TOUR # 1 -
Avila & Segovia
Departure to Avila, one of the oldest cities
in Spain, surrounded by very well preserved medieval walls from
the XI century, the best sample of a fortified city.The old
quarters hold an important number of Romanesque Churches, Gothic
Palaces and its XII century Cathedral,the last Gothic one built
in Spain, also fortified. The city is the birth place of Ste.
Therese, source of the Spanish Catholic mysticism. Visit the
outskirts of the Cathedral, the Romanesque Basilica of San
Vicente, Mayor Square and a brief walk through its old streets
to see the Convent of Ste. Therese. You will have some free time
to have a lunch. After this, we will go to the city of Segovia,
rich in historical monuments. Old Roman city, still preserves
the magnificent Roman Aqueduct from the time of Emperor
Augustus. The elegant Cathedral, and its Alcazar fortress, the
most spectacular castle in Spain, is the most representative.
Both towns, Avila and Segovia, are "Heritage of Mankind cities".
|
|
TOUR # 2
-
Toledo
Morning to departure to Toledo, one of the
Spanish cities with the greatest wealth of monuments. Known as
the "city of the three cultures", because Christians, Arabs and
Jews lived together there for centuries, behind its walls Toledo
preserves an artistic and cultural legacy in the form of
churches, palaces, fortresses, mosques and synagogues. This
great diversity of artistic styles makes the old quarter of the
capital of La Mancha a real open-air museum, which has led to it
being declared a World Heritage Site. Arrival to the new
Reception centre "Toletum" of beautiful contemporary
architecture before starting a panoramic tour of the city; we
enter to the old quarters to visit the Plaza del Ayuntamiento
(City Hall), and admire the impressive Gothic building of the
Primate Cathedral; walk through the old Jewish quarter with its
narrow streets to visit the Church of St. Tomé, with the very
famous painting of El Greco "The Burial of Count Orgaz",
Synagogue of Ste. Maria la Blanca, Church of San Juan de los
Reyes, and the house Museum Victorio Macho, located over River
Tagus with outstanding views. The house holds works of the
famous sculptor, and we'll see a short audiovisual movie about
Toledo. Afterwards visit to a typical factory of Damasquino,
well known handicraft art of Toledo.
|
|
TOUR # 3 -
Escorial & the Valley of the Fallen
|
Morning to departure to El Escorial.
In the heart of the Guadarrama mountain range, only 50
kilometers from Madrid, stands the town of San Lorenzo
de El Escorial. Mount Abantos, its pine forests and the
Herrería estate form the natural surroundings of this
place, which has its focal point in the Monastery of El
Escorial. Its urban layout is composed of a harmonious
collection of ancestral homes in the Herrera style, with
rationalist avenues and small squares in an earlier
style. You will have a guided visit to The Monastery of
El Escorial, built under the reign of the powerful King
Philip II to be a Residence for the Kings. Monastery and
Pantheon of the Royal Family, becoming a symbol of the
great power of the Spanish Empire on the time. The
monument was declared of Artistic and Historical
interest, and "Mankind Heritage". The visit includes the
Monastery, the Cloister of the Four Evangelists, the
Palace of Philip II, and Pantheons of the Royal Family,
the Chapterhouses, and the Basilica. You will have some
free time to have your lunch. After this, we will go to
the Valley of the Fallen, a monument built as a memorial
of those who died during the Spanish Civil War in 1936.
Located in a beautiful valley in the Mountains of
Guadarrama, this impressive work has a colossal cross
over 150 mts. high, and the Basilica and Crypt excavated
in the hard rock under the mountain. We will entrance to
the Valley and visit the Basilica.
|
|
TOUR # 4 -
Contrasts of Madrid
|
( PANORAMIC
TOUR, BERNABEU EXPLAINED VISIT, ROYAL PALACE AND FLAMENCO NIGHT
SHOW)
Discover all different and interesting views of Madrid to its
visitors from Borbones, Austrias, Isabelino and Contemporary
quarters of Madrid until the Barrio de la Morería (Moorish
Quarter) with typical atmosphere the "Mesons" and the
architecture of the old Madrid; the elegant squares, Oriente,
España, University Campus, Casa de Campo, Mayor Street, Villa
and Mayor squares, Puerta del Sol, Neptuno, Atocha, Alcala Gate
and Street the memorial Retiro Park, the Bullring, colorful
place in the great days of "Corrida", and Colón square, where
we'll stop and a soft drink will be served complimentary by Hard
Rock Café Madrid - following to the new Madrid with modern
building, gardens, large avenues, and Castilla Square (Europe
Gate), La Cibeles square and Gran Via street. The driver will
leave us at Santiago Bernabeu Football Stadium to begin our
Bernabeu tour. The visit includes a panoramic view of the
Stadium from the main stand which comes off the museum, entrance
into the Presidential box and changing rooms and entrance to the
player's tunnel, benches and coaching area. You can also go on
the playing area, visit the trophy exhibition and do some
shopping at the official store on your way out. Free time for
lunch on your own.
At 16.30 our driver will pick you up at the same point he left
you, to bring you to the ROYAL PALACE. At the main entrance,
your guide will be waiting for you. The Royal Palace of Madrid
is the official residence of His Majesty The King of Spain, who
makes use of it for official ceremonies, though not residing
there. The origins of the Palace go back to the 9th century,
during which the Islamic Kingdom of Toledo built a defensive
fort on the site, later used by the Kings of Castile. It was on
this ancient fortress that the Old Alcázar was constructed in
the 16th century. The Alcázar was destroyed by fire on Christmas
Eve, 1734, and King Philip V wished for a New Palace occupying
the same site. The entire complex was built with stone and brick
vaulting, without any wood, so that no future fire could destroy
it. Building work took from 1738 to 1755, and King Charles III
took up residence in the Palace in 1764. Duration approximately
of your guided visit: 2 hours
After this, the guide will go with you to the entrance of the
flamenco show, where you will enjoy your dinner and a wonderful
flamenco show. (2 hours).
TOUR DURATION: 9 HOURS
|
|
|
|
|
YOUR SPECIALISTS IN TRAVEL TO EUROPE
Fil Franck
TOURS
176 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212.685.5656 / Toll free: 800.669.8165 / Fax: 212.481.2494
Email:
Info@FilFranck.com
/ Web:
www.FilFranck.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|