Marvel at the history and beauty of Spain on this 14-day exploration that will delight your senses and stimulate your imagination. From the galleries and wild nightlife of Madrid, to the Muslim monuments, flamenco and vibrant culture of Andalucia, to the architecture, cuisine and cool style of Barcelona, Spain is sure not to disappoint. Highlights of Spain Classic 2009 GPE 8 15 Max 15, Avg 10 Europe Spain Madrid Barcelona Spain Spain Culture/History 14 2 Standard http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/spain/spain_tapas.jpg Arrive in Madrid at any time. Head to Seville, a city with one of the most distinct personalities of Spain. Explore the fascinating Muslim monuments, beautiful parks and colourful gardens. Take a break from your urban adventure and frolic along the beautiful coastlines and beaches of Costa de la Luz. Sailing, kitesurfing, and whale watching are just a few of many optional activities to choose from. Head to the alluring town of Ronda, nestled deep in the white Anadalucian hills. Travel the Anadalucian countryside on bike, foot or 4 wheelers and check out the town’s most unique feature – a 100m deep gorge splitting the town in two – or take in a bull fight at the original home of this exciting Spanish pastime. Journey onwards to Cordoba, one of Europe’s important capitals during the Middle Ages. Visit the world-famous Mezquita; the most beautiful and original building in all of Spain as well as the third largest mosque in the world. Next stop is the Andaluz city of Granada, home of the famous Alhambra. Walk the many halls of the Alhambra and experience the most famous architecture and Islamic art. Historical yet cosmopolitan, Valencia is home of paella, the Holy Grail and one of Europe’s newest science museums. Take a day stroll along the romantic Mediterranean but by night have your dancing shoes ready! Early morning train ride to Barcelona. Spend your free day walking along the famous La Rambla and check out the city's museums, cathedrals and Gaudi architecture. Have a bit of cash left over? Barcelona is home to some of the best shopping in Europe! Arrival day, no activities planned.

Madrid, the grand dame of European cities, has it all—history, architecture, museums, galleries, beautiful parks and a wild nightlife. Spain's capital city’s most exciting street is the Gran Vía, but be sure to visit the Plaza Mayor –the true heart of Madrid. Enjoy a coffee in one of the plaza’s many cafes and watch the world go by.

A trip to the Museo del Prado, one of the greatest art galleries in the world, is a definite highlight. The main emphasis of the museum is 15th to 19th century Spanish, Flemish and Italian art. There is plenty of Goya and you'll find a wealth of paintings by Diego Velázquez. For a more modern take and one of the best art history lessons you'll ever get, check out the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, a private assembly of paintings from Titian to Picasso.

The beautiful Real Jardin Botánico, near the Prado, is a good spot to recover from an art overdose. To see what style the kings and queens lived in, visit the Palacio Real, where you'll see some of the most elaborately decorated and furnished rooms ever. The epicenter of Madrid's nightlife is Plaza del Dos de Mayo, in the area known as Malasaña – head here after hours to have a taste of Sangria and dance to the latest music!

The Escorial, a magnificent palace and mausoleum constructed by Felipe II (on the site of a previous dump) is also a major tourist attraction within the capital area. The building’s magnificent style is a worthy monument to the power and wealth that was Spain during the 16th century. The Escorial also became a great center for learning and has an outstanding library.

For those of you spending some extra time in the Castillian capital, there are several worthwhile optional tours to nearby cities and towns, such as Segovia and Toledo.
Estimated Travel Time: 6 hours

Transfer to Seville, one of the most colourful cities in Spain. We spend our time here exploring Muslim monuments, parks and gardens.

Seville is one of the most exciting and beautiful cities in the country. Muslim monuments, flamenco, and a large and lively student population maintain its energetic pulse.

First, explore the wonderful parks and gardens of the Alcázar, a magnificent palace dating from Moorish times. During Seville’s warm summer nights (until mid-September) you can enjoy a series of concerts in the authentic and exceptional setting of the Reales Alcazares.

The true heart of Seville lies in the Santa Cruz quarter. It is impossible to resist the charm of this district with its winding alleys, picturesque lime-washed houses, delicate, hardly visible, flowery patios and small squares.

Seville is home to the world’s largest gothic cathedral. The climb to the adjoining tower, known as La Giralda, is well worth the effort for the great views of the city. The 76m Giralda was constructed by the Moors between 1184 and 1197; after the reconquest Christians fitted the minaret with its bell tower in 1568.

Other attractions include the Parque de María Luisa, which has a maze of paths, garden beds, pretty little patios, fountains and shaded lawns, and the Museo Arqueológico.

Semana Santa (Holy Week) has been one of the most important celebrations in Seville for centuries. During the week over 50 Brotherhoods process in penitence through the many narrow streets of the centre of the city. Another festival of note is the annual April Fair of Sevilla, one of the major folkloric celebrations of Spain. More than 1,000 temporary 'houses' are built on a huge site, where around 1 million people gather to enjoy flamenco music, dance and dresses, horse parades, sherry and fun.
Estimated Travel Time: 3 hours

The sea and the sun are our constant companions here as we relax and take a break from our urban adventures to explore the beautiful coastline and its beaches, with options for marine life sighting tours, kite/wind surfing, horseback riding, or even a day trip to North Africa.

The Costa de la Luz (Coast of light) is the western side of the Andalucía coastline, facing the Mediterranean and North Africa. Here the sand is finer and a more golden colour than in the neighbouring Costa del Sol, and typically beaches are more expansive and less visited. Temperatures are slightly milder, and the strong Atlantic wind is favoured by wind and kite surfers alike.

The area is also home to long-finned pilot whales, and bottlenosed, common and striped dolphins. From April to June, sperm whales migrate through the Straits of Gibraltar and in July/August, Orcas come to the area. From time to time we are fortunate enough to see a fin whale, the second largest whale in the world. This area is also famous for its succulent king prawns, best savoured with some fine Spanish wine.

While in the area we have the option to take a day trip to Gibraltar, or also a short visit to Tangier, in Morocco.
Estimated Travel Time: 2.5 hours

We travel to the alluring town of Ronda, nestled deep in the white Anadalucian hills. It’s impossible to miss the town’s most unique feature—a 100m deep gorge splitting the town in two. Enjoy the amazing Andalucian countryside by bike, on foot or even by 4-wheeler. The spectacular gorge is bridged by the magnificent Puente Nuevo (New Bridge). Built in 1751, the bridge is one of the most photographed structures in all of Spain. On one side of the bridge is the old Moorish town with many historic buildings including the House of the Moorish King, worth a visit for its wonderful gardens. On the other side is El Mercadillo, a more recent urban development; to the east of the town are well-preserved Arab Baths.

If bullfighting piques your interest, Ronda is the birthplace of the Spanish national pastime, with one of the oldest bullfighting rings in the country. If our timing is lucky we may also have the option to witness this thoroughly Spanish, albeit controversial sport.

Most of the important sights in Ronda can be seen on foot, but horse-drawn carriage tours are also available. There is excellent craft shopping in Ronda, which is well known for its pottery, leatherwork and wrought-iron products.
Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours

We move on to Cordoba, once one of the most important capitals in Europe. From the 11th to the 15th century, Cordoba was a sophisticated place where the Muslim, Jewish and Christian faiths mixed together peacefully. In this harmonious atmosphere, economic, cultural and university systems flourished, and the city produced important philosophers, scientists and artists.

The world-famous Mezquita has been called the most beautiful and original building in all of Spain. It is the third-largest mosque in the world with an extension of 23 000 square meters. The colossal hall consists of 11 naves with 110 columns, the capitals of which were taken from old Roman and Byzantine buildings. Above, there is a second row of arcs, creating a unique ambience of light and shadow. Many additions were made by successive Caliphs, such as 8 more arcs in 833, with columns of white marble taken from a Roman amphitheatre. In 987 an enlargement was made doubling the original size of the mosque and adding columns of blue and red marble.

The mosque of Cordoba is unique in that it doesn't have the Mihrab as its central point. One other particularity is that it is not orientated towards Mecca, but towards Damascus - perhaps because of nostalgic feelings of Caliph Abderramán I, who expressed in his poetry how homesick he felt for his hometown. When the Christians reconquered Cordoba in 1236, they consecrated the mosque to be the Christian cathedral. In 13th century the first modifications were made and the Capilla Real (Royal Chapel), was added inside the mosque, a most unusual arrangement. In 1523 the Catholic Church and King Charles V decided (against the will of the town's administration) to build a Christian cathedral inside of the original mosque. This work took 234 years, and as a result the original Gothic style is combined with Baroque and Renaissance elements.
Estimated Travel Time: 2.5 hours

We head to the Andaluz city of Granada, where we include a visit to the Alhambra, one of the greatest accomplishments of Islamic art and architecture, and the highlight of the trip for most visitors.

During the Muslim rule of Spain, Granada was one of the region’s most regal cities. The greatest Muslim legacy in Europe, the Alhambra, is located in Granada. The Alhambra has captured the imagination of visitors for years, and much has been recorded about the history and purpose of this area. But no amount of reading or study can truly prepare you for your first visit—it is simply breathtaking.

The Alhambra is divided into three sections: the Alcazaba, the Palacio Nazaries and Generalife. The Alcazaba is the Alhambra's Muslim 11th century wing, offering spectacular views of the city from the tops of its towers. The Palacio Nazaries is the center of the Alhambra, and is most famous for its detailed works and gardens. The Generalife was the summer palace of the sultans.

We board an evening bus for Spain's historical Valencia on day 10.
Estimated Travel Time: 9 hours

Valencia, Spain's third-largest city. Historical yet cosmopolitan, it is the home of paella, the Holy Grail and one of Europe’s newest science museums. Valencia is a fun and fascinating study in contrasts.

Ensconced in fertile terrain on the shores of the Mediterranean close to the mouth of the river Turia, the luminous city of Valencia comes as a pleasant surprise to many. At night people fill the open terraces and street cafés in the Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo, or the romantic dance clubs with live music on the Malvarrosa beach. Everywhere, discos, nightclubs and pubs provide the scene for enjoying a night out.
Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours

Early morning train ride to Barcelona. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the city’s museums and cathedrals, or enjoy some of the best shopping in Europe.

Barcelona is Spain’s second largest city, but it is its capital when it comes to fashion, architecture, food and music. Known worldwide for its dynamic atmosphere and exciting style, Barcelona never disappoints. As the most cosmopolitan and economically active city in Spain it has always shown its will to be modern. Barcelona is always at the forefront of the latest international styles, whether it be in architecture, fashion or ways of thinking. There is plenty of history too: visit the old Gothic Quarter with its maze of dark streets, historic cathedral, medieval buildings, bars and cafes. Or stroll the Rambla, a large tree-lined pedestrian boulevard perfect for people-watching and window shopping, ending at the harbourfront facing the Mediterranean Sea.

Make sure to view Gaudi’s most famous life work, the cathedral La Sagrada Familia, an inspiring yet bizarre testament to the artist’s unique vision. Should you need some quiet time away from it all a visit to the city’s imaginative Parque Guell will cure all ills, as you stroll the tree-lined paths and admire more of Gaudi’s creative genius at play.

For nightlife, the highest concentration of beautiful young locals dancing – both in the bars and on the street – can be found near the intersection of Santaló and Mariano Cubi streets. Here you can always find good music, good drinks and lots of fun. Another good nightlife spot for meeting the fashionable locals of Barcelona is on the Plaza Francesc Maciá.
2129 2019 1219 989 2659 1899 1519 2339 439.00 419.00 249.00 209.00 549.00 389.00 249.00 389.00 Local Payment 300 EUR 2129 2019 1219 989 2659 1899 1519 2339 439.00 419.00 249.00 209.00 549.00 389.00 249.00 389.00 Local Payment 300 EUR 2129 2019 1219 989 2659 1899 1519 2339 439.00 419.00 249.00 209.00 549.00 389.00 249.00 389.00 Local Payment 300 EUR 2129 2019 1219 989 2659 1899 1519 2339 439.00 419.00 249.00 209.00 549.00 389.00 249.00 389.00 Local Payment 300 EUR 2129 2019 1219 989 2659 1899 1519 2339 439.00 419.00 249.00 209.00 549.00 389.00 249.00 389.00 Local Payment 300 EUR 2129 2019 1219 989 2659 1899 1519 2339 439.00 419.00 249.00 209.00 549.00 389.00 249.00 389.00 Local Payment 300 EUR 2129 2019 1219 989 2659 1899 1519 2339 439.00 419.00 249.00 209.00 549.00 389.00 249.00 389.00 Local Payment 300 EUR 2129 2019 1219 989 2659 1899 1519 2339 439.00 419.00 249.00 209.00 549.00 389.00 249.00 389.00 Local Payment 300 EUR 2129 2019 1219 989 2659 1899 1519 2339 439.00 419.00 249.00 209.00 549.00 389.00 249.00 389.00 Local Payment 300 EUR 2129 2019 1219 989 2659 1899 1519 2339 439.00 419.00 249.00 209.00 549.00 389.00 249.00 389.00 Local Payment 300 EUR 2129 2019 1219 989 2659 1899 1519 2339 439.00 419.00 249.00 209.00 549.00 389.00 249.00 389.00 Local Payment 300 EUR 2129 2019 1219 989 2659 1899 1519 2339 439.00 419.00 249.00 209.00 549.00 389.00 249.00 389.00 Local Payment 300 EUR Accommodation Hotels (13 nts). Departure Departs weekly (Apr-Oct) DepEnd Sat-Sat Group Leader Tour leader throughout, local guides Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Highlights Seville, Costa de la Luz, Ronda, Cordoba, Granada, Andalucian coastline, Valencia, Barcelona, Madrid. Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow EUR450 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. Meals Included No meals included. Min Pax 8 Recommendation Not enough time for this trip? Try our 8-day tour, The Southern Spain Adventure - see code ESME. StartFinish Madrid to Barcelona Testimonial "The perfect mix of history/culture, heaps of fun & laughs and well timed injections of relaxation. I love the G.A.P Adventures format, the balance of coordination and company together with individual freedom is spot on. I would recommend this trip to anyone, especially if you are flying solo." - Kara Coleman travelled on Great Moorish Experience Transport Local bus, train. What's Included Guided tour of the Alhambra. A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
About Accommodation On this trip you can expect to stay in small family hotels (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are slightly larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities, some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. About our Transportation Intercity transport on this trip will be by local bus and train. The bus and train systems in Spain are generally very good, most offer seat reservations, some buses have toilet facilites and others don't, but drivers often stop en route for service station breaks. Between transport and hotels you may be required to carry your luggage short distances (up to 15mins walk), in larger cities you may travel by metro or city bus, and occasionally the group will take taxis to and from hotels. Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Brochure Intro Marvel at the history and beauty of Spain on this 14-day exploration that will delight your senses and stimulate your imagination. From the galleries and wild nightlife of Madrid, to the Muslim monuments, flamenco and vibrant culture of Andalucia, to the architecture, cuisine and cool style of Barcelona, Spain is sure not to disappoint. Checklist - Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- Euros and travellers cheques
- Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
- G.A.P Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Camera and film
- Reading/writing material
- Small towel and swim wear
- Sun hat
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Watch or alarm clock
- Water bottle
- Personal clothing for mild to hot weather, remember to pack light, laundry services are available in some cities if needed.
- First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, any extra prescription drugs you may be taking). Departure Tax Usually included in international air ticket, check with your air travel agent. Detailed Trip Notes Dossier Disclaimer The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Dossier Intro Marvel at the history and enjoy the flavours of Spain on this 14-day tour of the most fascinating cities in Spain. From the galleries and wild nightlife of Madrid, to the Muslim monuments, flamenco and vibrant culture of Andalucia, to the architecture, cuisine and cool style of Barcelona, Spain is sure not to disappoint. Emergency Contact Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

G.A.P Adventures local office (Spain)
Local Emergency Cell Phone: +34 627 357 664

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: + 1 647 504 6467 Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations
Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description This G.A.P Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds Health You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. G.A.P Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. Joining Hotel Madrid
Hotel Europa
Calle del Carmen #4
Madrid, Spain 28013
Tel: (34) 915-212-900
Fax: (34) 915-214-696 Joining Instructions The nearest metro station to the hotel is "Sol". You will find the hotel located right in the central Puerta del Sol area of the city. Calle del Carmen leads off the Puerta del Sol junction.

- From Madrid Barajas Airport take the metro to "Sol" station and walk 1-2mins to the hotel, or take a taxi for approximately 35€.
- From Atocha (RENFE) train station, take the blue metro line direct to "Sol".
- From the main Madrid bus station at Mendez Alvaro take the grey metro line to "Pacífico" and change for the blue line to "Sol".

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day during when no activities are planned.

Your Tour Leader will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. The Tour Leader will contact you at the hotel on Day 1 and make sure you are settled comfortably. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning. Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Laundry Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge or ask your Tour Leader where the closest laundromat is. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This is the final payment of your tour price, paid locally. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our cost savings onto you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for Local Payment.
Meals Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G.A.P Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Western Europe. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of euros, travellers cheques and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Optional Activities All prices are per person, in Euro amounts.

Madrid:
Prado Museum €6 (free entry Tues-Sat 18h-20h/Sun 17h-20h)
Real Jardin Botanico - Free
Thyssen Museum €6
Palacio Real €10
City tour €19
Flamenco show & drinks €49-€85
Day Tour to Avila & Segovian €55-€77.50
Day tour of Toledo €41-€55.50
Day tour Alacala de Henares €28.50
Day tour El Escorial €43
Sight-seeing tour & Bull Fight €40-€61.50

Seville:
Traditional Flamenco Show €13
City Bus Tour €16
Arab Baths €28
Walking Tour €15
Cathedral €8

Tarifa, Costa de Luz:
Windsurfing board & sail rental €24/1 hr, €45/4 hrs, € 48/day
Kite surf rental €28/1 hr, €51/4 hrs, €58/day Instruction € 90/day
Whale watch €25 - €40
Day Trip to Tangier €60
Horseback riding €25 - €75

Ronda:
Bike Tour €30
Arab Bath Ruins €2
Moorish House €5
Flamenco Show €23

Cordoba:
Madinat Al-Zahra Ruins €1.50
Aljama Mezquita €5
Alcazar de Los Reyes €3
Fine Arts museum €1.50
Bullfighting Museum €3

Granada:
Bike tour (various) €30-€50
City tour- hop on/hop off €10
Cathedral €4
Royal Chapel €3.50

Valencia:
City tour (Bus Turistic) €14
Combined Entry (Hemisferic, Oceanografic (Aquarium), Science Museum) €31
Hemisferic & Science Museum only €11.20
Hemisferic & Oceanografic only €25
Science Museum & Oceanografic only €25
Fine Arts Museum - Free

Barcelona:
Bus Turistic €20
Parc Guell - Free
Sagrada Familia €10 (additional €4 for guided tour)
City tour (various) €39 + Montserrat Day Pass € 34
Bike tour € 24 Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your GA.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Single Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Spending Money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Tipping It is customary in Europe to leave a small tip for service providers, such as waiters, if you are pleased with the service (€1-2). Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your Tour Leader will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from €5-20 per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G.A.P Adventures Tour Leader or skipper did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline €20-25 per person, per week can be used. Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Trip Specific Safety Always keep an eye on your belongings especially in major cities, bus and train terminals. Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2009 - December 31st 2009. Visas All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.
We Want Your Photos If you've got some great photos form your G.A.P Adventures travels, then post them online in our community! You can share photos - and videos - with our travellers from around the world. Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/community to check out what other people have shared! We often have photo and video contests running too, so be sure to check our website often!
What to Take We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack (whichever you find EASIEST TO CARRY). A good size daypack is also essential. Remember that you might be required to walk short distances with your luggage (15-20 mins max) between transport and hotels, and bear in mind limited space for luggage on public transport. Please also note that many smaller hotels do not have elevators, so you will need to be comfortable carrying your bags up and down steps. Your Fellow Travellers As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.