About ANDALUCIA (Southern Spain):

Dear Colleague,
Here is a description of the regions visited, hotels used, and included tours in our Special Group
Packages for Spain & Morocco for 2011:
#1: The Best of Southern Spain – 12 Days
#2: The Best of Southern Spain plus Barcelona – 12 Days
#3: Barcelona, Costa del Sol, & Morocco – 15 Days
About ANDALUCIA (Southern Spain):
The jewel of historic Spain, Andalucia is the country’s largest and most quintessential region. It
offers genuine folklore, boundless sightseeing, rich history and culture, and scenic beauty. The
region occupies the entire southern Iberian Peninsula, including the provinces of Almeria, Cadiz,
Cordoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaen, Malaga, and Seville. Andalucia has become a vacation Mecca
for its charming villages, seaside resorts, excellent shopping, local seafood restaurants, olive and
citrus groves, and year-round temperate climate. The exclusive ―DISCOVER ANDALUCIA‖
tour series described below has been carefully designed to provide our customers with a unique
perspective and deep appreciation of the land they are visiting. The selected itineraries run and
operated exclusively by Sun Holidays staff overseas, combine unique cultural, historical, and
educational insights that will enliven your vacation experience.
About BARCELONA:
Located In a privileged position on the northeastern coast of the Iberian peninsula and the shores
of the Mediterranean, Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain in both size and population. It
is also the capital of Catalonia, 1 of the 17 Autonomous Communities that make up Spain.
There are two official languages spoken in Barcelona: Catalan, generally spoken in all of
Catalonia, and Castilian Spanish. The city of Barcelona has a population of 1.510.000, but this
number spirals to more than 4.000.000 if the outlying areas are also included.
The capital of Catalonia is unequivocally a Mediterranean city, not only because of its
geographic location but also because of its history, tradition, and cultural influences. The
documented history of the city dates back to the founding of a Roman colony on its soil during
the second century B.C.
Modern Barcelona experienced spectacular growth and economic revival at the onset of
industrialization during the second half of the 19th century. The 1888 World's Fair became a
symbol of the capacity for hard work and the international outlook projected by the city. Culture
and the arts flourished in Barcelona and in all of Catalonia; the splendor achieved by Catalonian
modernism is one of the most patent displays.
The entrance to Güell Parc
The Ramblas
Barcelona, more than just a single city, is really a collection of multi-faceted and diverse cities.
The visitor unfamiliar with its history might be surprised that such a modern and enterprising
city preserves its historic Gothic center almost intact, or by the curious contrast between the
maze of narrow streets and the grid-like layout of the Eixample, the urban planning
"Enlargement" project of the end of the 19th century.
About MOROCCO
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Exotic and fascinating, the Kingdom of Morocco is rich in history and culture. Morocco offers
travelers intriguing historical sights, authentic cuisine, and changing scenery that is perfect to
explore and learn about a new culture. In Marrakesh, step back in time as you wander through
the Jemaa-el-Fna, a square and exotic bizarre offering some of the greatest open-air
entertainment. Listen to the storytellers—an integral part of the culture—and browse for
handicrafts. It’s not hard to imagine what it was like in the past, a time when caravans loaded
their camels with food and goods to sell at the markets. In Fez, it is a must to see the ancient
medina. Founded in the 9th century, it is one of the largest medieval cities in the world and now
a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through its souks (markets) and alleys, which are
virtually unchanged since the Middle Ages. Taste authentic Moroccan cuisine and take in the
sights and sounds of this fascinating city. Casablanca, Meknes, and Rabat, are others of
Morocco’s vibrant capitals. Admire changing scenery as the Middle Atlas mountain range
transforms to desert as you approach the Erfoud oasis.
HOTELS USED
Barcelona – SPAIN
3* Montblanc Hotel
The 3-Star Montblanc hotel is located in the main business and shopping district of Barcelona,
in Via Laietana, within walking distance of both the Port Vell and the Olympic harbours, Les
Rambles, the Boqueria well known market, La Pedrera, La Casa Batlló, and well connected by
bus, train, and underground to important attractions such as the Collserola hill, the Parc Güell,
and the Sagrada Família. This elegant and carefully furnished property creates the perfect
environment to relax at the large piano/lounge bar or at the buffet restaurant. Rooms feature free
ADSL Internet connection.
Costa del sol - SPAIN
4-star Amaragua Hotel
The Amaragua Hotel is located on the beach in Torremolinos, Costa del Sol, Spain overlooking
the Mediterranean. Rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated and include full bath and large
private balconies with seaview. Facilities include an indoor heated pool, restaurant, lounge with
piano music in the evenings, extensive outdoor gardens, sauna, and a steam room and spa
(additional fees apply for spa services).There is a promenade between the hotel and the beach
which is perfect for strolling and provides access to nearby shops and restaurants. Just 15
minutes away walking on the promenade you will find the Benalmadena Marina, famous for its
extensive dinning and shopping options. A few steps away is the quaint fishing village of La
Carihuela, dotted with stores and fresh local seafood restaurants. Just a short ride away is the
town center of Torremolinos with its lively shopping district, Calle San Miguel, offering good
shopping for unique souvenirs such as handmade leather goods, linens, and Lladro figurines.
Costa del sol
- SPAIN
4* Sol Aloha Puerto Hotel
The 4* air-conditioned beachfront Sol Aloha Puerto hotel has been a preferred choice of Sun
Holidays’ clients since 1980, attracting hundreds of repeat customers every year. All rooms
(called mini-suites) have a separate bedroom and living room, as well as a private bathroom,
cable TV, and terrace. A refrigerator is available for a small extra fee. An optional upgrade to
west-facing rooms is available to enjoy the winter afternoon sun. Amenities include an outdoor
heated pool, restaurant, bar, an attractive lobby area, and a shopping arcade. Evening
entertainment features live music, dancing, and occasional folklore shows.
This hotel is part of the prestigious Sol Melia Chain, one of the largest hotel companies in the
world. It sits in a perfect location for exploring the nearest town of Torremolinos and for quiet
walks along the seven-mile seaside promenade. Outdoor cafes, restaurants, shops, and banks are
within easy walking distance. Day trips can be planned from the Sol Aloha Puerto to a wide
variety of genuine and beautiful Andalusian towns within the region and beyond. A Sun
Holidays hostess is available at the hotel lobby to assist our customers and to inform them about
the area and its attractions, and about endless sightseeing opportunities. The Sol Aloha Puerto is
a long-time winner among Sun Holidays’ clients.
MOROCCO
5* Royal Mirage – Fez
Royal Mirage Fes Hotel, an elegant resort, within the fascinating city of Fès, located in the city
centre, close to business areas. The hotel is 15 km far from Fes International airport & within
easy walking distance to the old part of the city.
MOROCCO
5* Atlas Medina - Marrakesh
Atlas Medina Hotel nestled in a beautiful palm grove park, facing the congress palace of
Marrakesh, Morocco. A 5 star Marrakesh hotel close to the modern centre of Marrakesh
including shopping, restaurants and tourist attractions.
MOROCCO
5* Golden Tulip Farah Rabat – Rabat
A shining star of the Golden Tulip group of hotels in Morocco, the Golden Tulip Farah Rabat consists of
192 rooms located on the banks of the Bourgreb river. Practically within the city center of Rabat the
capitol of Morocco, the hotel remains a true sanctuary, literally located adjacent to the Golden Tulip
Farah Rabat hotel are two of the most recognized monuments within our fascinating Kingdom, the
Hassan Tower, and the mausoleum of the late King Mohamed V.
MOROCCO
4* Ramada Les Almohades - Tangier
Ramada Les Almohades Tangier overlooks the bay of Tangier and is opposite the beach. It
enjoys a peaceful location just 25 minutes drive from the airport. Rooms are fully equipped with
modern comforts including air conditioning, telephone, TV, balcony, and internet connection.
Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas. Ramada Les Almohades features 2 restaurants serving
tasty international and Moroccan cuisine. There is also the convenience of a nightclub on site.
The large outdoor swimming pool invites guests to relax after a day of sightseeing. Boat rental,
golfing, and water sports are all available nearby.
DESCRIPTION OF INCLUDED TOURS:
Barcelona- SPAIN
The Barcelona Classic City Tour includes a panoramic tour of this impressive and modern city
plus visit to the ancient Gothic Quarter and the Basilica of the Sacred Family (Sagrada Familia),
a Gaudi’s masterwork, and Montjuich Hill (site of the Olympic Stadium), to enjoy a spectacular
view of Barcelona and its port area.
Costa del Sol- SPAIN
GRANADA & the Alhambra Palace. (Full Day Tour)
Early drive along the Costa del Sol through the mountains of Malaga towards Granada. Half way
we will stop briefly in Loja and then continue to Granada. As we enter the city you’ll be able to
see the peaks of the white-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains. A sightseeing city-tour will lead us
to the Alhambra Palace. ‖Alhambra‖ is an Arabic word that means red, the color of its fortified
walls. Built during the 13th and 14th century, it took nearly 100 years to be completed. Visit
includes the Court of the Myrtles, the Court of the Lions, the Hall of Secrets, the Hall of the
Ambassadors, and the Alcazaba, the castle that guarded the Palace. We will also visit the
beautiful gardens of the Generalife with its green water gardens and the fountains that inspired
several famous Spanish composers. Over the centuries the Alhambra gradually fell into ruins but,
curiously, it was the American Author Washington Irving who helped prod the city into having
the monument restored. Irving lived in the palace early in the 19th century, where he wrote his
book "Tales of the Alhambra". Now the Alhambra is completely restored and rebuilt.
SEVILLE: the Capital of Andalucia (Full Day Tour) - SPAIN
The beautiful Andalusian countryside will be the setting for a great view of typical towns such as
Antequera, Estepa, Osuna and, finally, Seville. The fourth largest in Spain, this is a city
humming with life and prosperity, holding magnificent buildings and monuments, and
considered the most popular and attractive in the whole country. Our visit will start with the
Alcazar, which served both as Palace and Fort, and will continue in the Cathedral, a unique
beauty all its own combining old Arabic and Christian architecture. The cathedral was built on
top of a former mosque and is now the third largest in the world. Adjoining it, the Giralda tower
stands 322 feet high. We continue our visit to the Barrio de Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter
where we will ramble along the narrows streets with it small bars and restaurants. Not to be
missed is the beautiful Maria Luisa Park with its sunken gardens, the decorative fountains, and
the lovely "azulejos"(tiles) in the Plaza de España, a semi-circular square with a great building
around it. We finish our trip to Seville with a drive over the Isla de la Cartuja area, where the
Universal Exposition took place in 1992.
GIBRALTAR: The Rock (Full Day Tour)-
A drive along the southern Costa del Sol will take us to La Linea de la Concepción, the border
town with Gibraltar. We will cross the border and enter Gibraltar crossing the runway of the
airport where people transfer to small vans for a tour around the Rock. This tour takes us to the
highest point with fantastic panoramic views of the Bay of Algeciras, the Strait of Gibraltar, and
the African coastline. We also visit the Saint Michael’s caves with spectacular stalactites and
stalagmites. Once taking the road down again, we will see the Barbarian apes that still live in
Gibraltar. Free time for tax-free shopping or for a snack at the various English or Spanish-type
pubs and restaurants.
COUNTRYSIDE: MARBELLA AND MIJAS (Full Day Tour) – SPAIN
This tour heads from the coast and covers a number of charming towns in the rich Guadalhorce
Valley including Alhaurin de la Torre and Alhaurin el Grande. A stop is included at Alhaurin el
Grande’s Wholesale Farmers Market before continuing through the valley and the Sierra Blanca
Mountains. This picturesque route leads past the white town of Monda, and then towards the
Sierra Alpujata Mountains to the town of Ojen. After a brief stop in Ojen, head toward the coast
to Marbella, where sightseeing of the old section of this enchanting town is included. Marbella
has long been a favorite destination of the rich and famous, and its beautiful scenery and
coastline provide the perfect backdrop to this city. Departing Marbella, the coastal road leads to
Fuengirola en route to Mijas, located about 1300 ft. above sea level and surrounded by the
dramatic Sierra de Mijas Mountains. A sightseeing tour of the town is included as well as free
time for shopping and lunch (lunch not included).
RONDA (Full Day Tour) - SPAIN
Spanning more than four centuries of Spanish architecture, this quaint town is sure to transport
you back in time. One look at the famous ―El Tajo‖ and the impressive sheer drop of the
mountain cliffs illustrates its origins as a military stronghold. While in Ronda, marvel at its
architectural variety, including the walled Old Town, a residential palace of nobility, the
Cathedral, the bullring - the oldest existing in Spain - and the ―Bullfight Museum.‖ Free time for
lunch on your own and shopping prior to returning to your hotel.
FEZ- MOROCCO
Tour the first imperial city of Morocco, founded in the IXth century . Visit of the
Jewish and Christian Quarters, the Royal Palace (from the outside), the Medina
(declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO) with its mosques and university, the
Nejarine fountain and the Tanners Quarters.
MARRAKESH - MOROCCO
Visit the Menara gardens, the Saadian Tombs (XVIth c.), El Bahia Palace, the
Jewish quarter and the Koutoubia Minaret. Optional lunch and continue visitingthe
Medina (free time for shopping). At the Djemaa El Fna Square we will see the snake
charmers, acrobats, water sellers and scribes writing letters for the illiterate.
CASABLANCA & RABAT- MOROCCO
Depart to Casablanca with a brief stop in Settat. Upon arrival, panoramic tour of
this cosmopolitan city, with a visit from the exterior of the Hassan II Mosque.
Rabat visit includes the exquisite Tower of Hassan (XII c.), the busy Kasbah, the
imposing Royal Palace from the exterior, the Mohamed 5th Mausoleum, and the
ruins of the old Mosque.