PRE - SPANISH CAPITALS, MADRID AND BARCELONA
Code: mddl01
Note: This program begins in Madrid therefore incoming flights must be booked into Madrid Airport.
Embrace the joys of urban Spain through the glorious architecture, artistry and nightlife in the proud capital of Madrid and in sophisticated Barcelona, the capital of the autonomous Catalonia region.
Day 1
Meet your English-speaking guide at the Madrid Airport for the transfer to your hotel, the Tryp Madrid Ambassador or similar. Located in the historic heart of Madrid, the elegant hotel is close to landmarks such as the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, Theatre de la Opera and the Senate. In fact, the hotel is a landmark itself, as it was built within the 19th-century palace of the Dukes of Granada de Ega.
After settling in, you may wish to explore on your own, especially the attractions within easy walking distance such as the Royal Palace. Although it hasn't been a royal residence since 1931, the palace is historically important and often used for state business. It's the largest palace in Western Europe.
In the evening, enjoy a wonderful welcome dinner at the hotel.
Day 2
After breakfast, your English-speaking guide will meet you for a half-day city tour that begins with an exploration of the revered Prado Museum. Inside the 18th-century neoclassical building, some of the world's most acclaimed and famed art is displayed. Masterpieces from Spain's Velázquez and Goya, Italy's Raphael, and Germany's Dürer are always on exhibit, including thousands of other key works.
Afterwards, enjoy a panoramic drive through Madrid, Spain's capital since 1562. Located atop a plateau, Madrid has the distinction of being Europe's highest capital. You will gain great insight into the lifestyle as you drive along the city streets such as Gran Via, which is lined with early 20th-century architecture. Attractions along the way include the Parliament House and Puerta del Sol, Madrid's historical and geographical heart, a plaza named for the city's 15th-century eastern gate, where the rising sun bathed the city in light.
Madrid also shines at night, as you will discover at Las Carboneras (or a similar venue), where you will be treated to an authentic tapas dinner, accompanied by a passionate Flamenco performance. (Please note that Flamenco venue is not exclusive). Afterwards, you will transfer back to the hotel for the evening.
Day 3
After breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and drive to Atocha, Madrid's first and largest train station. Here, you will board the AVE high-speed train for a picturesque, 3.5-hour journey to Barcelona. Your guide will be waiting to accompany you to the elegant Hotel NH Calderón in the center of the city.
At the hotel, you will receive a ticket for the Barcelona Hop on, Hop off Tourist Bus and a map noting the city's must-see attractions. The ticket is valid for 24 hours.
You will have the remainder of the day to explore Barcelona on your own, and there is plenty to see and do. You might wander about the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, behold famed architect Antoni Gaudi's unfinished and controversial Church of the Holy Family, and stroll tree-lined La Ramblas, a long, wide avenue lined with extraordinary shops and restaurants. For a spectacular view of Barcelona, take the funicular to the Tibidabo hilltop and ride the glass elevator to the observation tower's top.
Day 4
After breakfast you will check out of the hotel (by 12nn) and you will be transferred to Barcelona port to embark your cruise in the afternoon. Enjoy some leisure time in the city before your transfer. Luggage will be stored at the hotel until your transfer.
Land Program Step by Step:
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. The indicated times are approximate and provided here only for general reference.
EXTRA NIGHTS: Should you book any extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met per the flight details provided and transferred to the Tryp Madrid Ambassador Hotel in Madrid. Note that check in time is 3:00pm. Kindly ensure that the cruise line has your most up to date flight details.
DAY ONE
Arrive to Madrid Airport via your international flight and transfer to your hotel in Madrid.
Check in is 3:00pm. Although every effort will be made to have the rooms available before this time, this cannot be guaranteed. Lunch and afternoon at your leisure
8:00pm-9:00pm Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at the hotel
DAY TWO
8:00am-9:00am Breakfast at the hotel (included)
9:00am-1:00pm Half-day Madrid city tour
1:00pm-7:00pm Lunch and afternoon at your leisure
7:00pm-7:30pm Transfer to Las Carboneras or similar venue
7:30pm-8:30pm Tapas dinner at Las Carboneras or similar venue
8:30pm-9:30pm Flamenco show at Las Carboneras or similar venue
9:30pm-10:00pm Transfer back to the hotel
Overnight at the hotel
**For guests with more than one suitcase each - due to limited space on the train as well as the fact that there is no porter assistance at the train stations, our local ground operator will collect 1 piece of luggage from each guest at the hotel on this day. These bags will be delivered directly to your stateroom on board the ship. Please pack accordingly for this.
DAY THREE
8:00am-9:00am Breakfast at the hotel (included)
9:00am-9:30am Transfer to Atocha train station
9:30am-1:00pm AVE high-speed train ride to Barcelona (***Subject to change)
1:00pm-1:30pm Transfer from Sants train station to hotel in Barcelona
1:30pm-2:00pm Check in at hotel and receive Tourist City Bus tickets
Rest of the day at your leisure
Overnight at the hotel
** Train departure time to be confirmed. There is one train each hour from Madrid to Barcelona.
DAY FOUR
8:00am-9:00am Breakfast at the Hotel (included), check out of the Hotel
Morning and lunch at leisure
4:00pm Transfer from Hotel to vessel
4:30pm Embark ship
Expected Weather:
April: average temperature 12º C
May: average temperature 15º C
June: average temperature 20º C
September: average temperature 22º C
October: average temperature 15º C
November: average temperature 10º C
What to Bring: Comfortable clothes and shoes, sun protection, umbrellas, cameras, etc.
Currency: Euro
Electricity: 220 Volt. Remember to bring a converter.
Luggage: All luggage will travel with guests on the train.
Documents and Visa Requirements: Valid passport.
Accommodations:
Madrid: Tryp Madrid Ambassador or a similar centrally located hotel.
Barcelona: Hotel NH Calederón or a similar centrally located hotel.
*We will only source different hotels in unforseen situations. If similar hotels are required they will be of equal ratings and standards.
Program Includes for guests:
All services and meals listed above
Standard seating on the AVE High Speed Train
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the most current and updated arrival information so your transfer can be arranged. Should you book any additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
Personal expenses, extras at the hotel, food and beverage services where not specified, porterage at the hotels.
*Important Note: Barcelona is evaluating the possibility of introducing a city tax, which would have to be paid by each guest directly at the hotel.
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
PRE - SPANISH CAPITALS, MADRID AND BARCE
Price: $1,399.00 per guest based on double occupancy.
PRE - SPANISH CAPITALS (CONCIERGE) (Concierge-Level Suites and Above Only)
Price: $1,328.00 per guest based on double occupancy.