2010 – 8 Days from $3,790
Tauck's one-week Spain vacation reveals the strong impact of Moorish as well as Jewish and Christian influences on the history of Spain. Discover the country's rich cultural heritage in Barcelona, Granada, Ronda, Seville and Andalucía, Córdoba, and Madrid. Enjoy a private flamenco performance... a horse-drawn carriage ride to Seville's famous cathedral... a guided tour of Madrid's Museo del Prado... an included on-tour flight from Barcelona to Granada, and much more. If you have just one week for a Spain vacation, this should be it!
Airfare While on Tour – One on-tour flight from Barcelona to Granada is included in the cost of your tour package.
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from us for travel originating in the United States.
Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through us. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. Airport transfers are included for these bookings. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this webpage and discuss it with our your reservations sales consultant or travel agent when you book your tour.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to Tauck Travel Protection on this webpage for more information.
Personal Expenses such as phone calls, room service, alcoholic and other beverages not specifically included, laundry, dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport arrival and departure taxes, individual train and airport transfers (when applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Tauck Director Gratuities - The customary gratuities for the Tauck Director and local drivers are not included. We ask that gratuities be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
Airline Security Measures –
If you are traveling from the U.S., the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight program requires that your name, as it appears on your domestic or international airline ticket, must precisely match your name as it appears on the government-issued photo ID (i.e., passport or driver’s license) that you present during security screening. The ID name must also match any additional airline data, such as frequent-flyer information. For example, if you present your driver's license to security and it says John T. Smith, your ticket must also say John T. Smith, not John Thomas Smith, Jack Smith, or any other variant. Your date-of-birth and gender information provided to the airline must also match your passport.
If you make your air travel arrangements through us, please ensure that the name you provide us precisely matches your name as shown on the identification you will use while traveling. If you make your own airline reservations, please ensure that the airline has the correct information.
For more information on the Secure Flight program, please visit the TSA web site by clicking here.
If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through us for travel originating in the United States. By using our air services, you agree that we, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, are acting only as your agent and are not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by us. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline only, even if purchased through us. We are not liable for, and do not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). We must handle ticketing for our special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Our air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a one of our tours. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air booking before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Holiday and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many state, religious and civic holidays locally observed.You may wish to log on to Wikipedia to view a list of holidays by country by clicking here.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – We pledge to make every effort to operate all tours as advertised. We reserve the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by us. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of publication.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 6:00 PM at Le Méridien Barcelona. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. When making flight arrangements, please allow sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. The tour ends at check-out time at The Westin Palace, Madrid on the last day of the tour. Each carrier and each airport has different rules regarding how early you must arrive for flight check in. Please contact your individual carrier for this information.
Membership will be granted to all persons. We reserve the right to terminate the tour of any persons who are abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs and/or video taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for print, Internet and other media promotional purposes. If you prefer that your image not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Travel Document Requirements –
If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a passport that is valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey to enter Spain; however, you are not required to obtain a visa for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.
If you are a citizen of another country, you should contact an embassy or consulate of Spain to determine what travel documentation is required.
We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Cell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone while on the motor coach, during group functions, when sightseeing and when your Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There will be many opportunities to make and receive calls at times when it does not affect others.
To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov, by clicking here.
Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in our incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, we will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in our Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, please refer to Tauck Travel Protection on this webpage for more information.
If you choose not to purchase Tauck Travel Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
2010 Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to a dream Spain vacation
Tauck's Spain vacation begins: 6:00 pm at Le Méridien Barcelona, Spain. A transfer from Barcelona Airport is included to your hotel, Le Méridien Barcelona; it is conveniently located in the heart of this exciting city. Meet the traveling companions who will experience Tauck's one-week Spain vacation with you at a welcome cocktail reception and dinner tonight.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Le Méridien Barcelona, Spain
Day 2 - Beguiling Barcelona
Barcelona is an exceptional city overflowing with history, art and culture. Walk along famous Las Ramblas to the Boquería and Plaça del Pi; explore the Gothic Quarter to get a good look at the 13th to 15th century architecture; see Plaça Nova, where Barcelona was born, and the city's spectacular cathedral. Drive to seaside Montjuic, site of the 1992 Olympics, and visit the fanciful, unfinished cathedral designed by Antoni Gaudí I Cornet. Explore the city on your own for the remainder of the day.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Le Méridien Barcelona, Spain
Day 3 - Moorish wonders in Granada
From Barcelona, Tauck's Spain vacation continues with a morning flight to Granada, in the foothills of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada. In Granada, visit the famous Alhambra - a splendid example of the Moorish influence that has shaped so much of Spain. The Royal Palace and the Generalife, the former summer palace of sultans, provides fascinating exploration. Overnight at the Hotel Alhambra Palace, just steps from the world-renowned site.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Alhambra Palace, Granada, Spain
Day 4 - The sunny south of Spain - Ronda and Andalucía
Travel Tauck's scenic Yellow Roads to cliff-top Ronda. One of the last Moorish cities to fall to the Crusaders, Ronda provides further insights into Spain's Moorish past as you explore the city with a local guide; see the historic bullring and spectacular Tajo Gorge. After lunch it's on to Andalucía, a melting pot of different cultures sometimes referred to as the bridge between two continents. Journey into Andalucía's lovely hills and view charming villages with whitewashed houses clinging to the hillsides. Continue on to romantic Seville, where your Spain vacation continues this evening with a private performance of flamenco dancing and dinner. Spend the next two nights at the Hotel Alfonso XIII in the heart of Seville, which enjoys a reputation as one of the world's finest hotels.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Alfonso XIII, Seville, Spain
Day 5 - Unforgettable sights of Seville
No Spain vacation would be complete without a visit to charming Seville. Get your bearings on an orientation tour of this spectacular city dating back nearly 2,000 years. A horse and carriage ride transports you to Seville Cathedral, the third largest Roman Catholic church in the world; tour the Cathedral, the final resting place of Christopher Columbus, with its famous Giralda Bell Tower. Discover Barrio Santa Cruz, and explore the maze of old streets in the former Jewish Quarter. The remainder of the day is free for you to pursue what interests you most in Seville.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Hotel Alfonso XIII, Seville, Spain
Day 6 - The cultures of Córdoba and on to Madrid
A walking tour of this charming Moorish-influenced city takes you through the historic Jewish Quarter and visits the ornate 8th-century La Mezquita, once one of the world's largest mosques, and now a Roman Catholic cathedral. Board the high-speed AVE train and travel in preferente class to Madrid, where your Spain vacation continues for the next two nights in the country's marvelous capital city.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: The Westin Palace, Madrid, Spain
Day 7 - Olé magnificent Madrid
Your day in magnificent Madrid kicks off with a guided tour of the famous Museo del Prado, one of the finest art museums in the world. Later, a city sightseeing tour takes you to highlights including Palacio de Oriente, the ornate Royal Palace built in the 18th-century; grand avenues such as Gran Via and Castellana, and El Parque del Buen Retiro. Enjoy typical Castilian entertainment at our farewell cocktail reception and dinner this evening, a fitting finale to your one-week Spain vacation.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The Westin Palace, Madrid, Spain
Day 8 - Journey Home
We wish you a safe and pleasant journey homeward as you bid adios to Spain. Your Spain vacation with Tauck ends in Madrid. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The Westin Palace, Madrid to Madrid's Barajas Airport; allow 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in.
Meals: Breakfast
If you have just one week for a Spain vacation, join us for A Week In… Spain in 2010!
Inclusive Prices
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, entertainment, special dinners, sightseeing, porterage, and the services of local guides, drivers and the Tauck Director are included. Transportation from Barcelona Airport to the Le Méridien Barcelonais included, regardless of the date and time of your arrival, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the start of the tour. The driver will meet you outside of the customs area, and transfers will be provided by mini-van or taxi. Transportation from The Westin Palace, Madrid to Madrid Barajas International Airport is also included whenever you choose to depart. Transportation to and from airports and train stations may be shared with other Tauck guests.
Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. Our standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality of accommodations may differ slightly from one hotel to another, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are usually two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended for comfort.
The room sizes will vary somewhat due to the historic nature of each property. We hope that your advanced knowledge and understanding of these differences will better prepare you for your journey and enhance your overall trip experience.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
Due to local culinary customs, this tour may have more limited menus than typically experienced on our other itineraries. In addition, please note that dinner in Spain is customarily taken after 10:00 PM. We have arranged for our guests to dine as early as 8:30 PM in most restaurants.
Tauck Director – A Week In... Spain is conducted by a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the duration of the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck.
Gratuities Included – All customary gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff and local guides are included.
No Options Sold - Tauck Directors assist with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but they will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. Our standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality of accommodations may differ slightly from one hotel to another, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are usually two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended for comfort.
The room sizes will vary somewhat due to the historic nature of each property. We hope that your advanced knowledge and understanding of these differences will better prepare you for your journey and enhance your overall trip experience.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
Due to local culinary customs, this tour may have more limited menus than typically experienced on our other itineraries. In addition, please note that dinner in Spain is customarily taken after 10:00 PM. We have arranged for our guests to dine as early as 8:30 PM in most restaurants.
Tauck Director – A Week In... Spain is conducted by a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the duration of the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck.
Gratuities Included – All customary gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff and local guides are included.
No Options Sold - Tauck Directors assist with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but they will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
On-Tour Flights
Airfare While on Tour – One on-tour flight from Barcelona to Granada is included in the cost of your tour package.
Not Included
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from us for travel originating in the United States.
Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through us. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. Airport transfers are included for these bookings. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this webpage and discuss it with our your reservations sales consultant or travel agent when you book your tour.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to Tauck Travel Protection on this webpage for more information.
Lost luggage is an unfortunate possibility in today's world of airline travel. We suggest that you:
- Pack at least one change of clothing in your carry-on bag
- Split your items between your suitcase and a traveling companion's suitcase
- Do not pack any vital medications or valuables in your checked luggage
- Confirm that your luggage is checked and tagged to your final destination at airport check-in
- Place your luggage claim tags in a secure place for your flight
- File a claim for any missing luggage immediately before leaving the baggage claim area
- Secure a case number and contact information for follow-up communications
- Make certain that the airline has your onward itinerary
Personal Expenses such as phone calls, room service, alcoholic and other beverages not specifically included, laundry, dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport arrival and departure taxes, individual train and airport transfers (when applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Tauck Director Gratuities - The customary gratuities for the Tauck Director and local drivers are not included. We ask that gratuities be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
Additional Information
Airline Security Measures –
If you are traveling from the U.S., the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight program requires that your name, as it appears on your domestic or international airline ticket, must precisely match your name as it appears on the government-issued photo ID (i.e., passport or driver’s license) that you present during security screening. The ID name must also match any additional airline data, such as frequent-flyer information. For example, if you present your driver's license to security and it says John T. Smith, your ticket must also say John T. Smith, not John Thomas Smith, Jack Smith, or any other variant. Your date-of-birth and gender information provided to the airline must also match your passport.
If you make your air travel arrangements through us, please ensure that the name you provide us precisely matches your name as shown on the identification you will use while traveling. If you make your own airline reservations, please ensure that the airline has the correct information.
For more information on the Secure Flight program, please visit the TSA web site by clicking here.
If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through us for travel originating in the United States. By using our air services, you agree that we, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, are acting only as your agent and are not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by us. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline only, even if purchased through us. We are not liable for, and do not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). We must handle ticketing for our special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Our air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a one of our tours. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air booking before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Holiday and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many state, religious and civic holidays locally observed.You may wish to log on to Wikipedia to view a list of holidays by country by clicking here.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – We pledge to make every effort to operate all tours as advertised. We reserve the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by us. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of publication.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 6:00 PM at Le Méridien Barcelona. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. When making flight arrangements, please allow sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. The tour ends at check-out time at The Westin Palace, Madrid on the last day of the tour. Each carrier and each airport has different rules regarding how early you must arrive for flight check in. Please contact your individual carrier for this information.
Membership will be granted to all persons. We reserve the right to terminate the tour of any persons who are abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs and/or video taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for print, Internet and other media promotional purposes. If you prefer that your image not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Preparing To Go
Travel Document Requirements –
If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a passport that is valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey to enter Spain; however, you are not required to obtain a visa for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.
If you are a citizen of another country, you should contact an embassy or consulate of Spain to determine what travel documentation is required.
We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Travel with Children ―
Age Recommendations ― Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, we have a minimum recommended age for each journey to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
Babysitting ― Our journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. If you require babysitting services, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer on-site babysitting services; however, babysitting services may not be available at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility ― We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with us, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Babysitting ― Our journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. If you require babysitting services, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer on-site babysitting services; however, babysitting services may not be available at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility ― We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with us, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Authorization for Travel
If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so. CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (parent deceased, sole custody, etc.), other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, or a death certificate, will be useful.
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, we require you to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information may be obtained from a country’s consulate or embassy.
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents (including other pertinent documents as cited above) authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
Children who are U.S. citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the journey.
We are not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by the improper documentation of any guest, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
Air Conditioning – All the hotels and motor coaches used on this tour are air-conditioned for your comfort. European air conditioning in hotels should be considered as a climate-control system; most have three settings for the fan, plus a "cool" setting. Very few of the European systems actually have a temperature setting. In general, the amount of cool air that is produced from a European air-conditioning system may be less than what you may have in your own home.
ATM and Credit Cards - We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing on this tour to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be "suspicious" charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Clothing and Packing – The weather in Spain is generally temperate in the north and warm in the south. Midsummer in Spain is very hot. Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing. Rain falls evenly throughout the year in Barcelona. As you travel from there to Seville and on to Madrid, rainfall becomes less frequent. In spring and fall, the heat and humidity in Seville is moderate in intensity, in summer, all of the cities visited experience a higher heat index.
In Spain, especially in finer restaurants, it is generally customary to dress somewhat formally. Slacks or a dress for women and a jacket for men are acceptable dining attire. It is advisable to avoid wearing jeans, sneakers or shorts for dinner. You may also wish to dress up a bit for the welcome reception and the farewell dinner, but by all means be comfortable.
You will find a hair dryer located in your hotel guest room. Irons and ironing boards are not usually available, so guests may have to give their garment to the hotel to be ironed for a fee. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are also available for a fee.
We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor’s prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.
Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your trip to Spain:
We are not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by the improper documentation of any guest, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
Air Conditioning – All the hotels and motor coaches used on this tour are air-conditioned for your comfort. European air conditioning in hotels should be considered as a climate-control system; most have three settings for the fan, plus a "cool" setting. Very few of the European systems actually have a temperature setting. In general, the amount of cool air that is produced from a European air-conditioning system may be less than what you may have in your own home.
ATM and Credit Cards - We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing on this tour to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be "suspicious" charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Clothing and Packing – The weather in Spain is generally temperate in the north and warm in the south. Midsummer in Spain is very hot. Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing. Rain falls evenly throughout the year in Barcelona. As you travel from there to Seville and on to Madrid, rainfall becomes less frequent. In spring and fall, the heat and humidity in Seville is moderate in intensity, in summer, all of the cities visited experience a higher heat index.
In Spain, especially in finer restaurants, it is generally customary to dress somewhat formally. Slacks or a dress for women and a jacket for men are acceptable dining attire. It is advisable to avoid wearing jeans, sneakers or shorts for dinner. You may also wish to dress up a bit for the welcome reception and the farewell dinner, but by all means be comfortable.
You will find a hair dryer located in your hotel guest room. Irons and ironing boards are not usually available, so guests may have to give their garment to the hotel to be ironed for a fee. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are also available for a fee.
We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor’s prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.
Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your trip to Spain:
- Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
- An optional jacket and tie for men
- Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
- Swimwear
- Gym wear
- A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
- Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
- Insect repellent
- Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and/or plenty of film
- Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
- Battery-operated travel alarm clock
- Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
- Zipper-lock bags
- Daypack for camera equipment
- Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
- Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling
Elevation - The maximum elevation on this tour is approximately 3,200 ft (975 m).
Health - A Week In... Spain is fast-paced. To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion. Spain is home to innumerable historic buildings and sites, some dating from antiquity. Therefore, roads, walkways and architecture will present difficulties for some guests with physical disabilities.
The visit to Alhambra Palace in Granada requires two hours of walking. During the first hour you will visit the palace and during the second hour, the gardens.
While all of the hotels on this program have elevators, please note that many of the sites visited do not. Airports and train stations have limited access to elevators. Additionally, many of the museums visited will have elevators, but they are not always conveniently located, therefore some walking is required.
We regret that we cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will assist you.
While drinking water is generally safe at all our hotels, bottled water will be available wherever the local water is not fit to drink. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.
Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.
If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
If you are a resident of the U.S., no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Spain. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here.
If you are a resident of another country, please contact the embassy or consulate of Spain to determine what vaccinations may be required for you to visit.
Luggage Restrictions -
Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour
Due to space limitations aboard European motor coaches and on-tour flights, only one average-size piece of checked luggage per person, weighing up to 44 lbs (20 kg), is allowed. Luggage exceeding these restrictions is at risk of being left behind, or, if permitted onboard, may be subject to additional excess luggage charges.
Checked Luggage – General
While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
Recently, airlines have adopted policies enforcing strict number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require that checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, we cannot be held liable for the accuracy of the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers. You may wish to consult the website, luggagelimits.com, by clicking here,
We cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home!
Carry-on Luggage - General
Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.
Destination Information
Cell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone while on the motor coach, during group functions, when sightseeing and when your Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There will be many opportunities to make and receive calls at times when it does not affect others.
Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine whether you cell phone will operate in Spain.
Currency and Exchange Rates - The official currency in Spain is the Euro.Money can be exchanged at exchange bureaus and major hotels, but banks give the best rates. All major credit cards and travelers’ checks are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money. Currency can be exchanged at each of the hotels on this itinerary.
To obtain the most current exchange rates for all national currencies, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the website, oanda.com, by clicking here.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – You should familiarize yourself with Spain’s specific required customs declarations before you travel. In general, you are not permitted to bring live plants, fresh fruits and other produce items into most countries.
Currency and Exchange Rates - The official currency in Spain is the Euro.Money can be exchanged at exchange bureaus and major hotels, but banks give the best rates. All major credit cards and travelers’ checks are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money. Currency can be exchanged at each of the hotels on this itinerary.
To obtain the most current exchange rates for all national currencies, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the website, oanda.com, by clicking here.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – You should familiarize yourself with Spain’s specific required customs declarations before you travel. In general, you are not permitted to bring live plants, fresh fruits and other produce items into most countries.
Spain – travel.state
If you are a U.S resident traveling internationally who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, you are entitled to a duty-free exemption based on the total value of merchandise purchase abroad, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the amount of alcohol that can be a part of this exemption. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the U.S. Please call your local customs office or consult the U.S. government's customs regulations as contained in their publication entitled Know Before You Go.
If you are a resident of another country traveling internationally, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
Currently, Spain levies a 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) on most consumer goods and services. (The tax may be higher on luxury items and lower on basic goods.) As a rule, if you are not a resident of the country (or of the country’s intergovernmental economic community, e.g., the European Union) in which the purchase is made, you may be entitled to a VAT refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.
Electrical Current – The electrical current in Spain is 220 V, 50 Hz, AC. If your electrical appliances do not conform to this standard, you will need to bring the appropriate converters and adapters.
Internet Access is available in the guest rooms at all of the hotels on this journey for a fee.
If you are a resident of another country traveling internationally, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
Currently, Spain levies a 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) on most consumer goods and services. (The tax may be higher on luxury items and lower on basic goods.) As a rule, if you are not a resident of the country (or of the country’s intergovernmental economic community, e.g., the European Union) in which the purchase is made, you may be entitled to a VAT refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.
Electrical Current – The electrical current in Spain is 220 V, 50 Hz, AC. If your electrical appliances do not conform to this standard, you will need to bring the appropriate converters and adapters.
Internet Access is available in the guest rooms at all of the hotels on this journey for a fee.
Time Zones – All cities visited on this tour are located in the same time zone and are 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time). From late March through late October, these cities switch to Daylight Savings Time and are 2 hours ahead. To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the website, timeanddate.com, by clicking here.
Weather – Spain is extremely hot during midsummer, in July and August. The rest of the year the climate is generally temperate in the north, but warm in the south. August is the busiest month, while May and October are the best times for both ideal weather and fewer crowds. Barcelona enjoys a wonderful climate with hot summers and cool winters. The climate of Madrid is dry, warm and pleasant. It's high altitude and proximity to mountains causes some wide variations in winter and summer temperatures. In summer the heat at midday can be intense, with pleasantly cool evenings. Rain in Madrid is a rarity, with a short rainy season in late October and some showers in spring.
Weather – Spain is extremely hot during midsummer, in July and August. The rest of the year the climate is generally temperate in the north, but warm in the south. August is the busiest month, while May and October are the best times for both ideal weather and fewer crowds. Barcelona enjoys a wonderful climate with hot summers and cool winters. The climate of Madrid is dry, warm and pleasant. It's high altitude and proximity to mountains causes some wide variations in winter and summer temperatures. In summer the heat at midday can be intense, with pleasantly cool evenings. Rain in Madrid is a rarity, with a short rainy season in late October and some showers in spring.
|
|
Average Temperature
|
|||
|
|
Barcelona, Spain
|
Seville, Spain
|
||
|
Month
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
|
January
|
55 / 43
|
13 / 6
|
59 / 43
|
15 / 6
|
|
February
|
57 / 45
|
14 / 7
|
63 / 45
|
17 / 7
|
|
March
|
61 / 48
|
16 / 9
|
63 / 45
|
17 / 7
|
|
April
|
64 / 52
|
18 / 11
|
75 / 52
|
24 / 11
|
|
May
|
70 / 57
|
21 / 14
|
81 / 55
|
27 / 13
|
|
June
|
77 / 64
|
25 / 18
|
90 / 63
|
32 / 17
|
|
July
|
82 / 70
|
28 / 21
|
97 / 68
|
36 / 20
|
|
August
|
82 / 70
|
28 / 21
|
97 / 68
|
36 / 20
|
|
September
|
77 / 66
|
25 / 19
|
90 / 64
|
32 / 18
|
|
October
|
70 / 59
|
21 / 15
|
79 / 57
|
26 / 14
|
|
November
|
61 / 52
|
16 / 11
|
68 / 50
|
20 / 10
|
|
December
|
55 / 46
|
13 / 8
|
61 / 45
|
16 / 7
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Madrid, Spain
|
|
||
|
Month
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
|
|
|
January
|
48 / 36
|
9 / 2
|
|
|
|
February
|
52 / 36
|
11 / 2
|
|
|
|
March
|
59 / 41
|
15 / 5
|
|
|
|
April
|
64 / 45
|
18 / 7
|
|
|
|
May
|
70 / 50
|
21 / 10
|
|
|
|
June
|
81 / 59
|
27 / 15
|
|
|
|
July
|
88 / 63
|
31 / 17
|
|
|
|
August
|
86 / 63
|
30 / 17
|
|
|
|
September
|
77 / 57
|
25 / 14
|
|
|
|
October
|
66 / 50
|
19 / 10
|
|
|
|
November
|
55 / 41
|
13 / 5
|
|
|
|
December
|
48 / 36
|
9 / 2
|
|
|
|
|
Average Rainfall
|
|||
|
|
Barcelona, Spain
|
Seville, Spain
|
||
|
Month
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
|
January
|
1.2
|
31
|
2.6
|
66
|
|
February
|
1.5
|
39
|
2.4
|
61
|
|
March
|
1.9
|
48
|
3.5
|
90
|
|
April
|
1.7
|
43
|
2.2
|
57
|
|
May
|
2.1
|
54
|
1.6
|
41
|
|
June
|
1.5
|
37
|
0.3
|
8
|
|
July
|
1.1
|
27
|
0.0
|
1
|
|
August
|
1.9
|
49
|
0.2
|
5
|
|
September
|
3.0
|
76
|
0.7
|
19
|
|
October
|
3.4
|
86
|
2.8
|
70
|
|
November
|
2.0
|
52
|
2.6
|
67
|
|
December
|
1.8
|
45
|
3.1
|
79
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Madrid, Spain
|
|
||
|
Month
|
Inches
|
Millimeters
|
|
|
|
January
|
1.5
|
39
|
|
|
|
February
|
1.3
|
34
|
|
|
|
March
|
1.7
|
43
|
|
|
|
April
|
1.9
|
48
|
|
|
|
May
|
1.9
|
47
|
|
|
|
June
|
1.1
|
27
|
|
|
|
July
|
0.4
|
11
|
|
|
|
August
|
0.6
|
15
|
|
|
|
September
|
1.3
|
32
|
|
|
|
October
|
2.1
|
53
|
|
|
|
November
|
1.9
|
47
|
|
|
|
December
|
1.9
|
48
|
|
|
To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov, by clicking here.
If You Have to Cancel
Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in our incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, we will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in our Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, please refer to Tauck Travel Protection on this webpage for more information.
If you choose not to purchase Tauck Travel Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
60 days or more before departure
$600 per person (the amount of the deposit)
59-8 days before departure
$900 per person
7-1 days before departure
$1500 per person
Did you know that you can link-up Tauck itineraries to create longer journeys? Many of these trips are in the same region, and depending upon availability you might connect with them before or after your trip. Alternatively, you might find one of these options better suited for your interests and preferences or for when you are available to travel.
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Travel from Barcelona into the dramatic Pyrenees and along Spain's northern coast, with stays at historic paradors in destinations including San Sebastián, Fuente Dé, León, and the incomparable Santiago de Compostela. As Tauck's unique Spain tour ends, continue with a journey down the Portuguese coast to Porto and Lisbon. Select Small Group departure dates available with no more than 26 Tauck guests!Spain and Portugal
Highlights of Tauck's enriching Spain and Portugal tour include Lisbon and Sintra in Portugal, and Seville, Gibraltar, Ronda, Granada, Toledo and Madrid in Spain; dine at a sherry bodega and a traditional Andalucían inn, and visit a renowned school of equestrian art.
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