Pre-Conference Tours

TOUR 1: SPAIN 22 - 30 May 2009

DAY 1 Friday 22 May
Barcelona

Participants arriving on SQ378 in Barcelona will be met at the airport and transferred to the Hotel Avenida Palace, which is a centrally located classic hotel. After checking in there is the opportunity to rest or just freshen up and go exploring. Meeting the group in the hotel foyer at 5.00pm the programme begins with a walking tour of the Old Quarter that will include visiting the narrow streets of the Barri Gothic and the famous Ramblas pedestrian street followed by welcome drinks and a tapas dinner. Overnight Hotel Avenida Palace.

DAY 2 Saturday 23 May
Barcelona

After breakfast at the hotel depart for a morning touring the sights of Barcelona and its amazing architecture. Visits will include many of the creations of Antoni Gaudi including the Sagrada Familia and a panoramic tour of the city by coach. Lunch and an afternoon at leisure. Meeting again at the hotel at 8.30pm to tour and go to dinner at Barcelona's Olympic Port. Overnight Hotel Avenida Palace.

DAY 3 Sunday 24 May
Barcelona

After a leisurely breakfast depart for a day tour to enjoy Montserrat Monastery and taste Spain's famous Cava at Cava Cordoniu, owned by one of Spain's great family dynasties. The Monastery is home to the Black Madonna and also one of Spain's longest standing children's choirs who will perform. Lunch at Paradis Can Amat, a traditional Catalan mansion will give a sense of grand times. This trip provides a chance to see some of the countryside beyond the urban area of Barcelona.

Returning to the hotel mid afternoon there is time at leisure before dinner at own arrangement. Overnight Hotel Avenida Palace.

DAY 4 Monday 25 May
Barcelona - Granada

Breakfast at the hotel before check-out and departure to the airport and the flight to Granada.
The day's activities include a tour of Granada, lunch at Paco Martin and an extensive tour of the breathtaking Alhambra Palace and its Gardens. Dinner and overnight at the beautiful converted convent Hotel Palacio Santa Paula.

DAY 5 Tuesday 26 May
Granada - Cordoba - Seville

Departing the hotel after breakfast complete the sight-seeing tour of Granada before heading to Cordoba and Seville. In Cordoba a city tour will include a visit to the mosque/ cathedral Calleja de las Flores, the Jewish Quarter and Synagogue before some free time for lunch and shopping. Mid afternoon depart for the drive to Seville. On arrival in Seville, check-in to the hotel and some time to relax before going to a traditional Flamenco Night with dinner at El Arenal. Following the performance enjoy an evening panoramic drive to see the city by night and the buildings of the Expo. Overnight Hotel Abba Triana.

DAY 6 Wednesday 27 May
Seville - Madrid

Seville is steeped in beauty with impressive monuments dating back many centuries. After breakfast, check out of the hotel and tour the highlights including the gothic cathedral, with its Arabic minaret transformed into a Christian bell tower, the fantastic artworks in Sala del Pabellon and Columbus' tomb and the Torre del Oro with its nautical history. A visit to Alcazar Royal Palace, the oldest residence of the Spanish Kings. The tour finishes with a trip to Santa Cruz, the Jewish Quarter with its narrow streets and orange trees. Transfer to the railway station to catch the fast train to Madrid. Business class seats provide a full lunch served on the way. Once in Madrid there will be a short orientation tour on the way to the hotel. Relax over dinner. Overnight Hotel Emerador

DAY 7 Thursday 28 May
Madrid

Breakfast at the hotel in preparation for a day of sight-seeing that will include a city tour including the Royal Palace, a tapas lunch and tour of the El Prado Museum. Return to the hotel for some time at leisure before meeting up to go to a banquet dinner at Posada de la Villa Horno de Asar. Overnight Hotel Emerador.

DAY 8 Friday 29 May
Madrid - Toledo - Madrid

Departing after breakfast for Toledo, a city rich in art and cultural heritage. A World Heritage Site. Toledo is a city of three cultures Christian, Muslim and Jewish. After exploring the city head to Parador Conde de Orgaz for lunch overlooking the city. On the return journey passing through the Valley of the Fallen you will see monuments to fallen soldiers of the Civil War. Return to Madrid late afternoon. Evening and dinner at leisure. Overnight Hotel Emerador

DAY 9 Saturday 30 May
Madrid - Athens - Samos

After breakfast transfer to the airport for flights Madrid to Athens and Athens to Samos. In Samos you will be met at the airport and transferred to the Doryssa Seaside Resort.

Cost: Single $8800, Twin Share $7300 pp

Above prices include: Transfer from Flight SQ378 22/5/09 to hotel, private air-conditioned buses, professional English speaking guide and entrance fees for all sights described. Eight nights superior accommodation on a bed and breakfast as is, lunches on days 3, 4, 6, 7, 8. Dinner on nights 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 & 7. A drinks package provided with all meals. Flight Barcelona-Seville, 1st Class train Seville Madrid, Flights Madrid-Athens- Samos, transfers to conference hotel in Samos. Personal expenses are not included. Note: Order of tour may change