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Day 1, Sept 5

Upon arrival to Madrid, take the train or a taxi, or we can make arrangements for you to be greeted by a private driver and escorted to our 4 star hotel, the Petit Palace Santa Barbara. The former residence of the Marquis of Quintanar, this boutique hotel, part of the fabulous Luxe chain, is within walking distance of many of Madrid’s most famous sights, including Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor. 

While you are here, prepare to be pampered!  Your room includes a laptop with complimentary Wi-Fi, webcam and iPod docking station, and your bathroom features a hydro-massage shower, perfect to get you on back on your feet after a full day of walking the city.

This evening, enjoy a a casual welcome dinner at one of Greg & Halle’s favorite tapas bars. (D)

Day 2, Sept 6

Breakfast and Walking Tour with our local guide to explore the Barrio de las Letras (the Literary Neighborhood) named in homage to all the writers, painters, musicians, scientists, architects, actors and politicians who lived in this tiny part of Madrid.

A literary and historic tour through the areas inhabited and/or frequented by the most relevant personalities of Spanish literature, including Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Góngora, Quevedo, Luis Vélez de Guevara, Ramón de la Cruz, Moratín, Zorrilla, Echegaray, and Valle-Inclán.

In the early evening, we will enjoy a local cooking class to experience the specialties of Spanish Cuisine. Afterwards, we will dine on our own wonderful local meal! (B, D)

 

Day 3, Sept 7

Breakfast and a full day of private sightseeing with our local guide. The beautiful imperial city-museum of Toledo, one of UNESCO’s world heritage cities, is located less than 40 miles from Madrid. One of the oldest towns in Europe, Toledo is called “city of the three cultures”, since Christians, Muslims and Jews lived together in harmony.

Its buildings include almost all the periods in the history (Arab, Gothic, Mudejar, Renaissance and Baroque style). The great Spanish painter El Greco lived here in the 16^th century. During our tour, we will view the Cathedral; Church of St. Tomé with “El Entierro del señor de Orgaz”, masterpiece of El Greco; Synagogue of Sta. María la Blanca; Museum of Victorio Macho; Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes; the famous technique of Damasquinado (encrusting precious metals in steel) and enjoy panoramic sightseeing of Toledo.

Dinner on your own when we return to our hotel. (B, L)

Day 4, Sept 8

After breakfast, your morning is at leisure for shopping ‑ the famous Spanish Corte Ingles department store hosts you for a tapa and a glass of wine, and offers a shopping discount for our group. Afterwards, wander the gorgeous Madrid streets for more local shopping.

Meet for lunch to go tapa hopping. We will visit four bars in la Latina or Cava Baja and enjoy both wine and tapa at each locale as we walk the cobblestone streets and experience the passion of Madrid’s unique cuisine.

The rest of the afternoon is on your own to enjoy the Prado or Thyssen museums, and to wander the fabulous city of Madrid! (B, L)

 

Day 5, Sept 9

After breakfast, it’s a full day of private sightseeing with our local guide to another of UNESCO’s world heritage cities. This time, we travel to Alcala de Henares, the birthplace of Don Miguel Cervantes, author of the classic character and story of Don Quixiote. For lunch, we will dine at the renowned Parador, where you will sample true local cuisine from one of the most passionate local chefs.

In the evening, perhaps explore Madrid at night – this is a city that rarely sleeps, and there’s lots to do and see after the sun sets; an evening walking tour through cobblestone streets may put you in mind of another era, or a brisk stroll down one of the central Vias will entice you with its mix of modern and ancient shops, restaurants, and the ubiquitous tapas bars. (B, L)

Day 6, Sept 10

After breakfast, spend the day on your own, enjoying one of the many local museums, such as Reina Sofia, home to Dali’s works, or more shopping!

Tonight, our farewell dinner is at Botin, the oldest restaurant in the world. This magnificent place, in continuous operation for nearly 300 years, has delighted Spaniards, ex-pats, and tourists alike. Boasting 4 levels of cozy rooms to dine in, a magnificent bar, a full carving room, and attentive white-jacketed waiters, the food is the quintessential example of the perfection and passion of Spanish cuisine. (B, D)

Day 7/ Day 1 – Sept 11

Breakfast. Transfer on your own, or we can arrange a private transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

OR join us on our extension to Barcelona, and transfer to the AVE train!

The AVE is a 3.5-hour bullet train that will whisk us to Barcelona, where we will be greeted and driven to our 4-star hotel, the Hotel Roger de Lluria. A delightful, classic hotel that rates among the top in Barcelona, the spacious rooms and extensive breakfast buffet will give you a great night’s sleep and fortify you for our days of walking in this fair city. In the evening, we will all meet for our first group dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)

Day 2 Sept 12

Breakfast at the hotel, then we will get to experience wine and cava tour to the Penedes area, enjoying the unique and ancient winemaking techniques that have brought both fine red wines and Spanish champagnes to the region.

Afternoon at leisure. Enjoy a complimentary tapa at a local meson. (B, L)

Day 3, Sept 13

Breakfast at our hotel, then visit the market to select your ingredients for today’s lunch and join our chef to learn how the Catalan chefs prepare their wonderful meals. Your cooking class includes lunch and recipes to take home (a souvenir of your Barcelona stay.) Afternoon at leisure to explore the Ramblas, wander through the Gothic area, or visit Parque Guell. Dinner in the port. (B, L, D)

Day 4, Sept 14

After breakfast, take the morning to shop, stroll, or enjoy coffee on an outdoor terrace. This afternoon, explore Picasso’s past and retrace his footsteps as we see Barcelona though this iconic artist’s eyes. Our final night in Barcelona is at the Puebla Espanol, an open-air museum, followed by Flamenco Dancing with a Tapa Dinner. (B, D)

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Sign up!!

To sign up for Tilting at Windmills, Madrid please CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD and fill out the attached contract, sign, and fax back to our toll-free number from anywhere in the world! (877) 406-5206 OR scan and email back to us.

Meet your tour leaders, Greg & Halle

Greg Roach & Halle Eavelyn are the co-founders of Spirit Quest Tours. They combine their expertise and love of travel with a deep desire to bring people to the places where they have seen the spiritual alchemy that happens on sacred journeys.

If you have questions or need further info, please email us or call us toll-free at (877) 406-5206. Please remember that we are on Pacific Standard Time and open from 9am-8pm M-S.

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SPIRIT QUEST TOURS’ BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

Tilting at Windmills, Wine Tapas & Tales of Madrid

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES

Hotel Accommodation – room accommodations are provided at the hotels indicated.  Accommodations are per person, based on two persons sharing a twin-bedded room or king bed with private bath.

Transfers and Sightseeing – by motorcoach, as specified in itinerary; all admissions and entrance fees to places visited as per the itinerary.

Roommates/Single Supplements – Single rooms are available upon payment of a single room supplement of $895 per person.  Spirit Quest will provide roommates wherever possible, upon request.  If no roommate is available when tour closes, guest will be required to pay a single supplement, so guests are strongly encouraged to sign up with their own roommates (and may receive a referral fee per person).

Tips and Taxes – all local taxes and tips on room accommodations, porterage and meals are included in the cost of the tour, except airport taxes and gratuities to local guides.

Tour Price Does Not Include – private airport transfers, documentation or visa charges (as may be needed), travel insurance, excess baggage charges, beverages (with some exceptions), optional tours and activities specified herein or not specifically included in the itinerary, laundry, or any other item of a personal nature not specifically mentioned herein.

PAYMENTS

$3,995 per person (less any discounts) covers the complete land package as indicated in the itinerary; Please call for air quotes or book your own air. Extension price is $1,995. Main tour is based on a minimum of 15 persons.  A deposit of $500 holds your space.  All payments are due no later than July 5th, 2013.  If you sign up after July 5th (space permitting) payment is due in full at time of booking.

Cost is based on double occupancy; single room supplement is $895 per person for the main trip, and $598 on the extension. Spirit Quest will provide roommates wherever possible, upon request.  If no roommate is available when tour closes, guest will be required to pay a single supplement, so guests are strongly encouraged to sign up with their own roommates (and may receive a referral fee per person).

Departure taxes, security and fuel surcharges are subject to changes without notice..

Hotel/airport transfers are available for $40-60 per person, depending on arrival.  We will advise you of the cost when we have your air booking in hand.

We can help you book your International Air – just give us a call at our toll-free number (877) 406-5206! Or make your own arrangements – it’s up to you!

DEPOSITS are due upon sign-up. A deposit of $500 holds your space.

All payments are due 60 days prior to travel. A payment plan is available.  Visa,  Mastercard, and American Express are gladly accepted.  Personal and cashier’s checks are also accepted.

CANCELLATION

DEPOSIT IS NON-REFUNDABLE IN THE CASE OF CANCELLATION, EXCEPT AS NOTED.  GUESTS CANCELING PRIOR TO MAY 5, 2013 RECEIVE A FULL REFUND LESS AN ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE OF $300; PRIOR TO JULY 5, 2013 RECEIVE A 50% REFUND; ON OR AFTER JULY 5, 2013, NO REFUND – WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE ALL TRAVELERS TO BUY TRIP INSURANCE IN CASE OF CANCELLATION.

Although every effort will be made to deliver the trip exactly as in the itinerary, all terms and conditions, including fares, schedules, locations, accommodations, and rates are subject to change without notice.  Quality and class will remain the same.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

All travelers need a passport valid for at least six months AFTER the date of entering the country.  Please note that this rule is enforced by many airlines and border customs.  Holders of American Passports are not required to obtain visas to visit Europe. If you are coming from another country, please check with your embassy for your own specific requirements.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Spirit Quest Tours  offers travel insurance through our partner SquareMouth, which gives you unparalleled access to a variety of different travel insurance options.  Please log onto spiritquesttours.com and click the Travel Insurance link under Travel Needs at the top of the page.  Or call us at (877) 406-5206 if you need help purchasing insurance.

DETAILS OF WHAT’S INCLUDED – MADRID TOUR

– 6 nights’ hotel accommodations at a 4-star Madrid hotel – Catalonia Las Cortes or similar

– Tour with private guide to Toledo

– Tour with private guide to Alcala de Henares

– Walking tour of Literary quarter of Madrid

– 6 breakfasts

– 1 tapas-hopping lunch at 4 tapas bars

– Lunch at Parador

– Private cooking class and dinner

– Tapas dinner

– Dinner at Botin

– All in-country tour transport (except airport transfers)

DETAILS OF WHAT’S INCLUDED – BARCELONA EXTENSION

– 4 nights’ hotel accommodations at a 4-star Barcelona hotel –  Condes de Barcelona or similar

– Wine and Cava Escorted Tour to Penedes

– Tour of Picasso’s Barcelona

– Visit to Puebla Espanol

– Flamenco dancing

– 4 breakfasts

– Catalan cooking class, market visit and lunch

– Tapas dinner

– 2 Local Dinners

– Bullet train ticket to Madrid

– All in-country tour transport (except airport transfers)

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