SOUTHERN EUROPE

* Spain * Portugal * Southern France * Italy *

25 DAYS

Departing 07 July 2017

DAY 1: Fri 07 Jul MELBOURNE/SYDNEY – FLY TO MADRID (-) Meet your tour escort and fellow passengers then proceed through check-in and customs procedures for your flight bound for Madrid – Spain’s central capital renowned for its enchanting nightlife, fine arts and dining.

DAY 2: Sat 08 Jul ARRIVE MADRID (D) Be met on arrival by your driver and tour manager then transfer to the hotel and rest until dinner, or alternatively explore the surroundings of this lively city to admire the impressive architecture or simply relax and soak up the surroundings. Afterwards transfer to a local restaurant for dinner. Overnight: Madrid

DAY 3: Sun 09 Jul MADRID SIGHTSEEING (B) A local guide joins the group this morning to view the main sights of the city and see where the old meets the new and buildings merge together in a very effective way. Stop at Madrid Square and the Plaza de Oriente where the Royal Palace is located. Afterwards the remainder of the day and evening is at leisure for private sightseeing, shopping or to rest. Perhaps head to a local bar and sample some authentic Spanish tapas. Overnight: As Above.

DAY 4: Mon 10 Jul TOLEDO FARM VISIT & SIGHTSEEING (BD) After breakfast journey south to Toledo and visit a local cattle farmer who will show us around the property. Afterwards visit the fascinating town of Toledo for a guided tour of this impressive ancient walled city with its magnificent stone buildings and cobblestone streets, the entire city has been declared a National Monument. Return to the Madrid hotel for dinner. Overnight: As Above

DAY 5: Tue 11 Jul MADRID – GRANADA (BD) An early departure this morning and travel south to Granada, located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Andalucia. Enjoy a guided tour with the highlight being a visit to the spectacular Alhambra – a sprawling 13th century palace and fortress complex and the associated Generalife garden area adjacent to the palace. Return to the hotel in time for dinner. Overnight: Granada

DAY 6: Wed 12 Jul GRANADA – SEVILLE (BLD) This morning visit a typical ham drying house for a tour of the processes involved and enjoy a Spanish tapas lunch in a local restaurant. Afterwards visit one of Europe’s largest fruit and vegetable co-operatives which boasts thousands of members to hear about their successful production and export of fruit, vegetables and citrus. Afterwards continue to Seville on the plains of the Guadalquivir River. Overnight: Seville

DAY 7: Thu 13 Jul SEVILLE – JEREZ – SEVILLE (BD) Take the 90km journey south to the township of Jerez and visit the remarkable Andalusian School of Equestrian to see “how the Andalusian Horses Dance” in their world renowned show. This unique exhibition of exceptional horsemanship using the Spanish breed of horses pays homage to their vision of preserving Classical and Country dressage. On the return journey stop in to visit a local fruit farm. Overnight: As Above

DAY 8: Fri 14 Jul SEVILLE SIGHTSEEING (B) This morning enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Seville including the World Heritage listed Alcazar castle with time to explore this breathtakingly beautiful and intricately ornate structure, a remnant of the Moorish Era. Also see the site of the 1992 Expo, Bell Tower of Giralda and visit the serene gardens and pavilions of Maria Luisa Park on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Overnight: As Above

DAY 9: Sat 15 Jul SEVILLE – FARO – LISBON (BD) Travel west crossing the border into Portugal and our first stop will be to view the century old salt pans in Tavira that are still operational in producing salt today. Continue to the south of Portugal and visit a cork factory to see the items being produced before travelling north to Portugal’s coastal and hilly capital city, Lisbon, renowned for its bleached white limestone buildings. This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with a traditional soulful fado performance. Overnight: Lisbon

DAY 10: Sun 16 Jul LISBON – EVORA (BD) After breakfast is a guided tour of Lisbon to see the main sights of the city including the main shopping avenue of Liberty Avenue, Rossio Square along with the public square of Restauradores and stop at St Jorge’s Castle for a spectacular view over Lisbon and the Tagus River. Afterwards journey inland to Evora, located in the south-central Alentejo region and is one of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved 14th century walled medieval towns. See the ancient Roman Temple and ruins along with the historic city centre on a walking tour with your tour manager. Overnight: Evora

DAY 11: Mon 17 Jul EVORA – MERIDA – SALAMANCA (B) Head further inland this morning and cross the border once again into Spain. Stop enroute to visit a unique Dehesa de Extremadura and learn the production process of a particular Spanish delicacy. These plots are a series of agricultural areas owned by municipalities rather than individuals and are home to the Spanish Iberian pig. Here they roam freely and feed naturally until ready for ham production, in some instances reaching 150kg. Continue to Merida and view the impressive Roman ruin complex originating in 25 BC before arriving at Salamanca where dinner is at own expense this evening. Overnight: Salamanca

DAY 12: Tue 18 Jul SALAMANCA SIGHTS & FARM VISITS (BD) View the main city sights this morning, including the highly reputable University which houses thousands of international students and is thought to be the third oldest in European history. Visit the Salamanca Central market and marvel at the variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood and meat which is all sourced locally then visit a ham producer to taste some local ham and chorizo over a glass of wine. This afternoon visit a bull farmer rearing the renowned Toro Bravo, a native breed used predominantly in the bullfighting ring. Known for their exceptional beauty and bravery they are reared for 4 – 6 years before heading to the ring, at a weight of between 450 – 650kg and valued anywhere up to 12,000 euro per beast. Overnight: As Above

DAY 13: Wed 19 Jul SALAMANCA – OLMEDO – BURGOS (BD) Travel northwest today and stop near Olmedo to visit a sheep farm before continuing to our overnight stop at Burgos, located on the confluence of the Arlanzon River tributaries and home to the UNESCO listed gothic style cathedral. Visit a local cherry farmer before settling into your accommodation with dinner at the hotel this evening. Overnight: Burgos

DAY 14: Thu 20 Jul BURGOS – HARO – ZARAGOZA (BD) Stop to visit a beef producer enroute this morning before travelling to the La Rioja region of Haro, renowned for its fine red wine production which is the driving force of the regional economy and the town celebrates with an annual wine festival drawing many visitors. See the pretty landscape filled with vineyards and stop at a winery for a guided tour including tasting. Afterwards travel the 215km to our overnight stop. Overnight: Zaragoza

DAY 15: Fri 21 Jul ZARAGOZA – BARCELONA (BD) Sprawled on the banks of the Ebro River, enjoy a guided Zaragoza city tour to note the gothic architecture and view the Cathedral of the Saviour of Zaragoza and the beautiful multi-domed Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar – a shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Also visit a local dairy farm in the area before travelling the two hours east to Barcelona and enjoy dining at a local restaurant this evening. Overnight: Barcelona

DAY 16: Sat 22 Jul BARCELONA (B) This is a city steeped in history and artists including Pablo Picasso took inspiration from the area. Enjoy a guided tour on foot around the Olympic Village and Port. Travel to Montjuic hill located near the centre over the city for magnificent panoramic views of the city and step back in time to visit the Gothic Quarter in particular noting the distinctive architecture of Antoni Gaudi when visiting the Sagrada Familia. Visit one of Europe’s most famous food markets with both locals and restaurateurs alike, the Boqueria Market, and see the wide array of fresh food on display. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore further, perhaps head to the sun drenched beaches bordered by the blue Mediterranean Sea and enjoy a sundowner and tapas. Overnight: As Above

DAY 17: Sun 23 Jul BARCELONA – GIRONA – NARBONNE (B) After breakfast travel to Girona for a guided tour of the Jewish Quarter with time to walk around admiring the architecture. Continue north crossing the border into France and travel to the township of Carcassonne to walk through this medieval city which looks like it has come straight out of a children’s story book, complete with turrets and perched on top of a hill it will truly delight! Afterwards arrive at our overnight stop where the evening is free to dine out (own expense). Overnight: Narbonne

DAY 18: Mon 24 Jul NARBONNE – MARSEILLAN – AVIGNON (BL) A leisurely morning to travel the short distance to Marseillan to visit La Ferme Marine, an oyster farm where you will be given an introductory talk explaining the process and enjoy a seafood lunch. Continue to Villeveyrac in south-central France and stop at the impressive Abbaye de Valmagne, a former Benedectine Monastery established in 1138 which today is a “wine cave” maturing huge vats of wine. Enjoy a tasting whilst admiring the surrounding buildings and gardens which are a testament to the monks which once graced these halls. Then drive the 1½ hours to Avignon, located on the iconic Rhone River. Overnight: Avignon

DAY 19: Tue 25 Jul AVIGNON – GORGES OF ARDECHE (B) This morning visit the renowned Palais des Papes which was the papal residence for 70 years in the 14th century with time to explore this impressive gothic style building. Then continue on to see the Pont d’Avignon, a medieval bridge which stops suddenly halfway across the river and learn the history behind the bridge. The highlight today will be a drive along the utterly spectacular Gorges of Ardèche. Several million years ago the spirited river Ardèche cut tirelessly through the limestone, opening an immense gorge. The entrance to this 35km road is the dramatic natural arch of the Pont d’Arc, standing 66 metres high. The road then plunges, loops, sinks and slices its way around the Ardèche River, finishing at St Martin-d’ Ardèche. There are many viewpoints along the route and there will be plenty of photo opportunities to capture the breathtaking beauty of this place and you may even be fortunate to see some wildlife such as beavers. Overnight: As Above

DAY 20: Wed 26 Jul AVIGNON – NICE (BD) Travel this morning to the “town of water, town of art”; Aix en Provence. Enjoy an orientation tour of this well-preserved town and visit the markets. Continue to Saint Cezaire sur Siagne and visit a goat’s cheese producer who will show you through their boutique operation of cheese making. End the day in the stunning seaside city of Nice, capital of the French Riviera, and see the unique beach comprising entirely of pebbles. Overnight: Nice

DAY 21: Thu 27 Jul NICE – MENTON – VERONA (B) An early departure this morning, and if time permits stop in Monaco briefly to view the famous racetrack, casino and Royal residence once home to Princess Grace. Continue to the Italian border and visit a lemon grower before making our way to Verona situated near Lake Garda – the largest of 3 freshwater lakes making up the spectacular holiday destination of the Italian Lakes District. Stop in Sirmione for breathtaking views over the lake. Arrive in Verona which is renowned as being the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. Overnight: Verona

DAY 22: Fri 28 Jul VERONA – FACTORY VISITS – VENICE (B) After breakfast enjoy a short orientation tour of the city by coach then continue to our first stop being a factory tour of the Agco-Laverda harvester plant in Breganze. Agco manufacture combine harvesters and hay equipment with the entire European production done at this site. Then continue to the Maschio Factory located in Campodarsego for a guided tour to see their production of tillage, sowing, seeding and crop-care equipment. Drive the short distance to Venice and board your private boat transfer from Tronchetto to the hotel, and the remainder of the evening is at leisure to explore and soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful island. Overnight: Venice

DAY 23: Sat 29 Jul VENICE ½ DAY SIGHTSEEING TOUR (BD) After breakfast enjoy a morning guided walking tour of the main city sights including Piazza San Marco and Saint Mark's Basilica then see a traditional glass blowing demonstration. The remainder of the afternoon is free at leisure to perhaps experience an authentic gondola ride (own expense) before meeting up to enjoy our final farewell dinner to reminisce about the events and happenings of the past 23 days. Overnight: As Above

DAY 24: Sun 30 Jul VENICE – FLY HOME (B) Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning before transferring to Venice airport to check-in and go through immigration procedures in preparation for your flight home to Australia.

DAY 25: Mon 31 Jul ARRIVE HOME (-) Arrive at your home port today, so ending a wonderful journey through Spain, Portugal, France and Italy.

COST: $11,950.00 per person, twin share* *Tour cost is subject to air/tax increases plus currency fluctuations

Based on a minimum of 20 passengers travelling

Non-refundable deposit required: $1,000.00 per person

Balance required no later than: 08 May 2017

Single Supplement: $1,950.00 per person

Cancellation: In the event of cancellation, levies will apply. See Booking Conditions

MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS:

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Madrid guided tour

Alhambra Palace & Generalife Gardens

Lisbon & Evora city sights

Entrance to Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

Palace of the Popes, Avignon

Italian Lakes District & Verona

Toledo ancient walled city

Alcazar castle, Seville

La Rioja vineyard visit & tasting

Historic medieval city of Carcassonne

Breathtaking Gorges of Ardeche

Guided walking tour of Venice

Madrid * 3 Nights Barcelona * 2 Nights

Seville * 3 Nights Avignon * 2 Nights

Salamanca * 2 Nights Venice * 2 Nights

FARM & TECHNICAL VISITS:

Tour cost includes:

Return economy airfares and pre-payable taxes from Australia.

Air-conditioned vehicle travel with experienced driver/guide.

Twin share 3½ - 4 star accommodation throughout with en suite facilities.

A local tour manager accompanying the group on tour.

Meals as per itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).

All sightseeing entries and farm & technical visits as indicated in the itinerary.

A tour escort travelling from Australia and remaining with the group on tour.

Gratuities for the coach driver and tour manager. Tour cost does NOT include:

Travel Insurance – COMPULSORY to have prior to travel and a copy will be required before documents are released. Swagman Tours can assist with a quote/issuing a policy, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Items of a personal nature ie laundry/phone calls etc.

Any item listed as optional in the itinerary.

All beverages plus meals not listed in the itinerary.

Cost of passport and medication if required.

Gratuities for hotel staff, restaurants, taxis etc.

Hotel porterage. IMPORTANT NOTES: The tour cost is subject to change due to currency fluctuations, airfare and fuel surcharges and / or tax increases. As this is a group package, all passengers must travel on the same outbound flight to Madrid. Post touring options are available and will incur an amendment fee of $75 per person (plus extra touring costs).

PASSPORTS AND VISAS All travellers will require a full valid passport, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you have valid visas if applicable for all countries visited on your holiday, and sufficient blank pages for any visas and for entry/departure stamps. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your holiday. If you have more than one passport, we recommend that you use one passport only for the entire journey. This will save problems and potential delays at border crossings. Requirements differ depending on your nationality - check with the appropriate embassies for details. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas for your holiday and onward travel. Swagman Tours cannot accept responsibility for anyone who is refused entry to a country because they lack the correct documentation. Please check the actual requirements with the necessary embassy. Please also do not assume that any inaccuracies within your documentation will be detected or can be rectified - you must ensure that your "paper-work" is in order. There will be times during the trip, when your passport will be collected e.g. by your tour leader, hotel reception staff, or police. HOLDERS OF FOREIGN PASSPORTS: Travellers holding non Australian passports must have the relevant re-entry permit to return to Australia and must check with their National Consulate of any visa requirements to your holiday destination country(s). NOTE: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate. Currently an Australian citizen travelling on an Australian passport does NOT require a visa to enter Spain, Portugal, France or Italy.

FARM & TECHNICAL VISITS: A fully furnished list of confirmed visits both to farming properties and technical stops will be given with your ticket wallets approximately 3 weeks prior to your departure.

* CHANGES AND ALTERATIONS may take place from original details listed in the itinerary *

Cattle farm, Toledo

Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian

Cork factory visit

Toro Bravo bull farm, Salamanca

Dairy farm at Zaragoza

Agco-Laverda harvester factory, Breganze

Fruit & vegetable co-operative, Granada

Fruit farm, Seville

Spanish Iberian pig farm

Sheep farm, Olmedo

Goat cheese producer, France

Maschio Factory, Campodarsego

FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT:

SWAGMAN TOURS Level 1, 182 Latrobe Terrace (PO Box 7473)

GEELONG WEST VIC 3218

P: 1800 808 491 E: karen@swagmantours.com.au W: www.swagmantours.com.au

TOUR ESCORT: Stuart Kyle Stuart was born in East Gippsland, being brought up on the family sheep and cattle farm. He commenced work with Victorian Producers Co-Op in 1981 with a two year stint at Newmarket, then to Bendigo, Deniliquin, Nhill, Finley and Kaniva, where he was Branch Manager for several years. In 1997 Stuart and his wife Gladys started Kyle Livestock in the West Wimmera until 2008, when they with four others formed a new partnership creating Westech Ag/Kyle Livestock offering a full livestock and agronomic service in far west Victoria. In his time at VPC Stuart led farming tours including a memorable trip to Cape York with Swagman and is still in contact with lots of the fellow travellers. Stuart met his wife Gladys when in Nhill where she was nursing. They have 2 children, he enjoys a spot of fishing and is an avid Geelong supporter.

Spain & Portugal

France & Italy