Cindy Taylor is a seasoned, award winning professional photographer who loves to travel the world and inspire others to share her passion and knowledge for the craft. She has an innate love of finding and capturing the moments that define a story. She will help you capture the essence of Spain for a lifetime of memories. No experience necessary. Beginner point and shoot to pro levels! www.cindytaylor.com
Two great holidays in one! Well appointed resort condos close to local culture and attractions. Plus a luxurious cruise vacation visiting exotic and alluring ports of call.
End your tour with 2 nights in Barcelona and discover the city's unique
architecture and culture with an artistic tour to explore Gaudi's work and a
visit to his unfinished masterpiece the Sagrada Familia as well as a tour to
Monteserrat. This complete hosted package provides all the ingredients for
a perfect vacation.
Itinerary
Feb 29, 2012 – Depart Toronto – Malaga, Spain (via Paris)
Board your overnight Air France flight to Malaga (via Paris). Air France flight 351 departs Toronto at 18:50 p.m. arrives Paris, Charles de Gaulle at 8:20 a.m. Connecting with Air France flight 2030 departs Paris at 10:25 a.m. arrives Malaga at 1:00 p.m.
Mar 01, 2012 – Arrival in Malaga, Costa del Sol
Arrive in Malaga and transfer to your accommodations in Costa del Sol. Accommodations: Hotel Las Piramides.
Address: Calle Miguel Marquez 43, 29640 Fuengirola, Spain. The Hotel Las Piramides is located in the heart of the Costa del Sol, next to the beach, close to various golf courses and only a short distance from some of the most interesting cities of Andalucia. Right on the Mediterranean seashore along the beachfront promenade and just 500 meters from the city centre.
The hotel features air conditioned sea view rooms with TV, bathroom with hairdryer, and a balcony. Hotel amenities: sauna, fitness centre, golf course (within 3 km), massage, table tennis, jacuzzi, indoor swimming pool and an outdoor swimming pool. Breakfast and dinner included daily.
Mar 01 - Mar 16, 2012 – Costa del Sol
Enjoy the amenities at your resort, take a stroll on the beach, go shopping or just soak up the atmosphere. You will also have included in your vacation 4 cultural tours to really understand the local culture. Your tour host Cindy Taylor will help you capture the essence of Spain with 2 photo workshops. Breakfast and dinner included daily.
Full Day Cordoba Tour: Visit Cordoba, home to one of the most impressive mosques in Europe. This intriguing ancient city was the capital of Moorish Spain for three centuries and is thought to have been the largest city in Europe during the time of Islamic rule.
A tour of the impressive Arab Mosque will provide you with some insight into Cordoba's past. Followed by a visit of the ancient, narrow, winding streets of the Jewish Quarter, the Synagogue and the Roman bridge. Lunch included.
Full Day Ronda Tour: Explore the mountainous region of Ronda on this day trip from Costa del Sol. You'll see all the highlights of the lovely town of Ronda, including the Plaza de Toros Maestranza, the Church of the Holy Spirit, the town square and a bull-fighting museum.
The picturesque town of Ronda spans the plunging river gorge known as El Tajo, crossed by the impressive 18th-century Puente Nuevo bridge. You'll visit the town square, the Church of the Holy spirit, built in 1485, and the Cathedral Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation, known today as the Church of Saint Mary the Elder. Plaza de Toros, the oldest bull ring in Spain, has staged some of the most important events in bullfighting history. The museum's collection of memorabilia includes photos of famous bullfighting fans, including Ernest Hemingway and Orson Wells. Lunch included.
Full Day Granada Tour: Discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Alhambra on this fascinating tour. You'll explore beyond the beautiful Moorish architecture to learn the history of one of the most visited attractions in the world. Your visit begins in the Alhambra, whose construction began in the 11th century on the red hill known as Assabika which overlooks Granada. The Alcazaba fortress was the first structure to be built, followed by the royal palace and residence of me mbers of the court. You will visit the most important halls and courtyards of the Alhambra, including the Alcazaba fortress, the Serrallo, the Patio of los Arrayanes (Myrtle Courtyard), the Hall of la Barca, the Salon of the Embajadores (Ambassadors Hall), the Patio de los Leones (Lions Courtyard), the Hall of the Abencerrajes, the Royal Baths and the Palace of Charles V. Your tour then continues to the Palace of Charles V and the Generalife Gardens. Found next to the Alhambra, these gardens where place of leisure and recreation for the Moorish kings of Granada and from here you can enjoy wonderful views across the city. You'll enjoy lunch and then have some free time to explore Granada on your own before returning back to your hotel in Costa del Sol. Lunch included.
Full Day Alfarnatejo Tour: This unique tour takes us to a day in the life of a village and is home hosted. Drive through the Spanish countryside to feel the spirit and tradition of the ancient peoples of the Andalusian countryside and learn about their lifestyle, customs, and heritage. Passing by centuries-old routes travelled by Spain's legendary kings, their entourage and villagers. We will experience the changing terrain and breathtaking landscapes of "La Ruta del Aceite y Los Tajos" (route of the olive oil and the gorges) through the mountains of Malaga. We will visit the Sierra village of Alfarnate (population 3.500) where we stop to visit an Olive Oil Mill, then go on to visit the beautiful sixteenth-century Church of Saint Ann. After Alfarnate, we proceed to our final destination, the tiny village of Alfarnatejo (population 400). After a warm welcome by the villagers our "host families" will invite us into their homes for a traditional midday meal. This authentic Andalucian day in a rural mountainside village is a life-enriching experience and one that you will probably cherish and remember for years to come. Lunch included.
Mar 16, 2012 Malaga- Barcelona
Arrive in Barcelona, collect your luggage and upon exiting customs meet your local representative and transfer to the pier to board your 9 nights NCL Cruise. The capital of Spain's Catalonia region is a classy, exciting, vibrant city. Cruise departs at 7 p.m. Dinner included.
NCL Norwegian Jade: Why not write your own "Once upon a time" as you explore some of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Norwegian Jade has 10 international restaurants, plus 10 bars and lounges so you can dine and drink where, when and with whom you choose. Add to that the most innovative accommodation on the high seas, and you'll see there's no limit to the choices for fun and relaxation aboard Norwegian Jade. Eat somewhere new every night. Choose from 12 international restaurants. French Mediterranean, Asian fusion, Japanese Teppanyaki, Sushi and Sashimi, and an all-American steakhouse await you. Ship amenities include a pool, 4 hot tubs, fitness centre, health spa, jogging and walking track, basketball, volleyball and tennis court, casino, and theatre.
Mar 17, 2012 At Sea
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Mar 18, 2012 At Sea
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Mar 19, 2012 Arreclife (Lanzarotte), Canary Islands
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Optional excursion: Built on a quarry of volcanic ashes, the Cactus Gardens have on display 10,000 types of cactus; Explore the lunar landscapes of Timanfaya National Park home to the Fire Mountains; Head north to Jameos del Agua to visit the volcanic caves and see the rare Blind Albino Crabs.
Mar 20, 2012 Santa Cruz de Tenerife , Canary Islands
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Optional excursion: Santa Cruz is a densely urban metropolis in the Canary Islands just off the northwestern coast of Africa. The opera house Auditorio de Tenerife is a spectacular work of architecture that resembles sails. Through out the city, unique urban sculptures can be found. The most notable collection is presented at Exhibition of Outdoor Sculpture in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, located by the Ramblas and the Parque Garcia Sanabria.
Mar 21, 2012 Funchal, Madeira Portugal
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Optional excursion: The mountainous isle of Madeira has been a popular European destination for years. The idyllic island is perfect for exploring with its beautiful beaches, stunning lava formed landscapes and lush, green forests. Sampling the famed Madeira wines is also an absolute must.
Mar 22, 2012 At Sea
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Mar 23, 2012 Granada Malaga Spain
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Optional excursion: The strategic position to the Mediterranean Sea has always made Malaga an attractive zone for foreign invasions. From Malaga, a trip to Granada showcases an intriguing blend of Arab and European cultures. Be sure to visit The Alhambra, one of the finest examples of Moorish art in Spain.
Mar 24, 2012 At Sea
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Mar 25, Arrive Barcelona – Montserrat tour
Disembark your cruise and enjoy a half day tour to Montserrat including lunch. Visit the Benedictine Monastery and the Royal Basilika one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain for hundreds of years. Then transfer to the Rafael Casanova Hotel. Breakfast and lunch included.
Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 559, 08011 Barcelona, Spain.
This modern boutique hotel is situated 500 metres from Placa Catalunya, one of Barcelona's main squares, and 800 from the bustling stalls and cafés of Las Ramblas. The hotel offers 124 air-conditioned guestrooms located on eight floors, all of which have modern decor and furnishings and include televisions, minibars, high-speed internet ports and wireless internet (surcharge), safes and direct-dial telephones.
Mar 26, 2012 Barcelona Artistic Tour
This morning enjoy a half day guided artistic tour of Barcelona including entrance to the Sagrada Familia. Breakfast included.
Mar 27, 2012 Barcelona – Toronto (via Paris)
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight home. Air France Flight 1149 departs Barcelona at 10:25 a.m. arrives Paris, Charles de Gaulle at 12:20 p.m. Connecting with Air France Flight 356 departs Paris at 13:55 p.m. arrives Toronto at 17:10 p.m. Breakfast included.
Tour cost does not include: Shore excursions, any personal items such as insurance, telephone calls, passport fees, gratuities on the cruise or any meals or items not mentioned.