Spain & Italy Tour 19 days from $6499 Per person twin share Ex Australia

Phone 1300 813391

20 Day Spain & Italy Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Valencia, Barcelona, Venice, Florence, Rome - $4809 from $3999 (Land Only) Promo Valid for Departures: April – October 2017

The Deal If you're looking to experience the highlights of both Italy & Spain, here's your chance! Begin with a tour of Madrid including a visit to the Prado Museum, where you can admire works of art by famous artists such as El Greco, Velazquez and Ribera. Continue to Toledo, the "Museum City", and visit the famous monuments of St. Tome Church and Santa Maria la Blanca, then head to Cordoba to visit the amazing Mosque of the Caliphs and see the Roman Bridge. In Seville, marvel at the Cathedral of Seville, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, view the Giralda Tower, and visit the Barrio Santa Cruz (the old Jewish quarter) and the burial site of Christopher Columbus. Continue onto Granada and the Moorish Alhambra Palace with its famous Lion Courtyard, then head north through the groves of olives, almonds, lemons and oranges to the garden city of Valencia. Here, explore the City Gates, City Hall and the Cathedral. Next, journey along the coast line of Catalunya to Barcelona, and view the cathedral, Gaudi's Sagrada Familia and the site of the 1992 Olympic Stadium before taking off for Venice! Arrive in Venice and start with a boat ride to the Island of Murano, known throughout the world for its glassware, followed by a walking tour of Venice

including a visit to the Doge's Palace. Travel though the stunning panorama of Tuscany, with a stop at a typical Tuscan farm for a wine tasting in the countryside, then continue to Pisa and view the famous Piazza dei Miracoli with its Leaning Tower. In Florence, enjoy a morning tour taking you to the Accademia of Fine Arts, housing Michelangelo's David, among other significant works of art. Travel to the small medieval town of Assisi, perched high on a hill in the Umbria region, before continuing to Rome, the Eternal City. Here, enjoy sightseeing taking you to the Vatican Museums, Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Plus, enjoy a tour of "ancient Rome" to marvel at the Colosseum, Roman Forum and The Arch of Constantine before returning home.

Package Includes   

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Return airfares from Australian Capital Cities to Europe. Intra-flight Barcelona-Venice 18 nights First Class accommodations o 2 nights Madrid o 1 night Cordoba o 2 nights Seville o 1 night Granada o 1 night Valencia o 2 nights Barcelona o 3 nights Venice o 3 nights Florence o 3 nights Rome Hotel taxes, fees & service charges including Barcelona & Italian city taxes Hotel porterage 29 meals: 18 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 10 dinners with wine & mineral water Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout Services of local guides in all major cities Entrance fees per itinerary Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring

How to Book  

Phone call 1300 813391 mention promo code: DLSPTY810A Book by 31 October 2016 to save $810 per person on our lowest published prices!

DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for Spain Depart for Spain DAY 2, Sunday - Arrive in Madrid

Welcome to Madrid! Capital of Spain since 1562, this lively city is the birthplace to many of the world's greatest writers, painters and artists. Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers followed by an orientation and a Welcome Dinner Overnight: Madrid Meals: Dinner DAY 3, Monday - Madrid City Tour Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Madrid. Drive along the Gran Via through the Opera District, Plaza de Colon, and view the Royal Palace. Pass through Puerta del Sol Plaza and Plaza de España with its monument to the author Cervantes. The tour will end at the Prado Museum, where you will be able to admire works of art by famous artists such as El Greco, Velázquez, and Ribera. Afternoon and evening at leisure to enjoy a walk in Retiro park, visit museums or join the optional tour to the Royal Palace. Visit the former residence of the Spanish Royal Family. Built in the 16th century, the palace forms one of the most beautiful palatial complexes of Europe with the Plaza de Oriente, the Sabatini Gardens and the Campo del Moro. Inside, admire its beautiful porcelains, tapestries, furniture, armoires and paintings Optional: Royal Palace Tour (PM) Overnight: Madrid Meals: Breakfast DAY 4, Tuesday - Toledo Sightseeing en Route to Cordoba This morning, travel to nearby Toledo, the former capital city of Spain that still retains its medieval atmosphere and charm, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a walking tour among the most famous monuments, visiting the St. Tome Church with its El Greco masterpiece and Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue with its beautiful Moorish architecture, the oldest synagogue in Europe still standing. Also admire its famous handcrafted work, the Damasquinado. Continue south to Andalucia via the region of La Mancha, legendary home of Don Quixote, featuring panoramic views of its famous windmills. Arrive in the former Roman city of Cordoba for dinner and overnight Overnight: Cordoba Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 5, Wednesday - Cordoba City Tour, Travel to Seville Cordoba, due to its strategic location, was once an important port city. Visit the astonishing Mezquita de Cordoba, one of the largest mosques in the world, transformed into a soaring cathedral in the 16th century. A walking tour of the city reveals the ancient Jewish Quarter with its labyrinth of winding narrow streets, shady flower filled courtyards and picturesque squares; visit the beautifully restored 14th century Synagogue on Calle de los Judios. Afterwards, proceed to Seville, capital of Andalucia. After dinner, opportunity to attend an optional Flamenco Show in this city known as the birthplace of Flamenco

Optional: Evening Flamenco Show (PM) Overnight: Seville Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 6, Thursday - Seville City Tour A morning tour of Seville begins with a visit to the Cathedral of Seville, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and home to the burial site of Christopher Columbus. Built on the site of the former great Mosque, its original minaret, the Giralda Bell Tower, still stands. Admire the beautiful Plaza de España and the fragrant gardens of Maria Luisa Park by the Guadalquivir River before visiting the quaint Barrio Santa Cruz. Explore the narrow winding streets and the beautiful plazas of the Old Quarter. Afternoon is at leisure to explore Seville's shops, museums and cafes Overnight: Seville Meals: Breakfast DAY 7, Friday - Travel to Granada, Visit Alhambra Palace* Morning drive to Granada. Here, your sightseeing of Moorish Granada is highlighted by a visit to the magnificent 13th century Alhambra Palace, one of Spain's most celebrated monuments, dramatically perched atop Assabica Hill overlooking the entire city. This imposing hilltop fortress, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world's finest examples of Moorish art and architecture. During the reign of the Moors, the Alhambra served as the summer residence of the royal family. Walk along the lanes of the serene Generalife Gardens with its beautifully designed courtyards, waterfalls and ponds and views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Dinner together at a local restaurant Overnight: Granada Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 8, Saturday - Travel to Valencia Today head north through the groves of olives, almonds, lemons and oranges to the garden city of Valencia. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation tour of the huge Arts and Science City designed by contemporary artist Santiago Calatrava, with its extraordinary avant-garde architecture that includes impressive buildings such as the Hemisfèric and Oceanogràfic. The rest of the day is yours to discover Valencia independently. Tonight, dinner together Overnight: Valencia Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 9, Sunday - Valencia City Tour, Travel to Barcelona, Barcelona City Tour This morning, tour the city of Valencia. Discover this treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture before continuing to the City Gates, City Hall and Gothic Cathedral. Depart Valencia and drive along the coastline of Catalunya to Barcelona. This afternoon's tour of Barcelona begins with a panoramic tour of the old Harbor, Plaza de España and Plaza Catalunya. You will also have a chance to pass by Gaudi's iconic Sagrada Familia, a

colossal church that is legendary and still unfinished. Ascend Montjuic Hill, home to the Olympic Stadium built for the 1992 Olympics. Tonight, dinner at a local restaurant Overnight: Barcelona Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 10, Monday - Full Day in Barcelona Today enjoy a full day at leisure in Barcelona. Perhaps revisit some of the city's extraordinary sights or spend time at the shops and galleries Overnight: Barcelona Meals: Breakfast DAY 11, Tuesday - Flight to Venice Today, bid farewell to Spain and transfer to the Barcelona airport for your flight to Venice. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure in this city built on over a hundred small islands and connected by 400 bridges, Venice is truly an artistic masterpiece. This evening, enjoy a dinner with your fellow travelers Overnight: Venice Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 12, Wednesday - Murano, St. Mark's Square Begin the day with a visit to a glass blowing factory in Murano. The island is known for its artistic and colorful Murano glassware. Afterwards, on to St. Mark's Square where the guided walking tour of this romantic city begins. View the Golden Basilica of San Marco, built over several centuries in a fusion of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian architecture. See the Bridge of Sighs, created at the beginning of the 17th century to serve as a link between the prisons and the inquisition rooms of Doge's Palace. Then, continue to the pink marble Doge's Palace, official residence of the Venetian ruler; its facade is highlighted by a massive late-Gothic gate, known as the Porta della Carta. The rest of the day is yours to explore Venice independently or, participate in this afternoon's optional Gondola Ride with music - it's definitely one of the highlights of any Italian holiday Optional: Gondola Ride with Music (PM) Overnight: Venice Meals: Breakfast DAY 13, Thursday - The Islands of Burano and Torcello Today, discover the peaceful islands of Burano and Torcello on the Venetian Lagoon. Travel by boat to the island of Burano, the most scenic of the islands with its picturesque canals lined with brightly colored houses. Walk along the main street of Via Galuppi, famous for its artisan lace makers and lined with pastry shops, cafes, and restaurants. Continue to the rural and quiet island of Torcello, the first settlement in the lagoon. Many artists have spent time here to escape from the noise and chaos of the city, including Ernest Hemingway. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure or join the optional half day Off the Beaten Path Venice Walking Tour

Optional: Half Day Off the Beaten Path Venice Walking Tour (PM) Overnight: Venice Meals: Breakfast DAY 14, Friday - Tuscan Cooking Class, Travel to Florence Depart Venice and travel through the stunning golden landscape of Tuscany, dotted with olive and fig trees. Enjoy a Tuscan cooking class where you learn about making homemade pasta, rural soups, and homemade sauces using seasonal ingredients, according to tradition. All of the Tuscan secrets will be revealed, and using fresh Tuscan olive oil makes a huge difference in taste. Afterwards, sit back, relax, sip a glass of wine and savor lunch, your own creation! Continue to the lively Renaissance city of Florence, with its priceless art and architecture, for overnight Overnight: Florence Meals: Breakfast, Lunch DAY 15, Saturday - Tour of Florence Today's tour of Florence begins with a visit to the Accademia of Fine Arts, where Michelangelo's David is housed; stand in awe of this glorious work of art. Walk to the Duomo, celebrated for its magnificent dome designed by Brunelleschi, and view the Baptistery's renowned "Gates of Paradise" by Ghiberti. Continue on a walk through the open-air museum at Signoria Square, ending at the splendid Ponte Vecchio. Florence is indeed the center of the world's finest art and architecture. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in this spectacular Renaissance city, or participate in the optional guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery. Tonight, a delightful evening that begins with a ride through the Tuscan hills to a lovely restaurant where a sumptuous Tuscan dinner is served along with unlimited wine and entertainment (Optional Uffizi Gallery Tour PM, US $56): **available for purchase only in Italy from your Tour Manager. ** Florence and the fine arts are synonymous. This guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery provides insight to the history of the structure and its collections. Originally the private collection of the Medici family, the palazzo was opened to the public in 1765. Your tour highlights exceptional examples of Florentine painting with an aim to help you better understand the works of masters including Giotto, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. Tour participation guarantees immediate entry to the Gallery, with no lengthy waits in oftentimes two-three hour queues. ** Important: Please note that the museum has a limited maximum capacity and therefore reserves the right to restrict admission. In this case we may not be able to offer the tour. Price is based on minimum number of passengers. Overnight: Florence Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 16, Sunday - Full Day in Florence A full day at leisure in Florence for individual pursuits. Don't miss the optional full day tour to the medieval city of Siena, site of the famous

Palio horse race. This traditional race takes place each year on July 2nd and August 16th, and runs in celebration of the holy apparition and assumption of the Virgin Mary, patron saint of the city. Tour Campo Square and St. Dominic's Basilica before returning to Florence Optional: Full Day Siena from Florence (AM) Overnight: Florence Meals: Breakfast DAY 17, Monday - Medieval Assisi to Rome Depart Florence to the small medieval town of Assisi perched high on a hill in the Umbria region, with its Roman ruins, winding medieval streets and sacred shrines. Assisi is best known as the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi - patron saint of Italy. Its main attraction is the 13th-century Basilica di San Francesco, one of the artistic highlights of medieval Europe which contains the sacred relics of St. Francis and Giotto's astonishing frescoes. The town of Assisi has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significant art and architecture. Afterwards, continue to Rome, the astonishing city built on seven hills. Dinner together at the hotel Overnight: Rome Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 18, Tuesday - Vatican Museum & Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel Today, visit the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. Stroll through one of the most important art collections in the world. Admire the Gallery of Tapestries and the Geographical Maps before arriving to the Sistine Chapel, with its great frescoes by Michelangelo. Continue to St. Peter's Square, passing Bernini's famous colonnade to view St. Peter's Basilica,♦ built on the burial site of Saint Peter, with the most famous Michelangelo’s Pieta. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, or join the optional walking tour of the Eternal City’s grand piazzas that includes the Spanish Steps, the legendary Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the baroque Piazza Navona. Tonight, linger and explore on your own and perhaps enjoy the typical Roman cuisine Optional: Piazzas of Rome (PM) Overnight: Rome Meals: Breakfast DAY 19, Wednesday - Tour Ancient Rome The historic tour of ancient Rome begins at the Roman Forum, the central area of the city from which ancient Rome developed. View the triumphal Arch of Constantine, erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine’s tenth year of leadership over the Eternal City. On to the mighty Colosseum, the largest amphitheater built in the Roman Empire that seated over 50,000, where gladiatorial contests and public events were attended by the rich, the poor and by the Emperor himself. This afternoon, discover the delights of Rome on your own. Stop at a local café for lunch and just people-watch, or savor a cappuccino, indulge in a

delectable gelato or try an authentic Italian pizza. Tonight, dinner in a typical Roman restaurant with wine and music, followed by an illuminated tour of the city Overnight: Rome Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 20, Thursday - Depart Italy Transfer to the airport for your departure flight Meals: Breakfast