Tour Summary

Madrid is located to the south of the mountains of "Guadarrama" at 600 metres above sea level, and along the sides of the "Manzanares" river. The population of the City is in the region of five million. The climate is relatively cooled by cool mountain breezes during its hot summers. Its palaces, many museums and art galleries provide a feast for modern culture lovers. The city also prides itself on its vibrant range of nightlife.

Like most of the world’s great capitals, modern Madrid has a cosmopolitan population but there are important differences: it’s centuries old palaces, squares and works of art have largely escaped the ravages of war; it also mirrors of the passionate identities of the 13 provinces that stretch from the mountains of the north to the deserts of the south.

Highlights: the first four days are spent discovering Madrid, both Old Madrid and the newer Bourbon city, founded in the 18th century following the War of Spanish Succession in the area known as the Prado (meadow). In the old city, you will see the lavish Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor, the scene of the inquisition, a massive square decorated by small bars and restaurants around its perimeter.

The Bourbon city tour starts with a visit to one of Europe’s most beautiful statues, the Goddess Cybele in her chariot. She stands imperially at the head of the tree lined Paseo Del Prado. From there, you can saunter to any of the great art museums - the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza, Reina Sofia and others.

The third day takes you to the Roman city of Toledo. A melting pot of Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures, the city is concentrated around serpentine streets rich in history, art and architecture.

No visit to Madrid would be complete without a visit to the world’s largest building, El Escorial, built in 1563. A fabulous treat - literally! It is at once a palace, a church, museum, monastery, art gallery and mausoleum of the kings of Spain.

Welcome to the unique Andalucia the land of great monuments, new wines, exquisite gastronomy and spectacular scenery.
                   
The objectives of this journey is to provide you with a private guide, a personalized route, an impeccable service and attention to detail, allowing you to get the most of your limited time and giving you the chance to experience this extraordinary land.

This is the trip for your special occasion: special birthday, anniversary…Specially customized for, wine and gourmet travellers, lovers of unique travel experiences, admirers of nature and heritage aficionados, even for the most demanding incentive groups, a truly unforgettable adventure that will stay in your memory forever

Those who love the unique Roman and Arab legacy found in Seville, Granada and Cordoba will enjoy this tour. Guided visits to the monument complex of The Alhambra, The Generalife, the jasmine-scented streets of the Moorish Albaycin quarter in Granada as well as the incredible Mosque, the Jewish quarter in Cordoba and the impressive Giralda Tower in Seville are a remarkable experience unique in the world.

Our restaurants recommendations have been careful selected for their decoration, reputation, service and setting, and the meals are based on traditional products from the area as well as creative modern recipes. The accommodation sumptuously appointed consists of four different but unique properties, recently refurbished, exquisitely decorated and placed in stunning locations.

         We will enjoy only what we love. We love only what we understand.

                         We will understand only what we are taught.

 

Itinerary

DAY ONE- Madrid

Arrival in Madrid Airport
You are welcomed and escorted by our Representative to our carefully selected hotel in our vehicle.
Evening at your leisure

DAY TWO- Madrid

Private guided tour of main attractions of Madrid including the Retiro Park, Moncloa Paza Mayor, Puerta de Alcala,Palacio  de la Zarzuela, Austrian district and Cibeles

Private guided visit of the magnificent Royal  Palace, former residence of several Spanish Kings

Lunch around the Plaza ayor, full of little bars and restaurants. Spectacular square, considered one of the most emblematic landmarks in Madrid(lunch not included) 

Private guided visit of some of the most International museums in Madrid: Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Reina Sofia Museum. Our guide will advise about which museum to see subject to your clients preferences.Two museum entrances included.

DAY THREE- Madrid-Toledo-Madrid

Private full day guided excursion to Toledo (entrances included and lunch not included)

Toledo is one of the Spanish cities with the greatest wealth of monuments. Known as the “city of the three cultures”, because Christians, Arabs and Jews lived together there for centuries, behind its walls Toledo preserves an artistic and cultural legacy in the form of churches, palaces, fortresses, mosques and synagogues. This great diversity of artistic styles makes the old quarter of the capital of La Mancha a real open-air museum, which has led to it being declared a World Heritage Site.

The way that Christians, Arabs and Jews lived side by side for centuries has been reflected in the form of a great artistic and cultural legacy. The maze of streets making up the historic centre of Toledo is only bounded by walls in which many gates were opened.

Our guide will inform and advise of any Performances (Musicals, Zarzuela or Opera) held at the famous Teatro Real.  (not included in price)
DAY FOUR-Madrid-El Escorial
Visit to one of the biggest buildings in the world and declared by Unesco world heritage: El Escorial, Built by the Spanish Monarchs Carlos I and Felipe II  

Private transfer to Railway station Atocha to proceed to our next City: Seville and once in Seville, you will be escorted to your selected hotel in Seville. Evening at your own leisure

Restaurants recommended . We can make a reservation and request special tables and private rooms

DAY FIVE- Seville- Córdoba

Private guided tour of Seville  one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, around the main sights and places of interest: The Cathedral and Giralda Tower, The Alcazar and Barrio Santa Cruz.

It is the capital of Andalucia, the biggest city, the special Andalucian way of life is distilled into its purest and most intense form here in Seville. This city has the most passionate and portentous Semana Santa (Holy Week), the most festive and romantic annual Feria de Abril  (fair), the best tapas bars, the best nightlife and the most stylish people in Andalucia. Seville is the center of bullfighting and Flamenco music.

Free time to relax and experience the gastronomy of this wonderful city. 

Private visit of Seville centre by horse carriage.

Private transfer to railway station heading to Cordoba by train and once in town, we will take you to your selected hotel in Córdoba

Free evening, restaurants recommended in Cordoba

DAY SIX- Córdoba- Granada

Private guided tour of one of the most emblematic cities in Spain, left by the Arab legacy, and visit to its famous mosque.

When the city was reconquered by the Christians in 1236, the new rulers of the city were so awed by its beauty that they left it standing, building their cathedral in the midst of its rows of arches and columns, and creating the extraordinary church-mosque we see today. As well as the unique mosque-cathedral, Cordoba's treasures include the Alcazar, or Fortress, built by the Christians in 1328; the Calahorra Fort, originally built by the Arabs, which guards the Roman Bridge, on the far side of the river from the Mezquita, and the ancient Jewish Synagogue, now a museum.

Cordoba’s medieval quarter, one the home of the Jewish community, is called “La Juderia” (The Jewry), a labyrinth of winding, narrow streets, shady flower-filled courtyards and picturesque squares such as La Plaza del Potro.
In early May, homeowners proudly festoon their patios with flowers to compete for the city’s “most beautiful courtyard” contest.

Free afternoon. Private transfer to railway station in Cordoba and train journey to Granada where you will be taken to your selected hotel in the city. Free evening to relax in the hotel or enjoy a local meal in the  numerous restaurants by the hotel.

Optional:Tapas tour on request

DAY SEVEN- Granada   

Guided visit to one of the most spectacular monuments in the world: The Alhambra including the Arab baths The Gardens and The Generalife

If you see only one town in Spain it should be GRANADA. Extraordinarily well preserved and in a  tremendous natural setting, stands the Alhambra  - the most exciting, sensual and romantic of all European monuments. It was the palace-fortress of the Nasrid sultans, rulers of the last Spanish Moorish kingdom, and in its construction Moorish art reached a spectacular and serene climax.
                                                               
Lunch in a cave in the Sacramonte quarter.  You will be able to sample exquisite local dishes in an outdoor terrace with magic views of the Alhambra.

We will then take a private panoramic of the city of Granada

The city of Granada has been shaped by the hills,  where the old districts in the Albaicin and the Alhambra were founded, brimming with steep, narrow streets, beautiful nooks and crannies and marvellous landscapes.

You will be guided through the monumental and romantic routes as well as the Cathedral and the new part of the city including the Museum of Federico Garcia Lorca                                                                              

We will then return to Hotel. Free evening.Restaurants and tapas bars recommended.

DAY EIGHT
Transfer to Granada airport  Subject to flight times.

Prices & Dates

COST PER PERSON IN EUROS       7nights/8days PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR 3 nights in Madrid, price based on Hotel Villa Real (5 star) 4 nights in Andalucia, price based on Villa Real in Madrid,  Casas de Juderia in Seville and Cordoba and Villa Oniria in Granada

for 2 persons for 4 people for 6 people 7nights/8days 2299.00 1649.00 on request         Suplements or Reductions             Madrid Hospes Madrid (5 star) +115 Euros p/p supplement  3 nights   Hotel Ada Palace (4 star) -60 Euros p/p 3 nights

Accommodation for this tour (I have chosen charming deluxe hotels with a typical decoration from the area)

Madrid Villa Real 5 star Seville Casa de Juderia 4 star Cordoba Casa de Juderia 5 star Granada Villa Oniria 4 star superior   This tour operates every week from April to October. November to March on request. - For the scaled pricing system, the total number of people in the tour refers to how many are actually booked for the particular week, and not to how many people you must have in your party. For example if you call to book two people and we already have two people booked, you will be paying the price designated to four people, if at a later day we book two more clients you will eventually pay the price designated to six people.(on request) We can also organize a similar tour subject to your requirements of number of people and days, budget etc, please e-mail us on info@theuniquetraveller.com. PRICE INCLUDES - Private return transfer from Madrid and Granada Airport by our executive vehicle - Transport included either public in the cities or private car in the day excursions. - Personalized English/Spanish speaking guide throughout the itinerary. - Seven nights accommodation based on double occupancy with private bath. Three nights in   Madrid and four nights in Andalucia. Price based on Villa Real in Madrid, Casas de Juderia in   - Seville (1 night) and Cordoba (1 night) and Villa Oniria in Granada (2 nights). - Seven full buffet breakfast - Private guided full day tour in Madrid visiting the Royal Palace and two museums. - Private guided full day tour to Toledo included entrances. - Private guided half day tour to El Escorial - Private return transfer in Seville, Cordoba and Granada from/to hotels by our executive   vehicle - Personalized English/Spanish speaking guide throughout the itinerary - Four nights accommodation based on double occupancy with private bath.  Two nights in   Granada, one night in Cordoba and one night in Seville. - Private guided tour to The Alhambra Palace - Gourmet lunch in Granada - Private guided panoramic of Granada including Sacromonte - Private guided tour of Cordoba and visit to the Mosque - Private panoramic of Seville including visits to the Cathedral, Giralda tower and Alcazar. - Sightseeing tour of Seville centre by horse carriage. - All entrances to the sites visited. - All surcharges and taxes WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED - Travel insurance - Flights or trains (AVE) - Tips - Meals not specified - Personal expenses - Optional visits                                             - All accommodation includes breakfast and tax - We can recommend nearer the time music shows in Madrid (Teatro Real) for the   evenings. There will be Opera, Musicals and Zarzuela performances. - The trains rate from Madrid to Seville, Seville to Cordoba and Cordoba to Granada will be quoted at the time of booking. Estimated price per person for the three train journeys 160 Euros per person.

 

Accommodation

 

IN MADRID
Hotel VILLA REAL  
Small luxury hotel of the world, 5 star hotel 

Location
A traditional and at the same time, contemporary hotel, for those who enjoy elegance, good taste and exquisite service. The hotel is set in the cultural heart of Madrid at a walking distance to the most important museums such as the Thyssen-Bornemisza. The Plaza del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Retiro Park are also nearby.

General Facilities
The best service, the most distinguished cuisine and its Roman mosaics, make the Villa Real a magnificent hotel. Facilities include a business centre, limousine service, car park,  24-hour room service , late breakfast up to 1 p.m. , complimentary national and international press, laundry and pressing service. Access to the Hotel Urban swimming pool (50 metres away).

Would you like to eat with Andy Warhol? At the Hotel Restaurant, “East 47” you can. The most delicious cuisine and the most delightful tapas.

Mosaics, original sculptures from Ancient Rome and a collection of Greek ampullas belonging to one of the most important private collections in Spain, make the Villa Real a distinguished hotel. All these works of art decorate the noble areas of the hotel, together with contemporary art by Guinovart, Warhol and Tàpies, which illuminate the remaining areas.

The rooms
115 bedrooms including suites and duplex suites, enabling you to separate leisure and business. Magnificent views of the city, the most distinguished service, pure luxury.

All  parquet flooring bedrooms are totally soundproof and have direct telephone line, mini-bar , music centre, TV with Canal Plus and satellite channels, Safe box . There is also wireless internet access in each room and you will find a hair dryer in the bathroom as well as a welcome gift.

IN SEVILLE
Casas de la Juderia in Sevilla
 (Typical Sevillian Houses) 4 star

Location
In the Jewish district, the "Judería", (Santa Cruz), one of the most typical areas of Seville, there once lived the Duke of Béjar, protector of Cervantes and member of one of the most famous families in Spanish aristocracy.

The ancient “Casas de la Judería” together with other nearby palaces formed a complex of lodges and accommodation for the House of Béjar, their servants and personnel. The first American Indians were accommodated here, brought by Christopher Columbus from his first journey.

General Facilities

The hotel “Casas de la Judería” is a woven complex of mansions united by inner courtyards. It shows the very image of authentic Andalusian architecture with its flowers, window grills made of forged steel and its fountains where every drop of water emits peace and tranquility. It offers a spa, rooftop swimming pool.
The property features courtyards and fountains. The swimming pool is surrounded by landscape gardens.
The hotel has a piano-bar open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., which you find in the “Salón del Marqués de Villamanrique”. You can enjoy live music here, every evening.

A splendid buffet breakfast is served every morning in the “Salón de los Espejos”. You can enjoy a wide selection of dishes, a wholefood corner as well as a menu of freshly prepared meals.
In the evening, our guests can enjoy dinner, mediterranean and international style, with a touch of Seville gastronomy.
During the summer season, dinner will be served outside in the “Corral de las Flores”.

The rooms

The hotel has 118 rooms - single rooms, double rooms, double with extra room and suites with classical decor, all with fully equipped bathrooms, including hair dryer and many of them with hydro massage shower, air conditioning, mini bar, safe deposit box, SAT-TV, telephone as well as all the facilities that you expect of a hotel of this category.

IN CORDOBA
Casas de la Juderia in Córdoba
(Typical Houses in Córdoba) 5 star
Charming hotel just metres from the Mezquita, composed of a set of houses in the sixteenth and seventeenth century, which mainly include patios, gardens with fountains and conservation of important coffered ceilings.
This is the perfect rehabilitation and conservation of some of the most unique buildings in the city, where visitors without leaving the hotel will know the most authentic Córdoba, highlighting the comfort of its facilities and those little details that make some different hotels.
Located in the historic centre of Cordoba, just metres away from La Mezquita, the Casas de la Judería combine modern facilities with historic buildings. There are many authentic, hand-made details

IN GRANADA
Villa Oniria
(4 star superior)
The building, decorated by Pascua Ortega, is an exquisite 19th century property that has been renovated to recreate the atmosphere of the ancient urban Andalusian mansions, an authentic residence brimming with light and quality. Water plays an important role in the hotel, in addition to the indoor water feature, complete with a fountain

There is a Moorish and a Gypsy Granada, a Granada that embraces its heritage and modernity, and another Granada that is proud of its history yet comfortable with its contemporary air. These three trends are evident in the hotel trade, and Villa Oniria is probably the most evident of the latter option.

Tour Pictures