Port description coming soon.
Enjoy in-depth explorations of some of Spain’s most characteristic cities, including Madrid, Toledo, Burgos and Bilbao, where you will see glorious churches, ancient landmarks and extraordinarily beautiful scenery.
NOTE: this program begins in Madrid therefore your arriving flight must be booked into the Madrid International Airport.
DAY 1
After arriving at the international airport in Madrid, you will meet an English-speaking guide and transferred to your centrally located hotel. While every effort will be made to have rooms available before the 3:00pm check in, this cannot be guaranteed.
You will receive a welcome letter with details on where and when to meet in the days to follow. But today will be on your own regarding meals and activities.
After settling in, you may wish to explore nearby. Enjoy the history and heritage of Madrid visiting emblematic locations such as Plaza de España, Puerta del Sol or the Royal Palace, all just a short walk away.
DAY 2
Following breakfast, you will begin driving toward Toledo, a city so spectacular that Spain has been declared it a national monument. The architecture throughout the city is stunning and includes styles from various epochs, such as Arabian, Jewish, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Medieval. As you walk through the streets, the guide will point out the most impressive examples of the various architectural styles.
Toledo was the hometown of the revered painter El Greco and his works adorn many of the landmarks, including the city cathedral. Finished in 1493 after more than 250 years of sporadic construction, it was inspired by the great Gothic cathedrals of France. Be sure to notice the location of the elaborate choir in the center of the nave.
Other El Greco paintings can be found in the Church of Santo Tomé, including his masterpiece “Burial of the Count of Orgaz.” The 14th-century church is also a magnificent structure, especially its distinct Mudéjar tower. Lord Orgaz funded the construction of the church, which is why El Greco chose him as the subject of his painting that hangs in the church’s chapel.
You will also visit Santa Maria la Blanca, a synagogue built even earlier. Completed in 1203, the synagogue features Islamic influences in its horseshoe arches with Mudéjar decorations and dark-red floor dotted with decorative tiles. Although it resembles a mosque, it was converted into a church in the early 15th century.
After visiting these religious sites and other landmarks, you will enjoy a panoramic drive back to Madrid, Spain’s capital since 1562. Located atop a plateau, Madrid has the distinction of being Europe’s highest capital.
You will gain great insight into the lifestyle as you drive along city streets such as Gran Via, which is lined with early 20th-century architecture. You will also tour the historical Austrias and Borbonnes quarters, during which you will gain an even greater insight into the city.
Afterwards, you will return your hotel in Madrid, where you will spend the evening at leisure. Dinner is on your own.
DAY 3
After breakfast and checking out of the hotel, you will settle in for a leisurely two-hour drive to Burgos. Upon arriving, you will begin an enlightening walking tour of the ancient city.
Burgos was founded in the year 884, high on a mountain where the ruins of a castle stand today. Celebrated for its magnificent cathedral, this medieval town was an important stop on the Way of Saint James pilgrimage trail to Santiago de Compostela and it was the capital of the Castilla-Leon region from the 10th through the 14th centuries.
Fortunately, Burgos has preserved its charm, as seen in its exquisite monuments, quaint cobblestone streets and shaded promenades. As you meander along, you will see the ruins of the castle and numerous monasteries and churches. Still, Burgos Cathedral, A UNESCO World Heritage site, is the highlight.
Construction of the cathedral began in 1221 and wasn’t completed until 1567, so it is a fine example of the evolution of Gothic style, exhibited in its architecture, collection of art, choir stalls, tombs and stained-glass windows. While browsing through the inside of the cathedral, you can’t help but marvel at its many wonders.
Following lunch in Burgos, you will check into your hotel where the remainder of the day is at your leisure and dinner is on your own.
DAY 4
Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will enjoy a scenic, two-hour drive to Bilbao. More remarkable sights await you in town, especially during the photo stop at the famed Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum. Clad in titanium, it is a work of art itself.
Continuing on into the Old Quarter, you will begin a walking tour through the atmospheric streets. Here, you will see the Teatro Arriaga, the Arenal bridge, and the lovely San Nicholas Church, among other sights.
Your walking tour of the city will end with a traditional Pintxo-style lunch at a local restaurant prior to embarkation in the port of Bilbao.
Land Program Details Step by Step
•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
Arrive at the Madrid International Airport
Transfer to your hotel in Madrid for a 3:00pm check in.
Afternoon at your leisure
Meals are on your own
Overnight at the Melia Madrid Princesa Hotel (or similar hotel)
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
DAY 2
7:00am Breakfast at the hotel
8:00am Depart for Toledo
9:30am Begin a guided tour of Toledo
1:00pm Lunch in Toledo
3:00pm Begin the return drive to Madrid
4:15pm Arrive at the hotel
Free time and dinner at leisure
Overnight at the Melia Madrid Princesa Hotel (or similar hotel)
DAY 3
7:00am Breakfast at the hotel
8:00am Depart for Burgos
10:30am Begin a walking tour of Burgos
1:00pm Lunch
3:00pm Check in at the hotel in Burgos
Free time and dinner at leisure
Overnight at the Hotel Silken Gran Teatro (or similar hotel)
DAY 4
7:00am Breakfast at the hotel
8:00am Drive from Burgos to Bilbao
9:45am Panoramic drive and photo stop at the Guggenheim Museum
10:30am Drive to Bilbao Old Quarter for a walking tour
1:00pm Pintxo style lunch
2:30pm Depart for the port
3:00pm Arrive at the port for embarkation
Expected Weather:
The average temperature is 28º C / 82º F at this time of the year
What to Bring:
Comfortable clothes and good walking shoes, sun protection, umbrellas, cameras and chargers.
Local Currency:
Euro
Electricity:
220 volts. We recommend bringing a travel adaptor for electric devices
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A valid passport is required
Hotel addresses:
Melia Madrid Princesa Hotel
C. de la Princesa, 27, 28008 Madrid, Spain
Phone: +34 912 76 47 47
BURGOS: Hotel Silken Gran Teatro
Avenida del Arlanzón, 8 - 09004 Burgos, España
Tel: (+34) 947 253 900
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests:
•2 nights in Madrid at Melia Madrid Princesa or similar hotel (Melia Room Twin or Queen)
•1 night in Burgos at the Hotel Silken Gran Teatro or similar (Comfort Room)
•Breakfast daily
•Transfers
•English-speaking guide
•Toledo visit: local guide, entrance fees to Cathedral, Santa Maria and Santo Tomé, lunch
•Burgos visit: local guide, Cathedral entrance fee, lunch
•Bilbao visit: Pintxos-style lunch
•Drinks: half bottle of wine and water per person at lunch
Program Excludes for guests:
•Personal expenses
•Incidentals at the hotel including room service and mini bar
•Food and beverage services where not specified
•Porterage at the hotels
•Gratuities to guides and on transfers
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released. Arrangements for accommodation and transfers will be at the expense of guests.
Explore prominent landmarks and extraordinary cities that define Spain, many of them World Heritage sites, an experience that will leave you with a deeper historical and cultural perspective of the country.
NOTE: this program starts in Madrid therefore arriving flights need to be booked into the Madrid International Airport. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or for those who use a wheelchair, walker or scooter due to the amount of walking, many steps and cobbled surfaces. There are long segments of driving on this program.
DAY 1
Upon arriving at the Madrid International Airport, you will be met in the Arrivals Hall which is outside the luggage claim area. Please look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo.
You will then be transferred to the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel or a similar hotel, where you will spend the evening. Meals are on your own today.
Note: Single guests will transfer in a sedan and couples in a van. Sedans hold 2 pieces of luggage plus 2 carryon size bags. Vans hold 4 pieces of luggage plus 2 -3 carry-on sized bags. Should you have more luggage than is permissible, a larger vehicle may be required with additional cost. Please advise your booking agent at least 21 days before sailing if a larger vehicle is required.
Day 2
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Toledo, a city so architecturally rich that Spain has declared it a national monument. UNESCO agreed and designated the historic center a World Heritage site, in part because three religions existed harmoniously here—Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
As you walk through this extraordinary city on the Tagus River, you will get a genuine feel for what life was like here in the Middle Ages. The historic city center is that atmospheric. The Toledo Cathedral is particularly impressive, as it is considered one of Europe’s greatest Gothic buildings. Built over nearly three centuries, starting in 1226, the cathedral contains a spectacular high altar and two painting by El Greco, the famed painter that lived in Toledo.
Another spectacular El Greco painting hangs in the Church of Santo Tomé, while the 13th-century Synagogue of Saint Mary the White is known for its Mudejar-style horseshoe arches. Be sure to notice these elaborately decorated arches as you browse the interior.
Lunch follows, after which you will return to Madrid. As an introduction to Spain’s vibrant capital, you will drive past key landmarks before starting an enlightening walking tour in Plaza Mayor. This grand arcaded square in the heart of the city offers wonderful options for shopping and dining nearby, as you may discover during free time.
By late afternoon, you will return to the hotel, where you will spend the evening with dinner on your own.
DAY 3
After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Segovia, a World Heritage site perhaps best known for its aqueduct that was probably constructed during the reign of Roman emperor Trajan. Until about 100 years ago, the aqueduct still carried water from the Frio River into Segovia 10 miles away.
The Alcazar is another landmark that is impossible to miss. Construction began in the 12th century and its fabulous fairy-tale style supposedly inspired the design of the Walt Disney castle in part. You will also spend time in Segovia’s walled upper town, whose cathedral is the last Gothic one built in Spain. It stands where Isabella I was proclaimed the Queen of Castile in 1474.
Following lunch in Segovia, you will drive to the 16th-century Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial on the outskirts of Madrid. It too is a World Heritage site and celebrated for its austere appearance, which influenced Spanish architecture for the next half century or so. As you wander through the interior, the guide will describe the building’s illustrious history, including how King Philip II conceived El Escorial as a funerary monument for his father.
After visiting, you will return to the hotel in Madrid, where you will spend the evening with dinner on your own.
DAY 4
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and meet your local guide for a two-hour drive to Siguenza. Enjoy the changing landscape along the way.
Arrive to the ancient town of Siguenza, considered one of the best kept villages in Spain. Located in a strategical location and overlooking a fertile area, the town has been inhabited since the paleolithic time, and conserves evident traces of ancient settlers such as Romans, Visigots and Arabs just to name a few.
Follow your guide on a stroll through its medieval streets, admire the central square “ Plaza Mayor “ and the façades of many elegant palaces houses, churches and convents that reflect the ancient important of Siguenza.
After lunch in typical restaurant, continue to Zaragoza (2 hour drive). Its star attraction is the multi-domed Basilica of Pilar, an important pilgrimage site. According to local legend, the Virgin Mary gave Saint James a pillar made of jasper here and instructed him to build a church on the site. This last version of El Pilar, as it’s known locally, was constructed beginning in the late 17th century.
Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour of the old quarter. See the famous Basilica of Pilar: overlooking the Ebro River, it is famous pilgrimage site with a shrine to the Virgin Mary and multiple domes.
After visiting, check in to your hotel, where you will spend the evening with dinner on your own.
DAY 5
Enjoy breakfast and check out before taking a leisurely and immensely scenic drive to the Poblet Monastery. A 12th-century church stands at the center of this sacred World Heritage site, which features a fortified royal residence. While touring, you will learn about the monks’ lifestyle in the Middle Ages and the mountainous route that connects this Cisterian monastery to two others.
Continuing on to the nearby medieval village of Montblanc, you can expect to see its Gothic churches, the royal palace and the city’s 14th-century stone walls, more than half of which still exist.
After lunch, proceed to the port of Tarragona where you will embark the ship.
Note: At the Monastery of Poblet you will have approximately 1.5 km / .9 miles of walking and about 10 steps to negotiate. In Montblanc there will be approximately 1 km./.06 miles of walking over cobblestone surfaces
Land Program Details Step by Step
•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
Arrive at the Madrid International Airport
Transfer to your hotel and check-in
Meals are on your own today
Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel or similar
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8:30am Meet with your local guide for a tour of Toledo and Madrid
10:00am Visit of Toledo
1:00pm Lunch at local restaurant
3:00pm Departure from Toledo for Madrid
4:30pm Arrival in Madrid and city tour
6:00pm Return to your hotel for the evening
Dinner is on own
Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel or similar
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8:30am Meet your local guide and depart for Segovia
10:00am Segovia visit
12:30pm Lunch at a local restaurant
2:00pm Depart for Escorial
3:00pm Arrival in Escorial
3:15pm Visit Escorial
5:30pm Arrival back at your hotel
Dinner is own own
Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel or similar
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8:45am Meet your guide at reception for a transfer to Madrid-Siguenza
10:30am Visit Siguenza
12:45pm Lunch at Parador de Siguenza
2:30pm Drive to Zaragoza
4:30pm Arrival to Zaragoza and city tour
6:30pm Check-in at the hotel
Dinner at leisure and rest of the evening at leisure
Overnight at the Hotel Alfonso or similar hotel
DAY 5
AM Breakfast at your hotel and check out
8:30am Drive from Zaragoza to the Monastery of Poblet
10:30am Arrival and visit
12:45pm Lunch at a local restaurant
2:15pm Drive to Tarragona for embarkation
4:30pm Approximate arrival in Tarragona and embark the ship
Expected Weather
April: average temperature 12º C
May: average temperature 15º C
June: average temperature 20º C
September: average temperature 22º C
October: average temperature 15º C
November: average temperature 10º C
What to Bring
Weather-appropriate clothing, hats, flat comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sun protection, umbrellas and cameras.
Currency
Euro
Electricity
220 volts. We recommend bringing your own travel convertor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements
A valid passport is required.
Hotel addresses
Eurostar Madrid Tower
Paseo de la Castellana 259 28046 Madrid
Phone: +34 913 342700
Hotel Alfonso Zaragoza
Calle del Coso, 15-17-19, 50003 Zaragoza
Phone: + 34 876 54 11 18
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes
3 nights at the Eurostar Madrid Tower including breakfast or similar hotel (standard double room)
1 night at the Hotel Alfonso Zaragoza including breakfast or similar hotel (standard double room)
4 lunches as indicated in the itinerary including 2 glasses of wine, mineral water, coffee
English-speaking tour escort
Luggage handling at hotels (maximum 2 pieces of luggage per person)
Entrance fees per the itinerary
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program excludes
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Meals and beverages not listed in the program details
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Explore prominent landmarks and extraordinary cities that define Spain, many of them World Heritage sites, an experience that will leave you with a deeper historical and cultural perspective of the country.
NOTE: this program ends in Madrid therefore departing flights need to be booked out of the Madrid International Airport. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or for those who use a wheelchair, walker or scooter due to the amount of walking, many steps and cobbled surfaces. There are long segments of driving on this program.
DAY 1
After disembarking the cruise ship in Barcelona, you will enjoy a leisurely and immensely scenic drive to the Poblet Monastery. A 12th-century church stands at the center of this sacred World Heritage site, which features a fortified royal residence. While touring, you will learn about the monks’ lifestyle in the Middle Ages and the mountainous route that connects this Cisterian monastery to two others.
Continuing on to the nearby medieval village of Montblanc, you can expect to see its Gothic churches, the royal palace and the city’s 14th-century stone walls, more than half of which still exist. Free time follows, during which you can explore further. The centrally located Plaza Mayor is a great starting point for shopping and people-watching.
Afterwards, you will settle in for a relaxing drive to Zaragoza, the capital of the province that lies on the Ebro River. Upon arriving, you will check into the Hotel Alfonso Zaragoza or similar, where the remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner on your own.
DAY 2
After breakfast at the hotel, you will spend the next two hours or so exploring Zaragoza, especially the Old Town. Its star attraction is the multi-domed Basilica of Pilar, an important pilgrimage site. According to local legend, the Virgin Mary gave Saint James a pillar made of jasper here and instructed him to build a church on the site. This last version of El Pilar, as it’s known locally, was constructed beginning in the late 17th century.
You will next visit the ancient town of Medinaceli, which in Arabic and means “City on the Hill.” The Romans founded the city and structures from that time still remain, the most famous being a stone arch built in the 2nd century. Other highlights include a 17th-century palace and a Gothic church built even earlier.
Following lunch, you will settle in for a relaxing drive to Madrid, where you will check into the Eurostar Madrid Tower or similar hotel. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner on your own.
DAY 3
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Toledo, a city so architecturally rich that Spain has declared it a national monument. UNESCO agreed and designated the historic center a World Heritage site, in part because three religions existed harmoniously here—Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
As you walk through this extraordinary city on the Tagus River, you will get a genuine feel for what life was like here in the Middle Ages. The historic city center is that atmospheric. The Toledo Cathedral is particularly impressive, as it is considered one of Europe’s greatest Gothic buildings. Built over nearly three centuries, starting in 1226, the cathedral contains a spectacular high altar and two painting by El Greco, the famed painter that lived in Toledo.
Another spectacular El Greco painting hangs in the Church of Santo Tomé, while the 13th-century Synagogue of Saint Mary the White is known for its Mudejar-style horseshoe arches. Be sure to notice these elaborately decorated arches as you browse the interior.
Lunch follows, after which you will proceed to Madrid. As an introduction to Spain’s vibrant capital, you will drive past key landmarks before starting an enlightening walking tour in Plaza Mayor. This grand arcaded square in the heart of the city offers wonderful options for shopping and dining nearby, as you may discover during free time.
By late afternoon, you will return to the hotel, where you will spend the evening with dinner on your own.
DAY 4
After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Segovia, a World Heritage site perhaps best known for its aqueduct that was probably constructed during the reign of Roman emperor Trajan. Until about 100 years ago, the aqueduct still carried water from the Frio River into Segovia 10 miles away.
The Alcazar is another landmark that is impossible to miss. Construction began in the 12th century and its fabulous fairy-tale style supposedly inspired the design of the Walt Disney castle in part. You will also spend time in Segovia’s walled upper town, whose cathedral is the last Gothic one built in Spain. It stands where Isabella I was proclaimed the Queen of Castile in 1474.
Following lunch in Segovia, you will drive to the 16th-century Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial on the outskirts of Madrid. It too is a World Heritage site and celebrated for its austere appearance, which influenced Spanish architecture for the next half century or so. As you wander through the interior, the guide will describe the building’s illustrious history, including how King Philip II conceived El Escorial as a funerary monument for his father.
After visiting, you will return to the hotel in Madrid, where you will spend the evening with dinner on your own.
DAY 5
Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will transfer to the Madrid International Airport based on the departure of your flight. Luggage can be stored at the hotel for guests with flights that depart late in the day.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
DAY 1
8:45am Disembark in Barcelona and drive to Poblet
10:30am Visit the Poblet Monastery
11:30am Walking tour of Montblanc
1:00pm Lunch
3:00pm Transfer to Zaragoza
5:00pm Check into the Hotel Alfonso Zaragoza
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at the Hotel Alfonso Zaragoza or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:45am Begin touring Zaragoza
10:45am Transfer to Medinaceli
1:00pm Lunch at a restaurant
3:00pm Visit Medinaceli
5:00pm Transfer to Madrid
7:00pm Check-in at the hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Drive to Toledo
10:00am Visit of Toledo
1:00pm Lunch
3:00pm Depart for Madrid
4:30pm Begin touring Madrid
6:00pm Return to the hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 4
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Depart for Segovia
10:00am Visit Segovia
12:30pm Lunch
2:00pm Depart for Escorial
3:00pm Arrive in Escorial
3:15pm Visit Escorial
5:30pm Return to the hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 5
AM Breakfast at the hotel
12:00pm Check out of the hotel
Transfer to Madrid International Airport based on the flight details provided
Should you have a late flight, luggage storage is available at the hotel until your transfer.
Extra Nights: If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 5 of the program.
Transfers: All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure that the cruise line has their up-to-date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
If you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
If you have a late-departing flight, you may wish to book an extra night so that you may occupy the room until your departure. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Expected Weather
April: average temperature 12º C
May: average temperature 15º C
June: average temperature 20º C
September: average temperature 22º C
October: average temperature 15º C
November: average temperature 10º C
What to Bring
Weather-appropriate clothing, hats, flat comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sun protection, umbrellas and cameras.
Currency
Euro
Electricity
220 volts. We recommend bringing your own travel convertor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements
A valid passport is required.
Hotel addresses
Hotel Alfonso Zaragoza
Calle del Coso, 15-17-19, 50003 Zaragoza
Phone: + 34 876 54 11 18
Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel
P.º de la Castellana, 259, B, 28046 Madrid, Spain
Phone: +34 913 34 27 00
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes
1 night at the Hotel Alfonso Zaragoza including breakfast or similar hotel (standard double room)
3 nights at the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel including breakfast or similar hotel (standard double room)
4 lunches as indicated in the itinerary including 2 glasses of wine, mineral water, coffee
English-speaking tour escort
Luggage handling at hotels (maximum 2 pieces of luggage per person)
Entrance fees per the itinerary
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights independently of the cruise line are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program excludes
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Meals and beverages not listed in the program details
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
Explore prominent landmarks and extraordinary cities that define Spain, many of them World Heritage sites, an experience that will leave you with a deeper historical and cultural perspective of the country.
NOTE: this program ends in Madrid therefore departing flights need to be booked out of the Madrid International Airport. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or for those who use a wheelchair, walker or scooter due to the amount of walking, many steps and cobbled surfaces.
Day 1
After disembarking the cruise ship in Barcelona, you will enjoy a leisurely and immensely scenic drive to the Poblet Monastery. A 12th-century church stands at the center of this sacred World Heritage site, which features a fortified royal residence. While touring, you will learn about the monks’ lifestyle in the Middle Ages and the mountainous route that connects this Cisterian monastery to two others.
Continuing on to the nearby medieval village of Montblanc, you can expect to see its Gothic churches, the royal palace and the city’s 14th-century stone walls, more than half of which still exist. Free time follows, during which you can explore further. The centrally located Plaza Mayor is a great starting point for shopping and people-watching.
Afterwards, you will settle in for a relaxing drive to Zaragoza, the capital of the province that lies on the Ebro River. Upon arriving, you will check into the NH Collection Gran Hotel de Zaragoza or similar, where the remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner on your own.
Day 2
After breakfast at the hotel, you will spend the next two hours or so exploring Zaragoza, especially the Old Town. Its star attraction is the multi-domed Basilica of Pilar, an important pilgrimage site. According to local legend, the Virgin Mary gave Saint James a pillar made of jasper here and instructed him to build a church on the site. This last version of El Pilar, as it’s known locally, was constructed beginning in the late 17th century.
You will next visit the ancient town of Medinaceli, which in Arabic and means “City on the Hill.” The Romans founded the city and structures from that time still remain, the most famous being a stone arch built in the 2nd century. Other highlights include a 17th-century palace and a Gothic church built even earlier.
Following lunch, you will settle in for a relaxing drive to Madrid, where you will check into the Eurostar Madrid Tower or similar hotel. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner on your own.
Day 3
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Toledo, a city so architecturally rich that Spain has declared it a national monument. UNESCO agreed and designated the historic center a World Heritage site, in part because three religions existed harmoniously here—Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
As you walk through this extraordinary city on the Tagus River, you will get a genuine feel for what life was like here in the Middle Ages. The historic city center is that atmospheric. The Toledo Cathedral is particularly impressive, as it is considered one of Europe’s greatest Gothic buildings. Built over nearly three centuries, starting in 1226, the cathedral contains a spectacular high altar and two painting by El Greco, the famed painter that lived in Toledo.
Another spectacular El Greco painting hangs in the Church of Santo Tomé, while the 13th-century Synagogue of Saint Mary the White is known for its Mudejar-style horseshoe arches. Be sure to notice these elaborately decorated arches as you browse the interior.
Lunch follows, after which you will proceed to Madrid. As an introduction to Spain’s vibrant capital, you will drive past key landmarks before starting an enlightening walking tour in Plaza Mayor. This grand arcaded square in the heart of the city offers wonderful options for shopping and dining nearby, as you may discover during free time.
By late afternoon, you will return to the hotel, where you will spend the evening with dinner on your own.
Day 4
After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Segovia, a World Heritage site perhaps best known for its aqueduct that was probably constructed during the reign of Roman emperor Trajan. Until about 100 years ago, the aqueduct still carried water from the Frio River into Segovia 10 miles away.
The Alcazar is another landmark that is impossible to miss. Construction began in the 12th century and its fabulous fairy-tale style supposedly inspired the design of the Walt Disney castle in part. You will also spend time in Segovia’s walled upper town, whose cathedral is the last Gothic one built in Spain. It stands where Isabella I was proclaimed the Queen of Castile in 1474.
Following lunch in Segovia, you will drive to the 16th-century Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial on the outskirts of Madrid. It too is a World Heritage site and celebrated for its austere appearance, which influenced Spanish architecture for the next half century or so. As you wander through the interior, the guide will describe the building’s illustrious history, including how King Philip II conceived El Escorial as a funerary monument for his father.
After visiting, you will return to the hotel in Madrid, where you will spend the evening with dinner on your own.
Day 5
Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will transfer to the Madrid International Airport based on the departure of your flight. Luggage can be stored at the hotel for guests with flights that depart late in the day.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
DAY 1
8:45am Disembark in Barcelona and drive to Poblet
10:30am Visit the Poblet Monastery
11:30am Walking tour of Montblanc
1:00pm Lunch
3:00pm Transfer to Zaragoza
5:00pm Check into the NH Collection Gran Hotel de Zaragoza
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at the NH Collection Gran Hotel de Zaragoza or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:45am Begin touring Zaragoza
10:45am Transfer to Medinaceli
1:00pm Lunch at a restaurant
3:00pm Visit Medinaceli
5:00pm Transfer to Madrid
7:00pm Check-in at the hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid Tower or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Drive to Toledo
10:00am Visit of Toledo
1:00pm Lunch
3:00pm Depart for Madrid
4:30pm Begin touring Madrid
6:00pm Return to the hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid Tower or similar hotel
DAY 4
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Depart for Segovia
10:00am Visit Segovia
12:30pm Lunch
2:00pm Depart for Escorial
3:00pm Arrive in Escorial
3:15pm Visit Escorial
5:30pm Return to the hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid Tower or similar hotel
DAY 5
AM Breakfast at the hotel
12:00pm Check out of the hotel
Transfer to Madrid International Airport based on the flight details provided
Should you have a late flight, luggage storage is available at the hotel until your transfer.
Extra Nights: If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 5 of the program.
Transfers: All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure that the cruise line has their up-to-date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
If you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
If you have a late-departing flight, you may wish to book an extra night so that you may occupy the room until your departure. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Expected Weather
April: average temperature 12º C
May: average temperature 15º C
June: average temperature 20º C
September: average temperature 22º C
October: average temperature 15º C
November: average temperature 10º C
What to Bring
Weather-appropriate clothing, hats, flat comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sun protection, umbrellas and cameras.
Currency
Euro
Electricity
220 volts. We recommend bringing your own travel convertor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements
A valid passport is required.
Hotel addresses
NH Collection Gran Hotel de Zaragoza
Calle Joaquín Costa, 5, 50001 Zaragoza, Spain
Phone: + 34 976 22 19 01
Eurostar Madrid Tower
Paseo de la Castellana 259, B, 28046 Madrid, Spain
Phone: +34 913 34 27 00
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes
1 night at the NH Collection Gran Hotel de Zaragoza including breakfast or similar hotel (standard double room)
3 nights at the Eurostar Madrid Tower including breakfast or similar hotel (standard double room)
Lunches as indicated in the itinerary including 2 glasses of wine, mineral water, coffee
English-speaking tour escort
Luggage handling at hotels (maximum 2 pieces of luggage per person)
Entrance fees per the itinerary
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights independently of the cruise line are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program excludes
• Gratuities to drivers and guides
• Meals and beverages not listed in the program details
• Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
Explore prominent landmarks and extraordinary cities that define Spain, many of them World Heritage sites, an experience that will leave you with a deeper historical and cultural perspective of the country.
NOTE: this program ends in Madrid, Spain therefore departing flights need to be booked out of the Madrid International Airport (MAD). This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or for those who use a wheelchair, walker or scooter due to the amount of walking, many steps and cobbled surfaces. There are long segments of driving on this program.
Hotel Amendment: Please be advised that the group will now stay at the NH Collection Gran Hotel Zaragoza instead of Hotel Alfonso Zaragoza on Day 1. The NH Collection Gran Hotel Zaragoza is located in the heart of the city close to museums, shops and restaurants.
DAY 1
After disembarking the cruise ship in Barcelona, you will enjoy a leisurely and immensely scenic drive to the Poblet Monastery. A 12th-century church stands at the center of this sacred World Heritage site, which features a fortified royal residence. While touring, you will learn about the monks’ lifestyle in the Middle Ages and the mountainous route that connects this Cisterian monastery to two others.
Continuing on to the nearby medieval village of Montblanc, you can expect to see its Gothic churches, the royal palace and the city’s 14th-century stone walls, more than half of which still exist. Free time follows, during which you can explore further. The centrally located Plaza Mayor is a great starting point for shopping and people-watching.
Afterwards, you will settle in for a relaxing drive to Zaragoza, the capital of the province that lies on the Ebro River. Upon arriving, you will check into your hotel where the remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner on your own.
Note: At the Monastery of Poblet you will have approximately 1.5 km / .9 miles of walking and about 10 steps to negotiate. In Montblanc there will be approximately 1 km./.06 miles of walking over cobblestone surfaces
DAY 2
After breakfast at the hotel, you will spend the next two hours or so exploring Zaragoza, especially the Old Town. Its star attraction is the multi-domed Basilica of Pilar, an important pilgrimage site. According to local legend, the Virgin Mary gave Saint James a pillar made of jasper here and instructed him to build a church on the site. This last version of El Pilar, as it’s known locally, was constructed beginning in the late 17th century.
You will next visit the ancient town of Medinaceli, which in Arabic and means “City on the Hill.” The Romans founded the city and structures from that time still remain, the most famous being a stone arch built in the 2nd century. Other highlights include a 17th-century palace and a Gothic church built even earlier.
Following lunch, you will settle in for a relaxing drive to Madrid, where you will check into the Eurostar Madrid Tower or similar hotel. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner on your own.
Note: In Zaragoza there will be approximately 1 km/ .6 miles of walking over flat, paved surfaces. In Medinaceli, 1.5km / .9 miles over cobbled and paved surfaces with slight inclines.
DAY 3
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Toledo, a city so architecturally rich that Spain has declared it a national monument. UNESCO agreed and designated the historic center a World Heritage site, in part because three religions existed harmoniously here—Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
As you walk through this extraordinary city on the Tagus River, you will get a genuine feel for what life was like here in the Middle Ages. The historic city center is that atmospheric. The Toledo Cathedral is particularly impressive, as it is considered one of Europe’s greatest Gothic buildings. Built over nearly three centuries, starting in 1226, the cathedral contains a spectacular high altar and two painting by El Greco, the famed painter that lived in Toledo.
Lunch follows, after which you will proceed to Madrid. As an introduction to Spain’s vibrant capital, you will drive past key landmarks before starting an enlightening walking tour in Plaza Mayor. This grand arcaded square in the heart of the city offers wonderful options for shopping and dining nearby, as you may discover during free time.
By late afternoon, you will return to the hotel, where you will spend the evening with dinner on your own.
Note: In Toledo there will be approximately 2.5 km / 1.5 miles of walking over paved and cobblestone surfaces with some ascending inclines. In Madrid you will have approximately 1.5km / .9 miles of walking over flat, paved surfaces.
DAY 4
After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Segovia, a World Heritage site perhaps best known for its aqueduct that was probably constructed during the reign of Roman emperor Trajan. Until about 100 years ago, the aqueduct still carried water from the Frio River into Segovia 10 miles away.
The Alcazar is another landmark that is impossible to miss. Construction began in the 12th century and its fabulous fairy-tale style supposedly inspired the design of the Walt Disney castle in part. You will also spend time in Segovia’s walled upper town, whose cathedral is the last Gothic one built in Spain. It stands where Isabella I was proclaimed the Queen of Castile in 1474.
Following lunch in Segovia, you will drive to the 16th-century Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial on the outskirts of Madrid. It too is a World Heritage site and celebrated for its austere appearance, which influenced Spanish architecture for the next half century or so. As you wander through the interior, the guide will describe the building’s illustrious history, including how King Philip II conceived El Escorial as a funerary monument for his father.
After visiting, you will return to the hotel in Madrid, where you will spend the evening with dinner on your own.
Note: In Segovia you will have approximately 1km / .6 miles of walking over cobblestones and paved surfaces, with some ascending inclines and in Escorial there will be approximately 2.5 km / 1.5 miles of walking over flat, paved surfaces.
DAY 5
Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will transfer to the Madrid International Airport based on the departure of your flight. Luggage can be stored at the hotel for guests with flights that depart late in the day.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
DAY 1
8:45am Disembark in Barcelona and drive to Poblet
10:30am Visit the Poblet Monastery
11:30am Walking tour of Montblanc
1:00pm Lunch
3:00pm Transfer to Zaragoza
5:00pm Check into the Hotel Alfonso Zaragoza
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at the NH Collection Gran Hotel Zaragoza or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:45am Begin touring Zaragoza
10:45am Transfer to Medinaceli
1:00pm Lunch at a restaurant
3:00pm Visit Medinaceli
5:00pm Transfer to Madrid
7:00pm Check-in at the hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Drive to Toledo
10:00am Visit of Toledo
1:00pm Lunch
3:00pm Depart for Madrid
4:30pm Begin touring Madrid
6:00pm Return to the hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 4
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Depart for Segovia
10:00am Visit Segovia
12:30pm Lunch
2:00pm Depart for Escorial
3:00pm Arrive in Escorial
3:15pm Visit Escorial
5:30pm Return to the hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 5
AM Breakfast at the hotel
12:00pm Check out of the hotel
Transfer to Madrid International Airport based on the flight details provided
Should you have a late flight, luggage storage is available at the hotel until your transfer.
Extra Nights: If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 5 of the program.
Transfers: All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure that the cruise line has their up-to-date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
If you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
If you have a late-departing flight, you may wish to book an extra night so that you may occupy the room until your departure. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Expected Weather
April: average temperature 12º C
May: average temperature 15º C
June: average temperature 20º C
September: average temperature 22º C
October: average temperature 15º C
November: average temperature 10º C
What to Bring
Weather-appropriate clothing, hats, flat comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sun protection, umbrellas and cameras.
Currency
Euro
Electricity
220 volts. We recommend bringing your own travel convertor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements
A valid passport is required.
Hotel addresses
NH Collection Gran Hotel Zaragoza
C. Joaquín Costa, 5, Casco Antiguo, 50001 Zaragoza, Spain
Phone: +34 976 22 19 01
Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel
P.º de la Castellana, 259, B, 28046 Madrid, Spain
Phone: +34 913 34 27 00
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes
1 night at the NH Collection Gran Hotel Zaragoza including breakfast or similar hotel (standard double room)
3 nights at the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel including breakfast or similar hotel (standard double room)
4 lunches as indicated in the itinerary including 2 glasses of wine, mineral water, coffee
English-speaking tour escort
Luggage handling at hotels (maximum 2 pieces of luggage per person)
Entrance fees per the itinerary
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights independently of the cruise line are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program excludes
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Meals and beverages not listed in the program details
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
Explore prominent landmarks and extraordinary cities that define Spain, many of them World Heritage sites, an experience that will leave you with a deeper historical and cultural perspective of the country.
NOTE: this program starts in Madrid therefore arriving flights need to be booked into the Madrid International Airport. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or for those who use a wheelchair, walker or scooter due to the amount of walking, many steps and cobbled surfaces. There are long segments of driving on this program.
DAY 1
Upon arriving at the Madrid International Airport, you will be met in the Arrivals Hall which is outside the luggage claim area. Please look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo.
You will then be transferred to the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel or a similar hotel, where you will spend the evening. Meals are on your own today.
Note: Single guests will transfer in a sedan and couples in a van. Sedans hold 2 pieces of luggage plus 2 carryon size bags. Vans hold 4 pieces of luggage plus 2 -3 carry-on sized bags. Should you have more luggage than is permissible, a larger vehicle may be required with additional cost. Please advise your booking agent at least 21 days before sailing if a larger vehicle is required.
Day 2
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Toledo, a city so architecturally rich that Spain has declared it a national monument. UNESCO agreed and designated the historic center a World Heritage site, in part because three religions existed harmoniously here—Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
As you walk through this extraordinary city on the Tagus River, you will get a genuine feel for what life was like here in the Middle Ages. The historic city center is that atmospheric. The Toledo Cathedral is particularly impressive, as it is considered one of Europe’s greatest Gothic buildings. Built over nearly three centuries, starting in 1226, the cathedral contains a spectacular high altar and two painting by El Greco, the famed painter that lived in Toledo.
Another spectacular El Greco painting hangs in the Church of Santo Tomé, while the 13th-century Synagogue of Saint Mary the White is known for its Mudejar-style horseshoe arches. Be sure to notice these elaborately decorated arches as you browse the interior.
Lunch follows, after which you will return to Madrid. As an introduction to Spain’s vibrant capital, you will drive past key landmarks before starting an enlightening walking tour in Plaza Mayor. This grand arcaded square in the heart of the city offers wonderful options for shopping and dining nearby, as you may discover during free time.
By late afternoon, you will return to the hotel, where you will spend the evening with dinner on your own.
DAY 3
After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Segovia, a World Heritage site perhaps best known for its aqueduct that was probably constructed during the reign of Roman emperor Trajan. Until about 100 years ago, the aqueduct still carried water from the Frio River into Segovia 10 miles away.
The Alcazar is another landmark that is impossible to miss. Construction began in the 12th century and its fabulous fairy-tale style supposedly inspired the design of the Walt Disney castle in part. You will also spend time in Segovia’s walled upper town, whose cathedral is the last Gothic one built in Spain. It stands where Isabella I was proclaimed the Queen of Castile in 1474.
Following lunch in Segovia, you will drive to the 16th-century Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial on the outskirts of Madrid. It too is a World Heritage site and celebrated for its austere appearance, which influenced Spanish architecture for the next half century or so. As you wander through the interior, the guide will describe the building’s illustrious history, including how King Philip II conceived El Escorial as a funerary monument for his father.
After visiting, you will return to the hotel in Madrid, where you will spend the evening with dinner on your own.
DAY 4
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and meet your local guide for a two-hour drive to Siguenza. Enjoy the changing landscape along the way.
Arrive to the ancient town of Siguenza, considered one of the best kept villages in Spain. Located in a strategical location and overlooking a fertile area, the town has been inhabited since the paleolithic time, and conserves evident traces of ancient settlers such as Romans, Visigots and Arabs just to name a few.
Follow your guide on a stroll through its medieval streets, admire the central square “ Plaza Mayor “ and the façades of many elegant palaces houses, churches and convents that reflect the ancient important of Siguenza.
After lunch in typical restaurant, continue to Zaragoza (2 hour drive). Its star attraction is the multi-domed Basilica of Pilar, an important pilgrimage site. According to local legend, the Virgin Mary gave Saint James a pillar made of jasper here and instructed him to build a church on the site. This last version of El Pilar, as it’s known locally, was constructed beginning in the late 17th century.
Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour of the old quarter. See the famous Basilica of Pilar: overlooking the Ebro River, it is famous pilgrimage site with a shrine to the Virgin Mary and multiple domes.
After visiting, check in to your hotel, where you will spend the evening with dinner on your own.
DAY 5
Enjoy breakfast and check out before taking a leisurely and immensely scenic drive to the Poblet Monastery. A 12th-century church stands at the center of this sacred World Heritage site, which features a fortified royal residence. While touring, you will learn about the monks’ lifestyle in the Middle Ages and the mountainous route that connects this Cisterian monastery to two others.
Continuing on to the nearby medieval village of Montblanc, you can expect to see its Gothic churches, the royal palace and the city’s 14th-century stone walls, more than half of which still exist.
After lunch, proceed to the port of Barcelona where you will embark the ship.
Note: At the Monastery of Poblet you will have approximately 1.5 km / .9 miles of walking and about 10 steps to negotiate. In Montblanc there will be approximately 1 km./.06 miles of walking over cobblestone surfaces
Land Program Details Step by Step
•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
Arrive at the Madrid International Airport
Transfer to your hotel and check-in
Meals are on your own today
Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel or similar
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8:30am Meet with your local guide for a tour of Toledo and Madrid
10:00am Visit of Toledo
1:00pm Lunch at local restaurant
3:00pm Departure from Toledo for Madrid
4:30pm Arrival in Madrid and city tour
6:00pm Return to your hotel for the evening
Dinner is on own
Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel or similar
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8.:30am Meet your local guide and depart for Segovia
10:00am Segovia visit
12:30pm Lunch at a local restaurant
2:00pm Depart for Escorial
3:00pm Arrival in Escorial
3:15pm Visit Escorial
5:30pm Arrival back at your hotel
Dinner is own own
Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel or similar
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8:45am Meet your guide at reception for a transfer to Madrid-Siguenza
10:30am Visit Siguenza
12:45pm Lunch at Parador de Siguenza
2:30pm Drive to Zaragoza
4:30pm Arrival to Zaragoza and city tour
6:30pm Check-in at the hotel
Dinner at leisure and rest of the evening at leisure
Overnight at the Hotel Alfonso or similar hotel
DAY 5
AM Breakfast at your hotel and check out
8:30am Drive from Zaragoza to the Monastery of Poblet
10:30am Arrival and visit
12:45pm Lunch at a local restaurant
2:15pm Drive Barcelona for embarkation
3:45pm Approximate arrival in Barcelona and embark the ship
Expected Weather
April: average temperature 12º C
May: average temperature 15º C
June: average temperature 20º C
September:average temperature 22º C
October:average temperature 15º C
November:average temperature 10º C
What to Bring
Weather-appropriate clothing, hats, flat comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sun protection, umbrellas and cameras.
Currency
Euro
Electricity
220 volts. We recommend bringing your own travel convertor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements
A valid passport is required.
Hotel addresses
Eurostar Madrid Tower
Paseo de la Castellana 259 28046 Madrid
Phone: +34 913 342700
Hotel Alfonso Zaragoza
Calle del Coso, 15-17-19, 50003 Zaragoza
Phone: + 34 876 54 11 18
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes
3 nights at the Eurostar Madrid Tower including breakfast or similar hotel (standard double room)
1 night at the Hotel Alfonso Zaragoza including breakfast or similar hotel (standard double room)
4 lunches as indicated in the itinerary including 2 glasses of wine, mineral water, coffee
English-speaking tour escort
Luggage handling at hotels (maximum 2 pieces of luggage per person)
Entrance fees per the itinerary
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program excludes
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Meals and beverages not listed in the program details
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Explore prominent landmarks and extraordinary cities that define Spain, many of them World Heritage sites, an experience that will leave you with a deeper historical and cultural perspective of the country.
NOTE: this program starts in Madrid, Spain therefore arriving flights need to be booked into the Madrid International Airport (MAD). This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or for those who use a wheelchair, walker or scooter due to the amount of walking, many steps and cobbled surfaces. There are long segments of driving on this program.
DAY 1
Upon arriving at the Madrid International Airport, you will be met in the Arrivals Hall which is outside the luggage claim area. Please look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo.
You will then be transferred to your hotel, where you will spend the evening. Meals are on your own today.
Note: Single guests will transfer in a sedan and couples in a van. Sedans hold 2 pieces of luggage plus 2 carryon size bags. Vans hold 4 pieces of luggage plus 2 -3 carry-on sized bags. Should you have more luggage than is permissible, a larger vehicle may be required with additional cost. Please advise your booking agent at least 21 days before sailing if a larger vehicle is required.
Day 2
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Toledo, a city so architecturally rich that Spain has declared it a national monument. UNESCO agreed and designated the historic center a World Heritage site, in part because three religions existed harmoniously here—Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
As you walk through this extraordinary city on the Tagus River, you will get a genuine feel for what life was like here in the Middle Ages. The historic city center is that atmospheric. The Toledo Cathedral is particularly impressive, as it is considered one of Europe’s greatest Gothic buildings. Built over nearly three centuries, starting in 1226, the cathedral contains a spectacular high altar and two painting by El Greco, the famed painter that lived in Toledo.
Lunch follows, after which you will return to Madrid. As an introduction to Spain’s vibrant capital, you will drive past key landmarks before starting an enlightening walking tour in Plaza Mayor. This grand arcaded square in the heart of the city offers wonderful options for shopping and dining nearby, as you may discover during free time.
By late afternoon, you will return to the hotel, where you will spend the evening with dinner on your own.
Note: In Toledo there will be approximately 2.5 km / 1.5 miles of walking over paved and cobblestone surfaces with some ascending inclines. In Madrid you will have approximately 1.5km / .9 miles of walking over flat, paved surfaces.
DAY 3
After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Segovia, a World Heritage site perhaps best known for its aqueduct that was probably constructed during the reign of Roman emperor Trajan. Until about 100 years ago, the aqueduct still carried water from the Frio River into Segovia 10 miles away.
The Alcazar is another landmark that is impossible to miss. Construction began in the 12th century and its fabulous fairy-tale style supposedly inspired the design of the Walt Disney castle in part. You will also spend time in Segovia’s walled upper town, whose cathedral is the last Gothic one built in Spain. It stands where Isabella I was proclaimed the Queen of Castile in 1474.
Following lunch in Segovia, you will drive to the 16th-century Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial on the outskirts of Madrid. It too is a World Heritage site and celebrated for its austere appearance, which influenced Spanish architecture for the next half century or so. As you wander through the interior, the guide will describe the building’s illustrious history, including how King Philip II conceived El Escorial as a funerary monument for his father.
After visiting, you will return to the hotel in Madrid, where you will spend the evening with dinner on your own.
Note: In Segovia you will have approximately 1km / .6 miles of walking over cobblestones and paved surfaces, with some ascending inclines and in Escorial there will be approximately 2.5 km / 1.5 miles of walking over flat, paved surfaces.
DAY 4
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and meet your local guide for a two-hour drive to Siguenza. Enjoy the changing landscape along the way.
Arrive to the ancient town of Siguenza, considered one of the best kept villages in Spain. Located in a strategical location and overlooking a fertile area, the town has been inhabited since the paleolithic time, and conserves evident traces of ancient settlers such as Romans, Visigots and Arabs just to name a few.
Follow your guide on a stroll through its medieval streets, admire the central square “ Plaza Mayor “ and the façades of many elegant palaces houses, churches and convents that reflect the ancient important of Siguenza.
After lunch in typical restaurant, continue to Zaragoza (2 hour drive). Its star attraction is the multi-domed Basilica of Pilar, an important pilgrimage site. According to local legend, the Virgin Mary gave Saint James a pillar made of jasper here and instructed him to build a church on the site. This last version of El Pilar, as it’s known locally, was constructed beginning in the late 17th century.
Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour of the old quarter. See the famous Basilica of Pilar: overlooking the Ebro River, it is famous pilgrimage site with a shrine to the Virgin Mary and multiple domes.
After visiting, check in to your hotel, where you will spend the evening with dinner on your own.
Note: In Seguenza you will have approximately approx. 1 km / .6 miles of walking over cobblestone surfaces and some light inclines and in Zaragoza approximately 1 km/ .6 miles of walking over flat, paved surfaces.
DAY 5
Enjoy breakfast and check out before taking a leisurely and immensely scenic drive to the Poblet Monastery. A 12th-century church stands at the center of this sacred World Heritage site, which features a fortified royal residence. While touring, you will learn about the monks’ lifestyle in the Middle Ages and the mountainous route that connects this Cisterian monastery to two others.
Continuing on to the nearby medieval village of Montblanc, you can expect to see its Gothic churches, the royal palace and the city’s 14th-century stone walls, more than half of which still exist.
After lunch, proceed to the port of Barcelona where you will embark the ship.
Note: At the Monastery of Poblet you will have approximately 1.5 km / .9 miles of walking and about 10 steps to negotiate. In Montblanc there will be approximately 1 km./.06 miles of walking over cobblestone surfaces
Land Program Details Step by Step
•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
Arrive at the Madrid International Airport
Transfer to your hotel and check-in
Meals are on your own today
Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel or similar
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8:30am Meet with your local guide for a tour of Toledo and Madrid
10:00am Visit of Toledo
1:00pm Lunch at local restaurant
3:00pm Departure from Toledo for Madrid
4:30pm Arrival in Madrid and city tour
6:00pm Return to your hotel for the evening
Dinner is on own
Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel or similar
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8.:30am Meet your local guide and depart for Segovia
10:00am Segovia visit
12:30pm Lunch at a local restaurant
2:00pm Depart for Escorial
3:00pm Arrival in Escorial
3:15pm Visit Escorial
5:30pm Arrival back at your hotel
Dinner is own own
Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel or similar
DAY 4
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8:45am Meet your guide at reception for a transfer to Madrid-Siguenza
10:30am Visit Siguenza
12:45pm Lunch at Parador de Siguenza
2:30pm Drive to Zaragoza
4:30pm Arrival to Zaragoza and city tour
6:30pm Check-in at the hotel
Dinner at leisure and rest of the evening at leisure
Overnight at the Nh Collection Zaragoza or similar hotel
DAY 5
AM Breakfast at your hotel and check out
8:30am Drive from Zaragoza to the Monastery of Poblet
10:30am Arrival and visit
12:45pm Lunch at a local restaurant
2:15pm Drive Barcelona for embarkation
3:45pm Approximate arrival in Barcelona and embark the ship
Expected Weather
April: average temperature 12º C
May: average temperature 15º C
June: average temperature 20º C
September: average temperature 22º C
October: average temperature 15º C
November: average temperature 10º C
What to Bring
Weather-appropriate clothing, hats, flat comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sun protection, umbrellas and cameras.
Currency
Euro
Electricity
220 volts. We recommend bringing your own travel convertor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements
A valid passport is required.
Hotel addresses
Eurostar Madrid Tower
Paseo de la Castellana 259 28046 Madrid
Phone: +34 913 342700
NH Collection Zaragoza
C. Joaquín Costa, 5, 50001 Zaragoza, Spain
Phone: +34 976 22 19 01
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes
3 nights at the Eurostar Madrid Tower including breakfast or similar hotel (standard double room)
1 night at the NH Collection Zaragoza including breakfast or similar hotel (standard double room)
4 lunches as indicated in the itinerary including 2 glasses of wine, mineral water, coffee
English-speaking tour escort
Luggage handling at hotels (maximum 2 pieces of luggage per person)
Entrance fees per the itinerary
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program excludes
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Meals and beverages not listed in the program details
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Enjoy in-depth explorations of some of Spain’s most characteristic cities, including Madrid, Toledo, Burgos and Bilbao, where you will see glorious churches, ancient landmarks and extraordinarily beautiful scenery.
NOTE: this program ends in Madrid therefore departure flights need to be booked out of the Madrid International Airport.
DAY 1
After disembarking the ship in Bilbao, enjoy a short panoramic drive from the pier into the city. Upon arrival, you will make your way towards the Guggenheim museum for a photo stop (outside visit). As you will clearly see, its titanium structure is built in the shape of a ship, truly a work of an art itself, designed by Canadian architect Frank Gehry.
Re-board your coach and drive towards Bilbao’s Old Quarter. This charming city is both modern and dynamic while at the same time, quite traditional with its 700 years of history adding to the ambiance. Leaving your coach behind, you'll enjoy a guided walk around the Old Quarter, the most popular area of the city. Here, you will see the Teatro Arriaga, el Arenal, the old stevedoring port and today one of the favorite promenades of the citizens of Bilbao, the San Nicholas Church, the Cathedral of Santiago along with its cloister, and Plaza Nueva.
Following this walking tour, you will enjoy a typical “Pintxos-style” lunch at a local restaurant.
Following lunch, you will drive to Burgos and check-in to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure and dinner is on your own.
DAY 2
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy an enlightening walking tour of the ancient city of Burgos.
Burgos was founded in the year 884, high on a mountain where the ruins of a castle stand today. Celebrated for its magnificent cathedral, this medieval town was an important stop on the Way of Saint James pilgrimage trail to Santiago de Compostela and it was the capital of the Castilla-Leon region from the 10th through the 14th centuries.
Fortunately, Burgos has preserved its charm, as seen in its exquisite monuments, quaint cobblestone streets and shaded promenades. As you meander along, you will see the ruins of the castle and numerous monasteries and churches. Still, Burgos Cathedral, A UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the highlight.
Construction of the cathedral began in 1221 and wasn’t completed until 1567, so it is a fine example of the evolution of Gothic style, exhibited in its architecture, collection of art, choir stalls, tombs and stained-glass windows. While browsing through the inside of the cathedral, you can’t help but marvel at its many wonders.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before driving to Madrid. Once checked-in to your hotel you will have the remainder of the day and evening at your leisure. Dinner is on your own.
After settling in, you may wish to explore nearby. Enjoy the history and heritage of Madrid visiting emblematic locations such as Plaza de España, Puerta del Sol or the Royal Palace, all just a short walk away.
DAY 3
Following breakfast, you will begin driving toward Toledo, a city so spectacular that Spain has been declared it a national monument. The architecture throughout the city is stunning and includes styles from various epochs, such as Arabian, Jewish, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Medieval. As you walk through the streets, the guide will point out the most impressive examples of the various architectural styles.
Toledo was the hometown of the revered painter El Greco and his works adorn many of the landmarks, including the city cathedral. Finished in 1493 after more than 250 years of sporadic construction, it was inspired by the great Gothic cathedrals of France. Be sure to notice the location of the elaborate choir in the center of the nave.
Other El Greco paintings can be found in the Church of Santo Tomé, including his masterpiece “Burial of the Count of Orgaz.” The 14th-century church is also a magnificent structure, especially its distinct Mudéjar tower. Lord Orgaz funded the construction of the church, which is why El Greco chose him as the subject of his painting that hangs in the church’s chapel.
You will also visit Santa Maria la Blanca, a synagogue built even earlier. Completed in 1203, the synagogue features Islamic influences in its horseshoe arches with Mudéjar decorations and dark-red floor dotted with decorative tiles. Although it resembles a mosque, it was converted into a church in the early 15th century.
After visiting these religious sites and other landmarks, you will enjoy a panoramic drive back to Madrid, Spain’s capital since 1562. Located atop a plateau, Madrid has the distinction of being Europe’s highest capital.
You will gain great insight into the lifestyle as you drive along city streets such as Gran Via, which is lined with early 20th-century architecture. You will also tour the historical Austrias and Borbonnes quarters, during which you will gain an even greater insight into the city.
Afterwards, you will return to your hotel in Madrid, where you will spend the evening. Dinner is on your own.
DAY 4
After breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and transfer to the Madrid International Airport for your flight home in accordance with the flight details provided.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
• Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
DAY 1
9:00am Disembark the ship in Bilbao
9:45am Panoramic drive and photo stop at Guggenheim Museum (Outside visit)
10:30am Drive to Bilbao Old Quarter and walking tour
1:00pm Pintxos-style lunch at a local restaurant
2:30pm Drive to Burgos
4:30pm Check in at your hotel
The remainder of the evening and dinner are at your leisure and on own
Overnight at the Hotel Silken Gran Teatro or similar hotel
DAY 2
8:00am Breakfast at your hotel
9:00am Begin your walking tour of Burgos with local guide, including inside visit to the Cathedral
12:30pm Lunch at a local restaurant
2:00pm Drive to Madrid
4:30pm Arrival to Madrid and check in at your hotel
The remainder of the evening and dinner are at your leisure and on own
Overnight at the Melia Madrid Princesa or similar hotel
DAY 3
7:00am Breakfast at your hotel
8:00am Departure to Toledo
9:30am Begin your tour of Toledo with local guide (Visits to Cathedral, Santa Maria la Blanca and Sto Tomé included)
1:00pm Lunch in Toledo at a local restaurant
3:00pm Rejoin the coach and drive to Madrid
4:15pm Madrid panoramic drive and transfer to hotel
5:00pm Arrive at the hotel
The remainder of the evening and dinner are at your leisure and on own
Overnight at the Melia Madrid Princesa or similar hotel
DAY 4
AM Breakfast at your hotel
12:00pm Check out time
Transfer from hotel to the Madrid airport based on your flight schedule.
*For guests with late flights, luggage storage will be available at the hotel until your transfer time
Extra Nights: If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.
Transfers: All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 12:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Expected Weather:
The average temperature is 28º C / 82º F at this time of the year
What to Bring:
Comfortable clothes and good walking shoes, sun protection, umbrellas, cameras and chargers.
Local Currency:
Euro
Electricity:
220 volts. We recommend bringing a travel adaptor for electric devices
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A valid passport is required
Hotel addresses:
Melia Madrid Princesa Hotel
C. de la Princesa, 27, 28008 Madrid, Spain
Phone: +34 912 76 47 47
BURGOS: Hotel Silken Gran Teatro
Avenida del Arlanzón, 8 - 09004 Burgos, España
Tel: (+34) 947 253 900
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests:
•1 night in Burgos at the Hotel Silken Gran Teatro or similar (Comfort Room)
•2 nights in Madrid at Melia Madrid Princesa or similar hotel (Melia Room Twin or Queen)
•Breakfast daily
•Transfers
•English-speaking guide
•Toledo visit: local guide, entrance fees to Cathedral, Santa Maria and Santo Tomé, lunch
•Burgos visit: local guide, Cathedral entrance fee, lunch
•Bilbao visit: Pintxos-style lunch
•Drinks: half bottle of wine and water per person at lunch
Program Excludes for guests:
•Personal expenses
•Incidentals at the hotel including room service and mini bar
•Food and beverage services where not specified
•Porterage at the hotels
•Gratuities to guides and on transfers
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
Explore prominent landmarks and extraordinary cities that define Spain, many of them World Heritage sites, an experience that will leave you with a deeper historical and cultural perspective of the country.
NOTE: this program ends in Madrid, Spain therefore departing flights need to be booked out of the Madrid International Airport (MAD). This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or for those who use a wheelchair, walker or scooter due to the amount of walking, many steps and cobbled surfaces. There are long segments of driving on this program.
DAY 1
After disembarking the cruise ship in Barcelona, you will enjoy a leisurely and immensely scenic drive to the Poblet Monastery. A 12th-century church stands at the center of this sacred World Heritage site, which features a fortified royal residence. While touring, you will learn about the monks’ lifestyle in the Middle Ages and the mountainous route that connects this Cisterian monastery to two others.
Continuing on to the nearby medieval village of Montblanc, you can expect to see its Gothic churches, the royal palace and the city’s 14th-century stone walls, more than half of which still exist. Free time follows, during which you can explore further. The centrally located Plaza Mayor is a great starting point for shopping and people-watching.
Afterwards, you will settle in for a relaxing drive to Zaragoza, the capital of the province that lies on the Ebro River. Upon arriving, you will check into your hotel, where the remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner on your own.
Note: At the Monastery of Poblet you will have approximately 1.5 km / .9 miles of walking and about 10 steps to negotiate. In Montblanc there will be approximately 1 km./.06 miles of walking over cobblestone surfaces
DAY 2
After breakfast at the hotel, you will spend the next two hours or so exploring Zaragoza, especially the Old Town. Its star attraction is the multi-domed Basilica of Pilar, an important pilgrimage site. According to local legend, the Virgin Mary gave Saint James a pillar made of jasper here and instructed him to build a church on the site. This last version of El Pilar, as it’s known locally, was constructed beginning in the late 17th century.
You will next visit the ancient town of Medinaceli, which in Arabic and means “City on the Hill.” The Romans founded the city and structures from that time still remain, the most famous being a stone arch built in the 2nd century. Other highlights include a 17th-century palace and a Gothic church built even earlier.
Following lunch, you will settle in for a relaxing drive to Madrid, where you will check into the Eurostar Madrid Tower or similar hotel. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner on your own.
Note: In Zaragoza there will be approximately 1 km/ .6 miles of walking over flat, paved surfaces. In Medinaceli, 1.5km / .9 miles over cobbled and paved surfaces with slight inclines.
DAY 3
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Toledo, a city so architecturally rich that Spain has declared it a national monument. UNESCO agreed and designated the historic center a World Heritage site, in part because three religions existed harmoniously here—Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
As you walk through this extraordinary city on the Tagus River, you will get a genuine feel for what life was like here in the Middle Ages. The historic city center is that atmospheric. The Toledo Cathedral is particularly impressive, as it is considered one of Europe’s greatest Gothic buildings. Built over nearly three centuries, starting in 1226, the cathedral contains a spectacular high altar and two painting by El Greco, the famed painter that lived in Toledo.
Lunch follows, after which you will proceed to Madrid. As an introduction to Spain’s vibrant capital, you will drive past key landmarks before starting an enlightening walking tour in Plaza Mayor. This grand arcaded square in the heart of the city offers wonderful options for shopping and dining nearby, as you may discover during free time.
By late afternoon, you will return to the hotel, where you will spend the evening with dinner on your own.
Note: In Toledo there will be approximately 2.5 km / 1.5 miles of walking over paved and cobblestone surfaces with some ascending inclines. In Madrid you will have approximately 1.5km / .9 miles of walking over flat, paved surfaces.
DAY 4
After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Segovia, a World Heritage site perhaps best known for its aqueduct that was probably constructed during the reign of Roman emperor Trajan. Until about 100 years ago, the aqueduct still carried water from the Frio River into Segovia 10 miles away.
The Alcazar is another landmark that is impossible to miss. Construction began in the 12th century and its fabulous fairy-tale style supposedly inspired the design of the Walt Disney castle in part. You will also spend time in Segovia’s walled upper town, whose cathedral is the last Gothic one built in Spain. It stands where Isabella I was proclaimed the Queen of Castile in 1474.
Following lunch in Segovia, you will drive to the 16th-century Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial on the outskirts of Madrid. It too is a World Heritage site and celebrated for its austere appearance, which influenced Spanish architecture for the next half century or so. As you wander through the interior, the guide will describe the building’s illustrious history, including how King Philip II conceived El Escorial as a funerary monument for his father.
After visiting, you will return to the hotel in Madrid, where you will spend the evening with dinner on your own.
Note: In Segovia you will have approximately 1km / .6 miles of walking over cobblestones and paved surfaces, with some ascending inclines and in Escorial there will be approximately 2.5 km / 1.5 miles of walking over flat, paved surfaces.
DAY 5
Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will transfer to the Madrid International Airport based on the departure of your flight. Luggage can be stored at the hotel for guests with flights that depart late in the day.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
DAY 1
8:45am Disembark in Barcelona and drive to Poblet
10:30am Visit the Poblet Monastery
11:30am Walking tour of Montblanc
1:00pm Lunch
3:00pm Transfer to Zaragoza
5:00pm Check into the Hotel Alfonso Zaragoza
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at the NH Collection Zaragoza or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:45am Begin touring Zaragoza
10:45am Transfer to Medinaceli
1:00pm Lunch at a restaurant
3:00pm Visit Medinaceli
5:00pm Transfer to Madrid
7:00pm Check-in at the hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Drive to Toledo
10:00am Visit of Toledo
1:00pm Lunch
3:00pm Depart for Madrid
4:30pm Begin touring Madrid
6:00pm Return to the hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 4
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Depart for Segovia
10:00am Visit Segovia
12:30pm Lunch
2:00pm Depart for Escorial
3:00pm Arrive in Escorial
3:15pm Visit Escorial
5:30pm Return to the hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 5
AM Breakfast at the hotel
12:00pm Check out of the hotel
Transfer to Madrid International Airport based on the flight details provided
Should you have a late flight, luggage storage is available at the hotel until your transfer.
Extra Nights: If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 5 of the program.
Transfers: All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure that the cruise line has their up-to-date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
If you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
If you have a late-departing flight, you may wish to book an extra night so that you may occupy the room until your departure. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Expected Weather
April: average temperature 12º C
May: average temperature 15º C
June: average temperature 20º C
September: average temperature 22º C
October: average temperature 15º C
November: average temperature 10º C
What to Bring
Weather-appropriate clothing, hats, flat comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sun protection, umbrellas and cameras.
Currency
Euro
Electricity
220 volts. We recommend bringing your own travel convertor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements
A valid passport is required.
Hotel addresses
NH Collection Zaragoza
C. Joaquín Costa, 5, 50001 Zaragoza, Spain
Phone: +34 976 22 19 01
Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel
P.º de la Castellana, 259, B, 28046 Madrid, Spain
Phone: +34 913 34 27 00
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes
1 night at the NH Collection Zaragoza including breakfast or similar hotel (standard double room)
3 nights at the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel including breakfast or similar hotel (standard double room)
4 lunches as indicated in the itinerary including 2 glasses of wine, mineral water, coffee
English-speaking tour escort
Luggage handling at hotels (maximum 2 pieces of luggage per person)
Entrance fees per the itinerary
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights independently of the cruise line are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program excludes
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Meals and beverages not listed in the program details
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
Explore prominent landmarks and extraordinary cities that define Spain, many of them World Heritage sites, an experience that will leave you with a deeper historical and cultural perspective of the country.
NOTE: this program starts in Madrid, Spain therefore arriving flights need to be booked into the Madrid International Airport (MAD). This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or for those who use a wheelchair, walker or scooter due to the amount of walking, many steps and cobbled surfaces. There are long segments of driving on this program.
Hotel Amendment: Please be advised that the group will now stay at the NH Collection Gran Hotel Zaragoza instead of Hotel Alfonso Zaragoza on Day 4. The NH Collection Gran Hotel Zaragoza is located in the heart of the city close to museums, shops and restaurants.
DAY 1
Upon arriving at the Madrid International Airport, you will be met in the Arrivals Hall which is outside the luggage claim area. Please look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo.
You will then be transferred to the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel or a similar hotel, where you will spend the evening. Meals are on your own today.
Note: Single guests will transfer in a sedan and couples in a van. Sedans hold 2 pieces of luggage plus 2 carryon size bags. Vans hold 4 pieces of luggage plus 2 -3 carry-on sized bags. Should you have more luggage than is permissible, a larger vehicle may be required with additional cost. Please advise your booking agent at least 21 days before sailing if a larger vehicle is required.
Day 2
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Toledo, a city so architecturally rich that Spain has declared it a national monument. UNESCO agreed and designated the historic center a World Heritage site, in part because three religions existed harmoniously here—Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
As you walk through this extraordinary city on the Tagus River, you will get a genuine feel for what life was like here in the Middle Ages. The historic city center is that atmospheric. The Toledo Cathedral is particularly impressive, as it is considered one of Europe’s greatest Gothic buildings. Built over nearly three centuries, starting in 1226, the cathedral contains a spectacular high altar and two painting by El Greco, the famed painter that lived in Toledo.
Lunch follows, after which you will return to Madrid. As an introduction to Spain’s vibrant capital, you will drive past key landmarks before starting an enlightening walking tour in Plaza Mayor. This grand arcaded square in the heart of the city offers wonderful options for shopping and dining nearby, as you may discover during free time.
By late afternoon, you will return to the hotel, where you will spend the evening with dinner on your own.
Note: In Toledo there will be approximately 2.5 km / 1.5 miles of walking over paved and cobblestone surfaces with some ascending inclines. In Madrid you will have approximately 1.5km / .9 miles of walking over flat, paved surfaces.
DAY 3
After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Segovia, a World Heritage site perhaps best known for its aqueduct that was probably constructed during the reign of Roman emperor Trajan. Until about 100 years ago, the aqueduct still carried water from the Frio River into Segovia 10 miles away.
The Alcazar is another landmark that is impossible to miss. Construction began in the 12th century and its fabulous fairy-tale style supposedly inspired the design of the Walt Disney castle in part. You will also spend time in Segovia’s walled upper town, whose cathedral is the last Gothic one built in Spain. It stands where Isabella I was proclaimed the Queen of Castile in 1474.
Following lunch in Segovia, you will drive to the 16th-century Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial on the outskirts of Madrid. It too is a World Heritage site and celebrated for its austere appearance, which influenced Spanish architecture for the next half century or so. As you wander through the interior, the guide will describe the building’s illustrious history, including how King Philip II conceived El Escorial as a funerary monument for his father.
After visiting, you will return to the hotel in Madrid, where you will spend the evening with dinner on your own.
Note: In Segovia you will have approximately 1km / .6 miles of walking over cobblestones and paved surfaces, with some ascending inclines and in Escorial there will be approximately 2.5 km / 1.5 miles of walking over flat, paved surfaces.
DAY 4
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and meet your local guide for a two-hour drive to Siguenza. Enjoy the changing landscape along the way.
Arrive to the ancient town of Siguenza, considered one of the best kept villages in Spain. Located in a strategical location and overlooking a fertile area, the town has been inhabited since the paleolithic time, and conserves evident traces of ancient settlers such as Romans, Visigots and Arabs just to name a few.
Follow your guide on a stroll through its medieval streets, admire the central square “ Plaza Mayor “ and the façades of many elegant palaces houses, churches and convents that reflect the ancient important of Siguenza.
After lunch in typical restaurant, continue to Zaragoza (2 hour drive). Its star attraction is the multi-domed Basilica of Pilar, an important pilgrimage site. According to local legend, the Virgin Mary gave Saint James a pillar made of jasper here and instructed him to build a church on the site. This last version of El Pilar, as it’s known locally, was constructed beginning in the late 17th century.
Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour of the old quarter. See the famous Basilica of Pilar: overlooking the Ebro River, it is famous pilgrimage site with a shrine to the Virgin Mary and multiple domes.
After visiting, check in to your hotel, where you will spend the evening with dinner on your own.
Note: In Seguenza you will have approximately approx. 1 km / .6 miles of walking over cobblestone surfaces and some light inclines and in Zaragoza approximately 1 km/ .6 miles of walking over flat, paved surfaces.
DAY 5
Enjoy breakfast and check out before taking a leisurely and immensely scenic drive to the Poblet Monastery. A 12th-century church stands at the center of this sacred World Heritage site, which features a fortified royal residence. While touring, you will learn about the monks’ lifestyle in the Middle Ages and the mountainous route that connects this Cisterian monastery to two others.
Continuing on to the nearby medieval village of Montblanc, you can expect to see its Gothic churches, the royal palace and the city’s 14th-century stone walls, more than half of which still exist.
After lunch, proceed to the port of Barcelona where you will embark the ship.
Note: At the Monastery of Poblet you will have approximately 1.5 km / .9 miles of walking and about 10 steps to negotiate. In Montblanc there will be approximately 1 km./.06 miles of walking over cobblestone surfaces
Land Program Details Step by Step
•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
Arrive at the Madrid International Airport
Transfer to your hotel and check-in
Meals are on your own today
Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel or similar
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8:30am Meet with your local guide for a tour of Toledo and Madrid
10:00am Visit of Toledo
1:00pm Lunch at local restaurant
3:00pm Departure from Toledo for Madrid
4:30pm Arrival in Madrid and city tour
6:00pm Return to your hotel for the evening
Dinner is on own
Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel or similar
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8.:30am Meet your local guide and depart for Segovia
10:00am Segovia visit
12:30pm Lunch at a local restaurant
2:00pm Depart for Escorial
3:00pm Arrival in Escorial
3:15pm Visit Escorial
5:30pm Arrival back at your hotel
Dinner is own own
Overnight at the Eurostar Madrid Tower Hotel or similar
DAY 4
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8:45am Meet your guide at reception for a transfer to Madrid-Siguenza
10:30am Visit Siguenza
12:45pm Lunch at Parador de Siguenza
2:30pm Drive to Zaragoza
4:30pm Arrival to Zaragoza and city tour
6:30pm Check-in at the hotel
Dinner at leisure and rest of the evening at leisure
Overnight at the NH Collection Hotel Gran Zaragoza or similar hotel
DAY 5
AM Breakfast at your hotel and check out
8:30am Drive from Zaragoza to the Monastery of Poblet
10:30am Arrival and visit
12:45pm Lunch at a local restaurant
2:15pm Drive Barcelona for embarkation
3:45pm Approximate arrival in Barcelona and embark the ship
Expected Weather
April: average temperature 12º C
May: average temperature 15º C
June: average temperature 20º C
September: average temperature 22º C
October: average temperature 15º C
November: average temperature 10º C
What to Bring
Weather-appropriate clothing, hats, flat comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sun protection, umbrellas and cameras.
Currency
Euro
Electricity
220 volts. We recommend bringing your own travel convertor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements
A valid passport is required.
Hotel addresses
Eurostar Madrid Tower
Paseo de la Castellana 259 28046 Madrid
Phone: +34 913 342700
NH Collection Gran Hotel Zaragoza
C. Joaquín Costa, 5, Casco Antiguo, 50001 Zaragoza, Spain
Phone: +34 976 22 19 01
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes
3 nights at the Eurostar Madrid Tower including breakfast or similar hotel (standard double room)
1 night at the NH Collection Gran Hotel Zaragoza including breakfast or similar hotel (standard double room)
4 lunches as indicated in the itinerary including 2 glasses of wine, mineral water, coffee
English-speaking tour escort
Luggage handling at hotels (maximum 2 pieces of luggage per person)
Entrance fees per the itinerary
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program excludes
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Meals and beverages not listed in the program details
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Explore prominent landmarks and extraordinary cities that define Spain, many of them World Heritage sites, an experience that will leave you with a deeper historical and cultural perspective of the country.
NOTE: this program ends in Madrid therefore departing flights need to be booked out of the Madrid International Airport. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or for those who use a wheelchair, walker or scooter due to the amount of walking, many steps and cobbled surfaces.
Day 1
After disembarking the cruise ship in Barcelona or Tarragona (depending on your voyage), you will enjoy a leisurely and immensely scenic drive to the Poblet Monastery. A 12th-century church stands at the center of this sacred World Heritage site, which features a fortified royal residence. While touring, you will learn about the monks’ lifestyle in the Middle Ages and the mountainous route that connects this Cisterian monastery to two others.
Continuing on to the nearby medieval village of Montblanc, you can expect to see its Gothic churches, the royal palace and the city’s 14th-century stone walls, more than half of which still exist. Free time follows, during which you can explore further. The centrally located Plaza Mayor is a great starting point for shopping and people-watching.
Afterwards, you will settle in for a relaxing drive to Zaragoza, the capital of the province that lies on the Ebro River. Upon arriving, you will check into the Hotel Alfonso Zaragoza or similar, where the remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner on your own.
Note: if your sailing ends in Tarragona, enjoy a brief panoramic drive of the city before proceeding to Poblet Monastery
Day 2
After breakfast at the hotel, you will spend the next two hours or so exploring Zaragoza, especially the Old Town. Its star attraction is the multi-domed Basilica of Pilar, an important pilgrimage site. According to local legend, the Virgin Mary gave Saint James a pillar made of jasper here and instructed him to build a church on the site. This last version of El Pilar, as it’s known locally, was constructed beginning in the late 17th century.
You will next visit the ancient town of Medinaceli, which in Arabic and means “City on the Hill.” The Romans founded the city and structures from that time still remain, the most famous being a stone arch built in the 2nd century. Other highlights include a 17th-century palace and a Gothic church built even earlier.
Following lunch, you will settle in for a relaxing drive to Madrid, where you will check into the Melia Madrid Princesa or similar hotel. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner on your own.
Day 3
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Toledo, a city so architecturally rich that Spain has declared it a national monument. UNESCO agreed and designated the historic center a World Heritage site, in part because three religions existed harmoniously here—Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
As you walk through this extraordinary city on the Tagus River, you will get a genuine feel for what life was like here in the Middle Ages. The historic city center is that atmospheric. The Toledo Cathedral is particularly impressive, as it is considered one of Europe’s greatest Gothic buildings. Built over nearly three centuries, starting in 1226, the cathedral contains a spectacular high altar and two painting by El Greco, the famed painter that lived in Toledo.
Another spectacular El Greco painting hangs in the Church of Santo Tomé, while the 13th-century Synagogue of Saint Mary the White is known for its Mudejar-style horseshoe arches. Be sure to notice these elaborately decorated arches as you browse the interior.
Lunch follows, after which you will proceed to Madrid. As an introduction to Spain’s vibrant capital, you will drive past key landmarks before starting an enlightening walking tour in Plaza Mayor. This grand arcaded square in the heart of the city offers wonderful options for shopping and dining nearby, as you may discover during free time.
By late afternoon, you will return to the hotel, where you will spend the evening with dinner on your own.
Day 4
After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Segovia, a World Heritage site perhaps best known for its aqueduct that was probably constructed during the reign of Roman emperor Trajan. Until about 100 years ago, the aqueduct still carried water from the Frio River into Segovia 10 miles away.
The Alcazar is another landmark that is impossible to miss. Construction began in the 12th century and its fabulous fairy-tale style supposedly inspired the design of the Walt Disney castle in part. You will also spend time in Segovia’s walled upper town, whose cathedral is the last Gothic one built in Spain. It stands where Isabella I was proclaimed the Queen of Castile in 1474.
Following lunch in Segovia, you will drive to the 16th-century Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial on the outskirts of Madrid. It too is a World Heritage site and celebrated for its austere appearance, which influenced Spanish architecture for the next half century or so. As you wander through the interior, the guide will describe the building’s illustrious history, including how King Philip II conceived El Escorial as a funerary monument for his father.
After visiting, you will return to the hotel in Madrid, where you will spend the evening with dinner on your own.
Day 5
Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will transfer to the Madrid International Airport based on the departure of your flight. Luggage can be stored at the hotel for guests with flights that depart late in the day.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
DAY 1
8:45am Disembark in Barcelona or Tarragona and drive to Poblet
10:30am Visit the Poblet Monastery
11:30am Walking tour of Montblanc
1:00pm Lunch
3:00pm Transfer to Zaragoza
5:00pm Check into your hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at the Hotel Alfonso Zaragoza or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:45am Begin touring Zaragoza
10:45am Transfer to Medinaceli
1:00pm Lunch at a local restaurant
3:00pm Visit Medinaceli
5:00pm Transfer to Madrid
7:00pm Check-in at your hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at the Melia Madrid Princesa or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Drive to Toledo
10:00am Visit of Toledo
1:00pm Lunch
3:00pm Depart for Madrid
4:30pm Begin touring Madrid
6:00pm Return to the hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at the Melia Madrid Princesa or similar hotel
DAY 4
AM Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Depart for Segovia
10:00am Visit Segovia
12:30pm Lunch
2:00pm Depart for Escorial
3:00pm Arrive in Escorial
3:15pm Visit Escorial
5:30pm Return to the hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on your own
Overnight at the Melia Madrid Princesa or similar
DAY 5
AM Breakfast at the hotel
12:00pm Check out of the hotel
Transfer to Madrid International Airport based on the flight details provided
Should you have a late flight, luggage storage is available at the hotel until your transfer.
Extra Nights: If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 5 of the program.
Transfers: All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure that the cruise line has their up-to-date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
If you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
If you have a late-departing flight, you may wish to book an extra night so that you may occupy the room until your departure. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Please Note: This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties or for those who use a wheelchair, walker or scooter due to the amount of walking, many steps and cobbled surfaces.
Expected Weather
April: average temperature 12º C
May: average temperature 15º C
June: average temperature 20º C
September: average temperature 22º C
October: average temperature 15º C
November: average temperature 10º C
What to Bring
Weather-appropriate clothing, hats, flat comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sun protection, umbrellas and cameras.
Currency
Euro
Electricity
220 volts. We recommend bringing your own travel convertor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements
A valid passport is required.
Hotel addresses
Hotel Alfonso Zaragoza
Calle del Coso, 15-17-19, 50003 Zaragoza
Phone: + 34 876 54 11 18
Melia Madrid Princesa
Calle de la Princesa, 27, 28008 Madrid
Phone: +34 912 76 47 47
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes
1 night at the Hotel Alfonso Zaragoza including breakfast or similar hotel (standard double room)
3 nights at the Melia Princesa including breakfast or similar hotel (Melia Room)
Lunches as indicated in the itinerary
English-speaking tour escort
Luggage handling at hotels (maximum 2 pieces of luggage per person)
Entrance fees per the itinerary
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights independently of the cruise line are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program excludes
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Meals and beverages not listed in the program details
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
