernando and Queen Izabella are burried. To get back to the coach, we had to do a lot more walking through a great Bazar where we saw beautiful butiques but we had not time to stop and shop. 

Everyone was tired and we came back to the hotel for about 1 hour, quick shower and change and got ready for an optional tour and dinner.

We were picked up by the coach and drove to a restaurant in the city. Very nice, elegant place. We were greeted with a drink of Sangria, tables for 4, wine bottle, nice flatware. The food was good but the pallela was not what I expected. Only rice and chicken, no seafood and sausage. 

After dinner, we took mini buses that drove us through narrow streets, up a hill to a cave where Gypsy dancers performed "Zambra" dances. It is similar to Falmenco. We had fun and unique experience. Back at the hotel at 10:30.

Wednesday, April 13th

First thing after breakfast, we left on a tour of the Alahambra Palace, residence of the Moorish kings. It is located on a mountain top and a local TG took us on the tour. It was a 3 hour tour through the palace and gardens. The palace was built by the Arabs and is decorated in Arab motives, writings and tiles. Amazing art work carved in wood and marble. The palace is not furnished and we learned about the history of King Fenandad and Queen Izabella who lived there. 

The tour was long and tiring, a lot of walking, up and down stairs and slopes, We were happy to get back to the coach for a drive to Costa del Sol. 

The drive is very scenic and we stopped at a small gorgeous village - Mijas. All the houses are white-washed, small shops in the town center, outdoor restaurants and a beautiful view from everywhere. A few of us had lunch outdoors and enjoyed the view. After lunch there was enough time to wander around the shops, eat ice cream and buy gifts. 

From there we drove to our hotel by the sea at Costa del Sol. It was a big, modern hotel, beautiful room with a huge king size bed. 

We had some time to rest and at 8 pm we left for an optional seafood dinner at a restaurant on the boardwalk. 

It was an amazing meal at a local restaurant. We counted 10 courses or 10 different sea food dishes that kept on coming and coming. The main dish was a huge fish baked in a salt shell and served to all of us. There was so much food that unless you are a seafood lover, you could not appreciate. After dinner, we walk on the boardwalk back to the hotel on a beautifully warm evening. 

Thursday, April 14th

A full day to relax on the beach unless you signed up for a full day's trip to Morocco (which I did). We started early and drove towards the port to take a ferry to Morocco. It took about 2 hours through very nice country side, by the ocean. Once we got on the ferry it took about 45 minutes through the Strait of Gibraltar to arrive in Morocco. 

We had a local tour guide and he explained everything about Morocco, the customs, religion and the Casba (the old city). Before we arrived at the old city's gates, we were warrned to keep together, not wonder or stop to shop, be careful of pick-pockets and not to get lost. I did not feel any danger at all but my only concern was not to get lost. We had Manuel our tour director, the local tour guide, another helper and an undercover police man -all watching over us as we walk through very narrow street crowded with Moroccans. It took us back a few centuries, the vendors selling food in the streets, sitting on the dirty ground, meat and fish unrefrigerated, eggs sitting in the sun, live chicken ready to be slaughter, bread and baked goods covered with flies and bees and women covered from head to toe. We were amazed at the unbelievable fruits and vegetables, so colorful, fresh and plentyful. We walked thru narrow streets and stopped from time to time to hear an explanation from our local guide. He stopped at a couple of vendors to give us a taste of bread and cookies. We visited the Jewish quarters and ended up in a Moroccan restuarant for lunch. We were served a local dish of couscous with chicken and vegetables, a couple of musicians played Moroccan music and a belly dancer entertained us. It was a good meal and very nice restaurant. 

After the meal we were taken to a gift shop that specializes in Moroccan carpets. We had a demonstration and a sells pitch. No one bought any carpets because they were very expensive. 

The day ended with us going back to the coach, the ferry to take us to Spain and we returned to the hotel at 9 pm. Had a quick snack before going to bed.

Friday, April 15th

The morning started with a drive to the Rock of Gibraltar. It took about 2 hours, we went thru the boarder and customs from Spain to English territory.

We arrived at Water-Gate the entrance to the center of town. We had about 1 hour to wonder and shop. Very nice area of small butiques on Main St. We then took mini buses up to the Rock. We visited a cave where stalactites and stalagmites formed. When we exited the cave, we were greeted by a family of monkeys. They roam all over Gibraltar, hopping on cars and coaches, jumping from tree to tree, scaring some of the tourists but very friendly and fun to watch. They are used to the tourists and seem to pose for photos. 

After a visit of about 2 hours we came down from the Rock and drove to Seville.

It was about 2-1/2 hour drive until we arrived at Melia Lebreros Hotel. Again, it is a very nice, modern and big hotel. The room is great, huge bed, nice bathroom and large flat screen TV.

We had about 1 hour to get ready for an optional dinner on a farm. We were greeted by a Spanish rider and dancing horse. Very entertaining. We had drinks and went inside for a dinner. Very good meal of fish, drinks included. After dinner, we drove back to Seville to watch a Flamenco show. It started at 9:30 till 11. Was fun to watch but very loud. We were all tired and realy for bed. 

Saturday, April 16th

First thing in the morning was a city tour of Seville. There are beautiful buildings left from an exhibition in 1929. We walked throug the Jewish quarters, old town and Maria Loisa Park and to the oldest Cathedral where Christopher Columbus is burried. An amazing, huge and beautiful Cathedral. From there we left on an optional tour of Moorish Alcazar and Plaza de Espana. The palace used to be Muslem but now is used by the King and Queen when they visit Seville. Beautiful gardens too. From there to Plaza de Espana which is a circular building that is now used for offices. 

We returned to our hotel for a much need rest. After about 4 hours we were ready for an optional dinner of Andalusian food. We drove to a beautiful restuarant in the old city. Had a 10 couse dinner of Andalusian specialties, wine as much as we wanted and delicious food. 

Sunday, April 17th

We left Seville at 9 am and were prepared for a long drive to Lisbon, Portugal. We drove through mountain region, lots of trees, green country side. After 2 hours, a stop at a small gift shop and bathrooms need the Portugees boarder.

While we were shopping, our Tour Director, Manuel had a great idea. He asked the store owner if it was possible to visit a local private home to see how they acctually live in the country side. The owner, without hesitation, offered to visit his sister-in-law's home which was very close to the store. It was a very unexpected tour to a nice, middle class family little farm. A charming home, with a pool, a few animals and nice garden. 

We drove to Lisbon and arrived at the hotel - Real Parque. Not very impressive, simple, old hotel with double beds very uncomfortable. 

At 5 pm we were ready to go on an optional seafood dinner. The coach took us to the port where we took a ferry across the Tagus river to the restaurant. Long tables were set ready for us. It was an amazing seafood feast. The different sea food kept on coming non stop. We had about 10 different dishes and wine as much as we wanted. It was a great treat for sea food lovers. Went back to the hotel and to bed at about 9.

Monday, April 18th

After breakfast we did a city tour of Lisbon. Stopped at a few mounuments and buildings for photos. After that, we immidiately continued on an optional tour to the city of Cascais and Sintra. Both towns are along the water front, very nice scenary, nice houses, surfers and greenery.

First we stopped at Cascais were we did a city walk to the Jewish quarters through small, narrow streets. We had time to shop a little too. 

Continued to Sintra through a forest. We visited the palace which is partially furnished. Had to climb over 100 stairs (we were warrned in advance). A very nice summer palace. 

After the visit we had time for lunch at one of the outdoor restaurants. Beware, before you order, if they place bread and cheese on the table and you eat it, it is an extra charge in most restaurants. Of course drinks are extra too. So a soup or sandwich that you may think is 5 Euros, may end up costing with the bread, cheese and drink - 8-9 Euros. 

We had time to walk and shop. Very cute town. 

We arrived back at the hotel at 5 and had time to rest till 7:30 before dinner. Dinner was in a very elegant restuarant. Again, wine as much as we wanted, a nice dinner and Portugeese entertainment. Back at the hotel at 10:30.

Tuesday, April 19th

Today we were on the way to Fatima and Oporto. It started raining. Until now we had wonderful weather, sunny and warm.

After about 2 hours we stopped at a large store that had lots of gifts, linen or cotton goods. Most people bought something. 

We continued the drive to Fatima, a religious town where the Virgin Mary appeared to 3 children and revealed to the the future. It is a very holy place where pilgrams from all over come to pray and believe in the mircle that happened. Some of them crawl on their knees all the way to the shrine. It was an emotional experience to witness these people. 

From there we drove another 2 hours to Oporto. We arrived at an area by the river and had free time to eat lunch. After lunch, we visited a famous Port wine cellar (Sandeman) for wine testing. 

We arrived at our hotel - Vila Gale Poerto to an average standard room.

Dinner was a buffet at the hotel, nothing exciting but I was hungry and ate whatever was served.

Wednesday, April 20th

We left the hotel early on a long drive to Madrid. On the way we stopped in Salamanca - a small town wher the oldest University in Spain is. We had a lunch stop in the town's square and than drove to Madrid. We arrived at the hotel (Rafael Atocha) at 5:30 and had some time to rest before dinner at 7:30. 

While we were on the coach, our TD gave us a manu to choose dinner from so that he could pre-order. It was a very elegant restaurant in the old city of Madrid. The food was delicious and it was an excellent choice of a restaurant. After dinner, we drove through town to see Madrid at night. The city was deserted because of a very important Soccar game between Rael Madrid and Barcelona. The whole city was watching and waiting for Madrid to win and celebrate in the streets. 

Thursday, April 21st

The morning started with a city tour. It is a beautiful city, interesting architecture, old buildings and monuments and a lot to see. We visited the Royal palace and continued on an optional tour to the Prado museum. One of the greatest museums of work of Goya, and other famous Spanish painters. Unfortunately, we did not get to see much because our local guide spent too much time explaining each painting and we had only 1-1/2 hours for the tour. 

After the museum we continued on the optional to Segovia. It took 1-1/2 hours, up in the mountains to a castle and cathedral. At first we arrived in the town square and the oldest and well preserved huge aqueduct. We walked for a while through cobbled streets up to the town center where we had free time to have lunch. After lunch we walked some more to the castle. A very beautiful, furnished castle on top of the mountain. There was a lot of walking thru the castle, the rooms and outside and than down hill back to the coach. 

We returned to the hotel at 6 and dinner was at 7:45. It was our farewll dinner at a small, family owned restaurant. Very nice setting and the food was very good.

After dinner, we said our goodbyes, tipped the driver and TD and went to bed. Next day - late wake up call since my transfer to the airport is at 11.

I hope that this tour tale will give an idea and overview of what is expected on this tour. It was a great adventure, a lot of history and information. Many interesting places to visit and wonderful food to taste. 

If anyone has questions regarding this tour that I did not answer, please feel free to ask.

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