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A Week In... Spain
Tauck Partners' Savings – Deduct $260 per person April – June and $190 per person July – October. Certain restrictions apply; ask at booking for details. Spain offers an intriguing blend of cultures and traditions dating back centuries. Tauck's one-week Spain vacation reveals the strong impact of the Moors as well as Jewish and Christian influences on the history of Spain up to today. Experience the contrasts between Spain's regions and cities, as well as her scenic diversity. 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 in Seville, and a guided tour of Madrid’s Museo del Prado. If you have just one week for a Spain vacation, this should be it!
Day-by-Day Itinerary
2009 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, Barcelona, Spain
Day 2 – Beguiling Barcelona
Barcelona is an exceptional city overflowing with history, art and culture. Walk along famous Las Ramblas to the Boqueria 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, 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. A guided sightseeing tour includes Parque de Maria Luísa, the splendid Palacio de San Telmo, Murillo Gardens, and the former Royal Tobacco Factory where the fictional Carmen labored. A horse and carriage ride transports you to Seville Cathedral, the third largest Roman Catholic church in the world; tour the Cathedral, which is the final resting-place of Christopher Columbus. 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, the world's third-largest mosque. Board the high-speed AVE train and travel in style 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, view sites such as Palacio de Oriente, the ornate Royal Palace built in the 18th-century; grand avenues such as Gran Via and Castellana; El Parque del Buen Retiro; the bullring; and the Neptuno and Cibeles fountains. 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, Spain. 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 2009!
Prices
8 Days from $3,635 plus airfare
| 2009 Price per Person |
Land Price | + | On Tour Air (1 flight) |
= | Full Price per Person |
| Double |
$3635 | + | $155 | = | $3790 |
| Single |
$4839 | + | $155 | = | $4994 |
| Triple |
$3474 | + | $155 | = | $3629 |
14 meals included.
Tauck Partners' Savings – Deduct $260 per person April – June and $190 per person July – October. Certain restrictions apply; ask at booking for details.
Special 2009 departures where the single price is $3867: July 12 and August 9; inquire at time of booking.
International airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).
Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
Note – Please note that dinner in Spain is usually after 10:00 PM. We have arranged for special availability as early as 8:30 PM in most restaurants.
Need to Know
Inclusive Prices
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach and train transportation, sightseeing, admissions, luggage handling and the services of the Tauck Director are included. A representative of Tauck will meet you at Barcelona Airport and provide transportation to the Le Méridien Barcelona, regardless of the day 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. Tauck will also provide transportation from The Westin Palace in Madrid to Madrid Barajas International Airport on the day of your departure.
Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available hotels without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from place to place, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot where available 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 other Tauck 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 gratuities for restaurant and hotel 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. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available hotels without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from place to place, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot where available 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 other Tauck 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 gratuities for restaurant and hotel 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 must be purchased through Tauck as part 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 Tauck 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, Tauck will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through Tauck. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations 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 the Tauck Protection Plan for more information.
Personal Expenses - Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Tauck Director and Driver Gratuities - The customary gratuities to the Tauck Director and driver are not included. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
Additional Information
Airline Security Measures - In the U.S., you must provide identification in the form of a passport at the time of airport check-in for travel to international destinations. Your passport name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket or you may be denied boarding.
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, and 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.
You may also visit the U.S. Transportation Security Administration Internet website to obtain more information on acceptable identity documentation and prohibited luggage items by clicking here.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through Tauck for travel originating in the United States. By using Tauck's air services, you agree that Tauck, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, is acting only as your agent and is 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 Tauck. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline (and not Tauck), even if purchased through Tauck. Tauck is not liable for, and does 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). Tauck must handle ticketing for Tauck's special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Tauck's air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a Tauck tour. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air 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 religious, state and local holidays locally observed.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – Tauck pledges to make every effort to operate your tour as advertised. Tauck reserves 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 Tauck. 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. The tour ends at check-out time at the Westin Palace Madrid Hotel on the last day of the tour. We suggest you allow at least 2½ hours for check-in.
Membership will be granted to all persons. Tauck reserves 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 taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Holiday and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays locally observed.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – Tauck pledges to make every effort to operate your tour as advertised. Tauck reserves 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 Tauck. 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. The tour ends at check-out time at the Westin Palace Madrid Hotel on the last day of the tour. We suggest you allow at least 2½ hours for check-in.
Membership will be granted to all persons. Tauck reserves 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 taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Preparing To Go
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. Mid summer in Spain is very hot. We suggest that you dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is recommended. A light sweater or jacket will provide warmth on a chilly early morning walk or a late night stroll. 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 to medium 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, 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:
- Sports jacket for men
- Casually-elegant outfits for ladies
- Short and long-sleeved cotton shirts
- Shorts, slacks and jeans
- Tee shirts
- Socks
- Light sweater
- Light-weight jacket
- Sturdy but comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in for sightseeing
- Raincoat and rain hat
- Collapsible umbrella
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Camera, lenses, batteries and plenty of film
- Travel alarm clock
- 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. You should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances over uneven terrain, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. 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. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do at the various sites and towns is at your discretion.
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.
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 which might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify Tauck as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
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, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on on to the CDC Internet website at www.cdc.gov.
Luggage Restrictions -
Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour
Health - A Week in Spain is fast-paced. You should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances over uneven terrain, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. 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. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do at the various sites and towns is at your discretion.
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.
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 which might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify Tauck as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.
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, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on on to the CDC Internet website at www.cdc.gov.
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 that airlines 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.
In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing 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 checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage size and weight 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.
Tauck World Discovery cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage size, piece or weight 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 only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not be accessible during daytime travel.
Travel Document Requirements – You will need a valid passport or similar acceptable travel document to enter Spain.
If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a passport that is valid for six months from the date of your arrival in 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 strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. Also, 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, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age 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 – Tauck journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed 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. For safety and security purposes, children under 18 years of age must be booked into a room with at least one accompanying adult. 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 Tauck, 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 – Tauck journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed 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. For safety and security purposes, children under 18 years of age must be booked into a room with at least one accompanying adult. 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 Tauck, 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 (deceased, sole custody, etc.), any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., will be useful.
All children who are U.S. citizens should also have a certified copy of their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are also required to have a photo ID.
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is available from each country’s consulate.
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 authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
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 (deceased, sole custody, etc.), any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., will be useful.
All children who are U.S. citizens should also have a certified copy of their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are also required to have a photo ID.
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is available from each country’s consulate.
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 authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
Tauck is not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for any travelers, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard for these letters, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
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 during motor coach travel, during group functions, when sightseeing and when the Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There are usually many opportunities to make or 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 up-to-date currency exchange rates, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the Internet website www.oanda.com.
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 up-to-date currency exchange rates, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the Internet website www.oanda.com.
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 who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, current regulations permit bringing back $800 worth of items duty-free, 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 United States. Please call your local customs office or consult the government's customs regulations as contained in their publication entitled Know Before You Go.
If you are a resident of another country, 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 Internet website www.timeanddate.com.
Weather – Spain is extremely hot during mid-summer, 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 mid-summer, 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.
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|
Average Temperature
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|||
|
|
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, www.weather.com.
If You Have to Cancel
Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in Tauck incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, Tauck will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in its Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, Tauck offers a Tauck Protection Plan.
If you choose to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will have your cancellation penalties reduced. Click here for more details.
If you choose not to purchase Tauck’s Guest 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
$600 per person (the amount of the deposit)
59-8 days before departure
$900 per person
7-1 days before departure
$1500 per person