Page 161 - Cork & Tee Sample Program Flipbook, 2018

Day 6: On to Sevilla – the Very Best of Old-World Spain. Start the day with a private transfer
35 min to Barcelona El Prat Airport for your 1 hr 35 min flight to Seville (air travel cost not
included in your program). Upon arrival at Seville Airport, meet one of our local drivers for a
private Mercedes transfer 20 min to
your luxury accommodations in the
heart of the city. Seville is our
favorite city in Andalusia. She is
captivating in the evening in
particular and quite lively during the
day. The sizable old quarter, the
largest such district in Spain, is
exceedingly charming. Antonio, our
handpicked Seville guide, or another
of our guides will meet you at hotel
reception this afternoon for a half-
day, private walking tour of the
atmospheric, old-world city. The historical tour will include the impressive Alcazar (palace),
which was built in 1248 following the Reconquest (almost 250 years before the defeat of the
Moors in Granada) and is notable, although not as splendid as the Alhambra. The visit will
continue to Seville’s enormous Gothic cathedral, which features five naves and is the second
largest Gothic structure in Europe (second to the Kölner Dom in Cologne, Germany) and one of
the world’s largest churches. It is the resting place of Christopher Columbus (well, there’s some
debate on that). The cathedral was built to demonstrate Seville’s wealth, and plenty of gold and
lavish decorations adorn the interior. Next to the cathedral is the Giralda tower, which was
originally one of the towers of the ancient mosque and is a symbol of Seville. The imposing
tower adds an exotic element to the architectural landscape of Seville. With Antonio, you will
also visit the charming Santa Cruz quarter, the city’s old Jewish quarter, which is full of narrow
alleys, former palaces and lively squares. Admission to the Alcazar and cathedral is included.

Tonight, one word: flamenco! We’ll direct you to one of the finest flamenco venues such as
Casa de la Memoria or Casa de la Guitarra; we favor more intimate and authentic venues. This
th
Andalusian dance form is an evolution of traditions brought to Spain in the early 15 century by
gypsy immigrants and was influenced by other cultures (specifically, Jews and Moors, who were
forced to convert to Christianity following the Reconquest). The art form gained a level of
th
respectability in the 18 century as attitudes changed toward resident gypsies. Admission is
included.

Proposed Accommodations for 4 nights: Hotel Alfonso XIII, one of Spain’s most prestigious
hotels, featuring a traditional design accented by Arabic-style arches and ceramic tiles. The
centrally-located property is bursting with old-world charm and befits its locale.

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