Cosmos Tours

GRAND TOUR OF SPAIN (68502012)

A 15-Day Cosmos Tours tour starting from $1,799

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Starting Price: $1,799 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 15 Days
Countries Visited: Spain
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  • 10% Discount for Travelers under 18 yrs old
  • Pay $25 Less For Your 2nd & Subsequent Vacations
  • Vacations start as low as $115 a day
  • Lower prices during the low season (October–March)
 
More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type:
 Escorted Tour
Tour Category: Other Cosmos Tours
Tour Operator: Cosmos Tours
Tour Code: 6850-2012
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Cities Visited:
See Description

Title
Grand Tour of Spain

Vacation Overview
Get to know multi-faceted Spain on this exciting vacation. Start your journey in Madrid, the country’s grand capital. Visit the Aranjuez Royal Palace, marvel at the Cuenca “hanging houses,” and explore the ancient winding streets of Valencia. Drive along the Mediterranean Coast and stop at Peniscola Castle on the way to beautiful Barcelona. Travel through Catalonia, stop in Saragossa, and continue to Pamplona, known for its running of the bulls. Carry on to Basque Country and visit San Sebastian, the port city of Bilbao, and Burgos. The heart of Spain reveals even more stunning cities, such as Segovia, Avila, and Salamanca, known for their unique historical centers and acclaimed wine production. Next, head south into sunny Andalusia for two overnights in spectacular Seville. Sample sherry wine in Jerez; stop in the white-washed village of Ronda; visit the exotic Alhambra complex, residence of Moorish kings, in Granada; enjoy the labyrinth of Cordoba’s old Moorish quarter surrounding the exquisite Mezquita; and retrace Don Quixote’s footsteps as you travel among the windmills and castles of La Mancha. Back in Madrid, enjoy two final overnights and a guided sightseeing tour of this elegant city.

 

Guides
Local Guides for city sightseeing in Barcelona, Granada-Alhambra, Madrid. Services of a professional Tour Director while touring

Hotels


MADRID
Praga (F),

VALENCIA
Catalonia Excelsior (F),

BARCELONA
Porta Fira (F),

PAMPLONA**
Maisonnave (ST),

BURGOS
Corona de Castilla (F),

SALAMANCA
Catalonia Plaza (F),

SEVILLE
Don Paco (ST),

GRANADA
Don Juan (ST),

CORDOBA
Selu (ST)**June 29 Departure overnights in San Sebastian, Hotel Monte Igueldo (F)

Meals
Buffet breakfasts (B); 8 dinners (D)

Transportation
Scheduled transatlantic flights and airport transfers in Madrid if Cosmos issues the air tickets. Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach

 
Day 1:
Arrive in Madrid, Spain. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to start exploring lively Madrid. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (D)

Day 2:
Madrid–Aranjuez–Cuenca–Valencia. Start the day by driving to nearby Aranjuez in the Castilian Plain, where you stop to visit the Royal Palace, originally built in the 14th century. Although burned down both in 1727 and 1728, it was splendidly rebuilt and became a favorite residence of Spanish royalty. Continue traveling southeast to the magnificently located old town of Cuenca, which stands high above the precipices of the Rivers Jucar and Huecar. It is famous for its “hanging houses” that are suspended over the Huecar ravine. Journey on to Valencia for two overnights. (B,D)

Day 3:
Valencia. Valencia is known mainly for its wonderful climate and the quality of its light. Enjoy a drive along wide avenues lined with fig and palm trees and along the old quarter’s narrow streets with its fine gothic houses and typical patios. Time to do some shopping or more personal sightseeing and, of course, the option of joining an excursion. (B)

Day 4:
Valencia–Peniscola–Barcelona. An interesting day starts with a drive north to the nearby Castellon for a visit of its Peniscola Castle, built by the Knights Templar in the 14th century. The promontory on which the castle and town are located is a fine reminder of medieval times. Continue your journey through orange groves and seaside resorts past Tarragona to Catalonia’s lively and beautiful capital, Barcelona. (B)

Day 5:
Barcelona. This morning’s sightseeing with a Local Guide will include a drive around Montjuïc to see the Olympic Stadium and a great panoramic view of the port and city. The drive continues to the city center to Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire the greatness and eccentricity of Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces in the Houses Batlló and Mila and the Sagrada Familia (entrance fees not included). (B,D)

Day 6:
Barcelona–Saragossa–Pamplona. See more of Catalonia as you drive northwest to Saragossa on the banks of the River Ebro. During your stop you’ll have time to see the Sanctuary of our Lady of the Pillar. Continue north through fertile valleys and the Rioja wine-growing region to Basque Country and on to the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Navarra, Pamplona, for an overnight stay. (B)

Day 7:
Pamplona–San Sebastian–Bilbao–Burgos. Start the morning by driving further into Basque Country for a visit to San Sebastian (called “Donostia” in Basque), the seaside resort on the southern coast of the Bay of Biscay. Journey northwest to the port town of Bilbao. Time for an optional visit to the spectacular Guggenheim Museum. Apart from its amazing collection of modern paintings, the building itself, by Frank Gehry, is considered one of the 20th century’s great architectural masterpieces. In the afternoon, travel south to Burgos. (B,D)

Day 8:
Burgos–Segovia–Avila–Salamanca. Today, head southwest into Castile. Enjoy some grand scenery as you travel to the edge of the Sierra de Guadarrama, a green oasis in the Castilian desert. Stop in Segovia, magnificently perched on a rock formation at an altitude of 3,280 feet. The cathedral, the Alcazar, and the Roman aqueduct are some of its more famous sights. Next, drive west to Avila for a short visit before continuing to Salamanca in time to enjoy the extraordinary beauty of its Plaza Mayor. (B,D)

Day 9:
Salamanca–Caceres–Seville. Leave early this morning and cross the mighty Tagus River and the Guadarrama. Stop in Caceres, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its blend of Roman, Islamic, northern gothic, and Italian Renaissance styles. Enjoy more Spanish landscapes before reaching Seville, one of Spain’s most colorful cities. (B)

Day 10:
Seville. A full day at leisure. Perhaps you’d like to spend this morning enjoying an optional sightseeing tour including the main highlights of the vibrant city. (B,D)

Day 11:
Seville–Jerez–Ronda–Granada. A day to see the best of Andalusia. Head first into the Jerez region for a sherry-tasting stop. Next, journey by way of the typically white-painted villages to the town of Ronda, famous for the ravine that literally cuts it in two and, of course, its bullfighting connections. Overnight in Granada in the shadow of the mighty Sierra Nevada. (B,D)

Day 12:
Granada–Cordoba. Granada was the Arabs’ most treasured city; they still mourn its loss in their prayers. Learn more about it on the included visit with a Local Guide. More grand scenery this afternoon as you travel to Cordoba on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. (B,D)

Day 13:
Cordoba–Madrid. This is perhaps Spain’s most Moorish city with its great mosque, the Mezquita, one of Islam’s most important pieces of architecture outside the Arab world. You’ll enjoy the small, white-washed houses, the winding streets, and the colorful squares. Later, journey into the very heart of La Mancha, famed for its castles and windmills. Reach Madrid in time to enjoy a relaxed evening. (B)

Day 14:
Madrid. This morning the optional trip to Toledo is most rewarding. The splendid setting of this old walled city above the Tagus was made famous in El Greco’s painting, and even now it’s like a great open-air museum of Spanish history and art. Later, join the included Madrid city sightseeing. Not only because it’s the capital of Spain but also because it is situated 2,180 feet above sea level, the Spaniards say it’s the nearest thing to heaven. (B)

Day 15:
Madrid. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

 

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Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
         

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.

City Highlights
Headsets throughout the tourVisits to Royal Palace in Aranjuez; Cuenca, Valencia, Pamplona, Bilbao, San Sebastian, Saragossa, Segovia, Avila, Salamanca, Caceres, Seville, Jerez wine tasting, Ronda, Cordoba

Scenic Highlights
La Mancha

 

Cosmos Disclaimer - Indicates that this departure and vacation is available for 2012 early booking. Book early, secure the best departures and protect yourself from any price modifications. All tours will be open for 2012 bookings in the Fall of 2011. Vacation upgrades and/or additions will not be available for early booking, as well as, any extra pre- or post-night pricing until the Fall of 2011. With the exception of Journeys Club discounts, future travel promotions are not applicable and are not retroactive on early bookings.

Price Details US
Dates and prices do not include international air travel. When planning your trip, allow one extra day before tour date for travel between the USA and Europe.Prices based on double room occupancy.Single room supplement: $840No triple room reduction.

SAVE $125 Per Person On Cosmos 2012 Air-Inclusive Europe Tours

Save $125 per person on Cosmos 2012 air-inclusive Europe vacations

 

Discover the best of Europe - for less!


For 50 years Cosmos has offered savvy, value-minded travelers the most affordable travel packages to the world's most fascinating places—places like the snowcapped peaks of Switzerland, sunny Spain, the ancient splendor of Greece and Egypt, festive France, the snowcapped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, North America’s breathtaking national parks, the volcanic wonders of Hawaii, and America’s historical East Coast. Because Cosmos specializes in packaged travel arrangements, you can visit exciting cities at a remarkable price. Our clout with suppliers is concentrated and we pass the savings on to you. It's the very best way to travel more…for less!

 

 

 

 

 

Terms & Conditions: Book a 2012 Cosmos Europe air-inclusive vacation to receive $125 off the air price per person. Must be booked, under deposit and discount applied between February 28 and May 22, 2012 for travel between April 2 and October 25, 2012. Offer not valid with any other offer except Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2012 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Total air price includes all government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking. Your air quote will include all air taxes, surcharges and fees applicable for your itinerary at the time of booking. For return travel from some countries, international travelers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveler at time of travel. Air price, air tax and security fees are non-commissionable. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. For the most current airline-imposed baggage fees, please check the following website, www.iflybags.com. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.

Cosmos Year Round Deals

Cosmos Year Round Discounts



 

Young Traveler Discounts

      

 

With Cosmos, travel is definitely a family affair. Young travelers ages 8-17 receive a 10% discount on the land-only portion of their Globus vacation.



Discount for Repeat Travelers

      

 

Journeys Club members can save 5% on any 2012 Cosmos vacation. This is on top of other great member benefits, including exclusive deal alerts throughout the year, unique travel accessories, and special partner discounts and benefits. 



Second Tour Discount

      

 

It pays to travel more often! Book two Cosmos vacations traveling in the same year and receive 5% off the land portion of your second tour. And if you take three tours, you save 5% on each of your next two.





Triple Room Reduction

      

 

You can also save when three people travel together and share accommodations. Refer to the itinerary pages for the specific reduction per tour.



Big Savings for Small Groups

      

 

Traveling with family and friends has always been rewarding, and now the rewards can really pile up. Small groups of 5, 6, or 7 can save 5% per person off the land-only portion of Cosmos tour vacations. 

And don't forget: in groups of 8 to 15, one person travels at half-price; in a group of 16+, one person travels free. So, bring others along and multiply the fun—and the savings!

Traveling party of 5, 6 or 7 must travel from same origination point and must be advised at the time of booking. Discount on the land-only portion of core tour, not including extra night accommodations, extensions, taxes/fees, tips and supplements. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between August 10, 2011 and December 31, 2012, for travel commencing by December 31, 2012. Does not apply to Cosmos, Monograms or Avalon Waterways. Not combinable with any other offer or discount other than the Journeys Club repeat traveler benefit. Not combinable with other group allowances. Travelers already traveling at a discount, such as children, do not count toward the party total. Offer reliant on space availability, and applies to new 2012 bookings only. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


 

Avoid the Single Room Supplement

      

 

We do not take reservations on a “share” basis because we have found that strangers rarely enjoy sharing a room for the duration of their vacation. Avoid the single room supplement by traveling with a friend. It’s less expensive and much more fun!

 


 

 
 
 
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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.