My Honeymoon Trip (with SA Tours) in 2008
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
I found the itineray trip of my honeymoon trip - with SA Tours!!! 14D Spain & Portugal 24 Dec 2008- 06 Jan 2009 --- Relieving all the wonderful memories!!!!
----- Extracted from SA Tours & Edited(add) my comments ------------
SPAIN
Barcelona: La Sagrada Familia / Columbus Monument / Las Ramblas / Plaça de Catalunya / Montjuïc Hill / Casa Batlló / Casa Milà
Valencia
Granada: Alhambra Palace / Generalife
Costa del Sol: Mijas white village / Marbella
Gibraltar
Seville: Seville Cathedral / Tomb of Christopher Columbus / Maria Luisa Park / Giralda Tower / Santa Cruz Quarter / Plaza de España
Salamanca
Madrid: Royal Palace / Cibeles Fountain / Puerta del Sol
Toledo: Damascene Steel Workshop / Toledo Cathedral
Zaragoza: Basilica del Pilar
PORTUGAL
Lisbon: Belém Tower / Alfama District / Navigator’s Monument / Jerónimos Monastery
Fatima: Shrine of Fatima
--->>>> The trip ---- walking thru my memories <<<<--- DAY 1: SINGAPORE - BARCELONA (On Xmas Day - 25 Dec 2008)
Our vacation starts with a pleasant SQ flight to the capital of Catalonia – Barcelona, a land that retains its own distinctive language and traditions. (Meals on Board)
DAY 2: BARCELONA - VALENCIA
Upon arrival in Barcelona, drive along the Valencian Coast where you will get to enjoy the two distinct landscapes of mountains and coast. Continue past the famous orange groves to Valencia and see its avant-garde and futuristic landmark, the City of Arts and Sciences. (Meals self paid @ a few service stations & a modern Chinese Dinner)
DAY 3: VALENCIA - GRANADA
This morning, drive through the magnificent scenery of the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Granada, capital of the Moorish Kingdom of Spain till 1492. Upon arrival, enjoy Granada’s little streets, full of Andalusian atmosphere and character. (Breakfast/ Dinner)
DAY 4: GRANADA - MIJAS - COSTA DEL SOL
After breakfast, commence on our sightseeing tour of Granada, with a visit to the exquisite Alhambra Palace, built by the Moorish rulers since the 13th Century. A fantasy of ‘lace in stone’ surrounded by fountains, it also provides superb views of the old quarter and Sacromonte where the Gitano gypsies lived in cave houses dug into the hillside. Walk through the exotic water gardens of Generalife, the royal summer residence. Later, travel through green hills above the Costa del Sol to Mijas (we paid as optional tour), a typical Andalusian white-washed village, overlooking the Mediterranean coast. (I had fantastic sweet almond nuts & found Rafael Nadal!) Overnight in Costa del Sol, a popular Mediterranean resort area with its long beaches. (Breakfast/ Dinner)
DAY 5: COSTA DEL SOL - SEVILLE
This morning, enjoy a scenic drive along the sun drenched Mediterranean coast past the exciting millionaire's resort of Marbella before reaching the capital of Andalusia, Seville. (We stopped over at Gibraltar!) This evening, you may consider to experience Spanish passion over a glass of Sangria at a fiery flamenco show (under your own expense) --- yes we did went; uhhm...kind of one time experience is enough! (Breakfast/ Dinner)
DAY 6: SEVILLE - LISBON (Mel's birthday!)
Tour this historic city that was deeply influenced by the Moors who dwelt in this area for 700 years - visit the immense 15th Century Gothic Seville Cathedral and the slender Giralda Tower. See the tomb of Christopher Colombus in the cathedral and walk through Maria Luisa Park to the beautiful square at Plaza de España. See the Jewish district of Santa Cruz with its flower-decked wrought iron balconies. Thereafter, bid farewell to Spain, crossing the Tagus River as you travel to Lisbon, capital of Portugal and host of 2004 European Cup Museum. Tour guide was nice and prepare birthday cakes surprise for all those who birthday falls around that time!(Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
DAY 7: LISBON
Embark on our Lisbon sightseeing through the broad avenues of the lower town and the alleys of the Alfama Quarter. View the Navigators Monument and the Tower of Belém, starting point for Portugal’s intrepid explorers. The Jerónimos Monastery is one of the great buildings of the Renaissance period. Inside the beautiful Jerónimos Monastery, you will be able to see the tomb of Vasco da Gama, who played an important role in creating a new chapter in World History. (The best egg tart in Portugal is few mins walk!!! Pasereis De Belém). Drive through the sun-baked landscapes of Estremadura into the greenery of Portugal, where cork oaks abound. (We reached the most western part of Portugal -- Cabo Da Roca --- the land ends, the sea begins) (Breakfast)
DAY 8: LISBON - FATIMA - SALAMANCA
Today, travel via the scenic Serra d’Aire Mountains to the Shrine at Fatima, world renowned centre of pilgrimage in the Catholic world. Formerly a small town, it now attracts hosts of believers from far and wide, particularly on pilgrimage day which is the 13th day of each month from May to October. Then we cross the border back into Spain to Salamanca, home to Spain’s oldest university and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the sandstone-coloured town and enjoy its young and vibrant atmosphere where historical sites, cafes, restaurants, shops and university students blend into one. Thereafter, proceed to Plaza Mayor which is a central square in the city and regarded as one of the finest squares in Europe, with its Baroque style architecture of the 18th Century. (Breakfast/ Dinner)
DAY 9: SALAMANCA - SEGOVIA - MADRID
After breakfast, proceed to the town of Segovia, whose old town is located on high ground between the channels of the rivers Eresma and Clamores. Make a stop at the factory outlet, before driving to the capital of Spain and the highest capital of Europe, Madrid. Embark on our sightseeing tour of Madrid, with a visit to the Royal Palace with its lavish scarlet and golden throne room. Next, view the Cibeles Fountain, then continue to Gran Via, Real Madrid Stadium and Puerta del Sol, officially the exact centre of the country. (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
DAY 10: MADRID - TOLEDO - MADRID
This morning, drive towards the unforgettable skyline of the former capital of Spain, Toledo. This city is declared a national monument due to countless works of art that have been preserved over the years. The most picturesque sight of the city is from the hill, where we can get a bird’s eye view of the whole city with its Alcázar and Cathedral. (Breakfast/ Lunch)
DAY 11: MADRID - ZARAGOZA - BARCELONA
Depart Madrid for Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon. As we arrive into this modern and populous city, view the magnificent Basilica del Pilar, which is one of Spain’s greatest and most revered religious buildings. After which, travel to Spain’s 2nd largest city and the host of 1992 Olympic Games, Barcelona. (Breakfast/ Dinner)
DAY 12: BARCELONA
After breakfast, commence on our Barcelona sightseeing, featuring views of art nouveau style buildings like Casa Batlló and Casa Milà along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia as well as visit to Antoni Gaudí’s most famous project, the immense but still unfinished church of La Sagrada Familia. Drive past Columbus Monument, the bullring and up to Montjuïc Hill for a spectacular view of the city and harbour. Have a stroll from Plaça de Catalunya down the lively Las Ramblas, where cafes, bars, shops, street buskers and colourful fruit market take your fancy. In the afternoon, you will be at leisure to explore this bustling city. You might want to join an optional tour to visit the unique and holy mountain of Montserrat (no we didn't), or simply have a walk at Gaudí’s Parc Güell (Yes! Impressive Gaudi). Alternatively, sitting by the waterfront to enjoy the Mediterranean breeze will be another option to consider. (Breakfast/ Dinner)
DAY 13: BARCELONA - SINGAPORE
Bid farewell to Spain and Portugal with our departure transfer to the airport for our flight back to Singapore. We hope that you have had an enjoyable time with SA Tours! (oh yes I certainly did!) (Breakfast/ Meals on Board)
DAY 14: ARRIVAL SINGAPORE
----- Extracted from SA Tours & Edited(add) my comments ------------
SPAIN
Barcelona: La Sagrada Familia / Columbus Monument / Las Ramblas / Plaça de Catalunya / Montjuïc Hill / Casa Batlló / Casa Milà
Valencia
Granada: Alhambra Palace / Generalife
Costa del Sol: Mijas white village / Marbella
Gibraltar
Seville: Seville Cathedral / Tomb of Christopher Columbus / Maria Luisa Park / Giralda Tower / Santa Cruz Quarter / Plaza de España
Salamanca
Madrid: Royal Palace / Cibeles Fountain / Puerta del Sol
Toledo: Damascene Steel Workshop / Toledo Cathedral
Zaragoza: Basilica del Pilar
PORTUGAL
Lisbon: Belém Tower / Alfama District / Navigator’s Monument / Jerónimos Monastery
Fatima: Shrine of Fatima
--->>>> The trip ---- walking thru my memories <<<<--- DAY 1: SINGAPORE - BARCELONA (On Xmas Day - 25 Dec 2008)
Our vacation starts with a pleasant SQ flight to the capital of Catalonia – Barcelona, a land that retains its own distinctive language and traditions. (Meals on Board)
DAY 2: BARCELONA - VALENCIA
Upon arrival in Barcelona, drive along the Valencian Coast where you will get to enjoy the two distinct landscapes of mountains and coast. Continue past the famous orange groves to Valencia and see its avant-garde and futuristic landmark, the City of Arts and Sciences. (Meals self paid @ a few service stations & a modern Chinese Dinner)
DAY 3: VALENCIA - GRANADA
This morning, drive through the magnificent scenery of the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Granada, capital of the Moorish Kingdom of Spain till 1492. Upon arrival, enjoy Granada’s little streets, full of Andalusian atmosphere and character. (Breakfast/ Dinner)
DAY 4: GRANADA - MIJAS - COSTA DEL SOL
After breakfast, commence on our sightseeing tour of Granada, with a visit to the exquisite Alhambra Palace, built by the Moorish rulers since the 13th Century. A fantasy of ‘lace in stone’ surrounded by fountains, it also provides superb views of the old quarter and Sacromonte where the Gitano gypsies lived in cave houses dug into the hillside. Walk through the exotic water gardens of Generalife, the royal summer residence. Later, travel through green hills above the Costa del Sol to Mijas (we paid as optional tour), a typical Andalusian white-washed village, overlooking the Mediterranean coast. (I had fantastic sweet almond nuts & found Rafael Nadal!) Overnight in Costa del Sol, a popular Mediterranean resort area with its long beaches. (Breakfast/ Dinner)
DAY 5: COSTA DEL SOL - SEVILLE
This morning, enjoy a scenic drive along the sun drenched Mediterranean coast past the exciting millionaire's resort of Marbella before reaching the capital of Andalusia, Seville. (We stopped over at Gibraltar!) This evening, you may consider to experience Spanish passion over a glass of Sangria at a fiery flamenco show (under your own expense) --- yes we did went; uhhm...kind of one time experience is enough! (Breakfast/ Dinner)
DAY 6: SEVILLE - LISBON (Mel's birthday!)
Tour this historic city that was deeply influenced by the Moors who dwelt in this area for 700 years - visit the immense 15th Century Gothic Seville Cathedral and the slender Giralda Tower. See the tomb of Christopher Colombus in the cathedral and walk through Maria Luisa Park to the beautiful square at Plaza de España. See the Jewish district of Santa Cruz with its flower-decked wrought iron balconies. Thereafter, bid farewell to Spain, crossing the Tagus River as you travel to Lisbon, capital of Portugal and host of 2004 European Cup Museum. Tour guide was nice and prepare birthday cakes surprise for all those who birthday falls around that time!(Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
DAY 7: LISBON
Embark on our Lisbon sightseeing through the broad avenues of the lower town and the alleys of the Alfama Quarter. View the Navigators Monument and the Tower of Belém, starting point for Portugal’s intrepid explorers. The Jerónimos Monastery is one of the great buildings of the Renaissance period. Inside the beautiful Jerónimos Monastery, you will be able to see the tomb of Vasco da Gama, who played an important role in creating a new chapter in World History. (The best egg tart in Portugal is few mins walk!!! Pasereis De Belém). Drive through the sun-baked landscapes of Estremadura into the greenery of Portugal, where cork oaks abound. (We reached the most western part of Portugal -- Cabo Da Roca --- the land ends, the sea begins) (Breakfast)
DAY 8: LISBON - FATIMA - SALAMANCA
Today, travel via the scenic Serra d’Aire Mountains to the Shrine at Fatima, world renowned centre of pilgrimage in the Catholic world. Formerly a small town, it now attracts hosts of believers from far and wide, particularly on pilgrimage day which is the 13th day of each month from May to October. Then we cross the border back into Spain to Salamanca, home to Spain’s oldest university and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the sandstone-coloured town and enjoy its young and vibrant atmosphere where historical sites, cafes, restaurants, shops and university students blend into one. Thereafter, proceed to Plaza Mayor which is a central square in the city and regarded as one of the finest squares in Europe, with its Baroque style architecture of the 18th Century. (Breakfast/ Dinner)
DAY 9: SALAMANCA - SEGOVIA - MADRID
After breakfast, proceed to the town of Segovia, whose old town is located on high ground between the channels of the rivers Eresma and Clamores. Make a stop at the factory outlet, before driving to the capital of Spain and the highest capital of Europe, Madrid. Embark on our sightseeing tour of Madrid, with a visit to the Royal Palace with its lavish scarlet and golden throne room. Next, view the Cibeles Fountain, then continue to Gran Via, Real Madrid Stadium and Puerta del Sol, officially the exact centre of the country. (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
DAY 10: MADRID - TOLEDO - MADRID
This morning, drive towards the unforgettable skyline of the former capital of Spain, Toledo. This city is declared a national monument due to countless works of art that have been preserved over the years. The most picturesque sight of the city is from the hill, where we can get a bird’s eye view of the whole city with its Alcázar and Cathedral. (Breakfast/ Lunch)
DAY 11: MADRID - ZARAGOZA - BARCELONA
Depart Madrid for Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon. As we arrive into this modern and populous city, view the magnificent Basilica del Pilar, which is one of Spain’s greatest and most revered religious buildings. After which, travel to Spain’s 2nd largest city and the host of 1992 Olympic Games, Barcelona. (Breakfast/ Dinner)
DAY 12: BARCELONA
After breakfast, commence on our Barcelona sightseeing, featuring views of art nouveau style buildings like Casa Batlló and Casa Milà along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia as well as visit to Antoni Gaudí’s most famous project, the immense but still unfinished church of La Sagrada Familia. Drive past Columbus Monument, the bullring and up to Montjuïc Hill for a spectacular view of the city and harbour. Have a stroll from Plaça de Catalunya down the lively Las Ramblas, where cafes, bars, shops, street buskers and colourful fruit market take your fancy. In the afternoon, you will be at leisure to explore this bustling city. You might want to join an optional tour to visit the unique and holy mountain of Montserrat (no we didn't), or simply have a walk at Gaudí’s Parc Güell (Yes! Impressive Gaudi). Alternatively, sitting by the waterfront to enjoy the Mediterranean breeze will be another option to consider. (Breakfast/ Dinner)
DAY 13: BARCELONA - SINGAPORE
Bid farewell to Spain and Portugal with our departure transfer to the airport for our flight back to Singapore. We hope that you have had an enjoyable time with SA Tours! (oh yes I certainly did!) (Breakfast/ Meals on Board)
DAY 14: ARRIVAL SINGAPORE
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