Page Text Content
The treasures and pleasures that Spain has to offer, all too often overlooked for the coastal resorts, can be seen in this holiday which will take you deep into the cultural splendours of the `Real Spain'. Sit back in the comfort of your train and prepare to feast your senses as we travel through the colourful streets and quirky architecture of the seductive spirit of Barcelona and step back in time as you take in the mountain of Montserrat. Traversing the country by rail we reach the effervescent capital of Spain, Madrid situated in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula. This tour will surely aspire to `whet' your appetite and allow you to delve a little deeper into the spirit of Spain, that so many miss.
7 DAYS FROM £975
Barcelona · Montserrat · Madrid · Aranjuez
This holiday includes 6 breakfasts
Montserrat*
DAY 1
LONDON · BARCELONA
We begin with Titan's VIP Home Departure ServiceTM to London Gatwick or Heathrow Airport and your direct scheduled British Airways flight to Barcelona. On arrival we transfer you to the Tryp Apolo hotel, where you can relax or take a stroll and sample the famous delicacies of the Catalan cuisine and absorb the local atmosphere.
DAY 2
BARCELONA
Today we take a journey that will truly delight, particularly with Barcelona's rich tapestry of architectural styles, which make up the city of Barcelona. No visitor can possibly visit this city and not view Gaudi's masterpiece the `Sagrada Familia' cathedral, constantly in progress and controversially not due to be finished until the 22nd century! We pass by the Hospital Sant Pau where Gaudi died after being hit by a tramway bus and where Pablo Picasso painted The Dead Woman, one of his earliest paintings. After returning to the hotel you are free this afternoon to make your own discoveries of the city, perhaps taking a stroll to the Parc Guell, whose entrance consists of a dragon sculpture, the dragon is a typical Catalan symbol due to its patron saint, George. St George's Day is still being celebrated in the romantic Catalan way, ladies offering their men books and in turn men furnishing their lady with a rose! Why not saunter along Las Ramblas, with its array of elegant shops, street vendors and perhaps make your selection as to where to dine this evening.
imagination of artists and it is here that Richard Wagner stayed whilst composing his opera Parsifal, using Montserrat as its backdrop. We take the funicular up this vertical mountain to see the holy grotto and soak up the spectacular views - be sure not to forget your camera! Alternatively, why not visit the museum and learn of the legend of the Mare de Deu de Montserrat, familiarly known as `la moreneta' due to the dark material of which she is sculpted, which is housed in the Benedictine Abbey that has become world famous for its boys choir and school of music. We may be able to listen to a heart-warming performance of Gregorian chants by the choirboys in the Basilica. There is time to freshen up at the hotel before you choose one of the many dining options this wonderful city has to offer.
Parc Guell*
Spain
DAY 4
BARCELONA · MADRID
Today we transfer to Barcelona station where we board the Altaria train for our journey southwest. Sit back and relax, enjoying time perhaps in the restaurant or bar, whilst the train glides effortlessly along through ever-changing vistas until we arrive in Spain's flamboyant and vibrant capital, Madrid. After transferring to the Tryp Atocha hotel, located close to the station, the remainder of the day is free to begin exploring this invigorating city.
DAY 5
MADRID
DAY 3
BARCELONA MONTSERRAT · BARCELONA
This morning a special adventure awaits as we transfer to the railway station from where we board the train to Montserrat meaning `sawed mountain' and renowned as the mountain retreat for Benedictine Monks. This unique geological formation has long captured the
This morning begins with an artistic tour of Madrid, taking in the Royal Palace, the former residence of the Royal family, built in the 18th century, followed by a visit to El Prado museum, with its incomparable collection of paintings including such notable works by Velazquez and Goya, a must for all art lovers. We leave you free this afternoon so that you can make your own further explorations. Where better to relax than the Plaza Mayor with its stunning architectural features, under which are many inviting shops, restaurants and cafes.
Altaria
Montserrat Monastery*
316
|
inbro