ISTANBUL (IST) - MADRID
Meeting you, our valued guests, at the International Departures Terminal of Istanbul Airport at least 3 hours before the flight. Following the ticketing, baggage, and passport procedures, we depart for Madrid on Turkish Airlines’ *** scheduled flight at ***. Arrival in Madrid at *** local time. Upon arrival, we leave the airport and begin our Madrid city tour. We start with Plaza Mayor, the large square. This square has 136 buildings and 437 balconies opening onto courtyards. In the past, bullfights and people burned by the Inquisition were watched from these balconies. The city’s heart, Puerta del Sol; Plaza Mayor; Plaza de Oriente, where the Royal Palace addresses the public; the Alcala Gate, built as an entrance to demonstrate how wealthy the city was; Gran Via, admired for its gallery-style rooftops; Plaza Colon; Cibeles Square and Fountain; and the Cervantes Monument are among the places to be seen. After the tour, transfer to our hotel and overnight stay.
MADRID-TOLEDO-MADRID
After breakfast at the hotel, we will have free time. Guests who wish may join the Toledo Tour, which our guide will organize as an optional excursion (€65). Toledo is a true open-air museum and the former capital of Spain, as well as one of the most important cities on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Home to the country’s most magnificent cathedral and works by world-renowned painters, it has become a rival to the world’s leading museums. Known as the city of El Greco, Toledo has managed to preserve its character unchanged since the 16th century. With buildings bearing traces of Roman, Visigothic, Arab, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture, narrow streets, El Greco’s paintings, traditional pastry shops, Damascene craft stores, and, of course, its famous cathedral, it is a major tourist attraction. Another tradition in Toledo dating back to the time of the Arab conquest is the production of marzipan. A visit to Toledo is not considered complete without tasting this mouthwatering sweet. After our walk through the Jewish Quarter, we will depart for our hotel in Madrid. Overnight at the hotel.
Madrid–Zaragoza–Barcelona
After breakfast, we will depart for Barcelona. Guests who wish may join the Zaragoza Tour (€30), which will be arranged as an optional extra by our guide. During the tour, the Ebro River, the city’s central cathedral, the Basilica-Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar, La Seo Cathedral, San Pablo Church, Plaza España, and the Pilar Bridge will be among the sights visited. The capital of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia and Spain’s second-largest city, Barcelona is home to the magnificent works of the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí and attracts four times its population in tourists thanks to its remarkable landmarks. Following the tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.
Barcelona
After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the Girona & Figueras Tour (€70), which will be organized as an optional excursion by our guide. We begin our tour in Girona, located on the banks of the Onyar River and reminiscent of Florence at first glance. Known as the wealthiest city in the region, Girona is a charming medieval city worth seeing, with its narrow streets and cathedral. It is also where scenes from the film Perfume were shot. During our panoramic tour, we will see the Lion Statue, Cathedral Square, houses with mezuzahs, the Jewish Quarter, La Rambla, and its famous shops. After some free time, we depart for Figueras, enjoying views of the Pyrenees Mountains along the way. The town has such an impressive atmosphere that it inspired Salvador Dalí, the world-renowned and unconstrained painter, throughout his life. Here, we will visit the museum-house decorated by the famous surrealist painter Salvador Dalí himself. After visiting this museum, which houses his thought-provoking works—including paintings of his eternal love, Gala—each valued at millions of dollars, we will transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
BARCELONA – ISTANBUL (IST)
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the city center by private vehicle. During our panoramic city tour, the sights to be seen include La Sagrada Familia, also known as the “Unfinished Church,” Plaça d’Espanya and Plaça de Catalunya, Gaudí’s houses (Casa Batlló and Casa Milà), La Rambla, and Port Olímpic. After the city tour, transfer to our hotel. Free time until the time designated by our guide, followed by a transfer to the airport. After completing the ticketing, baggage, and passport procedures, departure for Istanbul on a scheduled flight operated by Turkish Airlines at ****. Arrival at Istanbul Airport at **** local time, marking the end of our tour.