Trafalgar Tour Spain, Morocco and Portugal 2012

Posted on Friday, November 25, 2011

Trafalgar Featured Tour:

Spain, Morocco and Portugal 2012 
Beginning and ending in Madrid

The sunny Mediterranean coastline, the plains of La Mancha, verdant vineyards and Morocco’s Atlas Mountains - changing landscapes, cultural differences and culinary treats make your tour of Spain, Morocco and Portugal a sheer delight!

Insider Highlights: Hidden Treasure Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure experience, unique to your itinerary, courtesy of your expert Travel Director. Be My Guest Andalusian dinner in an authentic hacienda

15 nights from $3,299 per person

Spirited Spain

Posted on Tuesday, November 22, 2011

For city lovers, Spain tours offers plenty of choices, but the best place to start is in the country’s capital, Madrid. The city is an art lover’s dream with some of the most highly regarded museums in the world. The Prado has the world’s foremost collection of original Spanish paintings while the Thyssen Bornemisza’s 13th century to late 20th century European works include outstanding pieces from the Old Masters and Impressionists. And the Reina Sofía’s modern art collection ranges from Cubism to Abstract and beyond. After your visit to the museums, Madrid’s location makes it a perfect gateway to smaller cities like Toledo, Segovia, Avila and Cuenca.

Barcelona also has a fascinating artistic heritage. The city was home to many famous artists like Dalí, Gaudí, Miró and, for a time, Picasso. But where Barcelona really shines is its architecture and history, with Roman ruins, a medieval Gothic Quarter and some of the world’s most beautiful Modernist buildings. Around all these beautiful structures, Barcelona’s streets teem with energy. Take a moment to stroll down the famous Ramblas, bustling with street entertainers, mimes and flower sellers. The vibrant Catalonian capital also offers fabulous dining from Michelin-rated restaurants to the plethora of food stalls at La Boquería, the historic food market in operation since 1836.

Thanks to native son Santiago Calatrava’s futuristic $2.8 billion City of Arts & Sciences, Spain’s third-largest city, Valencia, has blossomed into a fashionable new destination. Calatrava’s fascinating complex includes a science museum, planetarium, aquarium and performing arts center and has permanently put this charming Mediterranean port city on the tourist map.

If country life is more your speed, Spain has many options. Regions like Extremadura and Castile-La Mancha are dotted with picturesque villages. For science buffs, Asturias features fascinating Jurassic-era archaeological sites. And regions like Rioja and Navarre are filling up with trendy new wineries offering tastes of local vintages.

If history is your thing, Andalusia will astound you. The area has been called the “soul” of Spain because of its rich mix of religious heritage – Christian, Moorish and Jewish – that has played a monumental role in making Spain the country it is today. Andalusia’s man-made beauty is best represented in the sampling of religious architecture found in the region. Cordoba’s Mezquita Mosque is as ornate as it is enormous. Granada’s Moorish palace, Alhambra, is a formidable fortress looming over the city that is softened and beautified by the Generalife gardens that surround it. And the Moorish fortress Alcázar in Seville, a World Heritage Site, has been guarding the city since the 14th century. Architecture isn’t the only area in which Andalusia has blazed trails in its history, however. It is also the birthplace of two iconic Spanish favorites – flamenco and tapas – and the region’s cities and towns offer many delightful places to enjoy both.

Understanding Escorted Tour Itineraries

Posted on Monday, October 31, 2011

Thinking about taking an escorted tour?  Here is a glossary of some common terms used in our itineraries:

Visit - Your coach will stop and you'll get to visit a specific site.
View - A brief stop and an opportunity to take photos.
See - Your Insight coach will drive by the site so that you can see it.
Sightseeing tour - A local city guide will accompany you on a tour of a city or site.
Orientation tour - Places of interest are pointed out, allowing you to go and explore them on your own.
'Why not see' or 'perhaps enjoy' - These phrases refer to optional excursions not included in the tour package, but are available for an additional fee.
Time to explore and discover - Free time on your own.
A day to relax - No planned activities; time for optional excursions or other independent activities.

Our tour specialists are always available to help you understand what is included on a tour vacation, so that you can plan how much money to budget on your European vacation.

Andalusia & Valencia

Posted on Monday, October 17, 2011

While Spain's major cities offer endless amusements, a smaller and more quaint provincial Spain unveils the true Spanish character. In picturesque towns that have charmed visitors since the beginning of time, you will become elated by the captivating sights and the gracious Spanish people.

Andalusia is known as the scenic and sun-dappled southern region of Spain, where gently rolling hills of olive and orange groves run virtually straight to the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean.

The highlight of Andalusia is Seville, with its magnificent cathedral, stone alleyways and strolling gypsies singing age-old ballads. Granada is nestled in the foothills of the spectacular Sierra Nevada and is home to the world-famous Moorish masterpiece, the Alhambra. The province of Cordoba offers the perfect blend between the historical attributes of the city and the beautiful countryside famed for its white wines and baroque churches. And along the southern tip of Spain lies the celebrated Costa del Sol, where Europe's jetsetters come to relax on glimmering white beaches and revel in dazzling nightlife of stirring music and delectable cuisine.

Just opposite the Balearic Islands, lies Valencia, Spain's third largest city offering an incredible combination of both natural Spanish charm and the allure of a fast emerging city. As a fashionable and striking city that's surrounded by an endless sea of fragrant orange groves, Valencia is also known for its impressive futuristic architecture and thriving nightlife offering everything from exquisite restaurants to the famous colorful festivals of La Tomatina and Las Fallas.

Save $800 on 2012 Globus Italy Tours

Posted on Saturday, October 15, 2011

If you are thinking about taking a Globus Tour of Italy in 2012, now is the time to book.  Not only are airfare prices going to go up the first quarter of the year, but the Globus special will soon expire.

Right now you can save $800 per couple on any air-inclusive Globus Italy tour for 2012. This offer is only good until November 29th, 2011.