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Experience the fabulously diverse cities of Seville, Granada and Cordoba on this wonderful 12 night / 13 day tour of Andalucia.
Your journey takes you to sunny Seville, capital of flamenco and home to the heavenly Alcazar, before you continue to Granada, set against the dramatic setting of the Alhambra with the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Nevada. Your tour also takes in medieval Cordoba, with its magnificent Mezquita and charming bodegas.
Having travelled via the dynamic French city of Marseille and the wonderful Spanish city of Madrid, you return via Avignon, one of the jewels of Provence, before your journey home to London on daytime trains.
12 night / 13 day holiday by First Class rail on daytime trains, from £1,795 per person (based on two people sharing)
Your holiday begins as you enter the beautifully restored London St. Pancras International Station; take the time to admire the stunning glass roof. Then sit back, relax and watch the countryside glide past as you travel by Eurostar through France and onto Paris at speeds of up to 186mph. Enjoy the light meal and drinks served on board in your Standard Premier service (Eurostar’s 1st class for leisure travellers).
On arrival in Paris, your private taxi will transfer you to the Gare de Lyon ahead of your high-speed journey by TGV to Marseille. On arrival in Marseille, make your own way on foot or by taxi to your overnight hotel, the stylish, highly-rated Grand Hotel Beauvau (4 star), a charming and smart hotel located in the heart of Marseille just off the fabulous Vieux Port.
Today you bid farewell to Marseille as you return to the station and take the train into Spain, bound for Madrid. On arrival in Madrid, make your own way to your hotel for the night, the welcoming Hotel Liabeny (4 star). The afternoon is yours to relax or explore.
Today you bid farewell to Madrid as you return to the station and take the train further into Spain, to the fabulous city of Seville.
Bathed in sunshine for much of the year, Seville is a lively, energetic city home to a myriad of historical layers and magnificent cultural landmarks. Your base for the next three nights is the welcoming, highly-rated Hotel Becquer (4 star).
With two full days to explore Seville, you will want to make the most of the many and varied options available to you in this delightful city.
Why not climb the Giralda (bell tower) and gaze down on the buzzing city beneath, taking in the barrios and the Seville of Bizet’s Carmen across the River Guadalquivir? Explore the elaborate Arabic designs and outrageous rococo ornamentation that make up the Mudejár Spanish mélange of Seville’s Royal Palace, or Alcázar, and be sure to visit the delightful gardens too. Then head for the awe-inspiring gothic cathedral which took a whole century to build, and is the final resting place of noted explorer Christopher Columbus.
You could also stroll through the characterful courtyards and narrow alleys of the ancient Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz, and round off your evenings at one of Seville’s wonderful tapas bars.
Today after breakfast make your way back to Seville’s Santa Justa station. Here you join the regional train (Standard Class) for the journey eastwards to the Moorish-influenced city of Granada where you arrive in the afternoon in time for a short siesta.
Make your own way to your hotel for the next three nights, the stylish and highly-rated Suites Gran Via 44 (4 star). This evening why not head to one of Granada’s wonderful tapas bars and delight in the intoxicating atmosphere and taste some of the flavours of Spain? Or you may wish to take an early evening stroll through the meandering streets of the Albaycin, to see the view of the Alhambra Palace, which is most wonderful at sunset, when it takes on a warm, slightly reddish tone. Night-time views are also impressive, with the Alhambra completely illuminated. Musicians and vendors add to the liveliness of the scene.
You have two full days in Granada so why not start early to enjoy the spectacular view of the sun coming up over the Alhambra Palace? If you set off early you can make the most of your time to visit the stunning Moorish palace and its luscious gardens. Perhaps one of the most photographed sites in Andalucia, the Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You will also have time to explore some of the interesting quarters of Granada during your stay, or you may even want to take a trip to visit some of the beautiful pueblos blancos (white villages) in the surrounding Alpujarras area or head into the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Today you bid farewell to Granada, as you return to the station and take the regional service (Standard Class) to Antequera. Here you change trains and continue (in Standard Class) to nearby Cordoba. On arrival in Cordoba make your own way to your hotel for the next three nights, the comfortable and attractive Las Casas de la Juderia (4 star).
This afternoon you might like to visit the palace of the Christian Kings, the Alcazar, with its luxuriant gardens of courtyards, fountains and water terraces, combined with colourful flowers, palm trees and orange grove
You have two full days to explore the compact city of Cordoba. Among many highlights is the world’s 3rd largest mosque, the Mezquita, a mystical, beautiful building, with simply stunning interiors, including a ‘forest’ of more than eight hundred red and white striped columns and arches. Take time to explore Cordoba’s countless plazas and courtyards hidden along narrow streets.
Today you leave Cordoba and take the high-speed rail service north to Madrid. In the Spanish capital you change trains and continue on the TGV service into France, skirting the French Mediterranean coast before arriving in pretty Avignon. On arrival into Avignon make your own way to the centrally located Hotel de l’Horloge (4 star), where you spend tonight.
After breakfast at the hotel, perhaps take the chance to visit the fascinating walled town of Avignon and admire its UNESCO-listed core. Then make your way to Avignon TGV station, where you board your high-speed train back to Paris. From here your private taxi will take you to the Gare du Nord to join the Eurostar service travelling directly to London. Sit back and relax as your high-speed train whisks you virtually the entire length of France and across the Kent countryside.
Take time to reflect on the magnificent sights, sounds and tastes you have enjoyed on your holiday before your arrival into London St. Pancras station, for the final stage of your journey home.
MARSEILLE
The Grand Hotel Beauvau (MGallery) hotel (4 star) is an elegant establishment in the centre of Marseille. The hotel’s Le Beauvau bar invites guests to enjoy a drink while looking out over Vieux Port and the Mediterranean Sea. Decorated with Provencal fabrics and Empire or Napoleon III furniture, the hotels 73 rooms are air-conditioned and offer satellite and cable TV. The room’s en suite bathrooms feature a bath and shower, a large mirror and offer a hairdryer, bathrobe, slippers and amenities. Breakfast is served daily in the hotel’s dining area or in the comfort of your room.
MADRID
The elegant and distinguished Hotel Liabeny (4 star) is ideally situated in the centre of Madrid, just 200 meters from Puerta del Sol – Madrid’s most famous and central square. The hotel offers modern facilities such as a gym with sauna, a bar and lounge area, and an excellent selection of Mediterranean and International cuisine served in the Restaurante Sensaciones (Sensations Restaurant). The dining room also serves a Buffet-Style breakfast, where guests can find a large selection of pastries, cold and hot dishes and the famous home-made churros. The hotels 220 large and functional bedrooms are equipped with air-conditioning and central heating, LCD flat-screen satellite TV, a minibar, a safe, free WiFi, and the bathroom features a vanity mirror, hair-dryer and toiletries. Many of Madrid’s attractions can be found a short walk from the hotel, with the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums less than 10 minutes away.
SEVILLE
Situated in the historic old town, the Hotel Bécquer (4 star) is less than 5 minutes’ walk from the impressive Cathedral, Alcázar Fortress and the River Guadalquívir. The hotel boasts a terrace overlooking the Giralda (bell tower) and cathedral and offers an outdoor pool, snack bar and tapas bar. Guests can also relax in the Bécquer’s spa, which includes Turkish Baths, a hot tub and sauna. Each of the hotel’s 134 air-conditioned rooms comes with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a safe and tea/coffee making facilities. Laptops, iPads and DVD players are also available on request and subject to availability.
GRANADA
The luxurious Suites Gran Via 44 (4 star) is situated in a 19th century building on the historic Gran Vía de Colón, just 100 metres from Granada Cathedral and the Capilla Real. Each of the hotel’s 21 bright and uniquely designed suites is at least 38m2 and features free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, fitted kitchen with microwave, tea/coffee facilities and a shared lounge – where guests can benefit from the free movies on offer. Breakfast can also be served in the suites, where guests can choose from a range of à la carte options. A frequent bus service runs from this street to the Alhambra Palace and the Albaycín neighbourhood.
CORDOBA
The charming Hotel Las Casas de la Juderia (4 star) is just metres from the Mezquita. It is made up of attractive 17th and 18th century houses with lovely gardens, fountains and patios. Located in the historic centre of Cordoba, this comfortable hotel combines modern facilities with historic buildings. There are many authentic, hand-made details. All of the hotel’s 64 en-suite rooms boast original features and modern comforts, such as air conditioning, television with cable channels and a mini bar. Guests can also take advantage of the complimentary internet connection available in public areas. Whilst staying at this friendly and welcoming hotel you can admire the architecture of El Siglo del Oro, relax at the outdoor swimming pool, unwind with a drink at the in-house bar or on the traditional patio. The hotel also benefits from its own restaurant.
AVIGNON
The Hôtel de l’Horloge is a 4-Star hotel with character. This beautiful 19th century stone building is in a prime location, with its doors opening directly onto the Place de l’Horloge in Avignon. From this base in the city’s historic and touristic centre, you’ll be able to enjoy an unforgettable break and the gentle elegance of the various rooms.
Throughout the year and tailor-made to suit your holiday needs
For information and booking Tel: 01347 825292 or email info@planetrail.co.uk
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