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9
天 |
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The Ibero Romance |
9 days |
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9
天 |
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The Ibero Romance |
9 days |
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All
passengers to fly on own to France, in Cacassonne in south of
France. Upon arrival at the local airport, you will be met by
tour manager and driver. A short drive brings you to the city old
town. At the edge
of the River Aude. Here, on the opposite bank
is one of the most breathtaking sights in Europe, the old medieval town
of Carcassonne, known as La Cit? Dominated by the 12th century castle,
this ancient walled town is astoundingly beautiful. It was said to be
Walt Disney's inspiration for the castle in Sleeping Beauty. Entering
the old fortification, via the Narbonnaise towers and gate, we come face
to face with La Cite. The old town centre itself is half a mile from one
side to the other, with narrow cobbled streets and plenty of shops to
browse. Climb up to The Count's Castle, with its a square tower
and eight semi-circular towers, protected by a barbican. from here
looking out over endless miles of vineyards. (Western Dinner) |
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(Breakfast / Western Dinner) |
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Indeed
there are not many artists in the 19th century that could rival Spain抯
own prodigy - Antonio Gaudi and his team-mates. What is sad but true, is
these creators of arts are never as revered only after death. Gaudi left
a legacy that we are fortunate to be inspired by. This morning as we
return to the city, our path follows all of his works. At the incomplete
Church of Sagrada Familia, which ranks as one of the most extraordinary
buildings in the world, a master piece by Gaudi, we see the spectacular
towers and the unique structure which is now a national treasure. Then
to Casa Batllo, completed in 1906 for a wealthy family, your walk
through the house gives you depth to appreciate the genius in
authenticity. We come to Park Guell, the familiar Gaudi curves and
mosaic work are evident all over the park, such as the benches. Within
the 20 hectares park you will also find two pavilions joined by a
dividing wall that sets the main entrance. The hall of 96 columns serves
as a support for the upper plaza which was once intended to be the open
forum of the new 慻arden city development. Here you will also find
his home. After dinner, we head towards the University township of
Lerida. (Breakfast ) |
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In Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon Region. It is the culminant point in the valley of Ebro, Spain抯 most water-bearing river, in an impressive landscape. Founded some 2000 years ago, and Old-Iberians, Romans, Goths and Arabians equally left their heritage. We stop here for own lunch and time to wander in the largest Cathedral Squares in the region and to admire the Bas韑ica de Nuestra Se駉ra del Pilar, the town hall and it抯 shopping street. In the early evening, we journey through the mountainous region towards Madrid, passing massive red rock formations, dramatic peaks and the occasional hawk hovering above towering cliffs. Sit back, relax and take stock of a fascinating holiday of a lifetime towards Madrid Est. (Breakfast / Western Dinner) |
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Day 5 Madrid city tour / Palacio Real (Royal Palace visit)
(Breakfast / Chinese Dinner) |
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Day 6 El Escorial / Salamanca |
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Day 7 Salamanca / Fatima (Portugal) / Lisbon / Setubal |
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Day 8 Sintra and Estoril coastal circuit |
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Please surf these airlines for low airfare one way back from 1st choice - Lisbon (from 130 - 170 euro depending on the time booking is made, the earlier to better the deal.) |
There is never a
dull moment in the second largest city of Spain. The city tour takes us
into the Old and New Quarters, dissected by the famous La Ramblas
pedestrian mall - the focal point. Visit the Tetuan Square, Arch of
Triumph, the Magnificent Lau Seu Cathedral, and the Christopher Columbus
monument by the seafront. Then we drive up to Montjuic, site of the 1992
Summer Olympics for a panoramic view of the city by the sea. It is at
the Spanish Village where we end the day抯 tour with this highlight. All
the best samples of Catalonia and Spanish architecture are being
represented to you in a nutshell. Most of the " houses " are
handi-crafts Centres for arts and crafts which will no doubt catch your
interests. Later spent some free time at the Plaza Catalonia,
Barcelona抯 main shopping district and Cort des Inglais department
store. This evening, we arrive at our hotel on the seaside resort of
Costa Brava, and why not after dinner, stroll with friends to enjoy the
balmy night by the beach?.
City and the Casa
del Campo park. See Barrio de la Moreiria, the elegant square of
Puerta de Sol - Spain's favourite plaza, the landmark fountain
of Neptune and Cibeles, the impressive Alcala Arch, the
Bullring, the New Madrid and finally Plaza Mayor, the most
important architectural and historical landmark in Madrid, built
in the 17th century where one can find numerous shops, markets,
lively theatres and restaurants, palaces and splendid bridges.
In
the morning, we come to El Escorial, one of the everlasting
monuments commissioned by Felipe II. It includes a church; monastery;
library; royal mausoleum and imperial Palace all rolled in to one world
heritage building of today. The Palace was intended to combine all the
functions of Church and state. It also contains the bodies of all but
two of the kings of Spain from Charles V to Alfonso XIII. Visit it on
your own (Ticket pay at the gate; appointed palace guide is available at
the ticket desk) within it gives us an intriguing insight into the mind
of Philip II, who erected it in a barren and severe setting as a
memorial to his father, `to offer respect and honour to death,' At close
range the beauty of the palace's ornamentation and of its pools and
gardens can be seen; but one can also view the small, bare and poorly
furnished cell in which Philip chose to die. It is this mixture of royal
grandeur and monastic austerity that makes El Escorial unique. Later,
time to savour the splendid edifice and surroundings. This evening, we
come face to the "OXFORD" of Spain, the most important University town -
Salamanca.
Salamanca
is a small and friendly Spanish university town. Many students from all
over are seen, whether to study Spanish or learn another subject
Salamanca is not only a learning center in the country, also a
distinguished establishment for many centuries. A short stroll through
the township, we see the two Cathedrals, the most beautiful squares of
Spain that is the Plaza Mayor, and that unique facade of the Casa de Las
Conchas or simply "house of the shells". We then continue our
journey, to feel the Portuguese air titillating our senses in the
afternoon. We are in the village of Fatima. Home to 3 shepherds - Lucy,
Francisco and Jacinta. These were the three children who had seen the
vision of The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared, a total of 6 times
between May 13 and October 13, 1917. She came to the little village of
Fatima which had remained faithful to the Catholic Church. Today, tens
of millions tourists or pilgrims around to world has set foot in the
shrine. One could either simply light a candle or devote a lengthy
period of meditation. You will find this place most fascinating. The
pristine white basilica in the neoclassic style was erected at one end
of the wide square. If you wish to go inside, be prepared to be suitably
dressed. Women are asked not to enter wearing slacks or "other masculine
attire." Men wearing shorts are also excluded. Still, for the rest,
there are shops, cafes and stalls to browse with yet more opportunity to
learn the stories that evolves around this famous township. Before
dinner we enjoy a video presentation by the Consolata Fathers on the
history of Fatima. Continue to Lisbon for your dinner before checking in
the hotel.
It can be said that if you
come to Portugal and Lisbon, it is mandatory to visit the northern
Coast! Ostentatiously named as "the end of the earth", which is
indeed an exhilarating experience when you come right to edge of the
European Continent. The endless horizon is the Atlantic Ocean, at this
point, here in Cape Roca, the lonely lighthouse stands. This is the spot
where you stand at the furthermost edge on the European Continent. Why
not have a certificate printed here, a great souvenir for all visitors.
We continue our scenic drive along the shimmering sea along the Estoril
Coast. It will always be remembered as a place of charm, having several
attractions like its famous beaches and the pretty towns of Estoril and
Cascais. There is the town of Sintra and its natural surroundings,
confirmed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site! An encounter with
the History and Culture of Portugal in the afternoon as we make an
orientation drive in the capital - Lisbon. Spread across seven hills,
Lisbon offers many delightful and distinctive regions to discover. The
Alfama Hill is the oldest part of the city and is crowned by Castelo de
S鉶 Jorge (St George's Castle). The Baixa is the heart of the city where
best shopping could be found. To the west of the city is Bel閙, boasting
two world heritage sites - the Torre de Bel閙 (Bel閙 Tower) and the
