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| Madrid & Andalusia - Spain |
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| | 1st day: Madrid
Arrival at Barajas International Airport (Madrid).
We recommend you take a bus tour of Madrid, the capital of Spain. It lasts about two and a half hours and you will see: Plaza de España, Gran Vía, Cibeles, Puerta de Alcalá, Parque del Retiro, Calle Serrano, Av. Castellana, Plaza Colon, Paseo del Prado, the façade of the Prado Museum, Atocha, Plaza de las Cortes, Puerta del Sol and Palacio Real.
At night, we suggest you to go to one of the "José Luis" restaurants where you can taste very typical tapas (Spanish speciality snacks).
Minotel Bauzá or Minotel Gran Conde Duque, Madrid.
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2nd day: Madrid - Toledo - Granada 445 km
On your way to Granada, we recommend you stop in Toledo. Stroll through the Old Town to the beautiful Cathedral from where you will enjoy a spectacular view of the city.
Minotel Anacapri in the centre of Granada, near the Cathedral.
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3rd day: Granada
A surprising city with a thousand and one charms and a rich Andalusian heritage.
The Alhambra and the Generalife, with the beautiful gardens, are a must.
We also suggest you take a stroll through the area surrounding the Cathedral: the Royal Chapel, the Madraza (old Arab university) and the Alcaicería (old silk market).
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| | On your way from the Cathedral to the San Jerónimo Monastery, you can visit the San Juan de Dios Basilica and the Cartuja Monastery.
Another interesting sight are the caves in the Albaicín district, which offer a spectacular panorama of the city and where you can also admire a flamenco show.
Minotel Anacapri in the centre of Granada, near the Cathedral.
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4th day: Granada - Rincón de la Victoria - Malaga 129 km
This coastal town is the starting point for the well-known Ruta de la Axarquía, land of grapes and sweet Malaga wine, which consists of 5 towns of which Nerja should not be missed. It offers magnificent sea and mountain views from its "Balcony of Europe" viewpoint and is also famous for its caves.
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| | Malaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol, a cheerful, lively city with a very important commercial port.
The city's most interesting sights are the Alcazaba y Gibralfaro Castle (2 old forts that used to protect the city) and the Cathedral (built between the 16th and 18th centuries).
Another place worth visiting is the Fine Arts Museum, which has a monographic room on Picasso, who was born in the nearby Plaza de la Merced.
Enjoy the delicious local food: ajoblanco (speciality with garlic), pescadito frito (small fried fish)...
Minotel Rincón-Sol in Rincón de la Victoria (10 min. from the centre of Malaga), a hotel located on the sea front.
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5th day: Rincón de la Victoria - Ronda - Arcos de la Frontera 185 km
On the way to Arcos we recommend you to visit Ronda, a romantic town and birthplace of the bullfighting art; its large bullring is the oldest in Spain.
The best way to appreciate this town is to stroll through its picturesque streets, with plenty of churches and palaces, and take in the impressive views from viewpoints such as the Alameda del Tajo.
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| | Once in Arcos de la Frontera – the natural gateway to the Pueblos Blancos (White Villages) and the heart of the Cadiz Mountains – we suggest you take a walk through one of Spain's most beautiful Old Towns, full of interesting historic buildings. Another highlight is the richness of the scenery. The Grazalema and Los Alcornocales Natural Parks are only 15 km away.
Minotel Peña de Arcos in Arcos de la Frontera.
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6th day: Arcos de la Frontera - Jerez de la Frontera 32 km
Jerez is a city which is famous throughout the world for its wines and thoroughbred Spanish horses.
We recommend you to check out the Pedro Domecq and González Byass wine cellars as well as the show "How Andalusian horses dance” by the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art.
Don’t miss to visit a nearby fishing village such as Chipiona, Chiclana de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa María and Sanlúcar de Barrameda, which is famous for its wine – called "manzanilla" – and its shrimps.
For those who like to play golf, the Montecastillo complex, one of the finest 18-hole courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, is just 4 km from Jerez.
Minotel Serit in the centre of Jerez de la Frontera.
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| | 7th day: Jerez de la Frontera – Seville 97 km
Seville, the undisputed capital of Andalusia, combines an impressive list of monuments, a rich and varied calendar of local festivities, and a captivating personality.
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Its soul is best discovered savouring the different districts: popular in Triana, aristocratic in Santa Cruz and full of bustling traders in the streets of Las Sierpes, San Pablo and Méndez Núñez.
We recommend you visit its two famous towers, La Giralda and the Torre del Oro; the extraordinary Gothic Cathedral; the Reales Alcázares; the María Luisa Park; the Maestranza bullring; the Fine Arts Museum and the Casa de Pilatos.
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| | For those who are looking for fun and adventure, the hotel is only 200 m from the Isla Mágica amusement park away.
No stroll through this beautiful city would be complete without stopping at one of the renowned bars, specialized in the thousand and one ways of preparing the most popular tapas.
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8th day: Seville – Carmona 30 km
The last stop on this trip is Carmona, centre of the Roman Betic Route. It is a thematic, cultural tourist itinerary which leads from Cordoba to Cadiz through all of the cities and towns with a Roman heritage. Carmona, in the Los Alcores region, is one of the most historical towns. It is still possible to see the layout of the ancient town dating back to the Carthaginian period.
Carmona is also part of the Artealia, an itinerary combining four historic towns (Carmona, Ecija, Marchena and Osuna) in the area surrounding Seville, as well as the Washington Irving Route.
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| Car Tour - In Switzerland |
1st day : Individual arrival by car to Lausanne
Distance from Geneva airport : 60 km. Visit the famous Olympic Museum in Lausanne. Accommodation in Lausanne, Minotel AlaGare.
2nd day : Trip from Lausanne to Champex-Lac, approx 90 km
Stop in Veytaux, near Montreux to visit the superb Chillon Castle. Stop in the Pierre Gianadda Foundation in Martigny. Accommodation in Champex-Lac, Minotel Glacier.
3rd day : Excursion day
Visit of the "Flore-Alpe" garden (open from 1st May to 30th September). Leaning at the bottom of the Catogne, it encloses more than 3000 species and varieties of plants originated from the five continents. They are cultivated on 6000 m2 of rubble and ornamented by streamlets and sheets of water. This original and fascinating set constitutes one of the richest alpine gardens in the Alps. Accommodation in Champex-Lac, Minotel Glacier.
4th day : Trip from Champex-Lac to Iseltwald, approx 160 km
Trip via Martigny, Sierre, Gampel, and take the Goppenstein train to Kandersteg (car or train). Excursion at the Blue Lake near Kandersteg (5 km away). Trip to Lauterbrunnen, to the Trümmelbach waterfalls. Accommodation in Iseltwald, Minotel Strand.
5th day : Excursion day
Visit the open air Museum of Ballenberg. Accommodation in Iseltwald, Minotel Strand.
6th day : Trip from Iseltwald to Wasen-Lüderenalp, approx 100 km
Stop in Beatenberg to visit the grottos of St.Beatus. Accommodation in Wasen-Lüderenalp, Minotel Lüderenalp.
7th day : Trip from Wasen-Lüderenalp to Flüelen, approx 100 km
Via Lucerne. Walk along the Lake of Lucerne. Accommodation in Flüelen, Minotel Sternen.
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| Castles - Loire Valley in France |
1st day : Individual arrival by car to Paris
Visit the famous sights (Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Sacré-Coeur, Musée du Louvre, etc). Accommodation in Paris, Minotel Marena.
2nd day : Trip from Paris to Orléans, approx. 110 km
Visit Orléans and cruise along the Loire river. Accommodation in Orléans, Minotel Terminus.
3rd day : Day of excursion. Discovery of the Sologne region and the Loire Valley Châteaux
Accommodation in Orléans, Minotel Terminus.
4th day : Trip from Orléans to Beaugency, approx. 23km
Visit to Chambord and Cheverny châteaux, and visit of Blois : château, St Solesme Crypt, St Nicolas Church, Beauvoir Tower, St Louis Cathedral, Bishop gardens, Notre Dame de la Trinité Basilica. Accommodation in Beaugency, Minotel La Maille d'Or.
5th day : Trip from Beaugency to Tours, approx. 89 km
Visit to Tours : tropical aquarium, St Martin Basilica, St Michel Chapel, Museum of Gemmail and its 12th century underground chapel. Visit of the most famous Loire Valley Château : Amboise, Chenonceau. Visit to Futuroscope Park in Poitiers, located 45 mns drive from Tours by direct motorway access. Accommodation in Tours, Minotel Terminus.
Discover the exciting life of King François I and his court during the Show of the Renaissance at the Amboise castle from the end of June until the end of August.
6th day : Trip from Tours to Chinon, approx. 45 km
Visit to the old city and the château. Accommodation in Chinon, Minotel Le Chinon.
7th day : Day of excursion. Visit to the famous vineyard and wine museum.
Accommodation in Chinon, Minotel Le Chinon.
8th day : Trip from Chinon to Saumur, approx. 32 km
Visit to Saumur : Beaulieu château, St Jean Chapel, Wine House, Church Notre Dames des Ardilliers, the famous National Horseriding School with its "Cadre Noir". Winetasting : Saumur Brut. Visit to the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud. Individual departure by car.
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| Castles - Romantic Road and King Castle Tour in Germany |
1st day : Arrival at Frankfurt airport
- after picking up your rental car at the airport, drive to Minotel Wessinger in NEU ISENBURG and enjoy the city of Frankfurt
- see "Goethe House" the birthplace of Germany's most famous poet, or drive directly down to WÜRZBURG and stay at Minotel Walfisch.
2nd day : Visit Würzburg
- Take a stroll through this mediaeval town and experience the history. Stay overnight in Würzburg.
3rd day : A scenic ride throught the Spessart mountains
Takes you to the magnificent city of Rothenburg, refered to as the "German Jewel of the Middle Ages". Enjoy a memorable sightseeing walk through the picturesque narrow streets.
Stay overnight at the Minotel Krone in NIEDERSTETTEN.
4th day : Drive via Dinkelsbühl to WEMDING
Stay overnight at Minotel Meerfräulein, relax and enjoy the flair of German mentality. Feel the way of life - visit small cities such as Nördlingen, Donauwörth or Neuburg a.d. Donau by bike.
5th day : Continue the ride along the Romantic Road,
Passing the 2000 year old city of Augsburg, continuing through Landsberg/Lech to Minotel Landhaus Sommer am See in FÜSSEN.
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6th day : This unforgetable day tour takes you to the castles of Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein.
Both these castles testify to the vision and tradition of the Bavarian fairytale King Ludwig and en route the famous church in the meadows "Wieskirche", for your overnight stay to Minotel Turmwirt in OBERAMMERGAU.
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7th day : Visit King Ludwig castle Linderhof and en route the monestary Ettal
Continue your drive to MUNICH to visit the Olympic stadium and tower, Nymphenburg Castle, the famous Old City and site of the world famous beer festival. Overnight stay at Minotel Amba, Minotel Brack or Minotel Hauser.
8th day : Drive to Munich airport
for car return and flight or extend your stay individually.
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| Culture & Gastronomy - Spain |
1st & 2nd day: Barcelona
Spend the first two days exploring “Olympic Barcelona” with its most emblematic locations: the Olympic Stadium and the Pueblo Español (Spanish Village), in the same area.
Next, we recommend you to stroll through the Old Town and the Ramblas, Barcelona's most popular street. You will find the Cathedral and the Picasso Museum very close by. There are also important Gaudi buildings to be discovered: Casa Batlló and La Pedrera on the Paseo de Gracia, without forgetting the Sagrada Familia.
Some pleasant places to dine out include: Olympic Port, Barceloneta and/or Maremagnum. At the Maremagnum, you can also visit the Aquarium.
Minotel Abbot, Minotel Access, Minotel Alimara, Minotel Glories or Minotel Vía Augusta.
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3rd day: Barcelona – Logroño 450 km
Logroño is the capital of the Rioja region, well-known for its wines. Once in the city, visit the Cathedral and the Plaza del Espolón (both very close to the hotel) and don't forget to book an excursion for the Route of the dinosaurs. We also recommend you to check out the typical bars in this area and, in the Old Town, to taste the delicious mushrooms with a good Rioja wine for an appetizer, followed by fine vegetables and meat.
Minotel Marqués de Vallejo in Logroño.
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| | 4th day: Logroño – Burgos 100 km
The most attractive monument in Burgos is the Cathedral, without forgetting all the other nearby churches such as the Monasterio de la Cartuja de Miraflores and the Monasterio de las Huelgas. At the Mesón del Cid restaurant, you will be able to try typical dishes such as Burgos lamb and piglet, of course accompanied by a bottle of La Ribera del Duero wine.
Minotel Mesón del Cid in Burgos.
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5th day: Burgos – Santander 150 km
Some of the more interesting places to visit are the Playa del Sardinero beach, the Menéndez y Pelayo University and the fantastic Cavarceno Park, where you can see all sorts of wild animals roaming in freedom.
We also suggest a visit to the medieval town of Santillana del Mar.
The local cuisine stands out particularly for its fish and shellfish.
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| Mediterranean Coast - Spain |
1st & 2nd day: Barcelona
Spend the first two days exploring “Olympic Barcelona” with its most emblematic locations: the Olympic Stadium and the Pueblo Español (Spanish Village), in the same area.
Next, we recommend you to stroll through the Old Town and the Ramblas, Barcelona's most popular street. You will find the Cathedral and the Picasso Museum very close by. There are also important Gaudi buildings to be discovered: Casa Batlló and La Pedrera on the Paseo de Gracia, without forgetting the Sagrada Familia.
Some pleasant places to dine out include: Olympic Port, Barceloneta and/or Maremagnum. At the Maremagnum, you can also visit the Aquarium.
Minotel Abbot, Minotel Access, Minotel Alimara, Minotel Glories or Minotel Vía Augusta.
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3rd day: Barcelona – Sitges
Sitges, an important cultural centre with 3 famous museums to visit: the Romantic Museum (it houses a collection of Lola Anglada's antique dolls), the Cau Ferrat and the Palau Maricel Museum, located in the town's charming historic quarter.
For Art Nouveau enthusiasts, we suggest you to follow the Ruta de los Americanos (Route of the Americans), a guided itinerary by foot through the centre of the town.
Don’t forget to taste the exquisite Xató de Sitges (regional fish speciality with almonds and tomatoes) next to the Paseo de la Ribera while watching the sea, the palm trees and the typical church of Sitges, known as La Punta (the point).
We also recommend you to sip a glass of the local Malvasia white wine or the Escumas de Sitges.
Minotel Capri and Minotel Veracruz in Sitges, 25 m off the promenade.
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4th day: Sitges – Vilafranca del Penedés – Castellón
If you travel by car, visit some of the largest and most traditional wine-growing estates and wine-cellars in the area of Vilafranca del Penedés - a world-famous wine-growing centre - such as Torres, Codorniu or Freixenet.
We also recommend you a stroll through Vilafranca's Old Town as well as doing the Ruta del vino (Wine Route), which includes a visit to the Wine Museum.
On the way to Castellón, you can go to the Port Aventura theme park in Salou or stop at Peñíscola to visit the Papa Luna Castle and The Old City.
Minotel Doña Lola or
Minotel Zaymar in the very centre of Castellón.
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5th & 6th day: Castellón – Valencia 75 km
Once in Valencia, a city of science and art, we recommend you the following itinerary by foot: the Gothic Cathedral of Saint Mary, the Generalidad Palace, the Lonja, the National Ceramics Museum, and the Colegio del Patriarca or the Colegio del Corpus Christi.
You can also explore the “Jardines del Real” Gardens as well as the Provincial Fine Arts Museum.
The Plaza del País Valenciano, next to the hotel, is one of the city's busiest places with a beautiful flower market.
You should not leave this city without experiencing its famous paella. You can try it in one of the restaurants in the district of the Malvarrosa Beach.
It is also worth tasting the delicious horchata de chufa, a refreshing drink made from chufas (earth almonds) which is mainly prepared in the nearby town of Alboraya.
A few kilometres from Valencia, you can do a boat ride in La Albufera, Spain’s largest lagoon and major rice-growing area.
Minotel Sorolla, located in the heart of the city of Valencia, close to the train station and the bullring.
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7th day: Valencia – Benidorm 130 km
On your last day in the region of Valencia, we suggest you a particularly entertaining outing at Spain’s largest theme park, Terra Mítica, in Benidorm, about 130 km from Valencia.
Minotel Sorolla located in the heart of the city of Valencia, close to the train station and the bullring.
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