Transcription
PDF
FOR THOSE WITH A PASSION FOR LEARNING AND TRAVEL CONFERENCE 2016 Idyllic Iberia PRE TOUR MAIN TOUR POST TOUR Madeira Portugal & Spain Morocco 25 - 29 March 28 March - 10 April 10 - 16 April Luxury Desert Experience 16 - 20 April add on option Main Tour Portugal and Spain 28 March - 10 April Day 1Lisbon Tue 29 March After our flight from Australia on Monday 28 March, we will arrive in Lisbon on Tuesday 29 March in the afternoon where we will be transferred to our hotel for an evening of leisure. Lisbon, Portugal’s capital is known as the white city thanks to it’s unique light. The almost constant presence of sunshine and the River Tagus transforms the Portuguese capital into a mirror of a thousand colours highlighting the city’s unique architecture and beauty. Accommodation: CS Vintage Hotel www.nauhotels.com 1 Day 2Lisbon Wed 30 March Delegates only: Morning conference including morning tea After lunch we will explore this beautiful city. The tour starts in Belem on the Tagus River. Here we visit the UNESCO listed Jeronimos Monastery where Vasco Da Gama is buried and the imposing Torre de Belem. During our visit in Belem we also will stop at the world famous café “Pasteis de Belem” to enjoy coffee and the traditional custard pastries made here since 1837 before heading off to explore the old part of town, both on foot and via the emblematic restored Tram No 28. Some of the buildings in the Chiado quarter date back to the 18th century whilst the unique trams have been running since the 19th century. In the evening we will enjoy an unforgettable welcome evening with local food, wine and song at a traditional Fado restaurant. Accommodation: CS Vintage Hotel (B L D) Day 3Lisbon Thur 31 March Delegates only: Morning conference including morning tea Afternoon at leisure Accommodation: CS Vintage Hotel (B) 2 Day 4Lisbon-Sintra-Lisbon Fri 1 April Today we will experience the natural and historical beauty of Portugal on a day trip from Lisbon along the coast to Sintra. Just thirty minutes away from Portugal’s capital city, Sintra is a magical place reminiscent of medieval fairy tales. In it’s dewy forests and exotic gardens there are no fewer than three castles - the Manueline/ Moorish National Palace in town, the ruins of a Moorish castle half way up the hill and the kitsch and extravagant Pena Palace at the peak rising out of the mist. A guided tour of the Pena Palace will enthrall as you experience it’s gelato coloured exterior, tromp l’oeil murals, ornate Meissen porcelain and Eiffel designed furniture. After leaving Sintra we will stop at the cliffs of Roca Cape (Cabo da Roca), the westernmost point of Europe, and visit the surfer’s paradise of Guincho Beach. On the way back to Lisbon we will enjoy the scenic views along the Atlantic Coast and stop at the picturesque town of Cascais, a former fishing village as well as the seaside town of Estoril, a playground for the rich and famous. It’s casino was the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s “Casino Royale” Accommodation: CS Vintage Hotel Lisbon (B L) 3 Day 5Lisbon-Evora Sat 2 April Following breakfast, we will depart from our hotel towards Azeitão and explore the impressive natural landscapes of the Arrábida Mountains. While here, we will visit the wine cellars of Jose Maria da Fonseca famous for the oldest collection of Moscatel wine. Another highlight on the way is Palmela and its castle. This 12th century castle preserves the medieval atmosphere of the brave soldiers that once defended the Portuguese coast offering astonishing views over the city of Setúbal, it’s bay and the Tróia Peninsula. We will then drive through the wine-growing region of the Alentejo to the historic town of Évora, Portugal, an area steeped in history and boasting some of the most famous architectural sites in the country, including our hotel which is housed in a restored 15th century convent. Accommodation: Convento Do Espinheiro (B) www.conventodoespinheiro.com 4 Day 6Evora Sun 3 April After breakfast we will discover the wonders of the town on a walking tour which will include a visit to the elaborate medieval Evora Cathedral, the cinematic columns of the Templo Romano, the famous Chapel of Bones and the picturesque town square Praça do Giraldo. Évora is one of Portugal’s finest and most delightful towns. It is a true open-air museum with a large number of well preserved monuments and buildings of public interest that led UNESCO to protect it as a World Heritage Site. Afternoon at Leisure OR Optional Alentejo Region Tour by Jeep We will depart from the hotel by jeep for an adventure that will take us on a discovery of the unknown treasures of the Alentejo Region. This area is known for its vast golden wheat plains, cork, oaks and olive trees. We will visit a cork forest, where we will learn about its incredible life cycle, its characteristics and the Montado ecosystem that lives around it. On our journey we will also visit the emblematic megalithic sites of the region. These are the largest megalithic monuments on the Iberian Peninsula and date back more than 6000 years. Then we will explore the moon-like landscape of Estremoz which is known for it’s marble. Accommodation: Convento Do Espinheiro (B) 5 Day 7 Evora - Algarve Mon 4 April Morning at leisure OR Optional Convento Desserts Workshop Since the 16th century the local convents have created numerous recipes for desserts made from the abundance of sugars, eggs and cereals that they received in exchange for the rent of their land. The ancient kitchen of Convento do Espinheiro is the perfect spot to recreate these delicacies under the guidance of the resident specialist chef. OR Optional Cocktail Making Workshop In this workshop we will learn about the history of bar tending and be shown the art of cocktail making. We will learn to prepare a variety of cocktails that can be made at home for any occasion. We will then leave the Alentejo and travel to the coastal region of the Algarve. On the way we will visit the charming medieval village of Monsaraz.Our final stop will be the Esporão winery which is renowned not only for it’s range of good quality wines but also it’s organic olive oil. Accommodation: Hotel Tivoli Vitoria Vilamoura (B) www.tivolihotels.com/tivoli-victoria-vilamoura 6 Day 8Algarve Tue 5 April Delegates only: Morning conference including morning tea For Non-Delegates: Optional Tile Painting Workshop The Iberian art of tile painting was introduced in the 16th century and developed in a very special way throughout the 18th century. This workshop is a hands-on experience where we will learn the ancient techniques of making and decorating tiles. The team of experienced artisans will assist us in creating true pieces of art. We will have the option to make a unique piece or use a model pattern to produce a traditional drawing. After being glazed in a traditional kiln overnight, the tiles will be ready to take home as a souvenir. In the afternoon we will visit the ancient town of Silves, which is a situated on the banks of the Arade River and was once the capital of the whole district. Upon arriving to Silves we will be escorted on a guided visit through the old town visiting the castle and cathedral. The Castelo de Silves is the best preserved castle in the Algarve and has spectacular views over the town and surrounding countryside. It was built of large red sandstone blocks, on the site of late Roman or Visigoth fortifications from the 4th-5th centuries and was restored in the 1940’s. 7 The Sé de Silves Cathedral is situated in a lovely square and considered the most important Gothic monument in the Algarve. After visiting the historical town of Silves, we will continue to Monchique, a picturesque village located in a scenic range of rounded hills. Here we will have some free time for handicraft shopping. The locals make wicker baskets,wooden scissor chairs, pottery, wood, cork and copper items. From here we will continue our ascent into the Monchique Mountains to enjoy the green hills, pure air, tranquility and dramatic views from the highest point in the Algarve - Fóia. In Monchique we will stop at the natural spa of Monchique, as well as do a gentle walking circuit around the area. Accommodation: Hotel Tivoli Vitoria Vilamoura (B) 8 Day 9Lagos Wed 6 April Today we will visit the town of Lagos, situated on the west coast where dunes framed by inspiring cliffs shelter golden-sandy beaches. Lagos is a bustling town full of activity and history. The first ships that have discovered territories in the North of Africa have left from its impressive natural harbour. We will take a walking guided tour, visiting the Statue of Henry the Navigator, the Golden Church of Saint Anthony and the Museum, the old walls of the Castle and the slave market building, ending at the main square where the statue of King Sebastian stands. The nearby beaches are among the best in the region and the rocky headland of Ponta da Piedade is jaw-droppingly beautiful. For the more energetic we will do a scenic walk through the grottos to enjoy a closer view of this breathtaking scenery. After a delicious seafood lunch we will then proceed onto Cape St Vincent, the most southwestern point in Europe, known as “Sacrum Promontorium”. Our final stop will be at Sagres village which has an end-of the world feel with it’s sea-carved cliffs and empty wind-whipped fortress high above the ocean. Accommodation: Hotel Tivoli Vitoria Vilamoura (B L) Day 10 Lagos Thur 7 April Delegates only: Morning conference including morning tea Afternoon at leisure Accommodation: Hotel Tivoli Vitoria Vilamoura (B) 9 Day 11 Algarve - Seville Fri 8 April We will leave the coast of Portugal, crossing the border into Spain and drive to the historic Andalucian town of Seville. There we will enjoy a walking tour where we will discover the charm of Hispanic-Muslim architecture that is all around the city and walk along the shore of the Guadalquivir river. We will also walk through the narrow streets and courtyards of the Barrio de Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter of Seville which at its peak housed the second largest Jewish community in Spain. During our visit we will be amazed by the dimensions of the Cathedral of Saint Mary and the Gothic-Mudejar beauty of the Reales Alcázares Palace, both buildings declared as World Heritage sites by UNESCO. We will finish the day with a climb of the Giralda tower, an undisputed symbol of the city, to enjoy the best views of the city. Evening at leisure OR Optional Flamenco Evening Enjoy the art, soul and passion of flamenco in an authentic tablao held in a 19th century palace. The show will be at El Palacio Andaluz, which is elegant, spacious and airy and ensures a comfortable and direct view of the stage allowing us to enjoy flamenco in its purest form. Accommodation: Hotel NH Sevilla Plaza De Armas (B) www.nh-hotels.com/hotel/nh-sevilla-plaza-de-armas 10 Day 12 Seville-Granada Sat 9 April After driving from Seville we will arrive in the Andalusian town of Granada. Pre-booked tickets will ensure admission to the extremely popular Alhambra and Generalife Gardens. The Alhambra is perched high on the hill overlooking the city. This incredible palace complex was first built as a fortress at the start of the 13th century. Successions of Spanish rulers made the Alhambra their home, and the fortress grew into a medina with numerous palaces and lavish gardens. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a treasure trove of Moorish architecture and we will see several of its wonders as we tour its highlights. Among these are the decadent rooms of the palace such as the Hall of Ambassadors, the Myrtle Courtyard and the Alhambra’s Royal Baths. After exploring the palaces, we will head to the Generalife Gardens to discover where the sultans and Moorish kings of bygone days once relaxed. Accommodation: Hotel Casa 1800 Granada (B) www.hotelcasa1800granada.com Day 13 Granada Sun 10 April We will have the morning to relax and explore the classic Andalusian town of Granada before our flight back to Australia, arriving Monday 11 April. For those doing the post tour to Morocco we will fly to Marrakesh today. Accommodation: Hotel Casa 1800 Granada (B) 11 TRIP INCLUSIONS • • • • • • • • • Conference sessions with morning tea as indicated (delegates only) 12 nights accommodation as outlined in the itinerary (or equivalent) on a twin share basis with buffet breakfast daily. Lunches and dinners as indicated in the itinerary Transportation throughout the tour in air-conditioned buses. All group transfers, sightseeing, activities and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary Bilingual guide Convention Abroad escort Porterage at hotels and airports Tips to drivers and guides. TRIP EXCLUSIONS • • • • • Meals and drinks not indicated in the itinerary Optional tours/activities other than those specified Personal expenses – laundry, telephone, mini bar Travel insurance (compulsory) Anything not mentioned in the trip inclusions Please go to the “Register Your Interest” page on our website www.conventionabroad.com.au And complete and submit the form to receive all costing details. For any questions please contact Dr Naomi Jacobs 0413 62 62 74 12 Pre Tour Madeira 25 - 29 March Day 1 Arrive Funchal Sat 26 March We will depart Australia on the evening of the 25 March and arrive in Funchal, Madeira late in the afternoon after our flight from Australia via Dubai on Emirates. The rest of the evening will be at leisure. Accommodation: Vidamar Resort Madeira www.vidamarresorts.com 13 Day 2 Funchal-Ponto Moniz-Funchal Sun 27 March Today we will travel towards the west side of the island with its beautiful scenery of voluptuous mountains. On the way, a short distance from Funchal, we will stop at the picturesque and thriving fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, once painted by Sir Winston Churchill during his stay in Madeira. The area around Câmara de Lobos is one of the most important areas for viniculture on the island. We will continue our drive past the small terraces carved into the sides of the mountain and the banana and grape plantations until the viewpoint of Cabo Girão, which is the second highest sea cliff in the world. It rises sheer from the sea, offering stunning views of the bay of Funchal and out over the distant horizon. Driving along the south coast, the route leads to Ribeira Brava, which lies at the edge of the deep ravine continuing up by the valley of Serra d’Agua and down to São Vicente village. From here on the way to Porto Moniz - a small village on the north coast, famous for its volcanic rock pools, we will view one of the most beautiful points of the north coast, a road built on the rocks near the sea where we can admire the astonishing waterfalls. After lunch we will return to Funchal while enjoying the spectacular scenery of Maderira. Accommodation: Vidamar Resort Madeira (B L) 14 Day 3 Funchal Mon 28 March Morning at Leisure OR Optional Santana Tour This tour of Eastern Madeira starts with a scenic drive to Camacha which is regarded as the culture capital of the island and famous for it’s handmade articles of wicker work. From here we will follow the scenic roads of Santo da Serra to a famous view point in Portela where we will see some splendid views of the north coast especially over Porto da Cruz and Eagles Rock. Our next stop is Santana characterised by it’s small thatched triangular houses built of natural stone and thatched with straw. This area,dominated by the mountainous landscapes and lush green of the Laurissilva Forest has been classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In the afternoon we will enjoy a unique Levada walk. These are very popular in Madeira and allow access to many areas not available to driving. A truly iconic and enjoyable experience. “Levada” is a Portuguese word that derives from “levar”, which means to carry and is very loosely interpreted as “carriageway.” A more correct translation would be mini-canal. The levadas were originally created in the 16th Century to bring water from the rainy northern aspect of the island to the sun soaked south where crops such as sugar, bananas and grapes grow. They are still in use today and in fact ten percent of the electricity needed on the island comes from hydroelectric plants that are connected to levadas. In total there are 2500 kilometres of levadas on the island and many were created even before the first roads. This trail we will take is unique in that it links the two highest peaks of Madeira Island, Pico Ruivo and Pico do Areeiro, traversing part of the Central Mountain Massif. In the evening we will enjoy a night of traditional entertainment; ‘bailinho da madeira’, and local gastronomy. We will complete the evening with a stop at one of Funchal’s viewpoints to see the whole city lit up at night. Accommodation: Vidamar Resort Madeira (B D ) 15 Day 4 Funchal Tue 29 March This morning after breakfast, we will enjoy a walking tour of Funchal. Funchal’s most charming district, the Old Town, was the first nucleus to be built after the beginning of colonisation during the 15th century. Strolling through the narrow cobbled streets we will discover some of the old culture that is left in this particular part of town. As part of our tour we will visit the Funchal Market and the Old Brandy’s Wine Lodge. A ride on the cable car will allow us to enjoy the amazing view of Funchal bay and the surrounding landscape. In the late afternoon we will fly to Lisbon to join the main tour. 16 TRIP INCLUSIONS • • • • • • • 3 nights accommodation as outlined in the itinerary (or equivalent) on a twin share basis with buffet breakfast daily. Lunches and dinners as outlined in the itinerary All group transfers, transportation, sightseeing, activities and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary Return airfares Lisbon to Funchal Bilingual local guide Convention Abroad escort Porterage at hotels and airport TRIP EXCLUSIONS • • • • • • Meals not indicated in the itinerary Optional tours/activities other than those specified Items of a personal nature, beverages, laundry, telephone calls, mini bar etc. Travel insurance (compulsory) Tips to drivers and guides Anything not mentioned in the trip inclusions 17 Post Tour Morocco 10- 16 April Day 1 Arrive Marrakesh Sun 10 April We will arrive in the majestic city of Marrakesh and be transferred to our Riad. Accommodation: Riad Al Jazira Marrakesh (B) www.marrakech-riads.com 18 Day 2Marrakesh Mon 11 April Delegates only: Morning conference including morning tea In the afternoon we will take a tour of Marrakesh. One of the most impressive sights in Marrakesh is the Koutoubia Mosque with a minaret rising 252 feet into the sky. It is one of the best examples of the Hispano-Moresque art, which combines apparent simplicity with superb craftsmanship and restrained luxury. Other places of interest that we will visit are Bahia Palace Djemaa El Fna Square, Dar Si Said Museum and the famous Maison Tiskiwin. Our visit to Jardins Majorelle gardens will see us take in one of the most delightful places in Marrakesh, a meticulously planned botanical garden created in the 1920s by the French painter Jacques Majorelle. Now superbly mature, it was owned and splendidly maintained by Yves Saint Laurent. In the artist’s former studio, a museum of Berber arts exhibits Saint Laurent’s fine personal collection of North African carpets, pottery, costumes, jewellery and furniture. Accommodation: Riad Al Jazira Marrakesh (B) 19 Day 3Marrakesh Tue 12 April Day at leisure OR Optional Cooking Workshop This is held at the legendary restaurant La Maison Arabe which offers cooking classes designed for the amateur and professional alike. The classes are conducted by a dada (traditional Moroccan cook) We will learn to prepare an entrée and main dish and get the opportunity to taste our dishes at the end. No doubt you will want to revisit the souk to purchase your very own tagine! AND/OR Optional Hammam and Massage Held at Les Bains de Marrakesh at the gate of the Medina in an intimate and relaxing setting. A grouping together of various water-based healthcare treatments including traditional black soap, a forty five minute Hammam scrub with Kessage glove and mask ghassoul flavoured with seven plants and a one hour relaxing massage. Accommodation: Riad Al Jazira Marrakesh (B) 20 Day 4Marrakesh-Essaouira-Marrakesh Wed 13 April Today we will travel to the coastal town of Essaouira. Behind its purple ramparts and inside its whitewashed medina with blue doors lies a city that has been influenced by various cultures (Berber, Carthaginian, Portuguese, English, Bambara and others). It was the Jewish traders, who once formed the majority of the population, who transformed Essaouira into what became Morocco’s most prosperous city in the 17th and 18th centuries. Essaouira stands on a vast bay sweeping south with miles of superb sandy beach and wooded hills dominating the skyline to the east. The fortified harbour is a hive of activity with fishing nets laid out on the quayside, boats unloading their catches, fish auctions and stalls serving seafood sizzling on grills. In addition, the light and beauty of Essaouira has long attracted artists and the town therefore has a flourishing art scene. There is much to explore in the working medina and narrow alleyways surrounding it and we will have a whole day to enjoy the slower pace of this bohemian seaside gem. Accommodation: Riad Al Jazira Marrakesh (B L) 21 Day 5 Marrakesh-Atlas Mountains Thur 14 April We will depart Marrakesh towards the picturesque Berber village of Asni, high in the Atlas Mountains, and the valley of Ouirgane known as happy valley thanks to its natural beauty. These are situated at the foot of the Jbel Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa (4166m). The farmlands, kasbahs and villages exist as they have done for centuries. Truly a step back into the past, as mules plough fields and children raise water from the river. We will arrive at our exclusive accommodation at “La Kasbah Toubkal”. The Kasbah is perched on a great rock outcrop above the main village of Imlil with panoramic views of the mountains, valleys and waterfalls. It is reached by a short walk or mule ride from the village. On the way we will enjoy lunch on the banks of Lake Lalla Takerkoust at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. Accommodation: La Kasbah Toubkal (B L) www.kasbahdutoubkal.com 22 Day 6 Atlas Mountains Fri 15 April Delegates only: Morning conference including morning tea Afternoon at Leisure OR Optional Trekking in the Mountains This guided trek will take us to Tizi n’Tamatert (2279m), north east of the Kasbah. On the way we will go through the village of Tamatert and picnic at the pass. From here we will have a stunning view of the two valleys, down into the Imane Valley and back down to the Aït Mizane Valley. Duration: 4 hours walking time, easy or moderate treks available. Accommodation: La Kasbah Toubkal (B ) Day 7 Atlas Mountains Sat 16 April After a relaxing morning, for those not doing the Post Tour Add On Desert Experience, we will be transferred to the airport for our flight back to Australia arriving on Sunday 17 April (B) 23 TRIP INCLUSIONS • • • • • • 6 nights accommodation as outlined in the itinerary (or equivalent) on a twin share basis with buffet breakfast daily Lunches and dinners as outlined in the itinerary All group transfers, transportation, sightseeing and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary Convention Abroad escort Bilingual local guide Airfare Malaga to Marrakesh TRIP EXCLUSIONS • • • • • • • • Meals not indicated in the itinerary Optional tours and activities Tipping to drivers and guides Porterage Items of a personal nature including laundry, telephone calls,mini-bar etc Travel insurance(compulsory) Visa (if needed) Anything not included in the inclusions 24 Post Tour Add On Luxury Desert Experience 16 - 20 April Day 1Marrakesh-Ouarzazate Sat 16 April Today we will drive towards Ouarzazate via Tizi n’Tichka. Ouarzazate is the first town most people see after crossing the High Atlas and is the unofficial capital of the south of Morocco. Formerly a Foreign Legion outpost in the southern Kasbah region, it has been notably used as a location backdrop by many epic films such as Lawrence of Arabia and Jesus of Nazareth. On route we will visit Kasbah Taourirt, one of the most significant Kasbahs of the area and the stronghold of the Glaoui chiefs in the 1930s. In recent years UNESCO undertook the restoration of whole sections of the building. We will also visit the UNESCO-restored Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou which stands out as an exquisite example of how to take care of one’s heritage with style. Seeing the Kasbah from the other side of the river is a great experience. Through a frame of the palm branches we will see the structures of the Kasbah slightly bending and stretching to the sky. Just outside town is the Atlas Studio which is an impressive sight and opens to the public for tours. Accommodation: Berbere Palace (B D) www.leberberepalace.com 25 Day 2 Ouarzazate-Todra-Erb Chebbi Luxury Desert Camp Sun 17 April We depart to Erfoud, in the Tafilalet Oasis. We will drive though the scenic Todra Gorges and the Dades Valley. Hugging the lush river bed are many of Morocco’s most scenic kasbahs and ksours. We will continue down the route of Kasbahs past acres of roses, and stop for a walk in a date oasis, one of the largest, most decorated Kasbahs in Morocco. Erfoud is one of the largest oases in all of Morocco. This village at the foot of Jbel, was built during the French protectorate as a military outpost and is famous for its almost one million date palm trees. From Erfoud to the Merzouga dunes we will travel by jeep or camel (your choice) and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the dunes. Accommodation: Erb Cheebbi Luxury Desert Camp (B D) www.desertluxurycamp.com 26 Day 3 Erb Chebbi Luxury Desert Camp-Ouarzazate Mon 18 April We will have an early wake-up to experience the magnificent sunrise over the Sahara desert at the dunes. Then, following a sumptuous breakfast, we will leave for Ouarzazate. Accommodation: Berbere Palace (B D) Day 4 Ouarzazate-Casablanca Tues 19 April We will be transfered to Ouarzazate airport for our flight to Casablanca and then our connecting flights back to Australia arriving on Wednesday 20 April. 27 TRIP INCLUSIONS • • • • • • 3 nights accommodation as outlined in the itinerary (or equivalent) on a twin share basis with buffet breakfast daily. All meals as indicated in the itinerary All group transfers, transportation, sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary Bilingual guide Convention Abroad escort Airfare Ouarzazate to Casablanca TRIP EXCLUSIONS • • • • • • Meals not indicated in the itinerary Optional tours and activities Tipping to drivers and guides Items of a personal nature including laundry, telephone calls, mini-bar etc Travel insurance (compulsory) Anything not included in the inclusions Reservations To reserve your place on the tour(s) please fill in the accompanying Registration Form where details of the Registration Fee(s), Deposit(s) and payment options are outlined. FOR ANY FURTHER ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT Dr Naomi Jacobs 0413 62 62 74 28