Highlights |
Escorted Package Includes
- Round trip flights NYC-Madrid
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
- Airline fuel surcharges
- 12 nights First Class accommodations
- All transfers
- 17 meals: 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners with wine
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of an English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Services of local guides in all major cities
- Entrance fees per itinerary
Special Features
- Prado Museum, Madrid
- Baroque Plaza Mayor, Salamanca
- Jeronimos Monastery, Lisbon
- Basilica of Our Lady of Rosary, Fatima
- Cathedral of Seville, Seville
- Great Mosque, Cordoba
- Grand Socco Market, Tangier
- Alhambra Palace, Granada
- Whisper technology enhanced touring
- Wine & Mineral water with all dinners
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Itinerary |
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DAY 1, Friday - Depart the USA
Depart USA for Spain. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for the journey
DAY 2, Saturday - Arrive in Madrid
Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. This evening, enjoy a welcome drink and orientation
Overnight: Madrid
DAY 3, Sunday - Madrid City Tour
Morning sightseeing tour of Madrid. Drive along the Grand Via through the Opera District, Plaza de Colon and view the Royal Palace. Pass through Puerto del Sol Plaza and Plaza España with its monument to the author Cervantes. The tour will end at the Prado Museum, where you will be able to view works of art by famous artists such as El Greco, Velázquez, and Ribera
Optional: Escorial Tour
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Monday - Segovia Sightseeing en route to Salamanca
Cross the rugged Sierra de Guadarrama to Segovia, famous for its Alcazar and the 2000-year-old Roman aqueduct. Continue to the walled and turreted city of Avila, where St. Theresa founded the order of the Carmelites. Drive to Salamanca for an orientation tour and visit to the Baroque Plaza Mayor
Overnight: Salamanca
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Tuesday - Travel to Lisbon
Depart for Portugal, via the Serra da Estrela mountain range. Drive towards Castelo Branco before arriving at Fatima, site of the famous religious visions that occured in 1917, when an aparition of Mary appeared to three peasant children. Here, visit the beautiful Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary before continuing to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Wednesday - Lisbon City Tour
Morning tour of Lisbon. View the Belem Tower and visit Jeronimos Monastery with the Tomb of Vasco da Gama. Enjoy the elegant Liberdade Avenue and take the opportunity to view the Monument of Discoveries. Walk through the cobbled alleys of Alfama, the old fishermen's quarter. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure
Optional: Half Day Sintra Tour
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Thursday - Travel to Seville
Today, journey south to the Algarve, Portugal's southernmost region, and cross the border into Spain at Ayamonte. From here, continue across the province of Huelva to the picturesque Andalucian city of Seville
Optional: Evening Flamenco Show
Overnight: Seville
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8, Friday - Seville City Tour
This morning view the Moorish architecture of the Giralda Tower and visit the Cathedral, the world's largest Gothic monument. Drive to the Plaza de España, passing Maria Luisa Park, and explore the narrow streets and the many plazas of the Santa Cruz Quarter. Afternoon at leisure
Overnight: Seville
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9, Saturday - Cordoba City Tour
This morning depart for Cordoba, founded by the Romans. Visit the Mezquita, a former Moorish Mosque that today is Cordoba's main Cathedral. Continue with a walking tour of the city and visit the Jewish Quarter and the medieval synagogue. Then proceed to Costa del Sol
Overnight: Costa del Sol
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10, Sunday - Full Day in Costa del Sol
Spend a full day at leisure in gorgeous Costa del Sol. Perhaps stroll the beaches, shop for local specialties, or simply relax and enjoy some of the region's superb cuisine
Optional: Half Day Malaga Tour
Overnight: Costa del Sol
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11, Monday - Morocco Excursion
Today's sightseeing includes a full day tour to Morocco. Cross the Strait of Gibraltar, passing the impressive Rock of Gibraltar, and continue to Tangier. Enjoy a guided tour of the city, including the colorful Grand Socco market. In the medina, view the Casbah and the Sultan's palace. Enjoy lunch in a typical Moroccan restaurant with entertainment before returning to Spain by ferry
Overnight: Costa del Sol
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 12, Tuesday - Alhambra Palace Tour
Depart for Granada. Visit the famous Alhambra Palace founded in the 13th century and originally composed of houses, schools, baths, barracks, and gardens surrounded by seemingly impenetrable walls. Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Quarter and stroll through the Water Gardens of the Palacio de Generalife
Overnight: Granada
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 13, Wednesday - Toledo City Tour
Travel via the region of La Mancha, legendary home of Don Quixote, featuring panoramic views of its famous windmills. Continue to Toledo, once the spiritual and intellectual center of Spain. A walking tour will include visit to the Church of Santo Tomé with the masterpiece painting by El Greco and the Synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca. Continue to Madrid
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14, Thursday - Depart for USA
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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Optionals |
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Half Day Escorial Tour
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Day #3
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01 Apr 2009 - 31 Dec 2010 $68
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Enjoy a visit to what has often been described as the "eighth wonder of the world." El Escorial is, perhaps, Philip II´s most enduring legacy to Spain. This combination monastery-palace-mausoleum is situated approximately one hour outside of Madrid in the foothills of the Guadarrama Mountains. This austere monastery, erected by King Philip II in 1584, was intended to be a memorial to his father, King Charles V, and to commemorate Spain´s victory at Saint Quentin in 1557. It has since become the burial place of subsequent Spanish kings and queens.
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Half Day Sintra Tour
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Day #6
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01 Apr 2009 - 31 Dec 2010 $52
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Enjoy an afternoon tour that includes a scenic drive along the Estoril coast with a short stop in Cascais. Then continue to Sintra, an UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the town's Romantic architecture. On arrival, visit the Sintra Royal Palace, an 15th-century royal residence,containing one of the largest tile collections in Portugal. Then enjoy some free time in the Village Historical Center. Pickup details to be advised locally.
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Evening Flamenco Show
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Day #7
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01 Apr 2009 - 31 Dec 2010 $55
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This evening, enjoy a drink and traditional Flamenco show. As performed by some of Seville's leading Flamenco artists, enjoy routines based on the cante jondo or "deep song," which describes the performer´s profound emotions in ancient poetic phrases. Although the development of Flamenco has centered principally in the region of Andalusia, it has come to embrace many of the folk traditions of the northern provinces. As a result, it has become, along with the bullfight, a popular symbol of Spain.
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| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. | |
| Trip Preparation | A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement.
| | Health Information | Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 404-332-4559, web site www.cdc.gov.
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| E-Tickets & Check-In Procedures |
Please review the flight itinerary included in these documents. Print and carry a copy of the air itinerary which contains the record locator (airline reservation number) and e-ticket number(s). At check-in, be prepared to provide your government issued identification (valid passport) and your e-ticket itinerary/ ticket numbers to the agent in order to receive your boarding pass.
An e-ticket (electronic ticket) represents the purchase of an airline seat. This form of ticket has replaced almost all formerly provided paper tickets. The e-ticket exists only as a digital record in the airlines computers. In most cases your reservation will be confirmed solely on the basis of your government-issued identification. However it may still be necessary to present the e-ticket itinerary which contains your specific reservation code and ticket number(s). Once confirmed, your luggage will be checked-in and a boarding pass provided.
Advance online check-in is available on some airlines. If available, you may enter your airline confirmation number at the airline's website, and print the boarding pass on your home printer within twenty-four hours of departure. Airlines without advance online check-in require you to present your identification and e-ticket numbers at the airport self-service kiosk or check-in counter.
When e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive paper tickets.
If your tour program includes foreign domestic flights, and those tickets are not included together with the e-ticket itinerary in these documents, a separate voucher(s) confirming those services will be included. You will receive those tickets at your destination from a Gate 1 representative.
| | Airline Flights | Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Alitalia Vacations has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
| | Airline Luggage Restrictions | Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers however, typically on small aircraft, differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions. Many airlines have begun to apply charges for checked bags. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Airline policies vary and may change at any time. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any excess luggage/ weight charges levied by an airline.
| | Airline Seats | Airline seats are confirmed whenever possible. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only. Even when seats are pre-assigned however, we recommend that you contact the carrier one to two weeks prior to departure to reconfirm your seats. In many cases there are equipment changes after your initial booking which can cause airplane seating reconfiguration.
| | Airline Tickets | Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
| | Code-share Flights | Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Alitalia Vacations for clarification.
| | Luggage | All Alitalia Vacations tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to airline handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Alitalia Vacations will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.alitaliavacations.com/luggage.aspx for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
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| Arrival Procedures | Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Alitalia Vacations sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Alitalia Vacations transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Alitalia Vacations representative or phone the number on your voucher.
| | What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed | | Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, overseas or in the USA, the better we can respond. Alitalia Vacations is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. | | Departure Procedures | If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.
| | Transfers | Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.
Escorted tour programs include transfers, providing you have purchased airfare from Alitalia Vacations to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Alitalia Vacations or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship. The cost of a transfer will generally be more expensive than hiring a taxi as the pre-arranged transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or a 'dead-leg'. Additionally the driver may have to wait at the collection point for up to an hour.
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| Hotels | | Alitalia Vacations has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard. | | Hotel Check-in/ Check-out | Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later.
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| Eco & Sustainable Tourism | We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.
| | Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) | Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for checkin. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.
| | Shopping | Shopping in a foreign country can be a wonderful experience. We do include a few stops at recommended popular shops on every escorted tour, intended to enhance your cultural experience. As you explore the country independently, you may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
| Morocco - Shopping is an experience in itself in Morocco, with vibrant souks, markets, and bazaars staffed by vendors hawking their wares. In cities, the Medina districts offers a glimpse into daily life, as well as an assortment of interesting goods, ranging from hand-tanned leather products to fine carpets and pottery. Local vendors can be aggressive and at times even intimidating. Haggling is expected. One bargaining trick is to find a fixed-price store to get a better sense of what a reasonable price for the item of interest would be.
Credit Cards may be accepted at large stores. Vendors in souks and medinas will likely only accept cash.
| Spain - Smaller shops usually open in the morning, close in the early afternoon for siesta, and re-open in the late afternoon, Monday through Saturday. Larger stores do not close for siesta. Most stores, regardless of size, are closed on Sunday. Additionally, many cities feature permanent markets, offering another way to shop for interesting goods. Items of particular interest include porcelain, fine leather, woodwork, ceramics, and paintings.
| | Currency | We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus. Please note that many banks and most vendors will not accept or exchange $100 bills. We suggest to carry $20 bills or smaller.
| Morocco - The Moroccan Dirham is the currency of Morocco.
Please be aware that ATMs are mainly found in banks in major cities. However, not all machines accept all cards. Hotels do not usually have ATMs. When traveling to southern regions of the country including Ouarzazate and Zagora, ensure that you have sufficient cash on hand, as ATMs will not be available. It is recommended to carry cash in small denominations in local currency or in US $1 bills to make tipping and minor expenses easier.
| Spain - The Euro is the currency of Spain.
| | Purchasing Tours Locally | On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Alitalia Vacations Terms & Conditions for more information. http://www.alitaliavacations.com/terms.aspx#optional
| Morocco - Payment can ONLY be made by cash or traveler's checks.
| | Credit Cards | While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
| | Gratuities | This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
- Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide):
$6 or $7 per person per day
- Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage):
$3 per person per day
- Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program):
$2 per person per half day of sightseeing (2-3 hours)
- River Cruises:
$6 or $7 per person per day as indicated by each cruise line (see details regarding European River Cruises)
- Hotel Porter:
$1 per bag per person
- Wait staff:
$1.50 per person (lunch or dinner)
Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
| Morocco - It is customary to tip in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.
| Spain - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge.
| | Your safety is Very Important | Every effort has been taken by Alitalia Vacations to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables laying loose in your room-use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe. If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Alitalia Vacations representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Alitalia Vacations vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
| | Local Emergency Phone Numbers | Morocco
- Ambulance/Fire: 15
- Police: 19
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| | Languages | Morocco - Arabic is the local language. French is taught and used universally for commerce. Spanish is spoken in some northern regions.
| Spain - Spanish is the local language. Limited English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
| | Electricity | Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
| Morocco - The voltage used is 220 volts.
| Spain - The voltage used is 220 volts.
| | Code of Conduct | Morocco - Morocco is an Islamic country. Shaking hands is a standard form of greeting. Normal courtesies should be observed. Casual dress is acceptable, but women should take care to dress modestly. Beachwear should be confined to the beach and poolside. While freedom to practice one's religion is guaranteed and non-Muslims are not harassed, proselytizing is prohibited and even a discussion of religion in public may violate this restriction. Smoking is very common.
| | Holidays - Morocco |
| Holidays 2010 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Day |
Jan 11 |
Manifesto of Independence |
Feb 26 |
Mawlid (celebration of the Prophet's birthday)* |
| May 1 |
Labor Day |
Jul 30 |
Feast of the Throne |
Aug 14 |
Fête Oued Eddahab (Oued Eddahab Allegiance Day) |
Aug 20 |
Révolution du Roi et du Peuple (The King and the People's Revolution Day) |
Aug 21 |
King Mohamed's Birthday |
Aug 12-Sep 9 |
Holy Month of Ramadan* |
Sep 10-13 |
Eid al-Fitr 3 (Feast of the Breaking of the Fast)* |
| Nov 6 |
Marche Verte (Anniversary of the Green March) |
Nov 16-19 |
Eid al-Adha (Sacrifice Feast)* |
| Nov 18 |
Fête de l'Indépendence (Independence Day) |
Dec 7 |
Islamic New Year* |
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* Please note that Islamic holidays are based a lunar calendar, and exact dates depend on local sightings of the moon. Because of this, actual dates may vary slightly from the dates given above.
| | | Holidays - Spain |
| Holidays 2009 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Day |
Apr 10 |
Good Friday |
Apr 13 |
Easter Monday |
May 1 |
Labor Day and Ascension Day |
Aug 15 |
Feast of the Assumption |
| Oct 12 |
Hispanic Day |
Nov 1 |
All Saints' Day |
Dec 6 |
Constitution Day |
Dec 8 |
Feast of the Immaculate Conception |
Dec 25 |
Christmas Day |
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| | Food and Meals | As specified in each itinerary. Meals are based on the hotel's or restaurant's buffet or set menu. In general, beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although Gate 1 cannot make guarantees, every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests submitted in writing at least 72 hours prior to departure to info@gate1travel.com.
| Morocco - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water.
Mineral water is provided with dinners on escorted tours.
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