Ronda, Roman Ruins and Ancient Wines

Tour Date: November 10 - 16, 2005

Trip Price: $4095 per person (subject to currency fluctuation)

Tour starts in Malaga, Spain

This deluxe tour takes in some of Spain's loveliest villages and most historic wineries. We also visit some fascinating reminders of Spain's Roman History. We meet in Malaga for a briefing and a cocktail. Over the next week, we will visit dramatic, ancient "Pueblos", sleep in converted palaces and experience the joys of avant-garde cuisine. The landscapes in this part of Andalucia are almost mystical, with steep mountains, eagles flying overhead, and stoic Arabic hilltop fortresses. Visit Ronda, probably the most spectacularly located town in Spain. We'll sleep in an elegant, and plush small hotel, known for its famous chef. We'll visit
gorgeous "Bodegas" (wine cellars) and taste "Finos", "Amontillados" and some fresh young wines, which perfectly accompany the abundant, freshly caught seafood. Other activities along the way include visits to: the Roman town of Italica (founded in 206 BC by Scipio Africanus; the Moorish, whitewashed village of Arcos de la Frontera; and we will have time to discover fabulous Seville.

Our pace is comfortable, never hurried, allowing for deeper exploration of
the amazing places we visit. Our accommodation is a highlight of this trip,
sumptuously appointed. All hotels are exquisitely decorated, and your
room will be a suite. Dinners are gorgeous, 4 course affairs with excellent
wines and digestifs. Don't miss this special tour! Spaces are limited.

Day 1 Meet, Brief and Drink in Malaga at Rendezvous point - Transfer to Ronda where we will have lunch in a charming hideaway - Afternoon free to find you own romantic corner in this delightful town- Gourmet 4 course dinner -Overnight in exclusive, small luxury hotel, Ronda
Day 2 Full breakfast- Visit Ronda, with option of guided walking tour - Lunch in charming, old restaurant - Free afternoon (highlights of Ronda include an impressive bullring, dating back to 1785, and the lovely Palacio Mondragon, and the views from the top of the old town) - Overnight in same hotel, Ronda
Day 3 Visit Jerez de la Frontera, Sherry capital, to some fantastic old cellars - 2 cellar visits - Transfer to Puerto Santa Maria, port town and Sherry producer - Afternoon Free, to visit the 13th century castle or walk along the sea - Gourmet Dinner in Converted Palace with star chef - Overnight in Puerto Santa Maria, in a 18th century, classy small hotel
Day 4 Morning free - Afternoon excursion to Arcos de la Frontera, one of Spain's prettiest and most dramatically situated "pueblos" (villages) - Lunch - Evening free to discover your own "Tapas" bars and great fish restaurants - Overnight in same hotel, Puerto Santa Maria
Day 5 Visit to beautiful Sevilla, excursion to The Reales Alcazares (Regal Mudejar Palaces and phenomenal gardens) and Casa de Pilatos (One of Seville's finest palaces built by The First Marquis of Tarifa, to resemble Pontius Pilate's residence in Jerusalem) - Free time for "Tapas", a walking tour of the city, a river cruise, etc - Overnight at plush address, Sevilla
Day 6 Excursion to Roman town of Italica, villages along the way - Return to Sevilla - Gourmet extravaganza dinner and option of flamenco show - Overnight in same delightful hotel, Sevilla
Day 7 Full Breakfast - Transfer to Malaga - End of services

What's Included:
· All Transportation in luxury, air conditioned bus · Aperitif at Rendezvous point in Malaga · All luxury accommodation (6 nights, at Suite standard with hydromassage deluxe baths) · 6 Full Breakfasts · 3 Lunches with beverages and wine · 3 Gourmet Dinners (4 courses) with wine, plus digestifs (brandies, liquors) · Expert Bilingual Guide, owner led · 2-3 Winery Visits and Tastings · All Entrance Fees to Cultural Sites · Keepsake Itinerary, with maps of places visited, color pictures, shopping tips, etc · Cellar Tours Gourmet Gift

What's not Included
· Airfare · Meals and Drinks not specified · Tips · Personal Expenses (mini bar, telephone, etc) · Flamenco Show on last night in Seville. Prices vary depending on the artist, but tend to be about 30 euros (about 35 U.S. dollars). We haven't included this in the itinerary, in case you'd like to discover romantic Seville on your own, the last night

Prices quoted are per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplements apply when not sharing accommodation. Tour Itineraries listed are subject to change without notice. No unused portion of the vacation can be refunded. 15 % deposit to secure place on tour within 45 days of departure. Balance required within 30 days of trip.