Spain
Positioned between Europe and Africa, Spain is the land of wine and olives, the flamenco, beautiful storybook castles, bullfights, rich cultural traditions and people with a contagious zest for life. No other country in Europe can boast such a range of contrasting natural attractions and cultures.
Nowhere is the diversity more evident than in the rich, bustling cosmopolitan cities. Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville are dotted with some of the grandest museums and galleries in Europe, contrasted with a vibrant nightlife. If you can muster up the stamina after a day's exploring, you can eat, drink and party all night at the bars and restaurants that remain open till dawn.
Spain's currency is the Euro. Spain is three and half hours behind India in summer and four and half hours in winter. Spanish is spoken throughout, although regional variations can be significant. Catalan, with its elements of French and Spanish and its own unique charm, is spoken in Barcelona.
Barcelona
Located on the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona is Spain's second leading city in terms of size and importance. Luxurious resorts are dotted along its pristine beaches, making Barcelona a sunbather's haven. Its main thoroughfare, Las Ramblas, runs all the way from the quayside through the heart of the city and it is here that you should start your tour of one of Europe's most exciting cities. You particularly don't want to miss the fabulous architecture of Gaudí, Barcelona's favourite son. The Gothic Quarter and Montjuic are also well worth exploring, with ancient and ornate architecture everywhere you look.
Madrid
Spain's capital and its largest city, Madrid is one of the chief commercial and cultural centres of the country. As the capital of the Spanish Empire, Madrid was once the richest and most powerful city in the world and still remains a majestic city with refined tastes. The Royal Theatre in Madrid is Spain's most important classical music venue, hosting several opera and concert events. The area of Malasana is packed with bars and restaurants that stay open until dawn. There is a growing interest in the traditional flamenco dance among Madrid's young population, which has led to shows and clubs springing up across the city.Hotel Palace, Barcelona *****
The Hotel Palace has been a part of every major event that the city has lived through, often playing host to celebrities. But you don't have to be a celebrity to be treated like one.
LOCATION
The Hotel Palace is in the very heart of the city, in the Example area of Barcelona. It is just a 10 minute walk from the metro; you can also explore the city on foot for an entirely different perspective. There are plenty of cafes, bars and shops in this area and you are only a 15 minute walk away from Barri Gotic and the old town of Barcelona.
AMENITIES AND FACILITIES
The hotel has 85 rooms, 34 Junior Suites, 5 Suites and a Royal Suite. The hotel offers a health club and business centre, a limousine car rental service with chauffeur and airport transfers.
DINING
The prestigious Caelis specialises in Mediterranean cuisine with an exquisite a la carte menu. The Dawn Petite Brasserie is located next to the Scotch Bar and is highly recommended for its delicatessen, salads, pizzas, meat, sandwiches and desserts. Diana's Garden, the Garden Restaurant offers an excellent buffet breakfast, generous enough to see you through the rest of the day.
SPECIALS
The hotel's beauty parlour on the Mezzanine floor pioneered the unisex salon concept and is staffed by professional beauticians, armed with the latest techniques and the finest beauty products.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR KUONI'S CUSTOMERS
Stay for two nights and enjoy a complimentary visit to the famous Gaudi Church museum.
Princesa Sofia Gran Hotel, Barcelona *****
This first class property combines a privileged location, superb facilities and well-groomed staff. It is truly a landmark in the city, certified by the fact that it was chosen as the headquarter hotel by the international Olympic committee during the 1992 Barcelona Olympic games.
LOCATION
The hotel lies near El Corte Ingles and L'illa, two of the most important shopping malls in Barcelona. All business and cultural points of interest are within easy reach of public transportation. The hotel is located on the elegant Diagonal Avenue, right in the heart of the financial, residential and business areas of Barcelona. The International Airport is 20 minutes away and Sants Central Railway Station is a mere 10 minutes away.
AMENITIES AND FACILITIES
The hotel offers 500 guestrooms with air conditioning, soundproofing and private bathrooms. All rooms have off-white walls, blue carpeting and timber furniture. Business rooms also have fax machines with copy and scanner capabilities. Club rooms include access to a private reception area and a club lounge where complimentary refreshments are served.
InterContinental Princesa Sofia Barcelona offers superb health and fitness facilities and 28 meeting and banquet rooms.
DINING
The hotel has an excellent and varied choice of local and international cuisine with a romantic terrace during summer months. Contraste on the ground floor is divided into three dining areas, one of which is semi-private. A buffet menu, set menu and à la carte Mediterranean cuisine are also offered here.
SPECIALS
The hotel's wellness centre boasts more than 2,000 square metres dedicated to treatments for health and well being, including an indoor and outdoor pool, a fitness centre and sauna.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR KUONI'S CUSTOMERS
Stay for two nights and visit the famous Gaudi Church museum.
Hotel Husa Princesa, Madrid *****
The Hotel Husa Princesa is an airy, spacious, modern hotel in the heart of Madrid, offering a distinguished atmosphere and excellent service.
LOCATION
The hotel occupies the heart of Madrid's most central and fashionable area. It is opposite the Palacio de la Liria and the popular department store, El Corte Ingles. It is just minutes from the Plaza de Espana and other places of interest. The nearest underground stations are Arguelles and Ventura Rodriguez.
AMENITIES AND FACILITIES
The hotel has 263 Rooms, 6 Executive Suites, 5 Leisure Suites, 1 Presidential Suite and 2 Club Floors.
Each room reflects an outstanding work from Madrid's world-famous picture gallery and all are spacious and comfortable. The rooms have a living room and independent work desk and are fully equipped with three direct dial telephones, modem net connections, voicemail, satellite and cable TV with in-house movies and an electronic mini-bar.
DINING
Restaurant, with its multilingual staff, offers a selection of the finest Mediterranean cuisine, complemented by the Chef's specialities, in an inspired minimalist setting. Global Café features a selection of Spanish tapas in a modern-style setting. Guests can relax over a drink at the Bar, to the accompaniment of pianist, Maestro Iván Krastev. The outdoor Terraza Bar garden is open from May to October and offers an intimate meeting place.
SPECIALS
For those guests who wish to relax or stay in shape, the Fitness Centre offers 1,700 square metres of exercise space, including a heated indoor swimming pool, an aerobics room, 150 exercise stations, a gymnasium, sauna, beauty salon and massage rooms.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR KUONI'S CUSTOMERS
A complimentary bottle of wine.
The Ritz Orient Express, Madrid *****
The Ritz occupies an enviable position close to the Prado and the Thyssen Museum in the heart of Madrid.
LOCATION
The Hotel Ritz is situated between the beautiful Retiro Park, the elegant Teatro de la Zarzuela and Madrid's most important museums: the Prado, the Thyssen Bornemisza and the Centro de Arte Moderno Reina Sofia. The hotel is within walking distance from the financial district and Madrid's Stock Exchange.
AMENITIES AND FACILITIES
The Hotel Ritz has 137 bedrooms and 30 suites, each individually designed and equipped with embroidered linen sheets, exclusive hand woven carpets and luxurious marble bathrooms. Each room is fully equipped with telephones, a fax machine, wireless high-speed Internet access on request, satellite television, a mini-bar and an electronic safe.
DINING
The restaurant has a beautiful view over the lush garden and offers the finest in modern and traditional cuisine and fine wines. The highly acclaimed Goya restaurant offers a wide selection of Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine. In Spring and Summer the terrace and gardens of the Hotel Ritz are the perfect meeting place for a delightful al fresco lunch or dinner, or to sample traditional Spanish tapas. Traditional afternoon tea and light refreshments are served in the majestic hotel lobby in the early evening.
At the Lobby Bar, the discreet atmosphere and service that you would expect of grand hotel allows you to enjoy the gentle sounds of our pianist, harpist, or classical Spanish guitarist. The intimate Velazquez bar is a popular rendezvous for those guests who wish to enjoy original cocktails in a relaxed and charming atmosphere.
SPECIALS
Inspired by King Alfonso XIII's desire to build a luxury hotel to rival the Ritz in Paris, the Hotel Ritz in Madrid shares with the Ritz hotels in Paris and London a reputation as one of the original grand luxury hotels in Europe. Even today, the hotel remains a key attraction for many to this European capital.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR KUONI'S CUSTOMERS
A complimentary bottle of wine.
SENSATIONAL SPAIN
Madrid, BarcelonaStart your Spanish sojourn with a two-night stay in Madrid. Visit the Prado, Plaza Mayor, The Royal Palace, the magnificent Reina Sofia, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Botanical Gardens. We suggest that you take the famed Strawberry Train to the fruit-growing region of Aranjuez.
Madrid ranks up there with London, Paris and Milan as a shopping Mecca. You'll find major European chains on its streets alongside international designers and specialist stores. Proceed to Barcelona for three nights. The city is a crackling mix of vibrant culture and living history. On a half-day sightseeing tour you can visit Las Ramblas, La Sagrada Familia, La Seu Cathedral, Casa Milà (La Pedrera), Picasso Museum, Montjuïc and the Gothic Quarter. There always seems to be a festival or cultural season on in Barcelona.