Mesmera's Music & Dance Itinerary 2018:
Portugal, Spain, Morocco
Sept. 27 - Oct. 8
Sintra, Portugal Cadiz & Sevilla, Spain Tangier, Morocco
9/27 Thursday Fly to Lisbon, Portugal
9/28 Friday: Arrive Lisbon, Portugal. Transfer to Sintra
Arrive in time for Included group transfer to our traditional Boutique hotel in Sintra. Check-in, refresh, enjoy our hotel or go out to explore, have a snack, perhaps dinner. This famously picturesque town is in the densely forested hills of the Serra de Sintra, so the climate is cooler. Centuries ago, the nobility and elite constructed exquisite palaces and extravagant residences with decorative gardens here that are amazing to visit.
9/29 Saturday: Sintra
Wake up happy and enjoy an impressive Included Breakfast Buffet, then we’re off! First stop is Quinta de Regaleira. The Grand House is split over five floors and has an ornate gothic façade, yet even more magical are the enchanting gardens, which represent ancient secret orders with hidden tunnels and concealed symbolism.
9/28 Friday: Arrive Lisbon, Portugal. Transfer to Sintra
Arrive in time for Included group transfer to our traditional Boutique hotel in Sintra. Check-in, refresh, enjoy our hotel or go out to explore, have a snack, perhaps dinner. This famously picturesque town is in the densely forested hills of the Serra de Sintra, so the climate is cooler. Centuries ago, the nobility and elite constructed exquisite palaces and extravagant residences with decorative gardens here that are amazing to visit.
9/29 Saturday: Sintra
Wake up happy and enjoy an impressive Included Breakfast Buffet, then we’re off! First stop is Quinta de Regaleira. The Grand House is split over five floors and has an ornate gothic façade, yet even more magical are the enchanting gardens, which represent ancient secret orders with hidden tunnels and concealed symbolism.
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Options for Saturday Afternoon/Evening are many: Enjoy Sintra, visit Cascais for the Beach, Casino Estoril and have dinner OR there's time to Visit Lisbon! 500 years older than Rome, Lisbon is Europe’s oldest capital. See Gothic cathedrals, historic cafes, vintage trams and lovely narrow streets in the Alfama district with its Fado restaurants and vibrant coffee bars. Catch the train back to Sintra.
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9/30 Sunday: Sintra
After Included Breakfast Buffet, our Included Tour takes us to the Moorish Castle. Now, the afternoon and evening are clear for Options like a Free trip back on the bus with your Included ticket to nearby Pena Palace for the romantic Manueline architecture and richly furnished rooms, fabulous gardens (Admission 11Euro + 3Euro Bus uphill to Palace) Further attractions like Chalet da Condessa D’Edla and the National Palace are very close. Want to go to the beach? Praia da Adraga is one of several nearby that locals prefer. And, be sure to try Sintra's signature pastry - Queijadas de Sintra! |
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10/1 Monday: Cadiz, Spain
After Included Breakfast, our private coach takes us to Cádiz, Europe's oldest city, founded as Gadir by the Phoenicians around 1100 BC. It's the oldest city in Western Europe and the location for the original Iberian settlers. Later, occupied by the Greeks, Phoenicians, and Carthaginians, it was an important trading post, also for the Romans, who were then defeated by the Visigoths. The rich cultural heritage is evident in the streets and buildings, yet, it has a wonderful upbeat, friendly atmosphere. Being on a peninsula, Cadiz is almost entirely surrounded by water. Ascend to the top of the city’s cathedral and you almost feel like you're standing on the stern of a boat, all you can see is water. |
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The old city is distinctly Moorish in appearance and a gem to explore with its narrow cobbled streets, beautiful plazas, fabulous fish market and numerous tapas bars. However, there is also a part, which has a distinct Cuban feel, with colorful buildings and people residing there. See the Plaza de Mina, which is a square located in the heart of the old town. The Museum of Cadiz is located here. Other landmarks are the Plaza San Antonio, Plaza de San Francisco with its church and convent, and the Plaza de Candelaria. Must see also it's 16th century city walls, Las Puertas de Tierra, the Cathedral Nueva, which is a magnificent 18th century Baroque structure. If you go to the top domed terrace, you can see the whole Bay of Cadiz! The Torre Tavira is the city’s highest watchtower, however, and dates back to the 18th century with the most amazing city views. Art lovers delight in finding the wonderful church of Oratorio de Santa Cruz contains some fine Goya paintings and the Casa del Almirante which dates back to the 16th century, situated in Plaza San Martin, is an exquisite piece of architecture with an elegant history.
We’ll check into our ideally located modern luxury seaside hotel, drink the local wine, enjoy the view and relax! You may want to book a massage, take a walk on the beach, swim or shop nearby. Dinner options are delicious for seafood, tapas, and a wide variety of choices nearby.
We’ll check into our ideally located modern luxury seaside hotel, drink the local wine, enjoy the view and relax! You may want to book a massage, take a walk on the beach, swim or shop nearby. Dinner options are delicious for seafood, tapas, and a wide variety of choices nearby.
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10/2 Tuesday: Cádiz
Wake up glad to the sound of the surf! Start with a lovely Included Breakfast Buffet, then morning Class with Mesmera! Next, let's see the sights! Santa Catalina Castle is a fortress almost untouched by time and is a fine example of military architecture on the Mediterranean. Alameda Apodaca, one of the most popular places in Cadiz, has gardens full of colorful vegetation and trees. How about a dip in the ocean? Our hotel is only a 10 minute walk to Cadiz' most beautiful La Caleta Beach, famous for the Carnival parades along its Paseo Marítimo. Natives and tourists love the golden sand and enjoy the breathtaking twilight views from the Castillo de Santa Catalina as well as from the scenic Campo del Sur. Also, this beach is famous thanks to movies such as “007: Die another day“, “Alatriste” and “Manolete“. Interested in bridges? The Constitution of 1812 Bridge, also known as La Pepa Bridge, is Europe's spectacular newest bridge, crossing the Bay of Cadiz to link Cadiz with Puerto Real on the mainland of Spain. Dinner and our informal dance party is fine entertainment this evening!
Wake up glad to the sound of the surf! Start with a lovely Included Breakfast Buffet, then morning Class with Mesmera! Next, let's see the sights! Santa Catalina Castle is a fortress almost untouched by time and is a fine example of military architecture on the Mediterranean. Alameda Apodaca, one of the most popular places in Cadiz, has gardens full of colorful vegetation and trees. How about a dip in the ocean? Our hotel is only a 10 minute walk to Cadiz' most beautiful La Caleta Beach, famous for the Carnival parades along its Paseo Marítimo. Natives and tourists love the golden sand and enjoy the breathtaking twilight views from the Castillo de Santa Catalina as well as from the scenic Campo del Sur. Also, this beach is famous thanks to movies such as “007: Die another day“, “Alatriste” and “Manolete“. Interested in bridges? The Constitution of 1812 Bridge, also known as La Pepa Bridge, is Europe's spectacular newest bridge, crossing the Bay of Cadiz to link Cadiz with Puerto Real on the mainland of Spain. Dinner and our informal dance party is fine entertainment this evening!
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10/3 Wednesday: Tangier, Morocco
Early Included Breakfast this morning then straight to the Port in Tarifa for our Included Ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar to Tangier, Morocco! We arrive and transfer to our 5 star hotel in time to a swim in the beautiful pool, visit the spa, enjoy a drink and relax at our ideal location. How about a Class with Mesmera? |
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Tangier, a Moroccan port on the Strait of Gibraltar, has been a strategic gateway between Africa and Europe since Phoenician times. Its whitewashed hillside medina is home to the Dar el Makhzen, a palace of the sultans that's now a museum of Moroccan artifacts. Many civilizations and cultures have impacted the history of Tangier starting from before the 5th century BC. Between the period of being a strategic Berber town and then a Phoenician trading centre to the independence era around the 1950s, Tangier was a nexus for many cultures. In 1923, it was considered as having international status by foreign colonial powers, and became a destination for many European and American diplomats, spies, writers and businessmen.
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10/4 Thursday: Tangier
After a pleasing Included Breakfast, our Included Guided Walking Tour covers all the best historic sites, the Kasbah, Medina and more! Hilltop locations have sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea! We can stroll the beach promenade, enjoy Moroccan mint tea and fresh squeezed orange juice in the Medina at Petit Socco, once the most famous square in all of Morocco. Yes, we can do some shopping at the traditional market stalls which sell a variety of kaftans, scarves, leather and handmade items, along with nuts, dates and a variety of spices and oils, like Argan that is so good for hair, skin and many cosmetics. You won't want to miss a visit to Cafe Hafa - a Tangier icon, the almost-century-old cafe is made up of tiers of whitewashed balconies that cascade down a steep hillside toward the Mediterranean, opening panoramic views of the sea. In the evening, we meet for dinner with Included Live music and Bellydance show! |
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10/5 Friday: Sevilla, Spain
Checkout after Included Breakfast Buffet and transfer to the Port for Included Ferry back to Tarifa where our Included private coach to Sevilla awaits. Sevilla is the capital of the Southern Andalusia region. It's famous for Flamenco! Originally founded as a Roman city and now home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Sevilla is charming! We arrive and check into our hotel (previously the Duke’s Palace) and relax before meeting for a delicious dinner and Flamenco show in a nearby Tablao.
Checkout after Included Breakfast Buffet and transfer to the Port for Included Ferry back to Tarifa where our Included private coach to Sevilla awaits. Sevilla is the capital of the Southern Andalusia region. It's famous for Flamenco! Originally founded as a Roman city and now home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Sevilla is charming! We arrive and check into our hotel (previously the Duke’s Palace) and relax before meeting for a delicious dinner and Flamenco show in a nearby Tablao.
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10/6 Saturday: Sevilla
After an impressive Included Buffet Breakfast, we go to the celebrated Juan Polvillo Flamenco School for our Included Class with Paky del Rio. Then, our afternoon is free to discover Sevilla’s rich history, stunning architecture and authentic culture. Must-sees include the Gothic Seville Cathedral, the largest in the world and a UNESCO world heritage site. The Gothic Seville Cathedral is the site of Christopher Columbus’s tomb and a minaret turned bell tower, the Giralda. The Alcázar’s Palace and Gardens were built over a 100-year span (and made their “GOT” cameo in season five) and are fabulous. Also, Plaza de España is a wide-open square perfect for a glimpse of the local scene. The Mercadillo “Charco La Pava” flea market is a very popular market in Seville. This huge al fresco street flea market in Seville is packed with a broad array of fascinating objects such as flowers, fruits, vegetables, clothing, old appliances, knick-knacks, Spanish dolls and some antiques as well. In the evening, there’s plenty of tapas tasting, wine, music and Included Flamenco show!
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10/7 Sunday: Sevilla
After Included Breakfast, there are several fine choices for the day. Optional guided day tours to Cordoba, for example, or a cruise on the Guadalquivir River, see the Alcazar, Giralda Tower, Flamenco Museum and much more! On a sunny weekend morning the most enjoyable activity may be a nice walk along the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Mornings in the Paseo de la O in Triana is filled with oil and acrylic paintings that adorn the walls, while marbles sculptures, terracotta, pottery and ceramic creations cover the lower part of the bridge. Paseo de Arte is also famous for its traditional flamenco dancing, live Spanish music and street entertainment. Be sure to return in time for Class with Mesmera. In the evening we meet for our Included farewell dinner and show at the famous Casa de la Memoria! Last chance to pack before bedtime and Gypsy guitar music swirling through our dreams.
After Included Breakfast, there are several fine choices for the day. Optional guided day tours to Cordoba, for example, or a cruise on the Guadalquivir River, see the Alcazar, Giralda Tower, Flamenco Museum and much more! On a sunny weekend morning the most enjoyable activity may be a nice walk along the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Mornings in the Paseo de la O in Triana is filled with oil and acrylic paintings that adorn the walls, while marbles sculptures, terracotta, pottery and ceramic creations cover the lower part of the bridge. Paseo de Arte is also famous for its traditional flamenco dancing, live Spanish music and street entertainment. Be sure to return in time for Class with Mesmera. In the evening we meet for our Included farewell dinner and show at the famous Casa de la Memoria! Last chance to pack before bedtime and Gypsy guitar music swirling through our dreams.
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10/8 Monday: We Fly
Included Breakfast and goodbye hugs begin our day, which is scheduled for flying home with a lasting sense of our wonderful experiences. This is how great memories are made and stories get shared! We depart to the airport on our Included group transfer and are homeward bound.
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NOTE: Itinerary details, times, and locations subject to change.
Included Breakfast and goodbye hugs begin our day, which is scheduled for flying home with a lasting sense of our wonderful experiences. This is how great memories are made and stories get shared! We depart to the airport on our Included group transfer and are homeward bound.
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NOTE: Itinerary details, times, and locations subject to change.