Payment of bespoke trip to Spain | 7th – 16th of July | 2 pax
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Description and schedule of services
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7th of July: arrival to Seville from Madrid (David) and Barcelona (Nina) and day at leisure in the city to recover from your Journey
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Anytime today: arrival to your hotel in Seville and rest of the day at leisure. We will give you recommendations of things to do and see in Seville during your free time and we will also book tables for you if you wish.
Overnight in Seville: superior double room with breakfast included at hotel Casas del Rey de Baeza (4*)
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8th of July: private walking tour of Seville UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the morning and evening flamenco and tapas tour
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9:30am: be met by your personal local guide at your accommodation in Seville to start a private walking tour that will take you to the most impressive World Heritages Sites of the city (the Alcazar and the Cathedral with its Giralda tower) and to the quarter of Santa Cruz.
You will start your discovery journey by visiting the Alcazar, which is a massive complex of palaces erected in different periods and of breath-taking gardens of different styles. The Alcazar has stunning historical constructions featuring a very particular crossover between Hispanic-Muslim and Christian architecture styles, called Mudejar. This style became very fashionable in Spain in the 14th and 15th centuries amongst the Christian nobility and it reached its maximum splendor in Seville. Another essential part of the Alcazar is the famous house of Trade, which once hosted the offices from where all the commerce with the new world was managed. After enjoying these inner areas, you will be taken to the gardens, which are an exquisite sample of European landscaping from the 16th until the 20th centuries.
Then you will be taken to visit the Cathedral, which is the largest gothic temple in the World and where Christopher Columbus is buried. The Cathedral of Seville was built on a vast extension of land where previously a Mosque had been erected. An important part of the Mosque was preserved and it is now a part of the Cathedral. This makes it a unique construction featuring styles as diverse as Hispanic-Muslim, Gothic, Renaissance, Neoclassical and Baroque. A most important part of the Cathedral is its bell tower known as la Giralda. During your tour you will be taken to the top in order to enjoy the wonderful views of Seville that one can admire from there.
To finish you will visit the quarter of Santa Cruz, with its countless quaint corners, narrow streets, cozy squares, houses of traditional Southern Spanish architecture and Moorish urban planning. It is in this quarter where an important part of the Jewish Sephardic community of Seville lived in the medieval times and you will learn about what life in the quarter was like then and how it has evolved until becoming what it is today.
1pm: after your tour, enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure before your evening flamenco and tapas tour.
6:30pm: reconnect with your personal local host by the reception desk of your hotel to start a guided walk towards a selected flamenco venue in Seville old town.
This introductory walk is aimed at learning how flamenco emerged in South West Spain as a result of a slow fusion of the ancient multicultural musical heritage of Southern Spain with the original gypsy rhythms and musical roots. This will set the context for (and enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of) the flamenco performance in a small and intimate venue that will follow, with 4 people on stage (one singer, one guitarist and two dancers).
7:30pm: start of the flamenco performance.
8:30pm: after your flamenco performance, enjoy a tapas tasting tour through Seville old town. Along the journey, you will be taken to 2 – 3 different bars where Sevillanos like to gather with relatives and friends and where you will be immersed into the local culture through its gastronomy. Along the tour you will taste a selection of 6 – 9 local dishes to share and up to 4 drinks per person (beer, wine, refreshments, water).
10:30pm: after your tapas adventure, be escorted back to your hotel stopping along the way for a sweet local treat.
11pm: arrival to your hotel and end of services for the day.
Overnight in Seville: superior double room with breakfast included at hotel Casas del Rey de Baeza (4*)
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9th of July: day trip from Seville to the Sierras of Cadiz for a 36km e-bike route through rolling hills and olive groves followed by lunch and a stroll in the whitewashed clifftop town of Arcos de la Frontera
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9am: be met by your personal local host and a dedicated driver at your accommodation in Seville and be transferred in a modern and comfortable Mercedes vehicle to the start of a selected cycling route in the sierras of Cadiz.
The stunning Southwestern Spanish countryside offers a landscape of rolling hills, whitewashed villages and small rivers which is delightful to explore by bicycle and this is what this day trip will take you to enjoy.
10:30am: upon arrival to the start of the cycling route, be given your e-bikes and helmets to start a picturesque 36km cycling route, going slightly downhill along a former railway. Your personal host (an experienced local touring cyclist) will accompany you along the journey to show you the way and to provide you with water and some small bites for the adventure. You will cross farms, tunnels, bridges, rocky ridges and olive groves for approximately 3 hours before arriving at your destination, where you will drop off your bikes and meet your driver again.
1:30pm: end of the cycle, bike drop-off and private transfer to the whitewashed hilltop town of Arcos de la Frontera.
2pm: arrival to Arcos de la Frontera and lunch in a selected local restaurant in the village.
3:20pm: after lunch, enjoy a private walking tour of the old town with a special focus on its Hispanic – Muslim urban planning and traditional constructions, on its Christian monumental buildings, on its traditions and on its breath-taking viewpoints. Understanding of what life on the frontier between the Christian Kingdom of Castilla and the Muslim Kingdom of Granada was like in the 14th and 15th centuries.
4:20pm: end of your tour and private transfer back to Seville.
5:45pm: arrival to your accommodation in Seville and end of services for the day.
Overnight in Seville: superior double room with breakfast included at hotel Casas del Rey de Baeza (4*)
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10th of July: from Seville to Granada via Antequera for a light hike in the nature reserve of El Torcal, to tour the UNESCO site of the Dolmens and to have lunch in the city
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8:30am: be met by your private driver by the reception desk of your hotel in Seville and be transferred in a modern and comfortable Mercedes vehicle to the UNESCO nature reserve of El Torcal de Antequera
10:45am: upon arrival to the UNESCO nature reserve of El Torcal de Antequera, meet your personal guide there and start a guided hike through the reserve. El Torcal de Antequera features some of the most spectacular karst landscapes in Europe.
The shaping of this unique landscape started around 150 million years ago when this whole area was safely tucked under the Tethys Sea. One day, the seabed was pushed upwards by a massive tectonic shift, which created a series of mountains, some of them up to 1300 meters high above sea level.
The following millions of years, the erosion from rain and wind slowly turned this part of the world into some of the most impressive limestone landscapes on the European continent.
12:15pm: after the hike, reconnect with your driver and be transferred to the UNESCO site of the Dolmens of Antequera.
12:45pm: upon arrival to the UNESCO site of the Dolmens of Antequera, meet your personal local expert again to start a tour of the site, which treasures some of the best preserved and most important megalithic monuments in Europe.
It is the number, size, weight and volume of the stone blocks transported and assembled in the basin of Antequera, using rudimentary technology, and the architectural characteristics of the monuments formed by these megaliths, what makes the Antequera Dolmens one of the most important engineering and architectural works of European Prehistory. Antequera Dolmens Site provides an exceptional insight into the funerary and ritual practices of a highly organized prehistoric society of the Neolithic and Bronze Age in the Iberian Peninsula.
2:15pm: end of your private tour of the UNESCO sites of the dolmens and private transfer to Antequera old town for lunch at leisure.
2:20pm: arrival to Antequera old town and lunch at leisure there. We will give you recommendations of places to eat and will book a table for you if you wish.
3:40pm: after lunch, reconnect with your driver and be transferred to your hotel in Granada.
5pm: arrival to your hotel in Granada and rest of the day at leisure. We will give you recommendations of things to do and see in Granada during your free time and we will also book tables for you if you wish.
Overnight in Granada: deluxe double room with breakfast included at hotel Seda Club (5*)
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11th of July: morning walking tour of the Alhambra and el Generalife and rest of the day at leisure.
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9:30am: be met by your personal local host at your hotel and be transferred by taxi to the hill of la Sabika where the Alhambra and el Generalife are located.
9:45am: upon arrival to the Alhambra, be taken on a private walking tour of this palatial city which is the most exquisite example of the Hispanic-Muslim architecture. The Alhambra was the city where the Hispanic-Muslim sultans used to live with their army, their court and some selected artisans. Because of this, it has several parts, all of which you will get to visit during your tour while you understand the role that each of them had. Later you will visit the summer palace or Generalife. This is the place where the sultans would go to escape from the hustle and bustle of the Alhambra. It was a place designed for relaxation and contemplation and because of this, it has the most beautiful gardens and some of the nicest views that the city of Granada has to offer.
1pm: after your tour of the Alhambra, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Granada: deluxe double room with breakfast included at hotel Seda Club (5*)
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12th of July: day trip from Granada to the Mediterranean towns of Nerja and Frigiliana with a hike along the cliffs of Maro
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9am: private transfer from your accommodation in Granada to the village of Nerja with your own personal local host and a dedicated driver in a modern and comfortable Mercedes vehicle.
10:15am: arrival to Nerja and private walking tour of the old town with a special focus on its beautiful viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean sea, and on its traditional Mediterranean architecture. Along your tour you will learn about the evolution of Nerja from a traditional fishing village to a much-loved destination for Mediterranean lifestyle lovers.
11:15am: private transfer from Nerja to the car park of the unspoilt beach of El Cañuelo.
11:30am: upon arrival to the car park of the beach of El Cañuelo, you will be taken on a short introductory hike towards this unspoilt Mediterranean beach, where you may want to enjoy a swim. Then, from there, you will be taken along the cliffs of Maro to the also unspoilt beach of Cantarriján. This hike will offer you beautiful views of the Mediterranean coast while you cross green areas of Mediterranean forest. Once at the beach of Cantarriján, where you may want to take another swim, continue on towards the tower of Cerro Gordo for spectacular final views of your hike.
1:45pm: reconnect with your driver near the tower of Cerro Gordo and be transferred to the inland hillside village of Frigiliana for lunch and for a relaxed walk of its old town.
2pm: arrival to Frigiliana and lunch in a selected local restaurant representative of the gastronomy of the area.
3:20pm: after lunch, enjoy a private walking tour of Frigiliana old town with a special focus on its countless quaint corners, whitewashed streets and unbeatable Mediterranean charm.
4:30pm: end of your tour of Frigiliana and private transfer back to Granada.
5:45pm: arrival to your accommodation in Granada and end of services for the day.
Overnight in Granada: deluxe double room with breakfast included at hotel Seda Club (5*)
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13th of July: from Granada to Córdoba vía the UNESCO renaissance towns of Úbeda and Baeza
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9:30am: meet your personal driver at your hotel in Granada and be transferred in a modern and comfortable Mercedes vehicle to Ubeda old town.
11am: upon arrival to Úbeda, meet your personal local guide to take a private tour of the old town, aimed at discovering its splendid monumental legacy made up of palaces, noble mansions and majestic temples.
Úbeda is a unique example of the arrival of Renaissance trends in Spain in the 16th century and its monumental old town section has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Your tour will allow you to understand why this town in Northeast Andalusia became one of the most prosperous in the Christian kingdom of Castilla in the 16th century while you are taken to visit the interiors of its most exquisite temple: the Chapel of El Salvador, which is considered one of the best examples of funerary architecture in Europe. Then in the surroundings of the chapel, you will be taken to see and learn about some of the best Renaissance constructions in Úbeda.
1pm: after your discovery journey of Ubeda, enjoy some free time for lunch (recommendations will be given and a table will be booked for you if you wish).
2:30pm: reconnect with your driver and be transferred to the nearby town of Baeza.
2:50pm: upon arrival to Baeza, meet your personal local guide again to start a private tour of its historic center.
Declared a historic-artistic site, Baeza has also an incredible Renaissance legacy, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, where the carved stone contrasts with the whitewashed farmhouses.
Your journey will start by visiting the old Market Square and today’s heart of the city. The Market Square is the symbol of the evolution of the city through the centuries and will allow you to understand its Islamic and Renaissance roots. Later, you will enter the Old town through its main gate, a 12th century Islamic arch transformed into a stunning Renaissance construction for the visit of Emperor Charles V.
Once inside the city walls, you will find a maze of cobblestoned alleys, churches and palaces in an impeccable state of conservation. There you will visit the cathedral, an eclectic combination of Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles to later get to the Mirador del Guadalquivir, a breathtaking spot overlooking the Valley of Guadalquivir river. From there, you will get to see an endless ocean of olive trees. It will be then when your guide will explain to you why this region in Northeast Andalusia is the main producer of olive oil in the world.
Finally, to top up your tour, you will be taken to the old Seminary of Baeza, the evocative palace of Jabalquinto and the Old University. This will make a delightful visit to top up your history and architecture exploration of NorthEast Andalusia.
4:30pm: reconnect with your driver and be transferred to your hotel in Cordoba.
6pm: arrival to your hotel in Cordoba and end of services for the day. We will give you recommendations of things to do and see and of places to eat in Córdoba during your free time.
Overnight in Cordoba: dreamer’s room with king bed and breakfast included at hotel Palacio del Bailío (5*)
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14th of July: morning walking tour of Córdoba old town including the Great Mosque Cathedral, the synagogue and the Chapel of Saint Bartholomew. Rest of the day at leisure
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9:30am: be met by your personal local host by the reception desk of your hotel to go on a 3,5h discovery journey of the historical center of the city.
A UNESCO site since 1994, Córdoba is an inspirational city, which during the Middle Ages, saw a peaceful interaction between the three great Mediterranean cultures. Jews, Muslims and Christians coexisted then in the city turning it into a unique intellectual hub that gave birth to very renowned philosophers, poets, scientists and doctors. This also resulted in the construction of unique buildings of remarkable historical significance.
During your private walking tour, you’ll learn about the period of maximum intellectual splendor of the city and you will see beautiful examples of architecture and urban planning that will allow you to recreate all the grandeur of this era, which has the Great Mosque – Cathedral, the synagogue, the Chapel of Saint Bartholomew and the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs as its most representative constructions.
The Great Mosque-Cathedral is probably the most thought-provoking building in Spain and your personal local host will uncover all its beauty and complexity for you. You will understand its origins, its different enlargements and the role that the building has played in the culture and social fabric of the city throughout the centuries.
The synagogue will allow you to understand the very important Jewish – Sephardic community that Córdoba once had and how much it embraced Hispanic-Muslim decorative arts in its places of devotion.
In the Chapel of Saint Bartholomew you will be explained about the transformations that the Jewish quarter of Córdoba suffered after the pogrom of 1391 and how it was repopulated with Christians, who were also very heavily influenced by Hispanic-Muslim decorative arts.
The Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs will be your last stop. This is a fortification treasuring Roman and Visigothic remains that became an important royal residence in the Hispanic-Muslim and Christian times. Your tour of this landmark will be a journey through the history of the city and also through probably the most beautiful gardens that one can find in Córdoba.
1pm: end of your tour at the impressive Roman Bridge of the city and rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Cordoba: dreamer’s room with king bed and breakfast included at hotel Palacio del Bailío (5*)
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15th of July: morning at leisure in Córdoba and afternoon high-speed train to Madrid
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all morning: enjoy your morning at leisure to maybe do your last exploration around Córdoba.
12:57pm: departure of your high-speed train from Cordoba to Madrid.
3pm: upon arrival to Madrid train station, take a taxi to your hotel near Madrid airport.
4pm (estimated): arrival to your hotel near Madrid airport and end of services for the day.
Overnight in Madrid: 1 king bed premium guest room with breakfast included at hotel Marriott Auditorium (4*)
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16th of July: departure from Madrid
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10am: take a taxi from your hotel to Madrid airport.
10:15am: arrival to Madrid airport on time to take your flight back to the US at 12:30pm (AA37) and end of trip.
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Pricing
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The cost of this bespoke trip for a private group of 2 people is 9080 Euros
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This price includes
– 9 nights’ accommodation with breakfast included as per mentioned above.
– All private transportation services mentioned above in a modern and comfortable Mercedes vehicle with a dedicated driver.
– All private guided tours and experiences mentioned above with a knowledgeable, personable, kind, flexible and interactive fully licensed guide.
– All entrance tickets and admissions to sites during your guided tours.
Admissions to a selected flamenco performance in Seville with 4 people onstage: 2 dancers, 1 guitarist and 1 singer.
– A tapas and wines dinner in Seville old town including a selection of 6 – 9 dishes to share and up to 4 drinks per person (beer, wine, refreshments, water) and a sweet local treat to finish.
– E-bike and helmet rental for your e-bike adventure in the Sierras of Cadiz.
– Water, fruits and nuts for the bike ride.
– Lunch in a selected local restaurant in Arcos de la Frontera including a selection of 2 starters to share, 1 main course per person, 1 dessert per person and up to 2 drinks per person (beer, wine, refreshments, water).
– Taxi ride to get from your hotel to the Alhambra for your tour of the site.
– Lunch in a selected local restaurant in Frigiliana including a selection of 2 starters to share, 1 main course per person, 1 dessert per person and up to 2 drinks per person (beer, wine, refreshments, water).
– High-speed train tickets to travel from Cordoba to Madrid on the 15th of July (1st class seats).
– Petrol, parkings and tolls.
– All taxes.
– 24h Guardian Angel service throughout your trip for any emergencies you may have.
– A list of recommended things to do and see and of places to eat during your free time in each of the destinations where you will visit.
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This price excludes
– Your plane (Nina) and train (Davd) tickets to get from Barcelona and Madrid respectively to Seville on the 7th of July.
– Your international flights
– Any meals not mentioned right above
– Anything else not mentioned right above
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Confirmation and payments
In order to confirm this bespoke trip at this price we required a deposit of 2715 Euros paid via credit/debit card. This has already been paid. The balance of the trip (6365 Euros) must be paid via the same method no later than 30 days prior to its start.
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Grand total of this bespoke trip: 9080 Euros
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Deposit needed to confirm the trip: 2715 Euros. This has already been paid.
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Final payment needed no later than 30 days prior to the start of the trip: 6365 Euros
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Cancellation policy
– If you cancel your trip more than 30 days prior to its scheduled start, we will charge the 30% deposit only.
– If you cancel your trip between 30 and 10 days prior to its scheduled start, we will charge 50% of the full cost of the trip and we will refund the other 50%.
– If you cancel your trip between 9 and 3 days prior to its scheduled start, we will charge 70% of the full cost of the trip and we will refund the other 30%.
– If you cancel your trip 2 days prior to its scheduled start, we will charge 100% of the full cost of the trip.
(*) Please note that partial cancellations won’t result in partial refunds. This applies to the group size and to the duration / activities of the trip.
(**) Genuine Andalusia strongly recommends buying travel insurance for any international trip. Most of our US guests buy their travel insurance from Medjet.
(***) If Spain’s borders closed due to a national or global emergency and you were not able to enter the country to take this trip, we will give you a full refund.
