DAY 1
Flight Riga–Alicante ~12:40-15:55
Check-in at the hotel
DAY 2
Breakfast.
Excursion in Alicante.
Alicante, the capital of the province of the same name, will welcome you with the charm of its historical and modern corners. On a hill, majestically towering over the city, is the Moorish castle of Santa Barbara — a symbol of the city and the keeper of its history. You will visit the medieval church of Santa Maria, stroll along the sunny promenade, see the unusual "Mushroom Street" and other picturesque places of this bright and hospitable city.
Free time for independent exploration of the city.
Return to the hotel.
DAY 3
Breakfast. Rest by the sea.
Free day or, optionally, an excursion trip to Valencia (surcharge 50 €).
Valencia is the third most populous city in Spain and the capital of the autonomous community of the same name. This is a place where the past, present and future are surprisingly harmoniously intertwined. The historic city center, untouched by the destructive floods of the past, preserves a rich history and unique architecture.
During the excursion you will see Ancient Roman ruins and an Arab granary reflecting different eras in the history of the city. Architectural masterpieces of the late Middle Ages: the Cathedral, built in a mixed Moorish-Gothic style, the Cortes (Parliament) building, the town hall and ancient churches. Unique buildings of the post-medieval era, such as the Palace of the Marquis of Two Waters and the narrowest house in the world.
You will also drive along the park located in the former bed of the Turia River, which has become one of the main green areas of the city, and see the City of Arts and Sciences — a futuristic architectural masterpiece created by the world-famous architect Santiago Calatrava.
Valencia fascinates with its elegance, mild Mediterranean climate and unique atmosphere. In your free time after the tour, you can try paella, a traditional dish that was invented in this region.
Return to the hotel. Rest.
DAY 4
Breakfast.
Free day.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 5
Breakfast.
Rest by the sea or, optionally, a trip by high-speed train to Madrid (surcharge from 95 €, train tickets included).
Madrid is the capital of Spain and one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with a rich cultural and artistic heritage. This picturesque city is famous for castles and palaces of various eras, magnificent parks and charming fountains.
During the walking tour you will see: The Royal Palace, Villa Square — the oldest square in the city, Plaza Mayor, Arenal pedestrian street, and one of the most famous sights of Madrid — Puerto del Sol Square.
In your free time, you will have the opportunity to independently visit the Prado National Museum, one of the largest museums of European fine art (entrance tickets ~15 €, paid additionally).
DAY 6
Breakfast.
Free day or optionally, in the afternoon — excursion to Cartagena (surcharge — 40 €). Founded by the Phoenicians as New Carthage, this city became an important base for the great Hannibal in his attempts to destroy the Roman Empire and conquer the world.
After the victory of the Romans, the architectural complex of the Forum, a theater and, of course, an amphitheater where fearless gladiators fought were built here. Continuing the tour, you will get acquainted with the naval history of this key port of Spain.
Free time.
Return to the hotel.
DAY 7
Breakfast.
Trip to Murcia — a delightful city in southeastern Spain, famous for its architecture, gastronomy and warm climate. The city is famous for the Cathedral of St. Mary, markets, gardens and, of course, amazing tapas.
Then — a trip to the vineyards with tasting (tasting for an additional fee — 25 €). Grapes have been grown on the picturesque hills of Alicante since ancient times, and many varieties are cultivated here. We will visit one of the local vineyards, where we will taste several wines of the region. Before the tasting, the winemakers will tell you how ordinary juice turns into the drink of the gods!
Return to the hotel.
DAY 8
Breakfast. Check-out from rooms.
Trip to Benidorm and La Vila Joiosa.
In the Marina Baixa region, on the picturesque coast, charming resort towns and villages are scattered like a precious necklace.
One of the pearls of this area is Villajoyosa, also known as La Vila Joiosa, which translates from Valencian as "Joyful City" (there are two official languages in the region). Here you will find beautiful beaches, a chocolate factory and museum (after all, it was the Spaniards who brought cocoa from America and came up with the idea of making it sweet), ruins of fortress walls and a watchtower, as well as the Church of de la Asuncion — a magnificent example of Levantine Gothic. But special charm is given to this city by colorful houses, once part of a fishing village, and now turned into a symbol of a resort city.
After visiting La Vila Joiosa, you will go to Benidorm, which will be a real surprise on your route!
Benidorm is the only city of skyscrapers in Spain. The resort, known since the middle of the last century, is often called the "New York of the Mediterranean". Its 6 km long promenade offers a huge variety of restaurants with cuisines from all regions of the world.
Transfer to the airport. Flight Alicante-Riga ~16:55-21:55
