EUROPESPAIN 148 " Our leader was always available and very helpful. It was brilliant value for money. I will have many fond lasting memories." Gary Lawson europe Imaginative Facts Tour code: UAAM • Activities: Hiking in Grazalema National Park • Accommodation: 7 nights simple hotels, 1 night cave hotel • Transport: Public bus, taxi, train • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader • Imaginative Traveller Suggests: Add our ' Undiscovered Spain' tour DAY 1: SEVILLE- Arrival day. DAY 2: SEVILLE- With its flamenco dancing, tapas bars, and bullfights, Andalucia is the home of everything that many people consider to be typically Spanish. Enjoy a free day to visit the old city, the winding alleys and courtyards of the Barrio de Santa Cruz, and the former gypsy community of Triana, famous for producing well- known flamenco artists and bullfighters. This evening, we can sample delicious tapas in some of the city's lively bars. ( B) DAY 3: SEVILLE - RONDA - GRAZALEMA-We take a bus to Ronda, one of the Pueblos Blancos ( white villages), where the houses are covered in whitewash following the custom during the Moorish period. We have the chance to view the famous ' Puente Nuevo' or New Bridge, an amazing feat of engineering built over the Tajo Gorge. Later we continue to the beautiful National Park of Grazalema, a wild, mountainous area where many people still enjoy a very traditional way of life. ( B) DAY 4: GRAZALEMA- Today we hike through some of the most picturesque areas of the park. Grazalema experiences the highest amount of rainfall in Spain, and the park is full of lush and very unique vegetation. It is also home to a large variety of birdlife, such as eagles, vultures and woodpeckers. ( B) DAYS 5 & 6: GRANADA- Travel to Granada, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This lively city is the location of the Alhambra palace and Generalife Gardens, which were constructed by the Nasrid dynasty of Muslim rulers and are known for their architect's magical use of light, water and decoration. In the late afternoon we take a walking tour of the Albacin, a very atmospheric area of the city with many Arabic teterias or tea houses. The following morning there is time to visit the Alhambra. The whole day is free to admire the exquisite architecture and wander the beautiful gardens. ( B) DAY 7: GUADIX- The cave district of Guadix is an area of over 2,000 caves, which have been inhabited for many centuries by the local people. We can explore this area, before settling into our ' cave' for the night. ( B) DAY 8: CORDOBA- We continue to this charming city, where there is the opportunity to visit the traditional craft workshops and the Mezquita, or Great Mosque. Constructed during the Moorish period, this beautiful building with its arches and pillars highlights the power of the Muslim rulers at this time. ( B) DAY 9: SEVILLE- Return to Seville by train, where the tour ends on arrival. ( B) Famous cities and wild, remote mountains • Sample fiery Spanish culturein the lively city of Seville • Explore the Moorish cities of Granada and Cordoba • Hikethrough the unique vegetation of Grazalema National Park • Overnight in a traditional cavedwelling at Guadix • Visit Ronda, the most famous of the Pueblos Blanco, on the Tajo Gorge Andalucian Meanders Spain Malaga Cabo de Gata Guadix Cordoba Seville Grazalema Granada RondaCapileira Andalucian Meanders Undiscovered Spain Italy Pisa Florence Siena San Gimignano Tuscan Farmhouse Tuscan Dreaming Volterra Single Supplement £ 225 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 3.13 * Price includes tour price of £ 699and local payment of € 170All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 830pp Land Only * adventurer Tour duration 9 days © Imaginative Traveller © Imaginative Traveller Starts SatEnds Sun SevilleSeville 2009 13- Jun- 09 21- Jun- 09 04- Jul- 09 12- Jul- 09 22- Aug- 09 30- Aug- 09 12- Sep- 09 20- Sep- 09 Starts SatEnds Sun SevilleSeville 2010 08- May- 10 16- May- 10 05- Jun- 10 13- Jun- 10 03- Jul- 10 11- Jul- 10 21- Aug- 10 29- Aug- 10 18- Sep- 10 26- Sep- 10 new tour for 2009 We can also offer Extra Accommodation, Adventure Travel Insurance& Flights Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243

SPAIN  ITALY 149 EUROPE Imaginative Facts Tour code: UAUS • Activities: Hiking in the Alpujarras, optional snorkelling, kayaking or swimming at Cabo de Gata • Accommodation: 7 nights simple hotels • Transport: Public and private bus • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader • Imaginative Traveller Suggests: Add our ' Andalucian Meanders' tour DAY 1: MALAGA- Arrival day. DAYS 2 & 3: GRANADA- Drive to Granada, at the foot of the snow- capped Sierra Nevada Mountains. This lively Moorish city is the location of the Alhambra palace and Generalife Gardens, which were constructed by the Nasrid dynasty of Muslim rulers and are known for the architect's magical use of light, water and decoration. In the late afternoon we take a walking tour of the Albacin, a very atmospheric area of the city with many Arabic teterias or tea houses. On Day 3 we visit the Alhambra. The whole day is free to admire the exquisite architecture, and wander the beautiful gardens. ( B) DAY 4: CAPILEIRA- Ascend into the heart of the rugged, undiscovered Alpujarras to the tranquil mountain village of Capileira, at the top of the Poqueira valley, which will be our base for the next two nights. ( B) DAY 5: ALPUJARRAS- A full day walking between the beautiful scenery and picturesque white- washed villages of the Alpujarras, sampling the delicious local hams and cheeses. We use time- worn paths that have been used by the local people of this area for many years, and we usually encounter shepherds with their flocks, or see farmers working in their fields. ( B) DAY 6: TAVERNAS DESERT - CABO DE GATA- We visit the Tavernas Desert region of Spain and Almeria, a modern city which is dominated by its Moorish castle, known for being the best surviving example of this type of fortification in the area. The city has a very North African air, with its architecture, palm trees and desert- like surroundings. In the afternoon we continue into Cabo de Gata National Park, ( this time an area with a Mexican air!) and visit the salt pans, where it is possible to see flamingos and other migratory birds during the summer months. ( B) DAY 7: CABO DE GATA- A free day to explore the area. There is the opportunity to snorkel, kayak, spend a day observing rural life or mingling with local fishermen, or just relax on one of the area's beautiful beaches. ( B) DAY 8: MALAGA- We return to Malaga, arriving in the afternoon. Tour ends. ( B) See a side of Spain you never knew existed • Visit the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens of Granada • Hikebetween the white- washed mountain villagesof the Alpujarras • Explore the Tavernas Desert, a little known Moorish region of southern Spain • Relaxamongst the salt pans and beaches of Cabo de Gata National Park • The perfect blend of stunning mountain, desert and coastal scenery Undiscovered Spain Tuscan Dreaming Imaginative Facts Tour code: UTTU • Activities: Optional day hikes from our base in the Tuscan countryside • Accommodation: 3 night tourist class hotels, 2 nights converted monastery, 5 nights Tuscan farmhouse hotel • Transport: Bus and train • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader DAY 1: FLORENCE- Arrive in Florence and check in to hotel. Time to relax or begin exploring this fascinating city. DAY 2: TUSCAN FARMHOUSE HOTEL-Transfer to our base for the next five nights, a peaceful family- run farmhouse hotel set in the heart of the beautiful green hills above San Gimignano with superb views of the Tuscan landscape. ( BD) DAYS 3- 6: TUSCAN EXPLORATION- On one day we travel to San Gimignano, famous for its 14 towers and beautiful 13th Century town square. On another day we enjoy a day trip to Siena, one of Italy's most enchanting cities. The other days are spent hiking amongst the beautiful Tuscan hills, or if you prefer, relaxing at the hotel. ( Days 3- 5 - BD, Day 6 - B) DAYS 7 & 8: VOLTERRA- Travel to Volterra, an ancient town encircled by mediaeval ramparts and perched high on a rocky plateau. We spend two nights in a simple but atmospheric converted monastery with plenty of time at leisure to explore this lovely town. ( B) DAY 9: FLORENCE- Travel to Pisa and visit the famous Leaning Tower, Cathedral and Baptistry, before returning by train to Florence. ( B) DAY 10: FLORENCE- The capital of Tuscany and the heart of Renaissance Italy, Florence is packed with world famous museums, art galleries, cathedrals, piazzas and churches. We have a full day to discover the artistic and architectural wealth of the city. ( B) DAY 11: FLORENCE- Tour ends. ( B) A chance to explore and relax in this enchanting region of Italy • Hikein the spectacular countryside of the Tuscan hills • From our base visit beautiful Siena and San Gimignano • Explore the mediaeval town of Volterrafrom a converted monastery • Tour the famous sights of Pisa- including the Leaning Tower of course! • Time to enjoy the numerous cultural delightsof Florence Single Supplement £ 215 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 2.96 * Price includes tour price of £ 640and local payment of € 170All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 770pp Land Only *• Seasonal Supplement £ 50 Single Supplement £ 325 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 2.30 * Price includes tour price of £ 799and local payment of € 300All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 1030pp Land Only * adventurertraveller Tour duration 8 daysTour duration 11 days Starts SunEnds Sun MalagaMalaga 2009 21- Jun- 09 28- Jun- 09 12- Jul- 09 19- Jul- 09 30- Aug- 09 06- Sep- 09 20- Sep- 09 27- Sep- 09 Starts SunEnds Sun MalagaMalaga 2010 16- May- 10 23- May- 10 13- Jun- 10 20- Jun- 10 11- Jul- 10 18- Jul- 10 29- Aug- 10 05- Sep- 10 26- Sep- 10 03- Oct- 10 Starts SunEnds Wed FlorenceFlorence 2009 03- May- 0913- May- 09 • 31- May- 0910- Jun- 09 • 28- Jun- 0908- Jul- 09 26- Jul- 0905- Aug- 09 23- Aug- 0902- Sep- 09 20- Sep- 0930- Sep- 09 • Starts SunEnds Wed FlorenceFlorence 2010 02- May- 1012- May- 10 • 30- May- 1009- Jun- 10 • 27- Jun- 1007- Jul- 10 25- Jul- 1004- Aug- 10 22- Aug- 1001- Sep- 10 19- Sep- 1029- Sep- 10 • • Seasonal supplement applies new tour for 2009 Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243 Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243