Description
Fiestas, Flamenco and UNESCO in Spain (Europe) for Three Nights at H10 Madrid Puerta de Alcala in Madrid for Two, Two Nights at H10 Corregidor in Seville, One Night at Suites Gran Via 44 in Granada, and Two Nights at H10 Universitat Hotel in Barcelona, Including Railway Transfers, an Art Triangle Walking Tour, Tapas Walking Tour, a Tour of Cordoba, Monumental City Walking Tour in Seville, Flamenco Show and Dinner, Tour of Alhambra, Gourmet Visit to La Boqueria Market, a Gothic Quarter Walking Tour and Gaudi Monument Tour
With everything from monuments to mosques, and towering gothic cathedrals to ancient Roman ruins, Spain seduces with its breathtaking beaches, architectural masterpieces, and its huge collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, starting with the bewitching energy of Madrid, a destination for art lovers, culinary creativity and glamorous nightlife. The legacy of a bygone era is on display at crumbling Moorish castles and old Jewish quarters, ancient mosques, synagogues and Christian churches in the sun-kissed land of Andalusia, where you'll spend time in Cordoba, Seville and Granada. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and famous for Gaudí and other Art Nouveau architecture, Barcelona is one of Europe's trendiest cities, the perfect place to soak up the Iberian sun.
If you love all things European art, this tour of the famed Golden Triangle of Art is a must when you're in Madrid! The city is a haven for art and culture lovers, with dozens of world-class museums, galleries, theatres and libraries, and the Golden Triangle of Art includes three world-class art museums, the iconic Prado Museum, Reina Sofía Art Centre and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. From the works of Velázquez to Picasso, each of these stunning landmarks houses some of the world's best collections of Spanish and European art. Get to know Madrid in a delicious way on a private guided tapas tour! Spain has a rich culinary tradition and Madrid its own regional delights. You will taste the most delicious specialties while enjoying and getting to know the city center of Madrid. Discover some of the best bars, taverns, restaurants and cafes the city has to offer. Your informative guide will help you to select and show you how to order tapas while providing insights into the flavors of wine, the cuisine and Spanish culture. The H10 Puerta de Alcalá is located near El Retiro Park, in Madrid's exclusive Salamanca district, which houses the best boutiques and is the financial nerve centre of the city. The hotel features the impressive El Cielo de Alcalá Terrace with plunge pool and panoramic views of the city. The comfortable rooms at the H10 Puerta de Alcalá are soundproofed and stand out for their elegant design with large windows and wooden floors, and are equipped with all the amenities you could need for a comfortable stay.
Córdoba is one of Andalucia's most fascinating cities. Home to the largest old town in Spain and the only city in the world to have four UNESCO-protected sites, Córdoba is a must-visit for any traveller. Enjoy an inspiring private walking tour with your expert local guide and explore the flower-lined streets of the Jewish Quarter while discovering main sights like the Medieval Synagogue and the unique Mosque-Cathedral, one of the most amazing buildings in the world in its own right. Afterwards, transfer to Seville, and stay at the H10 Corregidor Boutique Hotel. Set in central Seville, and built around a characteristic Andalusian patio with a fountain, this charming boutique hotel puts you close to the city's main attractions.
In Seville, meet your expert private guide for a monumental walking tour and visit Seville's two most outstanding monuments, the Seville Cathedral and the Seville Royal Alcazar. Seville's Cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus. It stands on the site of the 12th century Great Mosque, of which only the minaret remains. The Real Alcázar de Sevilla is the Royal Palace of Seville, which has a history that dates back to the year 913, making it the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe. Inside you'll find different palaces of various periods, as well as gardens, which evoke its Muslim past. Stroll around picturesque Barrio de Santa Cruz, formerly the Jewish quarter, for a delightful experience in the city with its narrow winding cobbled streets and whitewashed houses. Come nightfall, it's time for a magical night at El Arenal Tablao Flamenco, where you'll be treated to one of the best Flamenco shows in the world!
Next up is the compelling energy of Granada, known for the allure of the Alhambra, which ranks among the world's finest examples of Islamic art with carved cedar-wood, infrequent stucco work, and gorgeous mosaics. Learn all about this UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its palaces and gardens, that became the residence of royalty and the court of Granada in the middle of the 13th century. On a rocky hill, on the banks of the River Darro, protected by mountains and amongst the eldest quarter in the city, the Alhambra rises up like an imposing castle with distinctive reddish stone in its ramparts that prevent the outside world from seeing the delicate beauty enclosed within. Spend one night at the four-star Suites Gran Via 44, where you'll find comfort as well as a prime location near attractions such as Granada Cathedral, Triunfo Gardens and San Jeronimo Monastery.
Take a journey back in time during a Gothic Quarter guided walking tour. You'll discover the historic city center finding Roman remains and medieval palaces in the heart of Barcelona. After visiting the Plaça de Sant Jaume, the current seat of local and regional government, you'll be able to visit unique landmarks sites, such as the Plaça del Rei, the historic powerhouse of medieval Catalonia; the Jewish Quarter, El Call; the cathedral, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Barcelona; and the Roman walls, important remains of which survive today. Immerse yourself in the aromas and flavors of Barcelona at La Boqueria market, famous for offering the quality and diverse products from all over the world! Since 1836, La Boqueria market has been the beating heart of Barcelona, and every day, more than 200 traders roll up their blinds to offer the choicest local and international gastronomic products. Stroll around the stalls selling fruits and vegetables, fish and meat, and taste the local products! Travel in comfort with a private driver and guide as you discover the fascinating world of modernist architect Antoni Gaudí on a private tour in Barcelona. Your guide will reveal Gaudi's extraordinary achievements as you learn about Gaudi and his iconic architectural style, which have redefined and transformed the landscape of Barcelona. No less than seven of his works have been listed as World Heritage sites by UNESCO, including the immortal Sagrada Familia, a monumental masterpiece of Gaudi's architecture still under construction over 100 years after building commenced. Set in the heart of Barcelona, next to Plaça Catalunya and very close to the Gothic Quarter, the H10 Universitat offers full amenities for your stay in Barcelona. The recently refurbished hotel features comfortable rooms and a terrace on the top floor overlooking the city center. You'll have stylish, contemporary design, modern art, and state-of-the-art amenities at your disposal, along with easy access to many of the city's unique landmarks, thanks to a central location.
Your trip for two includes:
2 nights accommodations at H10 Puerta de Alcala in Madrid
2 nights accommodations at H10 Corregidor in Seville
1 night accommodation at Suites Gran Via 44 in Granada in a superior suite
2 nights accommodations at H10 Universitat hotel Barcelona
Breakfast daily
Roundtrip airport and rail station transfers
Private half-day Art Triangle tour, including museum entrance tickets
Private Tapas walking tour, including three drinks and tapas
First class rail transfer from Madrid rail station to Cordoba rail station
Private tour of Cordoba, including transfer to Seville at the end of the tour
Private half-day monumental city walking tour, including entrance fees
Flamenco show at El Arenal with tapas dinner
Rail transfer from Seville rail station to Granada rail station
Private half-day Alhambra tour in Granada
Economy class air from Granada to Barcelona
Private Gothic Quarter walking tour, including Boqueria market and food tastings
Private half-day Gaudi monumental tour
All room-related taxes (including VAT)
Item Special Note
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Travel package is non-refundable and subject to availability. Certificates/gift cards cannot be replaced. Passport required for travel outside the U.S. Tours run on specific days of the week and at specific times. Hotel may be substituted with equal or similar accommodations. Local city taxes are the responsibility of the passenger and required to be paid directly to hotel. A minimum 45 day advance reservation is required. Please email auction@stmaryhs.org to find out deadline to travel.