With optional Mediterranean.

extension Our deluxe customized tour will bring you to the most interesting and beautiful places in Spain and Portugal, with a leisurely pace that enables you to get the most out of the experience. We will stay in fine hotels, conveniently located in the heart of town. A specialized local guide in each destination will bring us on a city tour, and your Hawaii escort will provide additional walking tours to further acquaint you with these fascinating places. We provide the best of both worlds, offering guided tours to get you oriented, plus enough free time to pursue your own interests. We have carefully chosen the most interesting places on the Iberian Peninsula so that you will experience a variety of cultural highlights, ranging from ancient Roman ruins, and the Moorish centers of Andalusia, to the sophisticated modern shops and cafes

approx $5,499

SPAIN & PORTUGAL 2009

September 16-October 2, 2009

Lisbon, Evora, Seville, Granada, Cordoba, Madrid, Toledo, Segovia and Barcelona

We begin our grand tour in this charming old capital of Portugal. The center of Lisbon is an ideal place for strolling, people-watching, shopping, and eating. This is one

LISBON

of the earliest and best examples of town planning, for Lisbon was completely re-built after the city was destroyed in a massive earthquake 200 years ago. The resulting comprehensive design created one of the most pleasing and pretty

cities in the world. There are many historic landmarks that survived the quake, including the fortress of Saint George overlooking the town, and the medieval hillside Alfama district, with its winding pedestrian alleys and friendly residents. We will take it easy this first afternoon and enjoy a brief walking tour of the historic city center. Sights on our city tour of Lisbon will include two of the most important examples of the Manuelin baroque,

the Belem Tower, at the mouth of the Tagus River, and the nearby Jeronimos Monastery, with their wonderful mix of gothic and rococo architecture. This church and cloister, built with money gotten in the profitable India trade, are the most outstanding example of Manuelin style, an elaborately ornamented architecture embellished with many nautical motifs. The tour will then pass the Bull Ring, the grand Avenida da Liberdade, and Rossio Square.

The afternoon will be free for further exploration. You might enjoy strolling through the Alfama, the medieval neighborhood on the hill overlooking the main city, with buildings dating back many hundreds of years, still occupied by friendly people living in a simple, old-fashioned manner. Another enjoyable diversion would be shopping your way through the fashionable districts of the Baixa, in the heart of town, and the Bairro Alto, on the hill opposite the Alfama. In the evening you might have dinner or drinks at a fado bar and listen to the sad poignant songs of loves pain and passion. QUELUZ, SINTRA & CASCAIS: Our full days tour will take us to the outskirts of Lisbon where we visit the Rococo Palace of Queluz, the summer residence of Portuguese royalty, built in 1747, with rich interior gilded decorations, and beautifully laid formal gardens. Next we visit the Medieval Palace of Sintra, and return to Lisbon via the coastal villages of Cascais and Estoril

of Portugal made it the center of court life. Manuelin palaces, mansions, and churches proliferated. From Evora we continue across the Spanish border to the town of Aracena where we stop for a visit

which are famous for their pleasant weather and for the nobility of past residents, including deposed kings, queens and other aristocratic types who found in the Portuguese shores a friendly home. During our three days in the Lisbon area you will be guided to the most interesting sights, and you will also have ample time for shopping and exploring on your own. Be sure to stroll around the district of Rossio Square, for this central part of downtown is lined with graceful facades of historic buildings, containing the most modern shops and a large number of pleasant cafes. From here you can ride up Gustave Eiffels elevator tower to the upper town, the Chiado, and take part in the easy-going Portuguese style of strolling, shopping, and dining.

After three nights in Lisbon, we travel to Spain via the scenic route through the south of Portugal. Our first stop is Evora, declared by UNESCO Patrimony of Humanity. Here we find well-preserved Roman remains of the Temple of Diana. Evora is a town of arches, arcades, aqueducts, azulejos, and academics. It had a flourishing university when, during the 15th and 16th centuries, the kings

SPAIN

to the Cueva de las Maravillas a popular cave with illumination highlighting small lakes, stalactites, stalagmites and many interesting water and rock formations. By the end of the day we reach Seville, the beguiling capital of this southern region of Andalusia. Seville is a theatrical and festive place that was Spains most important city during the glorious Golden Age of exploration and conquest. Even today it houses the worlds largest gothic cathedral, a symbol of supreme power 500 years ago, and standing as a monument to the citys sense of history and cultural patrimony. Our city tour begins in the worlds largest gothic cathedral. Here we visit the famous Orange-tree Court, the Gate of Absolution, the Royal Chapel, the Sacristy, and the final restingplace of Christopher Columbus.

SEVILLE:

The Giralda, the tall minaret of the former Muslim mosque that previously stood on this hallowed ground, awaits those energetic people willing to climb it, with the reward of a breathtaking view of the city below. We continue with a visit to the Reales Alcazar where we will admire the beautiful Mudejar architecture (Muslims artisans working for the Christian kings). Pedro I in 1364 ordered the construction of a royal residence within the palace that had been built by the citys Almohad rulers. Within two years, craftsmen from Granada and Toledo created a jewel box of Mudejar patios and halls. Here we visit the Royal Chapel, with its amazing tapestries, and the gardens with the original fountains still flowing with water using simple gravity.

Tower, the fine baroque university building which is the second largest structure in Spain, the fountains and flowers of Maria Luisa Park, and the Alcazar Palace which housed Spanish kings for six centuries. We will notice many examples of the Moorish influence on the face of Seville, but you will feel even more the dominance of the highly decorative Spanish baroque of the 16th-18th centuries. Private tour to Jerez, in the nearby countryside, for sherry tasting and tour of the vineyards. Coach to Arcos for lunch at the Parador. There will be plenty of things to see and do in Seville to keep you entertained for three days and nights. We journey by private motorcoach 80 miles to Granada, the archetypal southern Spanish town -- a place not to be missed. This first afternoon we will visit two of the most impressive edifices ever built the hilltop fortress of The Alcazaba, and the

GRANADA:

Afternoon is at leisure to enjoy Seville, which offers an almost infinite number of walks, and refreshment stops where we can find an ample supply of the famous typical tapas, small dishes washed down with tasty beverages of choice, stimulating good conversation. The economy of Seville stood still for centuries, leaving a preserved gem of ancient buildings untouched by modern urbanization for you to explore now. Our tours of Seville will also show us the Renaissance Town Hall, the Gold

gigantic palace complex of the Alhambra, which was the last refuge of the Moors in Spain. The Alhambra embraces hundreds of years of architectural history that includes private dwellings still occupied today. It also includes several churches, a restaurant, gardens, statues and

peaceful city of Cordoba was built up from the eighth century, when it became the capital of Moorish Spain, and ruled over a nation that skipped fountains, and the centerpiece 16th- the Dark Ages which bogged down century Renaissance palace. All this the rest of Europe. overwhelming opulence makes an unforgettable impression, among By the tenth century, Cordoba was a honeycomb of palatial interiors, the largest, wealthiest, and most covered passageways, obscure alleys, cultured city on the continent. It was and several dozen elegant courtyards a center for science, philosophy, and scattered throughout the Casa Real. history, and helped to bring the rest of backward Europe into the age of This is one of Europes top sights! The historic center of Granada is also worthy of close examination, and we shall have a look as we stroll along together with our knowledgeable guide who will point out many of the discovery and enlightenment. Much highlights. There are stark contrasts of this proud past is still evident in in this city, which is pulsating with the historic buildings and sites of this the modern vibrations of youth on once-powerful city -- that now has the cutting edge of Western culture, a distinctly modern attitude in the a home to the avant-garde, and a Spain of today. While the population constant sidewalk fashion show on of 300,000 is spread out, the historic parade. This last great stronghold center is compact and can be easily of the Moors in Europe still clings covered on foot. tenaciously to many of its ancient customs in the midst of this modern We will enjoy a walking tour to contemporary social scene. For the outdoor markets, many churches, visitor who can only get a taste of this small plazas with fountains, and complexity, there is much to absorb. charming neighborhoods. Our tour In the evening we can attend one of will show us more Moorish sights, the best flamenco performances in Spain. A two-hour transfer from Granada brings us quickly to Andalusias other extremely beautiful town that must be included on any proper tour of Spain. The Arabic heritage of the small

CORDOBA:

including the most impressive mosque in all of Europe. The following morning will provide free time for shopping and further exploring, for we will take a lateafternoon train to Madrid.. We move along to the next major destination of our tour, Madrid via high-speed train connection from Cordoba, on the super-deluxe AVE express rail service.

On our third day we have a half day tour that will take us to Toledo, 50 miles south of Madrid. Formerly the capital of Spain, Toledo is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, with most of its original buildings intact. Our visit will include the massive Cathedral, the Church of Santo Tome, with the most famous El Greco painting, and a walk through the narrow cobbled alleys for some shopping and peoplewatching.

TOLEDO

The city tour this morning will take you inside the Royal Palace, built in the 18th century with 3,000 rooms one of the largest in Europe. You will also visit the Prado Museum, accompanied by your Hawaii escort. In the afternoon we will have a walking tour of the impressive Plaza Mayor, the Puerta del Sol, and the exciting entertainment center of the Gran Via. At night there is time for tapas, the delicious pupus of Spain, as you visit some local cafes

MADRID

Formerly the capital of Spain, Toledo is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, with most of its original buildings intact. Our visit will include the massive Cathedral, the Church of Santo Tome, with the most famous El Greco painting, and a walk through the narrow cobbled alleys for some shopping and people-watching. Back to Madrid in time for lunch, and a free afternoon, during which you might visit the new Thiessen Museum and do some final shopping. Today our private tour will include El Escorial and Segovia, across the Guadarrama Sierra. Along the way we visit the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso, built in 1720 by Felipe V. We continue to Segovia, famous for its Roman Aqueduct, built in the 1st century and in use until the late 19th century.

SEGOVIA & ESCORIAL

The Cathedral, built in 1525-1678 is the last great Gothic church constructed in Spain. The Alcazar, built between 1410 and 1455, has been a Royal Castle, and site of many historical events. Together with its impressive renaissance architecture and very attractive urban spaces, Segovia is popular for its cocina castellana Castillian cuisine. After lunch we will drive to El Escorial, built by Phillip II in 1567 in an austere renaissance style, as a final resting place for Spanish monarchs. El Escorial houses many important works of art, among which are the Basilica with the cenotaphs of Phillip II and his father, Emperor Carlos V, and the famous Library with over 40,000 books. We return to Madrid for the evening.

This grand city in the southeast corner of Spain has become one of Europes most popular visitor destinations, due to its combination of medieval and modern attractions. Geographically close to the heart of Western Europe, Barcelona is a city on the edge, with a great cultural variety that will entrance you. We will walk through the extensive old town together, checking out the side streets with hidden restaurants, shops, plazas and many historic attractions. You will also have free time to wander back through the Gothic Quarter and absorb more of this wonderful city. Of course we shall visit Barcelonas most famous building, Sagrada Familia, the fantasy church designed by eccentric architectural genius Gaudi, who also left his imprint on several other major buildings we shall see. Another highlight is the stroll from Catalunya Square along the Rambla, a famous, broad pedestrian promenade lined with shops and cafes.

BARCELONA

You can combine this tour with the Mediterranean tour, that continues from Barcelona through the south of France to Italy. You could choose any part of the itineraries to suit your own personal travel interests, or come along on the entire journey. Total price will be adjusted accordingly.

Sept. 28-Oct. 15, 2009

MEDITERRANEAN IN-DEPTH

BY TRAIN approx. $4,999 per person

BARCELONA: Along the Mediterranean shore of eastern Spain lies Barcelona, one of the great cities of Europe. We will see the main attractions of this countrys second-largest city in just a few days by walking through its square-mile historic center and visiting the most famous building, Sagrada Familia, the fantasy church designed by eccentric architectural genius Gaudi. CARCASSONNE: We continue to the amazing fortified town of Carcassonne, with its medieval castle up on the hill completely preserved. AVIGNON: Home to nine popes during the 14th century and one of the most beautiful cities in France today, Avignon is a treasure house of palaces, museums and meandering lanes, surrounded by an old fortified wall that still protects it from modernization. ARLES: founded by the ancient Romans who built the amphitheater that is about 2,000 years old. We shll explore the narrow streets of the pedestrian zone. AIX-EN-PROVENCE: This is an idyllic landscape of pretty, low-rise buildings three and four centuries old, criss-crossed by a maze of tranquil pedestrian lanes lined with shops and cafes. NICE: Home-base for three days while we explore the Riviera, well enjoy the seaside promenade and a charming Old

Town with art galleries, shops and small restaurants -- a perfect spot for strolling. CANNES: one of the most famous destinations along the Riviera. We will stroll through its pedestrian zone and along the beach and marina. MONACO: the worlds richest and smallest country -- we can visit the casino and glitzy shopping zone. ST PAUL: a medieval village of stone structures dating back mostly to the 16th century, fixed up like new. ITALIAN RIVIERA: Portofino village is preserved in the old-fashioned Italian style as a designated national historic treasure, with its little bay and colorful square surrounded by lush green hills. Cinque Terre is a beautiful stretch of five villages along the rocky cliff-lined shores and will make a wonderful day-trip. ROME: We spend the final two days of our tour in the worlds most historic city, with 2,000 years of art and architecture still visible in the great monuments that stretch throughout town.

ROME-FLORENCE-VENICE-LUCERNE-PARIS-LONDON
2 departures in 2009 April 17 & Sept. 14 (18 Days: $5,499 p/p approx.)

ROME to LONDON

OUR OTHER 2009 TOURS

We have carefully designed this train tour so that you will enjoy Europes finest sights and have the best possible experience. The railroads of Europe are the finest in the world, providing comfortable luxury and a panoramic view, while travelling quickly to each destination. Our tour has a leisurely pace which offers the best of both worlds: informative guided tours that tell you about these fascinating places, with enough free time to satisfy your own interests.

Five thousand years of history come to life in the many fascinating sites that gave birth to western civilization in Egypt, Greece and Turkey. You will experience contemporary society, with its big cities and small villages, tavernas, cobblestone pedestrian streets, shopping bazaars, friendly people, gourmet dining, and unforgettable sights.

Egypt: Cairo, Aswan, Nile Cruise, Luxor, the Pyramids Greece: Island Cruise, Athens, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi Oct. 21-Nov. 13, 2009 $6,299

EGYPT, GREECE & ISTANBUL

SWISS ALPS by TRAIN

May 25-June 7, 2009
ZURICH

approximately $4,699 p/p

LUCERNE INTERLAKZERMATT

LOCARNO

We travel by train: The train is comfortable, smooth, quiet, relaxing, and so fast it

Lets compare our travel style

Centrally located hotels: We have made a great effort to select fine hotels in the historic centers of the places we visit. This is extremely important, for it enables you to experience much more by just stepping out your front door. In such an advantageous location there are many nearby restaurants, monuments, shops, historic sights, important buildings, landmarks, and other features that you have come on vacation to see. Our central hotel locations enable you to walk freely and safely through interesting neighborhoods, which is the best way to get to know a place. We want you to get the most out of your precious time, and really get a feeling for each destination. Nothing enhances that better than a good hotel in a central location. This is probably our biggest difference in approach. Shopping like a local: With us you always have time for shopping in local stores, or, if
you are not a shopper, use your precious time for other activities, instead of being led by the nose into tourist traps. The historic centers of town are filled with fascinating and unique little shops that are fun to browse through, and we will point you to those neighborhoods and set you loose. If you are looking for any particular items, your Hawaii escort can take some time to help you find them.

gets you there in half the time. On the train you are free to walk around, have a meal in the dining car or enjoy a picnic lunch, and talk with some of the other travelers on board. First class trains are air-conditioned, so they are cool and quiet. The spacious seats are like sofas, and can recline to make you very comfortable -- you might even take a nap. You can use the clean, convenient bathrooms anytime you want. The rail routing is through scenic countryside, and you can move around to enjoy the views on both sides through picture windows.

In-depth city tours: We include several tours in each city, to give you a well-rounded look at the place. In the large cities we offer panoramic tours are on a motorcoach, and we always provide in-depth walking tours with your Hawaii escort. Our guided walks really make you familiar with a place, and prepare you for some exploring on your own. Because we are staying for two or three days, you have enough time for this, with time left over for your independent activities. We put a special emphasis on history and fine arts. The trips are educational, cultural experiences, and they are also a lot of fun. Our walking tours will take you through historic neighborhoods filled with architectural treasures, and you have time for museums and other cultural attractions. Leisurely pace -- quality time: We stay for two or three nights in each place. This
gives us enough time to show you around with our tours, and then you actually have free time so you can do some exploring on your own. This approach gives you the best of both worlds for the guidance we provide on our included tours helps you get the most out of your free time as well. With a proper orientation to a city, you can make the best choices for your independent activities, and we are always there to help. This is how you really get a sense of place, and gain a feeling for the character of each of the cultures on the itinerary.

Small groups, from Hawaii: We limit our group size to 28 people, which we have found is quite important, for when you get above that size the group becomes very impersonal. Nearly every one of us is from Hawaii, so we become a friendly ohana on the road, looking out for each other, and showing a lot of courtesy. New friendships are made that last well beyond the length of the tour.

They travel by bus: Sitting on a crowded bus for up to eight hours on a long journey can

with the typical bus tour:

Hotels on the edge, or beyond... You finally arrive at your hotel after an all-day bus ride, and find that you are still far away from the main attractions of town. Your tour operator is saving money by putting you in a nondescript hotel on the fringe of the city. There will be very little to see in your immediate vicinity, so you have to spend money and time on a taxi ride into town, or you just dont bother, and miss out. You are practically held hostage in these remote locations, so your tour guide can sell you optional tours. These hidden expenses quickly increase the price you pay for the trip. All you are going to see is what the tour operator shows you on a brief bus tour, and that is usually a quick view of highlights through the window, and then off to the next city for more of the same treatment.
you are often herded into tourist-trap factories and showrooms for bargain shopping. You are stuck on the bus, so you are at their mercy. If the tour bus stops at a souvenir mill, you stop too, and there is usually no other shop nearby except the one they have chosen for you. Your guide and driver are getting a commission for taking you there, so thats the place they want you to shop.

be very tiring. You are confined to a small space, and cannot move around at all. There is no dining car, and often when you pull into a roadside cafeteria, long lines are waiting ahead of you. Restroom stops also slow down the journey and waste your precious time, and they might not stop when you need it the most. The scenic view is dominated by the highway filled with trucks and cars. Buses often get stuck in heavy traffic jams on crowded streets, with many other vehicles competing for your road space, which can produce a lot of stress.

Shopping in tourist traps: With the bus tour, during the brief time you have in a place,

Quick city tour: At best they might give you a three-hour bus tour, and thats all. You are usually in town for only one night, and then leave the next morning, so there is little time for anything else. If there is any extra time, you will find the tour guide wants to sell you options that take you away from town, and if you dont buy the option, they set you loose with very little preparation, so you are on your own. Without proper guidance you might end up wasting time and being unable to find the important sights on your own. But there is no time, since you are already heading for the next city. If you get lucky you might have a quick look in one museum, and the little bit of history that you hear is probably delivered in dry lectures on the long bus rides that just might...lull...you...to...sleep.

One-night stands: Most bus tours keep you moving all the time. You arrive in a city late in the day, after driving for many hours, and then you leave in the morning for your next destination. The standard bus tour operators have devised exhausting itineraries that appear to show you all of Europe in 17 days, but when you analyze them, you are sitting on the bus most of that time! Unpacking every night, and repacking every morning, you dont have much time left for sightseeing. With a bus tour you have precious little free time for you are on the go all the time. If its Tuesday, where are we now? All too often the quick stream of cities becomes a fuzzy forgettable blur. Big groups, from everywhere: You really dont know whom you are going to be
traveling with, or how full the bus is going to be. The bus has up to 55 seats, and they are usually full, with everyone jockeying for position, so you are part of a very big group, with most of the people from every place but Hawaii. A big anonymous group like that creates a less friendly environment in which people do not care much about each other.

SPAIN & PORTUGAL 2009

Look at our our web site for short videos you can play: with optional extension to the Mediterranean

For reservations please send a $100 per person deposit to: Callans Tours, 1011 Prospect St., #702, Honolulu, HI 96822

www.toursbytrain.com

Callans Tours 1011 Prospect St., #702, Honolulu, HI 96822