Day 1
-
Make your own way to Madrid to join the tour on day 2.
Day 2
- Arrival in Madrid, Spain
Time to rest or to join the locals in El Retiro Park. At 6 p.m.
meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and have a welcome
dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 3
- Madrid
The capital since 1561, Madrid today is a strikingly modern
city, the showcase of a country resolutely turned towards the
future. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide takes you to the
Puerta del Sol, Plaza de España with its monument to
Cervantes, the Parliament, Cibeles fountain, elegant Calle Alcala,
and Paseo de Castellana. Then the highlight: a visit to the
palatial PRADO MUSEUM with its priceless art treasures. The
afternoon is at leisure. An optional excursion to El Escorial and
the Valley of the fallen can be arranged. (BB)
Day 4
- Madrid-Segovia-Burgos-Vitoria
Head into beautiful Castile, "the province of the castles."
Cross the rugged Sierra de Guadarrama on the way to Segovia, famous
for its Alcazar and the 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct. In Burgos,
see the magnificent limestone Cathedral of Santa Maria where the
legendary El Cid is buried. Afternoon arrival in Vitoria with time
for a stroll through this ancient Basque city's delightful historic
center. (BB,D)
Day 5
- Vitoria-Bilbao-San Sebastian-Pamplona
This morning travel to Bilbao, the great port city of the Basque
region for a guided visit to the GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM, an amazing feat
of construction created by the North American architect Frank O.
Gehry. Stop in lovely San Sebastian, the "Pearl of the Cantabrian
Coast," before arriving in Pamplona at the foot of the Pyrenees.
(BB,D)
Day 6
- Pamplona-Saragossa-Barcelona
Enjoy vistas of Rioja wine country on the way to Saragossa. Stop
on PLAZA DEL PILAR, one of Spain's grandest squares. free time to
visit the Basilica Our Lady of the Pillar where according to
legends the Virgin appeared to St. James. Then to Barcelona,
Spain's second-largest city and the host of the Olympic Games of
1992. (BB,D)
Day 7
- Barcelona
Sightseeing with a Local Guide features the COLUMBUS MONUMENT,
elegant tree-lined Ramblas and Plaza de Cataluna, Paseo de Gracia,
the Church of the Holy family, a panoramic view of the city and
harbor from Monjuich Hill, and a visit to the Cathedral of SANTA
EULALIA. Afternoon at leisure. An optional excursion to Montserrat
can be arranged. Why not join an optional dinner at a typical
Catalonian restaurant? (BB)
Day 8
- Barcelona-Valencia
Along the coast to Valencia, once a royal capital. Valencia's
Roman, Moorish, and Spanish history comes alive when your Local
Guide takes you on a tour including the Town Hall, La Lonja, the
bull ring, the massive gateway towers of Serranos and Quart, and
the new Arts and Science Complex designed by the famous Valencian
architect Calatrava. Next visit awesome LA SEO CATHEDRAL (closed on
Sundays for group visits). (BB,D)
Day 9
- Valencia-Granada
Further along the coastline to Alicante, then inland towards the
mountains. Pass troglodyte cave dwellings hollowed out of the soft
tufa stone near Guadix and Purullena and cross Mora Pass on your
way to the splendors of Granada. (BB,D)
Day 10
- Granada-Torremolinos
Sightseeing with a Local Guide features Granada's main
attraction, the ALHAMBRA, a fantasy of "lace in stone" surrounded
by arabesque gardens and fountains. Also amble through the exotic
WATER GARDENS Of THE GENERALIFE. Then a short drive down to your
hotel at the Costa del Sol. Tonight why not sample the seafood
restaurants for which this resort is famous? (BB)
Day 11
- At Leisure in Torremolinos
A whole day at leisure at your beachfront hotel. In the late
afternoon why not join an optional excursion for a pleasant drive
and meal at a charming Pueblo Blanco overlooking the Mediterranean
coast? (BB)
Day 12
- Torremolinos-Gibraltar-Seville
Drive to the ROCK OF GIBRALTAR, in British hands since 1704.
Hear about its turbulent history and see the Moorish Castle, ST.
MICHAEL'S CAVES, and the colony of Barbary apes. Then on through
the sunny sherry wine region on the Costa de la Luz to vibrant,
festive Seville. (BB,D)
Day 13
- Seville
Listen to your Local Guide's account of the Andalusian city's
role in Roman times, its conquest by the Moors in 712, and its
contribution to the discovery of the New World. Admire MARIA LUISA
PARK. Drive to the Plaza de España, the Gold Tower on the
Guadalquivir River, and the university that used to be the tobacco
factory of Carmen fame. Visit the CATHEDRAL with Columbus' tomb and
stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming SANTA CRUZ QUARTER.
The rest of the day is at leisure. for a truly Andalusian night out
reserve a seat at our optional flamenco show. (BB)
Day 14
- Seville-Toledo-Madrid
Through the arid landscapes of Don Quixote's La Mancha to
Toledo, spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a
loop of the Tagus River. A Local Guide takes you to the Moorish
bridge, an early SYNAGOGUE, the 13th-century GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, and
the Church of SANTO TOMÉ with one of El Greco's most famous
paintings. Time to visit a DAMASCENE STEEL WORKSHOP. Tonight, why
not join an optional dinner outing to celebrate the success of your
Spanish vacation? (BB)
Day 15
-
Leave the tour to make your way home.
Other Information -
Every Journey
Tells a Story
A Globus Journey. When you travel with Globus, you get more
than the sights. You get the stories behind them that bring a
destination to life, creating unforgettable journeys.
Let Globus take you to places that expand your horizons and
encourage personal discovery. Experience a destination in a deeper,
more memorable way-the Globus way.
The Globus
Difference
Globus vacations are designed to offer you flexibility and choice,
plus a pace that best fits the way you want to travel. Globus
offers MORE included features, MORE quality hotels, and MORE
experience with more than 75 years of taking travellers on
unforgettable journeys. In addition, Globus offers MORE value with
an average price less per day than our nearest competitor. The
safety of our travellers and the richness of our vacations is a
priority, and it is what has made Globus the worldwide leader in
travel and a name you can trust.
With Globus, you visit the key sights, but, more importantly, you
learn the stories behind the sights-from the Sistine Chapel, the
Colosseum and the Forum in Rome, to the Prado Museum in Madrid and
Michelangelo's David in the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, your
journey is filled with insider's information unique to your Globus
vacation. You'll also enjoy many inclusions such as cruises,
high-speed trains, and Local Guides. We offer over twice the number
of included features as our nearest competitor, without any
additional cost to you.
Globus not only brings you the experiences that others simply don't
offer, we also ensure that you end up with more free time to enjoy
your destination on your own. Most competitors require you to take
extra optional excursions to see these important sights, costing
you additional time and money. And, if you don't join their
excursion, you'll spend most of your time waiting in line. But with
Globus, these sights are already included, freeing up the remainder
of your time to enjoy independent activities.
Leave all the details to us. We provide a Tour Director,
comfortable transportation, many meals, a rich sightseeing
programme and much more!
Accurate,
detailed tour descriptions -
Read our tour descriptions and you'll understand the true value
of our tours. The agenda for each day is spelled out so that you
know exactly what is included in the price. Inside visits are
spelled out in UPPERCASE. With Globus you don't have to guess.
Compare what we give you in a tour with what other companies
offer-and then compare prices. You'll see why knowledgeable
travelers consider Globus vacations the best value on the market
with even more savings in the off season.
Saving Options -
Various reductions are possible: group reduction, child reduction,
triple room reduction, multiple tour reduction
Discount for young
tour members
Share the pleasure of a Globus
tour with your children and grandchildren and take advantage of a
10 percent discount on the land-only price. For eligibility,
children must be under 18 years old on the departure date, and must
be accompanied by an adult.
On escorted tours we do not accept children under eight years old
because we've found that they are too young to enjoy these
vacations.
On Monograms-Independent Vacations there is no age
restriction.
New! For
Monograms-Independent Vacations the following land only discounts
apply:
- Free of charge: infants under 2 years of age sharing adult's
accommodation
- 50% discount: under 12 years of age when sharing accommodation
with two adults
- 10% discount: under 18 years of age
Note: We recommend that children under 12 years of age share
accommodation with an adult.
Triple room
reduction
On most Globus tours you receive a reduction when three people
travel together and share the same accommodation. Triple room
reductions are listed on the tour pages. A word of caution: Triple
rooms usually are not larger than twin rooms, and the third bed, if
there is one, is often a rollaway put in a twin-bedded room for the
night.
Avoid the single room
supplement
Single rooms are expensive and often are quite small. We do not
take reservations on a "share" basis because we have found that
strangers rarely enjoy sharing a room for the duration of a
vacation. Sidestep the single room supplement by travelling with a
friend. It's less expensive and much more fun!
Pay less for your second
tour
We charge you list price for your first vacation in 2007, but
for every additional Globus vacation that you take in the same
year, you pay US$35 under list. It's fun to combine vacations to
make the perfect trip, or ask your travel agent for suggestions.
This discount does not apply if one of the vacations is a single
city stay Monograms vacation.
Consecutive vacations can be booked with or without transatlantic
flights. Any intra-European flights between vacations cannot be
reserved as part of the Globus package. Please ask your travel
agent to reserve and ticket such flights for you.
Save by forming your own
group
If you form your own group, you'll receive the following rebates
on the land arrangement of your tour. On vacations to Mexico and
vacations including a cruise of three or more nights, one person
travels free in a group of 32; while one person travels at half
price in a group of 16. On River Cruise Vacations, one person
travels free in a group of 16.
On all other tours, one person travels free in a group of 16; one
person travels at half price in a group of eight.
These rebates are applicable to land-only prices (not air-inclusive
prices). Free and half-price land arrangements are credited at the
twin rate; single room supplements have to be paid in full.
Tour conditions for group bookings may differ from those for
individual bookings.
Joining late and leaving
early
Many Globus land arrangements start and end in London. If you
have already spent time in the British capital, you may want to
skip one or more of the included London nights or even join at the
first overnight hotel on the Continent. Call your Travel Consultant
for any reductions that apply to your vacation for joining late or
leaving early. Vacations with these reductions are sold on a
land-only basis.
It's in your interest to
book early
Plan your vacation in advance, and book your tour as soon as
possible to guard against the disappointment of not finding space.
Many Globus tours sell out months before the departure date.
And remember, the moment we receive your deposit your land price is
guaranteed.
This is valuable protection against currency fluctuations and other
cost increases. So please don't wait. Contact your travel agent now
for a vacation you'll never forget!
Help Along The Way -
Professional Tour Director while touring, Cruise Director on
river cruises, Local Host services on independent vacations, and
hosts to assist you at airports and hotels.
Hotels -
Twin-bedded rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes,
service charges, and tips for baggage handling.
Globus Hotels
Set the Standard for First-class Touring
At the end of a busy day of sightseeing, you want to relax in
comfortable, clean, attractive accommodations. At our first-class,
conveniently located hotels, you'll always feel welcome and well
looked after.
We know that excellent accommodations are of paramount
importance to your enjoyment on tour. Our hotels--many of them
through long association with us--have mastered the art of handling
group check-ins and baggage speedily, preparing tasty and wholesome
meals, and balancing the need for efficiency with the desire of
each traveller to receive individual attention.
You won't be surprised with any hidden charges when you check
out of your Globus hotel. All hotel taxes and tips for restaurant
service and baggage handling are included in the price of your
tour.
Hotel
locations maximize your sightseeing time
We take extra care to select downtown locations for our
independent tours and for longer stays on escorted tours, when your
itinerary features days at leisure to explore on your own.
When your itinerary allows time only for a good night's sleep
between two busy sightseeing days, our expert contractors sometimes
sensibly opt for quiet residential areas.
And you'll be delighted with our choice of hotels in scenic
countryside locations. Wake up to the sound of cow bells, take a
morning walk in crisp mountain air, enjoy glorious panoramic views
of the majestic Alps or the Norwegian fjord country.
Superior
accommodation
Globus uses chains such as Crowne Plaza, Forte, Hilton, Holiday
Inn, Hyatt, Inter-Continental, Jolly, Queens Moat Houses, Marriott,
Mövenpick, Radisson SAS, Renaissance, Scandic, Sheraton,
Sofitel, Thistle and Westin.
The specific hotels we have selected for you are listed
separately for each tour. The vast majority of our hotels are rated
deluxe (D), superior first-class (SF), or first-class (F). In
overnight places where there is no hotel in these categories or
where our demand exceeds the supply, we choose the best available
superior tourist-class (ST) hotels.
Most hotels have amenities such as satellite TV, mini-bar, a
cocktail lounge, a restaurant, room service and concierge services.
Many also have a swimming pool, health club, shops, and dry
cleaning and laundry services.
Globus hotel ratings follow standards set by the independent
Official Hotel Guide (OHG) or by national tourist boards. The
specific rating for each contract hotel is determined by our
quality controllers.
We reserve the right to substitute hotels listed on the tour
pages with hotels of equivalent standard. With your Globus travel
documents you'll receive a list of hotel addresses, telephone
numbers, and fax numbers for your tour.
Transportation -
Including private deluxe motor coach with air-conditioning and
extra leg room.
We
offer many modes of transportation, from trains and motor coaches
to cruise ships and ferries. Each is selected and designed with
comfort in mind.
Coaches
-
Each Globus motor coach has upholstered, reclining seats with
headrests and individual air-conditioning vents. A high-fidelity
sound system broadcasts your Tour Director's commentary to every
seat. Our custom of daily seat rotation gives everyone a variety of
vantage points to see the passing countryside and city scenes.
Limited group size for extra comfort
The length and width of modern motor coaches is standard,
prescribed by law. The difference among tour operators is in the
number of seats installed and actually sold. While it is customary
to install and sell 53 seats, Globus installs fewer seats for extra
leg room, and limits group size to a maximum of 46 tour members.
The extra space contributes enormously to your comfort. For airport
and port transfers in Britain we generally use motor coaches with
53 seats.
Smoke-free coaches
For non-smokers and
moderate smokers an otherwise perfect vacation can be spoiled if
they are forced to inhale other people's smoke on a motor coach. We
therefore do not allow smoking on the coach. There are plenty of
opportunities to smoke during the frequent stops.
Globus drivers are experienced professionals
Globus drivers take pride in driving and in their vehicles, keeping
them in great shape and spotlessly clean. Your driver will help you
on and off the motor coach with a smile and load your bags with
care. Our travellers consistently lavish the highest praise on the
person behind the wheel!
Trains,
Ferries, Cruises and Gondola Rides -
Many of our itineraries include cruises, river jet boat and
mountain gondola rides, whale-watching expeditions, and journeys by
train. Experience the ultra-modern Eurostar train from Rome to
Florence and the exciting high-speed AVE train from Madrid to
Seville. In the Canadian Rockies, you might take one of the sleek,
ultra-modern BC Ferries or, if travelling by railcar in Canada or
Alaska, enjoy travel operated by VIA Rail ®. Other fascinating
Globus vacations feature cruises on the Rhine or Venetian Canals to
enhance your travel experience.
Ships and
River Cruises -
Globus provides the most spacious and newest ships from Avalon
Waterways. Features include unmatched luxury, fine dining, larger
accommodations and impeccable service. Whether you're travelling
Europe, Russia or China-on a Globus river cruise, you'll always
feel well looked after.
