ABOUT SPAIN

Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula, of which it occupies 80% (the remaining 20% being Portugal), in the southwest of Europe. To the north are France and Andorra with the Pyrenees as a natural border. Also the Balearean islands (Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza) in the Mediterranean, the Canary islands in the Atlantic (near the Maroccan coast), and Ceuta and Melilla (located in Northern Africa) belong to the Spanish territory. Spain is the third country in Europe as for it's size and fifth as for population numbers. It has a surface of about 505.955 square kilometers. This includes all the islands above mentioned. Spain counts more than 40 million people, most of them living in the cities or along the Costa's. Spain is divided into 19 autonomous areas, including the areas outside the Iberian Peninsula. The most prosperous areas are Madrid, Catalonia and the Basque Country. Extremadura is the poorest area of Spain, adjacent to Portugal, Andalucia, Castilla La Mancha and Castillia y Léon.

CLIMATE

The climate varies tremendously in Spain, due to its large size. Visitors can generally expect a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The vast central plateau, or Meseta, has a continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters. Rain generally falls in spring and autumn. The mountains surrounding the plateau have a higher rainfall and often experience heavy snowfalls in winter.

Time Difference: 4½ hours behind IST (OCT – MAR) & 3½ hours behind IST (APR – SEP)

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Madrid
Arrive in Madrid, the capital and largest city of Spain. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel for check-in on your own. Overnight in Madrid.

Day 2: Madrid panoramic city tour
Today after breakfast, enjoy city sightseeing of Madrid on open bus tour. Discover old Madrid from Royal Palace to El Prado museum. Visit the beautiful Paseo de la Castella boulevard, Serrano Street and the Salamanca neighbourhood. Also visit Royal palace. Evening is free for you to relax on your own. Overnight in Madrid.

Day 3: Optional Best of Toledo Tour
This morning after breakfast, spend the day at leisure or opt for a best of Toledo tour. Visit the most famous monuments during a walking tour of the city centre, including St Tome Church, Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue, San Juan de los Reyes Church, Museo Victorio Macho, the Tavera Museum, Cristo de la Luz Mosque and the Jesuitas Church. Overnight in Madrid

Day 4: Madrid – Barcelona
Today after breakfast, travel on your own by train to Barcelona, the most populous city of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia. Transfer on your own to your hotel & check-in. Rest of the day is free on own. Overnight in Barcelona.

Day 5: Barcelona – Hop on hop off tour
After breakfast discover the sights of Barcelona while travelling on a bus. See magnificence of the 14th Century gothic cathedral, the unfinished glory of Gaudi’s controversial Sagrada Familia, Plaza de Cataluna – the largest and the busiest square in the city centre and other sights. Also visit Aquarium. Overnight in Barcelona.

Day 6: Barcelona
Today after breakfast the day is free for you to explore the city on your own. Overnight in Barcelona.

Day 7: Depart Barcelona
This morning transfer on your own to Barcelona airport for your flight back home or extend your holiday with us.