vv10-16

Crystal
Merryman-Sarbacker
The Travel Company
Is It Time For Something New?
For the last five years I’ve often written
about Collette Vacations and their worldwide
itineraries. In fact, I suspect some
of my readers may even think I work for
Colette, but nothing could be further from
the truth. I’m a full service travel agent
who books all sorts of travel and lots of
Collette tours.
Recently, though, I encountered two
clients who were looking for something
new and exciting. They were searching
for a guided tour of the Iberian peninsula
and they wanted it to include a day or two
in Tangiers, Morocco. It seemed perfectly
logical to include this exotic location.
After all, it’s only a short ferry ride from
Algeciras across the
straight of Gibraltar to
Africa. But I couldn’t
find an itinerary that
featured this exotic
destination. Of course, a
day in Tangiers could be
added to any Vacation,
but it wasn’t easy. Then after some serious
research, my client and I came to
the same conclusion. Globus offered the
perfect itinerary. Their 13 day tour hit
all the Iberian hot spots and included
an overnight in Tangiers. Perfect! It was
exactly what my clients were seeking.
And I was really impressed with Globus
and their staff, too. They were professional,
helpful, and they quickly won my
confidence.
The Globus Family of Brands has
played a major role in guided travel for
89 years,and they have expanded into
four distinct divisions, so they really have
something for everyone. Cosmos was my
first introduction to their company. If you
remember the sixties, think “If It’s Tuesday
It Must Be Belgium” but in a good
way. These tours were and still are action
packed with full itineraries, tight
schedules and great value.
If you are looking for a bit of elegance
and extra experiences at a comfortable
pace, the company identified as “Globus”
has worldwide, guided travel with itineraries
that offer that special something...
like the addition of Tangiers to an Iberian
tour to Spain and Portugal.
And then, there’s Monograms, independent
travel with a twist that takes the
guess work out of your vacation.
This service is so extraordinary, it gets
it’s own column next time. Stay tuned!
Here’s Globus’ 13 Day Vacation to Spain,
Portugal & Tangiers, Morocco from $3721.
pp/dbl. occ. with air from Las Vegas!
DAY 1, TUES. MAY 16, 2017
Arrive in Madrid, Spain Time to rest
or to start exploring the Spanish capital.
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and
traveling companions for a welcome
dinner at your hotel. (Dinner)
DAY 2, WED. MAY 17, 2017
Madrid
The capital of Spain since 1561,
Madrid today is a strikingly modern city,
the showcase of a country resolutely
turned towards the future. Your Local
Guide takes you to the Puerta del Sol,
Plaza de España with its monument to
Cervantes, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain,
elegant Calle Alcala, and Paseo de
Castellana. Then, the highlight: a visit
to the palatial PRADO MUSEUM with its
priceless art treasures. (Breakfast)
DAY 3, THUR. MAY 18, 2017
Madrid, Segovia, Avila,
Salamanca
A day in beautiful Castile. Cross the
rugged Sierra de Guadarrama mountain
range on the way to Segovia, famous for
the 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct.
Enjoy a walk through the walled town
of Avila, where St. Theresa founded the
Order of Carmelites. Arrive in Salamanca,
and follow your Tour Director
for a pleasant walk to beautiful
PLAZA MAYOR. A highlight is your
overnight stay at Hacienda Zorita,
which once hosted Christopher
Columbus, where a WINE TASTING
and dinner await you. (Breakfast,
Dinner)
DAY 4, FRI. MAY 19, 2017
Salamanca, Fatima, Portuga,
Lisbon
The majestic scenery of the Serra
da Estrela mountain range forms the
backdrop of your morning drive into
Portugal.
Before heading for Lisbon, melt into
the stream of pilgrims from all over the
world as you visit the SANCTUARY OF
OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY in Fatima.
This evening, an optional dinner with
Fado-style entertainment is the perfect
introduction to Portugal’s capital.
(Breakfast)
DAY 5, SAT. MAY 20, 2017
Lisbon
Lisbon was the center of Europe’s
longest-lived overseas empire. Morning
sightseeing with a Local Guide features
a drive through the Baixa quarter’s
main squares and a walk through the
cobblestone alleys of quaint ALFAMA, the
popular quarter of the seamen and Fado
singers. Drive along the grand Avenida
da Liberdade up to Pombal Square. Stop
for pictures of Belem Tower, guarding
the mouth of the Tagus, and the
Monument to the Discoverers. Next, visit
JERONIMOS MONASTERY with the tomb
of Vasco da Gama. An exciting optional
excursion is available to the royal palace
of Queluz. (Breakfast)
DAY 6, SUN. MAY 21, 2017
Lisbon, Azaruja, Seville, Spain
On the way back to Spain, stop in Azaruja
to visit a CORK FACTORY and learn
about the many ways this material can
be used. Then, continue to the vibrant
capital of Andalusia, Seville. (Breakfast,
Dinner)
DAY 7, MON. MAY 22, 2017
Seville
During your sightseeing tour with a
Local Guide, hear about the city’s role in
Roman times, its conquest by the Moors
in 712 AD, and its contribution to the
discovery of the New World. Admire
Maria Luisa Park, the Golden Tower on
the Guadalquivir River, and the university
that used to be the tobacco factory of
Carmen fame. Also visit the magnificent
CASA DE PILATOS, a mixture of Moorish
and Roman architecture with a splendid
collection of Roman sculptures. Then,
stroll through the narrow lanes of the
charming SANTA CRUZ QUARTER. For
those interested, an optional extended
guided visit to the cathedral is available,
and tonight, for a truly Andalusian
night out, reserve a seat at our optional
Flamenco show. (Breakfast)
28 www.thevegasvoice.net