Castles, Palaces, and Windmills of Castile

Transcription

1 Touring Holidays in Spain Castles, Palaces, and Windmills of Castile

2 FLY-DRIVE TOURING HOLIDAYS IN SPAIN Castles, Palaces, and Windmills of Castile 7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS Madrid Segovia Avila Toledo Cuenca Alcazar of Segovia Take in some of the famous sights of central Spain with this short touring holiday, which allows you to discover Madrid, as well as four more towns and cities which are only a short distance away from the capital. Begin this luxury tour with a two-night stay in Madrid. With the contemporary Hotel Villa Real Madrid as your base, venture out to explore the many palaces and impressive buildings of Madrid, sampling the artistic treasures as you go. Next, drive on to Segovia and the Palacio San Facundo, and begin your investigation into the Castile Castles in earnest. Such imposing, but beautiful structures, as the royal El Escorial, the fairytale Alcázar, and the red-brick Coca Castle await. Your next stop is the Parador de Ávila, from where you will be in prime position to begin appreciating the famous Mudéjar architecture, as well as the outstandingly well-preserved mediaeval town walls. Take this opportunity to also visit Salamanca, the capital of the region. Your fourth stop on this touring holiday is the Parador de Toledo. This impressive city, hemmed in by the winding waters of the River Tajo, is home to a vast array of multicultural monuments. Trace the city s history via the keyhole archways of its Arabic buildings, and the old Moorish town walls and Alcántara Bridge. Finally, move on to the Parador de Cuenca, just a short distance from the enchanting Ciudad Encantada, where the rock formations seem to resemble a living, breathing town. Nearby, Consuegra introduces you to the windmills of this tour: the very same mentioned in Miguel de Cervantes Don Quixote. Return to Madrid on your fi nal day for your return fl ight to London. PRICES From 1,220 per person Based on double occupancy in the aforementioned hotels. DATES This holiday can be arranged throughout the year. Timings can vary depending on the month and day of the week. WHAT S INCLUDED Flights from UK to Madrid and back Group C hire car for six days 2 nights bed and breakfast in Madrid 2 nights bed and breakfast in Segovia 1 night s bed and breakfast in Avila 1 night s bed and breakfast in Toledo 1 night s bed and breakfast in Cuenca WHAT S NOT INCLUDED Optional extra nights in Madrid, Segovia, Avila, Toledo, and Cuenca, or any other destination in Spain Telephone number info@expressionsholidays.co.uk 2

3 DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY Madrid - Segovia - Avila - Toledo - Cuenca Days one to two: Madrid Begin your touring holiday by fl ying into Madrid, where you stay for two nights at the fi ve-star Hotel Villa Real Madrid, located alongside the the Plaza de las Cortes. The next two days in Madrid give you plenty of time to explore the city, with its many attractive plaza and museums. Three world class art galleries adorn the streets of Madrid: the Prado, which exhibits pieces by the likes of Goya, Rubens, and Murillo, and specialises in art from between the 12th and 19th century; the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, which is one of the best private collections of 13th to 20th century works, housing the works of Goya, Degas, Renoir, and Kandinsky, and must be booked in advance; and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofi a which specialises in 20th and 21st century works, and houses Picasso s Guernica, along with an abstract fi lm created by Salvador Dalí and Luis Buñuel. In Old Madrid, visit the Plaza Mayor, the arcaded square at the centre of the city, and the Palacio Real de Madrid, considered to be the offi cial residence of the royal family. This palace is often open to visitors, allowing you to observe the expertly crafted Spanish marble, the stucco carvings, the frescoes painted by Giaquinto, Tiepolo, and Bayeu, and explore the Royal Armoury and the Royal Pharmacy. Outside the palace, the Plaza de Oriente is lined with statues of the Gothic Kings. You may want to visit the palace in the evening, though interior tours are only available in the day, to see the dramatic lighting that turns the intricately designed and dynamic palace to gold when the sun sets. Perhaps also visit the Real Basílica de San Francisco el Grande, known for possessing one of the most impressive domes in Spain. Its circular central chamber glows golden, with atmospheric lighting that seems to take you back in time, though the domed ceiling is painted with beautiful blue and green scenes. Less than three-quarters of an hour north of Madrid is the Castle of the Mendoza, otherwise known as the Castle of Manzanares El Real, believed to be one of the most beautiful castles in Spain. Appearing quite traditional in design, with an essentially square shape and circular towers at each corner, this castle is one of the last remaining, but best examples, of Castilian military architecture, and dates back to the 15th century. Built over six storeys, and with a central courtyard, there is a lot to explore. The Gothic Gallery on the fi rst fl oor is considered to be one of the most remarkable and rewarding in Spain. The Hotel Villa Real Madrid is a wonderfully elegant property, housed within a 19th century property, but with a unique blend of old-world and present-day style. On your two evenings in Madrid, either locate Cuenca one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants in the city, or dine at the gastronomic East 47 Restaurant, named after Andy Warhol s New York stdudio, back at your hotel. Either dine inside surrounded by pop art prints and contemporary Spanish art, or on the terrace overlooking the square. Days three to four: Madrid to Segovia In the morning of your third day, collect your hire-car and drive northwards towards Segovia, visiting the imposing El Escorial en route. This vast castle complex is a stunning site among the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama, and consists of a Royal Pantheon, a monastery, a royal palace and a library. The interior, just as much as the formidable alabaster exterior, is defi ned by the attention to detail in its design and decoration. Each room is unendingly aesthetically pleasing, with arched ceilings adorned with frescoes, and walls covered by dark wood bookcases. After arriving in Segovia, check into the Palacio San Facundo for two nights, a centrally located hotel with an unassuming exterior that hides elegant bedrooms. Segovia is a beautiful city whose old quarter is a World Heritage Site, as is the spectacular Roman Aqueduct which dates back 2000 years. Another much-photographed sight in Segovia is the hill-top Alcázar, a fairy-tale fortress with pointed turrets and towers which served as inspiration for Walt Disney s Cinderella Castle. Approach the Alcázar via the zigzagging pathway that leads up the rocky hillside to the building s perch. Its unusual shape makes it perfectly suited to its environment, and also adds an element of intrigue to any visit. Navigate the labyrinth, and wander the hallways to see the informative and historic exhibits. Less than an hour northwest of Segovia is the Coca Castle. This brick built castle was once part of an important defensive square, along with the castles of Cuellar, Arevalo, and Olmedo. The outer and inner enclosures are shaped by both polygonal and semi-circular turrets on every wall and tower, giving the castle a unique aspect. Around its base, runs a 40ft deep moat. Hours can be leisurely and pleasurably passed climbing the narrow staircases that lead up to the ramparts or down to the moat, and then following the panoramic views around the circumference. Slightly further on is the Castillo de la Mota, which originally dates back to mediaeval times, but has been reconstructed more recently. This castle bears a similar imposing façade to the others mentioned on this tour, with wide towers and a shady inner courtyard. Its history is gloomy, serving as an arsenal, the Royal Archive, a school, and a prison at various points in history. Back in Segovia, visit the Cathedral. Built at the highest point in the town, this Gothic cathedral was the last one of its kind built in Spain, and dates back to the 16th century. Its watchtower is possibly its most striking feature, as it is the most immediately visible from all over Segovia. Enter the main building through one of its three main entrances, and navigate through the 23 chapels, appreciating the magnifi cent examples of Spanish religious art as you go. The unusual shape of the semi-circular Telephone number info@expressionsholidays.co.uk 3

4 DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY CONTINUED Madrid - Segovia - Avila - Toledo - Cuenca presbytery and ambulatory aids the acoustics of the interior, and has a very pleasing effect on the tiered exterior. In the evening, take a drink in the central indoor courtyard of your 16th century noble house, before returning to the town centre for dinner. Day five: Segovia to Avila Perhaps, on your journey to Ávila, use this opportunity to make a detour to Coca Castle to see that outstanding example of Mudéjar architecture if you have not already. When you reach Ávila, check in to the historic Parador de Ávila, which is set amid the cobbled streets of the town centre. Spend the rest of the day in Ávila, where well-preserved mediaeval walls enclose the centre of the World Heritage City. Visitors can stroll along the ramparts and enter the cathedral, which is integrated into the distinctive colourful stonework of the town walls. On your travels around the town, you may wish to stop off at the Church of San Juan Battista, the beautifully refi ned Monasterio de Nuestra Señora de Gracia, and the Cuatro Postes on the town s edge, all of which are tied into Ávila s history with St Teresa of Jesus. You will also notice the lasting infl uence of the Mudéjar masters, as well as the abundance of granite in the architecture of the town, which gives the Cathedral a very austere look. The Basílica of San Vicente is an example of the unique Spanish Romanesque style, with wonderfully measured grey pillars and tan brick walls. Just over an hour s drive west will bring you to Salamanca, the capital of the Castile region, and known for its impressive sandstone architecture. Tour the surprisingly peaceful streets, from the Cathedral of two parts (the New Cathedral with its individualistic carvings and the Romanesque Old Cathedral), to the Plaza Mayor, and the Convent. Dine on refi ned local cuisine at the Parador de Ávila in the evening, and then relax in the warmth of the cosy rooms, which look out over the red rooftops of the town. Day six: Avila to Toledo Today from Ávila you drive approximately two hours southwards to Toledo, where you stay for one night at the Parador de Toledo which stands overlooking the city. Toledo is a fascinating, historic destination known as the City of Three Cultures due to the co-existence of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism which has been essential to its prosperity. Its picturesque appearance comes from its rising spire and its situation, built as it is into a wide meander of the River Tajo. The former capital of Spain, it is home to a spectacular Gothic cathedral alongside synagogues and mosques, and was the home of El Greco, a Greek painter who lived in the city in the 16th Century. The Avila Gothic cathedral is tightly nestled in between Toledo s narrow streets, and at ground level seems to emerge quite suddenly. It was originally built in the 13th century on the site of a Muslim mosque. Now, it houses a breathtaking interior and a rich collection of paintings by the likes of Rubens, Raphael, and Titian in its sanctuary. Visitors must enter through the Puerta de Mollete, named after the Spanish word for Muffi n because it was here that food was traditionally distributed to the poor. The 88 interior columns ensure that your fi rst impressions of this building are striking, and the beautiful stained-glass windows, some of which date back to the 13th century, add a splash of ethereal colour. If you have more time in the cathedral, perhaps visit the marble tombs in the Capilla de Santiago, or the retablo of New Testament scenes in the Capilla Mayor. For a taste of multicultural Toledo, spend time in the Cristo de la Luz, wandering through the keyhole archways and admiring the colourful stone, or in the Santa María la Blanca. The Iglesia de Santiago del Arrabal is one of the most stunning examples of Mudéjar architecture in the city, with dark brick and curved, indented walls; while the Puerta Vieja de Bisagra is the only remaining section of the Moorish town walls. There are too many excellent historic sights in Toledo to see in one day, so you may wish to extend your stay in order to visit the 13th century Moorish Puente de Alcántara, the Iglesia de Santo Tomé, which resembles the Minarets of Morocco, and the simple yet charming Castillo de San Servando. Before leaving Toledo, browse the damascene metalwork in one of the small shops, and pick up some of the delicious local marzipan. Days seven: Toledo to Cuenca From Toledo it is approximately 45 minutes drive south to Consuegra, where you will fi nd the iconic windmills described in Miguel de Cervantes stories about the fi ctional Don Quixote. Of the white windmills which are found throughout Castile la Mancha, those that stand along the Cerro Calderico ridge are some of the best preserved. Then, drive for about two hours eastwards through the rolling countryside of La Mancha to Cuenca, where you stay at the Parador de Cuenca for one night. This luxury hotel occupies a former Dominican convent and offers its guests stunning views over the ravine. The historic centre of this World Heritage City is set on a ridge between the Júcar and Huécar river canyons, where the wooden balconies of the famous Casas Colgadas (hanging houses) appear to hang over steep cliffs. On this street, in one of the intriguing houses, you will fi nd the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art, which is one of the best in Spain. The old part of the city s position on the promontory gives it views over the ruins of the ancient Moorish Kunka fortress, while the more modern district has begun to sprawl on the distant plain. The Cuenca Baroque style can be seen in the church and convent around the Plaza de la Merced, while the rest of the city is an eclectic mingling of architectural styles. Other points of interest within the city include the Gothic cathedral, which was built on the site of a former mosque, a number of interesting Telephone number info@expressionsholidays.co.uk 4

5 DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY CONTINUED Madrid - Segovia - Avila - Toledo - Cuenca museums and the charming Plaza Mayor, on to which the arches of the Town Hall, and several cosy inns, open. The restaurant at the Parador de Cuenca is the perfect place to sample some of the region s best cuisine on your last night in Spain. To fi nish off your experience of Cuenca, take an evening stroll from the bottom of the old town to the highest point in the city, passing the Church of San Miguel, the Church of San Nicolás, the Church of San Pedro, and the hermitage of the Nuestra Señora de la Angustias on your way. Day eight: Return to the UK Depending on the time of your fl ight, it s worth trying to incorporate a fi nal interesting excursion to the Ciudad Encantada, or Enchanted City, just half an hour s drive from Cuenca. This phenomenal beauty spot hidden in the depths of a canyon has been carved by water for centuries; the limestone has been eroded by ice, wind and water, leaving spectacular rock formations that resemble objects, houses, animals, and people behind. From here, allow about three hours for the drive north west to Madrid Airport, where you return your hire-car and catch your fl ight back to the UK. Windmills of Consuegra OPTIONAL Add extra nights in any destination visited on this tour, or combine with others to create a fully tailor-made holiday. Telephone number info@expressionsholidays.co.uk 5

6 HOTELS This is the variety of charming hotels that are featured in this concise touring holiday. Alternative hotels are available in some destinations please contact us for full details. MADRID Hotel Villa Real Madrid 5 star The fi ve-star Hotel Villa Real Madrid is a luxury hotel in a prime location in the very centre of Madrid, just walking distance from the sights of Parque del Retiro and Puerta del Sol. The building borders the triangular Plaza de las Cortes and sits opposite from the historic Congress of Deputies building. The atmosphere in this corner of the city is surprisingly peaceful. Hotel Villa Real Madrid is a classic among the luxury city centre hotels in Madrid, offering a traditional service with touches that hark back to a more stylish era. For example, each guest is welcomed to Hotel Villa Real Madrid by the doorman, who ushers guests into the welcoming atmosphere of the lobby. The hotel building itself dates back to the 19th century and interiors show a fusion of old-world and present-day style, owing to a contemporary revamp that saw the hotel upgraded from four to fi ve stars. The lobby area for instance is furnished with sleek leather sofas, dark wood fl ooring and oversized windows allowing you to watch city life pass by. The eclectic combination of old and new style infl uences is most epitomised by the unique collection of artwork and archaeological artefacts on display in all public areas. Meanwhile, East 47 Restaurant & Bar shows a much more contemporary style; named after Andy Warhol s New York studio, it houses a cosmopolitan vibe, with iconic pop art prints adorning the walls. This stylish venue is open to the public and accessible directly from the square itself. The menu offers guests and non-guests alike a selection of creative dishes centring on Mediterranean cuisine, while late risers will enjoy late-running breakfasts which are served until 1pm. East 47 is split over two levels and you can choose to dine on the terrace overlooking Plaza de las Cortes in order to best immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Madrid s city centre. read more SEGOVIA Palacio San Facundo 5 star At the head of a small plaza in the centre of Segovia, the four-star Palacio San Facundo might be overlooked on fi rst glance. Yet its unassuming presence adds to the character of Parador de Avila the property, which was once a noble mansion house and dates back to the 16th century. Just a short walk from the main square, and among the ambient back streets of the city, this is a cave of delights in which to disappear. The lobby is small but atmospheric, with high, beamed ceilings, dark wood and low lighting emphasising the intimate quality of the original room. An open space fi lled with light, the atrium is located at the centre of Palacio San Facundo, its glass ceiling a modern addition to what was formerly a traditional Spanish patio. This is the heart of the hotel, where age-old columns surround you while you enjoy a beverage or snack from the café. This is also the place where Palacio San Facundo most embraces a design style of old versus new, with a vibrant colour scheme and contemporary furnishings balancing against original features. There is no restaurant at the hotel, but this need not stop you from enjoying a pre-dinner drink before seeking the fl avour of the night in the streets of Segovia. Palacio San Facundo offers a surprising 33 rooms and suites of varying shapes and sizes, though the standard of comfort is uniform across the board. With an accent wall adding a bright colour infusion to each room, you would be forgiven for forgetting the age of the property in which you are staying. Palacio San Facundo is an excellent four-star with a simple service, allowing you to take Segovia at your own pace. read more AVILA Parador de Avila 4 star The four-star Parador de Ávila occupies delightful grounds at a privileged address within the Roman walls of the old city of Ávila in central Spain. Near the northern gateway to the old quarter, this elegant and luxurious Parador claims a wonderful plot among the jumbled rooftops, offering spacious grounds and ornamental gardens in which to wander. The historic architecture is sober from the outside, its uniform masonry speaking of the building s origins as a noble mansion built in the early 16th century. Consisting of two main buildings and a charming courtyard, the structure is built against the Roman wall, meaning guests can step out in the early morning light for gorgeous views. You can also see the wall through from the dining Hotel Villa Real Madrid Hotel Villa Real Madrid Palacio San Facundo, Segovia Telephone number info@expressionsholidays.co.uk 6

7 HOTELS This is the variety of charming hotels that are featured in this concise touring holiday. Alternative hotels are available in some destinations please contact us for full details. room, so it is made a central feature of the Parador de Ávila experience. Within grey stone walls, interiors feature warm and comfortable reception areas. Cosy and charming, you will be surrounded by original features such as heavily beamed ceilings, ornately-carved stone walls, log fi res and arched window frames holding latticed windows. Chandeliers, Catholic artwork and rich fabrics lend a regal air, while the reds and golds of the soft furnishings add a more contemporary touch. To provide comfortable and familiar surrounds, the guestrooms also embrace more modern infl uences to create fresh, light-fi lled spaces in which to rest. Restaurant Piedras Albas is where the tradition of the region is best felt through the offering of traditional Castilian cuisine such as stews and casseroles with mediaeval origins. With its collection of design infl uences, and its outstanding sense of space within the old Roman walls, Parador de Ávila is an excellent hotel for exploring the city. read more TOLEDO Parador de Toledo 4 star Parador de Toledo is a 4 star converted monastery located about 4km from the centre of Toledo, separated from the city by the Tagus River and its lush banks. There is an evident sense of history in the hotel s exposed bricks and wooden terraces humbly placed against the domed skyline of Toledo s mosques and its tall spired cathedral. Set on the Emperador Hill, Parador de Toledo offers atmospheric views of the city that are particularly beautiful at night, earning the local name, City of Lights. There is an understated elegance about Parador de Toledo s white washed walls and wooden beamed ceilings which retain a sense of the hotel s monastic past. The walls act as a canvas for intricate pieces of art work and large spacious rooms contain modern, comfortable furniture. The 79 individually decorated rooms offer spacious accommodation with a neutral colour tone of creams and creams. Rooms have terraces with views of the outdoor pool and some offer four poster beds. The restaurant at Parador de Toledo places importance on local gastronomy and offers a selection of traditional dishes with venison and honey, roast lamb and pisto Parador de Cuenca manchego, which is similar to ratatouille, all paired with La Mancha wine. The outdoor pool is surrounded by sun loungers where guests may swim and relax against spectacular views of Toledo. Parador de Toledo s close proximity to the city makes an ideal location for sightseeing excursions and trips into Toledo s countryside. read more CUENCA Parador de Cuenca 4 star A grand monument from all angles, the four-star Parador de Cuenca is an imposing sight in the heart of the World Heritage city of Cuenca in Castile La Mancha. In a craggy, hilltop home at the lofty heights of the city, the structure overlooks the Huécar Gorge below and confronts the famed Hanging Houses. From every aspect, enjoy dramatic and picturesque views that encompass the rough vegetation, the dynamic terrain and the city s historic charm. A former monastery building, Parador de Cuenca s façade boasts a mismatched amalgamation of refi ned, rustic and town-house style elements. At its heart is a courtyard, where a water fountain fi lls the space with a gentle trickle and towering cypress trees lend authentic charm. Facilities such as an outdoor pool and a tennis court lie outside the old walls, promising relaxing pastimes amid excellent views. Step inside and the design style is varied and interesting, with soothing, contemporary furnishings in some places, while others indicate the property s age with exposed wooden beams and tiled fl ooring. Tapestries, mediaevalstyle furniture and grand, arched window frames inhabit the lounging areas which line the courtyard, allowing sunlight to penetrate inside. Guestrooms are elegant and comfortable, with neutral hues accented by pastel shades and fl oral wall hangings, which contrast rich wooden furniture. Shuttered windows invite in the most spectacular views. The restaurant offers a more authentic atmosphere with a heavily beamed, dark wood ceiling contrasting vibrant purple walls. This is the setting for house specialities and traditional dishes of the Castile la Mancha region, while a summer terrace is open in the more clement months for al fresco dinners accompanied by live music. read more Parador de Avila Parador de Toledo Parador de Cuenca Telephone number info@expressionsholidays.co.uk 7

8 MAP OF THE CASTLES, PALACES, AND WINDMILLS OF CASTILE TOUR The map below illustrates the route outlined in this touring itinerary, with overnight stops and places of interest highlighted. DRIVING TIMES FOR THIS TOURING HOLIDAY: Madrid to Segovia: 2 hours 5 minutes Segovia to Ávila: 55 minutes Ávila to Toledo: 1 hour 45 minutes Toledo to Cuenca: 1 hour 50 minutes Cuenca to Madrid: 1 hour 45 minutes (2 hours 30 minutes via Consuegra) Telephone number info@expressionsholidays.co.uk 8

9 GENERAL INFORMATION This touring holiday is one of several suggested holidays we can offer you exactly as it is, but also with any alterations you might want, including extra nights in one or more places or adding in extra places. All our tours can be extended so that you can include a longer stay in one resort, perhaps at the end of the itinerary. Do call to discuss the options with our travel consultants. OUR TOURS Your fly-drive touring holiday can be as simple or as complex as you wish you can choose to follow one of the sample itineraries which we have created, you can modify one of these itineraries according to your requirements, or you can allow us to develop a whole new itinerary based on your preferences. We will use our expertise to create a bespoke touring holiday just for you, offering advice to ensure that everything runs smoothly. As we work with a large selection of hotels throughout Spain, you have the freedom to choose where you want to stay and how long for. We provide directions to each hotel that you are visiting during your touring holiday, as well as our own suggestions for sightseeing and local visits. FLEXIBLE ARRANGEMENTS Our arrangements are very flexible in that you choose to travel on any day you want, subject to availability of flights and hotels. As mentioned above, additional nights can be added at any point. OUR HOTELS Each of the hotels that are featured by Spanish Expressions has been personally selected to offer exceptionally high standards of comfort, service and cuisine. Most of the hotels we feature are four or five star, although we have also chosen some small, charming hotels that haven t been officially categorised. In this programme you will find our handpicked selection of characterful boutique gems, exclusive seaside resorts, modern hotels and rustic properties in a rural setting, some located on large countryside estates. We also feature a number of the renowned Parador hotels, a collection of state-run properties which occupy historic buildings such as former monasteries, mediaeval fortresses and hilltop castles. HOLIDAYS BY AIR Most of our suggested touring itineraries are based on scheduled flights with British Airways, although we have used low cost airlines such as Easyjet where more convenient. British Airways operates a number of flight routes to mainland Spain and the Spanish islands, but none go to northern Spain so it is necessary to fly direct with a lowcost airline or to take a connecting flight within Spain. Low cost airlines operate a large number of flights from regional airports in the UK to destinations throughout Spain. There are also flights within Spain making it easy to combine north and south without driving or spending all day travelling. HOLIDAYS WITH A HIRE-CAR A hire-car is essential for many of our hotels with Spain, so is usually included in the price of your holiday. Some of our hotels offer transfers, but it may be more convenient to take a taxi in some city hotels. Hire-car is a very cost-effective and convenient means of getting from the airport to your hotel and back, and also allows you to explore the area during the course of your stay. We work with Avis as they offer a variety of cars at a good range of offices throughout Spain, and have negotiated a number of benefits for you such as theft protection being included and no oneway drop off charge for most car types. It is possible to upgrade your hire-car if required we include a basic hire-car which is adequate for just two people, a short break or if you don t intend to do much driving, but you might want to up-grade to something larger and more powerful. Telephone number info@expressionsholidays.co.uk 9

10 OUR PRICES The sample prices mentioned in this leaflet are generally a from price based on the cheapest season of travel. However, hotel and car hire rates can change (up and down depending on offers), so we give you an accurate price for your holiday when we provide you with a quotation. Our sample prices should be used as an indication of how much a particular combination will cost and to show the differences on average between the hotel categories on offer. PRICE INFORMATION IN MORE DETAIL Scheduled British Airways return flights between London and Madrid, with Group C hire car for 6 days, and accommodation at the Hotel Villa Real Madrid in Madrid, the Palacio San Facundo in Segovia, the Parador de Avila in Avila, the Parador de Toledo in Toledo, and the Parador de Cuenca in Cuenca. From 1,220 per person BOOKING CONDITIONS Our booking conditions apply to all holidays. A copy can be found on our website and a copy is also sent to you with a written quotation and when you make a booking. FINANCIAL PROTECTION Expressions Holidays offers full financial protection for all holidays you book with us. If your holiday includes a flight, the ATOL (3076) covers the costs of the holiday. If the holiday does not include a flight, it is the ABTOT bond that protects the cost of the holiday. We are also members of AITO (the Association of Independent Tour Operators) and ABTA. Expressions Holidays Lynx House, Pynes Hill, Exeter EX2 5JL HOW TO BOOK To make a booking, just phone us on and we can take you through the details we need and start the booking process. A deposit is required to confirm the arrangements and this can be paid by debit or credit card over the phone. No handling fee is charged on deposits up to The level of the deposit will be confirmed at the point of booking and will depend on the ticketing deadlines of the rail tickets involved in your booking. Telephone number info@expressionsholidays.co.uk 10