Highlights of Spain

Meals Included
No meals included.

Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with Gap Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to Gap Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Transport
Local bus, train.

Local Flights
If required all local flights are included in the cost of your tours unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

Accommodation
Hotels (13 nts)

Day 1 Arrive Madrid
Arrive in Madrid at any time. As your fellow travellers are arriving throughout the day, there are no planned activities, so check-in to the hotel (check-in time is approx. 3pm) and enjoy the city. In the evening meet your fellow group members to go over the details of your trip. This is also when your Tour Leader will collect your Local Payment. Check the noticeboards or ask at reception for the exact time and location of this group meeting. After the meeting, you can head out for a meal at a local restaurant with the group (optional). If you arrive late, no worries, your Tour Leader will leave you a message at the front desk. Please note that we use public transport such as metro and taxis to get to train and bus stations. It is important that you are able to carry your luggage comfortably and that it can be packed into a relatively small space. Madrid, the grand dame of European cities, has it all—history, architecture, museums, galleries, beautiful parks and a wild nightlife. Spain's capital city’s most exciting street is the Gran Vía, but be sure to visit the Plaza Mayor –the true heart of Madrid. Enjoy a coffee in one of the plaza’s many cafes and watch the world go by. A trip to the Museo del Prado, one of the greatest art galleries in the world, is a definite highlight. The main emphasis of the museum is 15th to 19th century Spanish, Flemish and Italian art. There is plenty of Goya and you'll find a wealth of paintings by Diego Velázquez. For a more modern take and one of the best art history lessons you'll ever get, check out the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, a private assembly of paintings from Titian to Picasso. The beautiful Real Jardin Botánico, near the Prado, is a good spot to recover from an art overdose. To see what style the kings and queens lived in, visit the Palacio Real, where you'll get a chance to see some of the most elaborately decorated and furnished rooms. The epicenter of Madrid's nightlife is Plaza del Dos de Mayo, in the area known as Malasaña – head here after hours to have a taste of Sangria and dance to the latest music! The Escorial, a magnificent palace and mausoleum constructed by Felipe II (on the site of a previous dump) is also a major tourist attraction within the capital area. The building’s magnificent style is a worthy monument to the power and wealth that was Spain during the 16th century. The Escorial also became a great center for learning and has an outstanding library. For those of you spending some extra time in the Castillian capital, there are several other worthwhile optional tours to nearby cities and towns, such as Segovia and Toledo.

Days 2-3 Seville
Estimated Travel Time: 6 hours This morning we will head south by public bus to Seville, one of the most colourful and exciting cities in Spain. We spend our time here exploring Muslim monuments, parks and gardens at our leisure, getting a taste of Seville's energetic pulse with a chance to see some unique flamenco and savour some tapas at the city's many bars and cafés. Please note that we use public transport such as metro and taxis to get to train and bus stations. It is important that you are able to carry your luggage comfortably and that it can be packed into a relatively small space. Be sure to explore the wonderful interiors and gardens of the Alcázar, a magnificent palace dating from Moorish times. During Seville’s warm summer nights (until mid-September) you can enjoy a series of concerts in the authentic and exceptional setting of the Reales Alcazares. The true heart of Seville lies in the Santa Cruz quarter. It is impossible to resist the charm of this district with its winding alleys, picturesque lime-washed houses, delicate, hardly visible, flowery patios and small squares. Seville is home to the world’s largest gothic cathedral. The climb to the adjoining tower, known as La Giralda, is well worth the effort for the great views of the city. The 76m Giralda was constructed by the Moors between 1184 and 1197; after the reconquest Christians fitted the minaret with its bell tower in 1568. Other attractions include the Parque de María Luisa, which has a maze of paths, garden beds, pretty little patios, fountains and shaded lawns, the Museo Arqueológico and the Casa de Pilates. Semana Santa (Holy Week) has been one of the most important celebrations in Seville for centuries. During the week over 50 Brotherhoods process in penitence through the many narrow streets of the centre of the city. Another festival of note is the annual April Fair of Sevilla, one of the major folkloric celebrations of Spain. More than 1,000 temporary 'houses' are built on a huge site, where around a million people gather to enjoy flamenco music, dance and dresses, horse parades, sherry and fun.

Days 4-5 Tarifa, Costa de la Luz
Estimated Travel Time: 3 hours We depart this morning by public bus to the coastal town of Tarifa. The sea and the sun are our constant companions here as we relax and take a break from our urban adventures to explore the beautiful coastline and its beaches, with options for marine life sighting tours, kite/wind surfing, horseback riding, or even a day trip to North Africa. The Costa de la Luz (Coast of light) is the western side of the Andalucía coastline, facing the Mediterranean and North Africa. Here the sand is finer and a more golden colour than in the neighbouring Costa del Sol, and typically beaches are more expansive and less visited. Temperatures are slightly milder, and the strong Atlantic wind is favoured by wind and kite surfers alike. The area is also home to long-finned pilot whales, and bottlenosed, common and striped dolphins. From April to June, sperm whales migrate through the Straits of Gibraltar and in July/August, Orcas come to the area. From time to time the locals are fortunate enough to see a fin whale, the second largest whale in the world. This area is also famous for its succulent king prawns, best savoured with some fine Spanish wine. While in the area we have the option to take a day trip to Gibraltar, or also a short visit to Tangier, in Morocco.

Day 6 Ronda
Estimated Travel Time: 2.5 hours We travel by public bus and train to the alluring town of Ronda, nestled deep in the white Anadalucian hills. It’s impossible to miss the town’s most unique feature—a 100m deep gorge splitting it in two. Enjoy the amazing Andalucian countryside by bike, on foot or even by 4-wheeler. The spectacular gorge is bridged by the magnificent Puente Nuevo (New Bridge). Built in 1751, the bridge is one of the most photographed structures in all of Spain. On one side of the bridge is the old Moorish town with many historic buildings including the House of the Moorish King, worth a visit for its wonderful gardens and descent to the foot of the gorge via an old mine shaft. On the other side is El Mercadillo, a more recent urban development; to the east of the town are well-preserved Arab Baths. If bullfighting piques your interest, Ronda is the birthplace of the Spanish national pastime, with one of the oldest bullfighting rings in the country. If our timing is lucky we may also have the opportunity to witness this thoroughly Spanish, albeit controversial sport. Most of the important sights in Ronda can be seen on foot, but horse-drawn carriage tours are also available. There is excellent craft shopping in Ronda, which is well known for its pottery, leatherwork and wrought-iron products.

Day 7 Cordoba
Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours Travelling by train, we move on to Cordoba, once one of the most important capitals in Europe. From the 11th to the 15th century, Cordoba was a sophisticated place where the Muslim, Jewish and Christian faiths mixed together peacefully. In this harmonious atmosphere, economic, cultural and university systems flourished, and the city produced important philosophers, scientists and artists, such as Maimonedes and Averroes. The world-famous Mezquita has been called the most beautiful and original building in all of Spain. It is the third-largest mosque in the world with an extension of 23 000 square meters. The colossal hall consists of 11 naves with 110 columns, the capitals of which were taken from old Roman and Byzantine buildings. Above, there is a second row of arcs, creating a unique ambience of light and shadow. Many additions were made by successive Caliphs, such as 8 more arcs in 833, with columns of white marble taken from a Roman amphitheatre. In 987 an enlargement was made doubling the original size of the mosque and adding columns of blue and red marble. The mosque of Cordoba is unique in that it doesn't have the Mihrab as its central point. One other particularity is that it is not orientated towards Mecca, but towards Damascus - perhaps due to the nostalgia of Caliph Abderramán I, who expressed in his poetry how homesick he felt for his beloved Damascus. When the Christians reconquered Cordoba in 1236, they consecrated the mosque to be the Christian cathedral. In the 13th century the first modifications were made and the Capilla Real (Royal Chapel), was added inside the mosque, a most unusual arrangement. In 1523 the Catholic Church and King Charles V decided (against the will of the town's administration) to build a Christian cathedral inside of the original mosque. This work took 234 years, and as a result the original Gothic style is combined with Baroque and Renaissance elements.

Days 8-9 Granada
Estimated Travel Time: 2.5 hours We head by public bus to the Andaluz city of Granada, where we include a visit to the Alhambra, one of the greatest accomplishments of Islamic art and architecture, and the highlight of the trip for most visitors. During the Muslim rule of Spain, Granada was one of the region’s most regal cities. The greatest Muslim legacy in Europe, the Alhambra, is located in Granada. The Alhambra has captured the imagination of visitors for years, and much has been recorded about the history and purpose of this area. But no amount of reading or study can truly prepare you for your first visit—it is simply breathtaking. The Alhambra is divided into three sections: the Alcazaba, the Palacio Nazaries and Generalife. The Alcazaba is the Alhambra's Muslim 11th century wing, offering spectacular views of the city from the tops of its towers. The Palacio Nazaries is the center of the Alhambra, and is most famous for its detailed works and gardens. The Generalife was the summer palace of the sultans.

Days 10-11 Valencia
Estimated Travel Time: 9 hours On Day 10 we have free time to enjoy more highlights of Granada in the morning, before boarding a public bus heading northeast, to the shores of the Mediterranean and the vibrant city of Valencia. Spain's third-largest city, historical yet cosmopolitan, Valencia is the home of paella, the Holy Grail, the birthplace of the inimitable architecture of Santiago Calatrava and one of Europe’s newest and most impressive science museums. Valencia is a fun and fascinating study in contrasts. Ensconced in fertile terrain on the shores of the Mediterranean close to the mouth of the river Turia, the luminous city of Valencia comes as a pleasant surprise to many. At night people fill the bustling open terraces and street cafés in the Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo, the cobbled streets of the Carmen district, or the romantic dance clubs with live music on the Malvarrosa beach. Everywhere, world class restaurants, discos, nightclubs and pubs provide the scene for enjoying a night out in Spain's "fiesta" capital.

Days 12-13 Barcelona
Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours We take an early morning train to Barcelona. After checking in to our hotel, spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the city’s museums and cathedrals, or enjoy some of the best shopping in Europe. Barcelona is Spain’s second largest city, but it is its capital when it comes to fashion, architecture, food and music. Known worldwide for its dynamic atmosphere and exciting style, Barcelona never disappoints. As the most cosmopolitan and economically active city in Spain it has always shown its will to be modern. Barcelona is always at the forefront of the latest international styles, whether it be in architecture, fashion or ways of thinking. There is plenty of history too: visit the old Gothic Quarter with its maze of dark streets, historic cathedral, medieval buildings, bars and cafes. Or stroll the Rambla, a large tree-lined pedestrian boulevard perfect for people-watching and window shopping, ending at the harbourfront facing the Mediterranean Sea. Make sure to view Gaudi’s most famous life work, the cathedral La Sagrada Familia, an inspiring yet bizarre testament to the artist’s unique vision. Should you need some quiet time away from it all a visit to the city’s imaginative Parque Guell will cure all ills, as you stroll the tree-lined paths and admire more of Gaudi’s creative genius at play. For nightlife, the highest concentration of beautiful young locals dancing – both in the bars and on the street – can be found near the intersection of Santaló and Mariano Cubi streets. Here you can always find good music, good drinks and lots of fun. Another good nightlife spot for meeting the fashionable locals of Barcelona is on the Plaza Francesc Maciá.

Day 14 Depart Barcelona

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
No Departure Date Information was found for this Tour. This could be due to our website undergoing an update. Please call a tour specialist at 1-800-942-3301 for personalized assistance.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Group Leader Description
This Gap Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.

Group Size Notes
Max 15, Avg 10

Your Fellow Travellers
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.

Highlights
Seville, Costa de la Luz, Ronda, Cordoba, Granada, Andalucian coastline, Valencia, Barcelona, Madrid.

Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Single Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

What to Take
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. We highly recommend using a backpack or light sports bag, whichever you find easiest to carry, plus a small daypack. Luggage space on public transport is limited. You must be prepared to carry your own bags and be comfortable carrying them between transport and hotels (max. 15-20 mins walking), hopping on and off trains and public buses and up and down stairs.

Checklist
Suggested Items: •Light fleece top •Light windproof/waterproof jacket •Small towel and swimwear •Sun hat •Personal clothing for mild to hot weather (See also "What to Take" and "Local Dress" sections of this dossier) •Sturdy walking shoes •Sport sandals •Sunblock •Sunglasses •Toiletries (biodegradable) •Watch or alarm clock •Water bottle •Pocketknife •Money belt •First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking) Optional Items: •Camera and film •Reading/writing material •Binoculars •Cover for backpacks Documents: •Passport (with photocopies) •Travel insurance (with photocopies) •Airline tickets (with photocopies) •EUR cash •Credit or debit card (see personal spending money) •Gap Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier •Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required

Visas
Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements. All visitors to the EU (European Union) and EEC (European Economic Community) countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand passport holders do not need a visa to visit the Schengen area (see below), however they may not stay longer than three months in any 6-month period. For other nationalities, travelling in Europe has been simplified with the introduction of the Schengen visa. As a visitor to the Schengen area (Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Portugal, Finland, Italy, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland) you will enjoy the many advantages of this unified visa system. Generally speaking with a Schengen visa, you may enter one Schengen country and travel freely throughout the Schengen region during the validity of your visa. There are limited border controls at Schengen borders, if any at all. Please note that the UK and Ireland are NOT part of the Schengen agreement. A Schengen visa is applied for at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country in which you will be spending the most nights on your trip to the Schengen space. If you are only visiting one country on your trip then you apply for your visa at the Consulate of this Schengen country.

Departure Tax
Usually included in international air ticket, check with your air travel agent.

Tipping
It is customary in Europe to leave a small tip for service providers, such as waiters, if you are pleased with the service (€1-2). Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your Tour Leader will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3-5 per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your Gap Adventures Tour Leader or skipper did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline €20-25 per person, per week can be used.

Health
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. Gap Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

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