The capital of Spain, Madrid is a city adorned with elegant boulevards and large, manicured parks, and renowned for its rich repositories of European art, including the Prado Museum. Málaga, a modern port city on southern Spain's Costa del Sol, is home to inviting beaches lined with high-rise hotels and resorts, and a skyline featuring two expansive hilltop citadels, the Alcazaba and ruined Gibralfaro, remnants of Moorish rule. Celebrate the splendid architecture, landmarks, traditions, and flavours of Madrid and Málaga during this unforgettable, two-night overland excursion. Following a high-speed train-ride from Valencia to Madrid and lunch at La Botilleria, transfer to the Hotel Hospes for check-in. Afterward, depart for the world-renowned Prado Museum for a guided tour of its priceless art, coins, sculptures and paintings, then proceed for an evening of Flamenco dancing, lively music and Spanish cuisine at Tablao Las Carboneras. Following an overnight stay and breakfast at the Hotel Hospes, drive to Toledo for a tour of the city's main monuments, including the Santo Tomé Church, Santa Maria La Blanca Synagogue, San Juan de Dios Monastery and Transito Synagogue. After lunch at a local restaurant and some free time at the hotel, depart for a fun-filled and flavourful paella and sangria workshop. Learn the secrets to preparing sangria, gazpacho and paella, then dine on the meal you have helped to prepare. Following an overnight stay and breakfast at the Hotel Hospes, check-out and transfer to the train station for your approximately 2.5-hour, AVE high-speed-train-ride to Malaga. Upon arrival, take a guided sightseeing tour of the city. Marvel at the beautiful architecture of the historic, 11th-century Alcazaba Palace, 14th-century Gibralfaro Castle, built on an old Phoenician enclosure in Granada City, and ruins of the former Roman Theatre, located at the foot of the Hill of the Fortress. Following your sightseeing drive, proceed for lunch at a local restaurant in Malaga City. After lunch, some free time is made available for independent shopping and exploration. Your Mid-Voyage Land Adventure concludes on Day Three with transfer to the port of Malaga. Upon arrival, embark the ship.
The Vibrant Heart of Spain-Madrid & Toledo
Duration: 3 Days/2 Nights
Departs from: Valencia
Re-join ship: Malaga
Reserve by: At least 90 days prior to sailing
IMPORTANT NOTE:
This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.
Payment-in-full is due within 120 days prior to sailing. Booking made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea. Onboard Spending Credit may not be applied to the purchase of this programme.
All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.
VISA INFORMATION:
Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Spain. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.
LOCAL CURRENCY:
The local currency is the Euro; local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotels (a shopping stop is planned during the program-please note that being August 15th National Holidays, some shps may be closed).
Celebrate the magnificent architecture, landmarks, traditions, and flavours of Madrid and Malaga during this unforgettable, two-night overland excursion.
DAY ONE - Valencia/Madrid
Comfortable, high-speed train-ride from Valencia to Madrid
Upon disembarking the ship in Valencia, meet your guide and transfer to the train station for a scenic and comfortable, approximately two-hour high-speed train-ride to Madrid. The capital of Spain, Madrid is also the heart of business, headquarters of the Government and Local Administration, and the Spanish Royal Family's residence. This bustling young city is characterised by intense cultural, artistic and commercial production.
History of Madrid
The roots of Madrid date from the 9th century, when the Arab Emir Mohamed I built his defensive fortress on the left bank of the Manzanares River. Later on, the city became a bone of contention between Christians and Arabs. For centuries they fought for the control of the town and its treasures, and both left visible traces of their influences in the architecture and culture of the city. In the 18th century, under the reign of Carlos III, Madrid enjoyed a flourishing period of comfort which we can witness today in the magnificent monuments and landmarks to be seen during your visit to this cosmopolitan city.
Lunch at La Botilleria restaurant, and a transfer to the Hotel Hospes for check-in
Upon arrival in Madrid, transfer for lunch at La Botilleria. Located in the area known as 'El Madrid de las Austrias' by the Teatro Real Opera House, this original restaurant is decorated in the style of the old European cafés. After lunch, transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Guided tour of the Prado Museum, and a viewing of some of the museum's most famous works
Next, depart for the short drive to the Prado Museum. Upon arrival, marvel at the masterpieces of what is called the widest art gallery of the world. In addition to the museum's old coins, valuable sculptures and sketches by famous artists, The Prado boasts a collection of paintings that is unique in terms of the variety, quantity and value. The Treasure counts over 8,600 paintings, of which less than 2,000 are exposed to the public for spatial reasons. During a guided tour, view a selection of works from among the museum's most famous masterpieces and figurative art.
'Flamenco Night' at Tablao Las Carboneras
At the conclusion of your visit, transfer back to Madrid for a 'Flamenco Night' at Tablao Las Carboneras. Situated in the heart of Madrid's city centre and very close to the Plaza Mayor and San Miguel Market, Tablao Las Carboneras was created in the style of the old establishments known as café 'cantantes'. These intimate venues are dedicated to quality flamenco to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. To create the perfect flamenco atmosphere, the venue is dedicated to displaying photography, paintings, sketches, and other works from renowned national and international flamenco artists such as Candy Román, Ari Alexis Patacuás, Juan Herrera, and Shin Yamasawa.
Lively and captivating Flamenco show and Spanish cuisine
During your visit, enjoy a flamenco show accompanied by a dinner comprised of traditional Spanish dishes. The approximately hour-long performance includes guitarists, singers and dancers, as well as a featured artist which changes every fifteen days. Some of the performers who have been featured include Ángel Gabarre, Montse Cortés, Juan Soto, Arcadio Marín, José Antonio Suárez (El Canito), Ana Romero, and more. At the conclusion of this lively and captivating evening, transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight in a Dreamer Room at the Hotel Hospes - Madrid.
DAY TWO - Madrid/Toledo
Breakfast at the hotel, a scenic drive to Toledo and a sightseeing tour of her main monuments
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and depart for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Toledo. Upon arrival, take a guided sightseeing tour of the main monuments of this charming city.
Santo Tomé Church
Your first stop is at the Santo Tomé Church, with its 14th-century Mudéjar Tower and famous El Greco painting, the Burial of Count Orgaz, which is exhibited in a special room. Leaving the Santo Tomé Church, head to the Santa Maria La Blanca Synagogue.
Santa Maria La Blanca Synagogue
This Mudéjar construction was built in 1180, and has five naves separated by pillars supporting horseshoe arches. In the 15th century, the synagogue was converted into a church, although today it is simply a monument that is open to visitors. It features a coffered wooden ceiling, Plateresque altars and an altarpiece created by the school of Berruguete.
San Juan de Dios Monastery
Continue on to the San Juan de Dios Monastery. This monastery was sponsored by the Catholic Monarchs to commemorate the victory at the Battle of Toro (1476), which pitted Castilian-Aragonese troops against King Alfonso V of Portugal and Juana la Beltraneja. San Juan de Dios thus became a building of great symbolic value for Ferdinand and Isabella.
Transito Synagogue
The Transito Synagogue is one of the most important examples of Spanish-Jewish art. Inside, visit the Sephardic Museum, which has important traces of Jewish culture. It is noteworthy that this building was constructed between 1355 and 1357, as a private chapel of the palace.
Lunch at a local restaurant in Toledo, and free time at your hotel
Next, proceed for lunch at a local restaurant in Toledo. After lunch, transfer back to your hotel in Madrid, with some free time at your leisure.
Fun-filled, interactive paella and sangria workshop
Later, head to a fun-filled, interactive paella and sangria workshop, during which dishes are prepared by couples under the guidance of the experienced chef. First, learn how to prepare sangria, a festive and fruity alcoholic beverage, and 'gazpacho', a refreshing, tomato-based soup, then begin cooking the paella.
History of paella
From its humble beginnings, paella evolved from a simple rice dish into a feast of rice with mixed meat and seafood. Traditionally it is cooked and eaten in an open-air setting, and served to a large group at family gatherings or fiestas. However, paella is not exclusive to experienced Spanish cooks or restaurants; you can make paella at home and this class shows you how. During the preparation of the paella, your chef recounts the origins of this typical Spanish dish and its place in Spanish culture, and handy tips to help you make paella you can be proud of.
Paella and sangria dinner, and a transfer back to the hotel
Your paella class is approximately three hours long; two hours for preparing your gazpacho and cooking the paella, and one hour to enjoy a dinner consisting of the sangria and meal you have helped to prepare. At the conclusion of your visit, transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight in a Dreamer Room at the Hotel Hospes - Madrid.
DAY THREE - Madrid/Malaga
Breakfast, check-out and a comfortable, high-speed train-ride from Madrid to Malaga
After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, transfer to the train station for your scenic and comfortable, approximately 2.5-hour, high-speed train-ride to Malaga.
Malaga City sightseeing drive, Alcazaba Palace, Gibralfaro Castle, Roman Theatre
Upon arrival, take a panoramic sightseeing drive through the city. Malaga is located in the centre of the Costa del Sol. Many ancient civilizations have left their marks, which are preserved in Malaga's rich archaeological remains and fascinating monuments. Marvel at the beautiful architecture of the historic, 11th-century Alcazaba Palace, originally built as a residence for ancient caliphs or kings. From here, pass by the 14th-century Gibralfaro Castle, built on an old Phoenician enclosure in Granada City, and ruins of the former Roman Theatre, located at the foot of the Hill of the Fortress.
Lunch at a local restaurant, and free time for independent shopping and exploration
Following your sightseeing drive, proceed for lunch at a local restaurant in Malaga City. After lunch, some free time is made available for independent shopping and exploration.
Transfer to the port of Malaga, and your ship
At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and transfer to the port of Malaga. Upon arrival, embark the ship.
Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires an extensive amount of walking, at times over uneven, cobblestone surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and board/de-board the high-speed train, and many steps at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a sweater or light jacket, raingear, and a camera from the ship. Proper attire is required to enter the churches; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Guests must carry their passports and ship's ID at all times. Guests must be at least 21 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence and itinerary may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Programme Includes:
- Two-night stay in a Dreamer Room at the Hotel Hospes - Madrid
- High-speed train-ride: Valencia/Madrid/Malaga
- Two breakfast, three lunches and two dinners (lunch includes choice of two local beers, soft drinks, bottled water; beverage at dinner also includes house wine)
- Lunch at La Botilleria restaurant in Madrid
- Lunch at local restaurants in Madrid and Malaga City
- Interactive paella and sangria workshop with lunch in Madrid
- Spanish dinner and Flamenco show at Tablao Las Carboneras in Madrid
- Free time for shopping and exploration in Malaga City
- All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary
Not Included:
Any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.
