Description
Enjoy an extended stay in Spain this winter and swap the frosty chill of the UK for the blue skies and warm waters of the Mediterranean on our no-fly 29-day Winter Sun holiday. Our hand-picked hotel in scenic Calpe provides the perfect base to explore the very best that Spain has to offer on our thoughtfully planned itinerary.
Itinerary
What's Included?
IncludesReturn coach travel & ferry crossingsFirst & last night on a bed & breakfast basis in France (last night with a light evening meal)Additional overnight stay on outward & return journey on a half-board basis on the Costa Brava24 nights all-inclusive at the Hotel Port Europa, CalpeBuffet breakfast, lunch & dinnerSelected local brand alcohol, soft drinks, tea & coffee (10am-11pm)Excursions to Valencia, Alicante, Elche, Javea, Denia, Murcia, Guadalest, Altea Market & VillajoyosaServices of a resort representative on selected days
Itinerary
Included ExcursionsJoin us as we take in the attractive towns and beautiful beaches of Spain's 'White Coast'. We travel from captivating Valencia, the birthplace of paella, to the charming harbour town of Alicante. We also visit the cathedral town of Murcia as well as Denia and Javea and venture inland to Guadalest. We then spend some time perusing the local market stalls in Altea before exploring Villajoyosa.Valencia (full day)The charming city of Valencia is the third largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona. It has a picturesque Old Quarter with a labyrinth of cobbled streets, lined with medieval buildings and towers that were once part of the ancient wall that surrounded the old city. There are also city beaches with tree-lined promenades, scenic gardens and an attractive cathedral, all of which make Valencia one of the country's most popular tourist destinations.Alicante & Elche (full day)The major landmark of the thriving harbour town of Alicante is the medieval Castle of Santa Barbara, which stands on the top of Mount Benacantil, offering fabulous views of the city. Other attractions include the Esplanada de España, a palm-tree-lined promenade paved with wavy marble floor tiles, and the Gravina Palace, located in the Old Town. The marina is a popular hotspot full of restaurants, cafés and a shopping centre and is the perfect place to admire the luxury yachts moored here.Our next stop is Elche, well-known for its beautiful palm trees (the largest palm tree in Europe is cultivated here) and shoemaking tradition. Considered to be one of the most important cities in the Province, Elche is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sights. Explore at your leisure some of the many highlights, such as the Basilica de Santa Maria and the famous 'Huerto del Cura' - where you will find the great imperial palm and more than 2,000 species of flora and fauna.Murcia (full day)Handsome Murcia is home to an impressive cathedral and several beautiful historic buildings with colourful plazas nestling in between its narrow streets. The city is divided by the Segura River, spanned with bridges of different styles; the oldest being Puente de los Peligros, an 18th-century stone bridge.Javea & Denia (full day)Sheltered between two rocky headlands, the seaside town of Javea still has the charm of the ancient fishing village it once was. The fishing harbour is situated next to an attractive marina while its historic quarter is full of beautiful architecture and monuments such as the church of San Bartolomé. The town also boasts a wide sandy beach flanked by a promenade of shops, bars and restaurants.Next, we visit the coastal town of Denia, home to a castle located on a rocky crag overlooking the city, offering spectacular views of the surrounding area. Denia also has a large port and marina with plenty of bars, cafés and restaurants lining its waterfront.Guadalest (half day)We venture inland for a half-day excursion to the picturesque village of Guadalest, perched on top of a rock high in the mountains. With fabulous views across the valley, the village also has numerous museums and craft shops where you can stock up on souvenirs while its castle can only be accessed through a tunnel carved through the rock.Altea Market (half day)We travel to the city of Altea for a half-day excursion to browse the many wares on display at the famous local market. This fixture of the city takes place every week and offers a wide range of great quality products at bargain prices, from leather goods, clothing and jewellery to fresh food, sweet treats and colourful flowers, all sold by local stallholders.Villajoyosa (half day)For this half-day excursion, we visit the colourful coastal town of Villajoyosa, known to the locals as La Vila. This pretty town is famous for the many brightly coloured homes on the palm-tree-lined promenade and for chocolate! Visit the Valor Chocolate Museum to learn the history of local chocolate-making and see how it is made. Don't forget to visit their in-house shop for some free samples or purchases.
Venue Information
Hotel
Hotel Port Europa, CalpeJG3 ratingLocated opposite Morello Beach in Calpe, Hotel Port Europa boasts both sea and mountain views and is perfectly situated to make the most of the beautiful local surroundings. The hotel offers a restaurant, bar, an outdoor swimming pool and free Wi-Fi.Hotel RatingJG3 ratingHotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.