A Taste of Iberia - Lisbon & Madrid.
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$2399 includes air, hotels, and more!
September 4th - 12th, 2019. The weather is perfect. The heat of the summer is gone... and so are the crowds. As far back as you can go, the Iberian people have developed distinct cultures and traditions. Separated from France by the towering Pyrenees Mountains, this region’s history and culture frequently evolved with an often-iconic non-European character. Expose your senses to the flavorful food, wine, art and enticing climate of Spain and Portugal. The Iberian Peninsula really is a true example of riches for every sense and interest.
The nine day package includes all direct nonstop flights from Newark to Madrid and then onto Lisbon and back to Newark, all air taxes and fuel surcharges, all transfers between airports and hotels in Spain and Portugal, three nights in the Hotel Gavinet in the heart of Madrid within walking distance to all the sights, Four nights in one of the best hotels Bessa Hotel Liberdade in downtown Lisbon right in the heart of the city, half day city tours of Lisbon and Madrid upon arrival, breakfasts daily and a pre departure meeting and orientation before we go. The Hotels. Both of these hotels are in fantastic locations for walking to all the major sights and public transportation. The Gavinet in Madrid is just a 10 minute walk to the Plaza Mayor and many other sights, while the Bessa Liberdade is right in the middle of it all, and is rated as one of the top hotels in Lisbon. Prices are based on double occupancy. There is a single supplement fee of $799. Airport departure taxed and fuel surcharges are included but subject to change until time of booking, Round trip transportation from Easton to the airport will be available for an additional charge. The cities of Lisbon and Madrid make a prefect pair for an introduction to the Iberian peninsula. Some of the best food and wine in Europe, steeped in a rich history and set in a backdrop of amazing architecture. Soak up the art, culture and sunshine and enjoy a glorious week.
Madrid is the capital of Spain. Located in the geographic center of the Iberian peninsula, Madrid has it all. The Arts -Three galleries in particular are giants – the Museo del Prado, Centro de Arte Reina Sofía and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza – but in Madrid these are merely good places to start. Spanish kings and queens have been collecting art for centuries... here you'll find everything from home-grown talents such as Goya and Velázquez to Flemish and Italian greats. Masterpieces by these and other Spanish painters such as Picasso, Dalí and Miró are waiting for you there. The Food - Madrid has evolved into one of the richest culinary capitals of Europe. The city has wholeheartedly embraced all the creativity and innovation of Spain’s gastronomic revolution. From tapas in sleek temples to all that’s new to sit-down meals beneath centuries-old vaulted ceilings, eating in Madrid is a genuine pleasure. And let us not forget the wine... tempranillo, granache, albarino ... to name but a few. The Nightlife - Madrid nights are the stuff of legend, and the perfect complement to the more sedate charms of fine arts and fine dining. The city may have more bars than any other city on earth – but that only goes some way to explaining the appeal of after-dark Madrid. Step out into the night-time streets of many barrios and you’ll find yourself swept along on a tide of people, accompanied by a happy crowd intent on dancing until dawn. The Architecture - Spain's broad sweep of architectural history provides a glorious backdrop to city life, from medieval mansions and royal palaces to the unimagined angles of Spanish contemporary architecture, from the sober brickwork and slate spires of Madrid baroque to the extravagant confections of the belle époque. Put simply, this is one beautiful city. Lisbon, or Lisboa, is quite possibly the coolest capital in Europe. It has the best seafood in the world in my humble opinion, and a hip contemporary culture that is alive and thriving. Dining in Lisbon is far more dynamic than navigating countless preparations of Portugal's beloved bacalhau (dried and salted cod fish; 365 recipes and counting!). While bacalhau à Brás(shredded cod with onions, eggs and potatoes; a Bairro Alto original) is never far, Lisbon's strategic seaside position on Europe's doorstep means a bounty of fresh seafood (octopus, tuna, monkfish, shrimp, sardines, clams, snails) rules the city's kitchens, from Michelin-starred restaurants to gourmet-food markets to countless corner tascas (taverns). Top-grade Alentejan beef beckons with juicy steaks and gourmet burgers, and you'll find everything from tantalising Indian curries to authentic Moroccan couscous in between. There are some fantastic easy daytrips from Lisbon too. A visit to Cascais on the coast or Sintra to see the medieval Moorish castle standing guard over the city below. Itinerary
September 4, 2019. Wednesday Day 1 - Departure Meet at Park n Ride at Rt 33 & William Penn Highway for our ride to Newark Liberty International airport. Overnight flight to Madrid on United flight 51 departing at 8:05 PM . Details to follow.. September 5, 2019. Thursday Day 2 Arrive to the airport in Madrid on Thursday morning and meet our coach and our local guide for the ride over to our Hotel and an orientation tour of the city. After check-in we'll meet in the lobby at 3:00 PM for a special visit to Mahou - San Miguel brewery for a tour and tasting. The rest of the evening is free at your leisure. Overnight at the Gavinet Hotel, Madrid. September 6, 2019. Friday Day 3 Breakfast served at hotel. Day free at your leisure. Suggest: Visit the Prado Museum, the Plaza Mayor and nearby markets. So much to see and do! Overnight at the Gavinet Hotel, Madrid. September 7, 2019. Saturday Day 4 Breakfast served at hotel. Day free at your leisure. Suggest: Maybe a short train ride to historic Toledo to wander the labyrinth cobblestone streets of the medieval city center. Overnight at the Gavinet Hotel, Madrid. September 8, 2019. Sunday Day 5 Breakfast served at hotel. Transfer by private coach to the airport for a short hop over to Lisbon on Iberia airlines. Upon arrival we’ll have a guided tour of the city to get our bearings before checking into the fabulous Bessa Liberdade Hotel in downtown Lisbon. September 9, 2019. Monday Day 6 Breakfast served at hotel. Day free at your leisure. Optional tour to Obidos and Nazare. Details to follow Overnight at the Bessa Liberdade Hotel, Lisbon. September 10, 2019. Tuesday Day 7 Breakfast served at hotel. Day free at your leisure. Suggest: a scenic train ride along the coast to Cascais, or to Sintra with it's 12th century Moorish castle. Overnight at the Bessa Liberdade Hotel, Lisbon. September 11, 2019. Wednesday Day 8 Breakfast served at hotel. Day free at your leisure. Suggest: Take a ride up to the Bairro Alto neighborhood on the famous Gloria Funicular, located just a few steps from our front door.Overnight at the Bessa Liberdade Hotel, Lisbon. September 12, 2019. Thursday Day 9 After breakfast at the hotel we’ll make our way to the airport for our United Flight 65 home, departing at 10:25 AM and arriving in Newark at 1:35 PM. We should be back in Easton in time for dinner! |