Spain - Costa del Sol
Proven Spain, Costa Del Sol & Seville Destination Management Company: DMC and Planner
for Specialist Incentive, Conference, Event and Convention Travel Organisers Worldwide
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ITB DMC - COSTA DEL SOL(SITE) |
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COUNTRY MAP
(Map by kind permission of the CIA Official Website)
General Information
| Government |
Kingdom of Spain |
| Capital |
Madrid |
| GMT |
+ 1 hour |
| Online Weekly Weather |
www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day/malaga |
| Yearly Weather Climate |
www.weather.uk.msn.com/malaga |
| Airport |
Barajas International Airport |
| Average Flying Time from London |
2 hours (Barcelona) / 2 hour 30 minutes (Costa Del Sol & Madrid) |
| Useful Tips on Spain |
Useful Tips on Spain |
| Currency |
Euro (EUR) |
| Currency Converter |
www.oanda.com/convert/classic |
| Language |
Castilian Spanish (official) 74%, Catalan 17%, Galician 7%, Basque 2% |
| Electricity |
220/240 volts |
| Population |
40,491,051 (July 2008 est.) |
| Total Land Area |
499,542 sq km |
| Coastline |
4,964 km |
| Driving |
On the right |
| Transportation |
Road & rail network, internal flight (including Balearic & Canary Islands) network, rental cars & taxis readily available |
Example Programme
DAY ONE
On arrival at Malaga Airport, you will be met airside by a representative of ITB dmc who will help you through the formalities and will arrange porters for your group. Depending on arrival time cocktail reception at the Hotel.
In the evening suggested welcome dinner in one of the many fantastic restaurants in Marbella area; for this evening we would suggest Tikitano Restaurant. Nestling at the water's edge between the elegant towns of Cabo Bermejo and Torre Bermeja is the New Golden Mile's latest addition. Beautifully constructed in the Polynesian vein with thatched roofs and bold wood finishes, this is one of the most welcoming wining and dining venues on the Costa del Sol.
After the dinner, return transfer to the hotel.
DAY TWO
Buffet breakfast in the hotel. For today we would suggest a range of activities as follows:
Multi-activities
Have fun on the Go-Carts or Quad Bikes, or embark upon a Jeep Safari. Alternatively, try your hand at archery, clay shooting or even game shooting. Or perhaps you would like go horse riding to enjoy the delightful views. Afterwards, relax in a restaurant, where we will organise for you a cater for private and corporate functions.
All these activities are organized in 140 acres of stunning countryside in the foothills of the Sierra de las Nieves. Guests will be treated to breathtaking views of the countryside, as well as sampling the incredible quality of life, which is unique to this part of the world.
Treasure Hunt
Both operative and creative, this programme searches the greatest fun for contestants, camera in hand, inviting them to know the darkest facts of the people, heritage and culture of the towns and villages where it is held. This programme includes: Chart board and road book with trais, questions and photographs (where the type of picture required is specified), One-use cameras, Photo processing.
Lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant or at games area.
After lunch back to the hotel and rest or the afternoon free at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities and the sun.
In the evening we're off for dinner at restaurant La Meridiana. It enjoys a reputation for fine food, wine and service in beautiful surroundings. After sampling the gourmet delights on offer, you can relax, or dance the night away in the elegant La Notte piano and cocktail bar adjoining the restaurant.
After dinner, return transfer to the hotel.
DAY THREE
Buffet breakfast in the hotel. We would offer you for today a choice of the following sightseeing tours.
Option One / Malaga
The visit begins with a Panoramic Tour looking at the most famous highlights of the city; the Harbour, the Promenade and the neighbour quarters of the 19th Century, the Gibralfaro Castle with its spectacular views overlooking the whole bay of Málaga and even, if the day is clear, the North African coast.
The Tour continues through the old town and passing by Plaza de la Merced, Picasso’s birthplace and family Home (which houses interesting photographs of his life, ceramics and lithograph works) then, the Roman Theatre and the Moorish Alcazaba.
After this Tour, guests will visit the Cathedral; building begun in the 15th Century and still unfinished today, the South tower lacks its full elevation. Inside, the main focal point is the Choir-stalls figures (the best in Spain) by Pedro de Mena.
To continue, a visit to the Malaga Picasso’s Museum, which was opened in October 2003 and becoming the third in the World, after the Paris and Barcelona’s Museums.
The museum’s main area is organised into the Palacio de Buenavista, with 12 exhibition rooms for the permanent collection of Picasso’s paintings. The connected buildings will count too with a space for temporary exhibitions, a library, an auditorium and the offices. The main building will show as well the Phoenicians archaeological remains discovered during restoration works.
At the end of the visit, guests will have the opportunity to taste the famous sweet Malaga wine at a popular cave nearby.
Lunch in Restaurant Antonio Martín.
Option Two / Mijas
This is a short tour, full of Andalusia charm and beauty, taking us a few miles north of Fuengirola to the idyllic village of Mijas. It is a small village with narrows streets, white houses, and friendly people. Ideal places for shopping.
Option Three / Ronda
This spectacular town reached by a tortuous route through rugged gorges, is perched high on a rocky ledge. The old town is divided by a massive gorge and connected by a stone bridge. As well as the Cathedral, you visit the bullring and the remains of the prehistoric Roman and Arabic cultures that have all left their mark on Ronda.
Ronda is one of Andalucia's loveliest towns, steeped in history. It stands on a towering plateau in the mountains of Malaga Province, and is famous through Spain for the plunging river gorge which divides the medieval from the 18th century parts of the town. This gorge is known as El Tajo – The Cliff and is spanned by a stone bridge, which once housed a prison. Visitors love to peer down into the gorge, to see the waters of the River Guadalevín.
Ronda is also famous for its bullring, the oldest, and the most beautiful one in Spain; the arena itself is also the country's largest. When there are no fights, the bullring is open to visitors, and has a fascinating museum with many mementos of Spain's most renowned bullfighters.
You can walk from the Plaza de España and the bullring up the Calle Nueva, Ronda's pedestrian shopping district, where some of the shops still retain their traditional appearance and style.
Lunch in Restaurant Mesón del Escudero.
After the lunch, return the hotel and rest of the afternoon free.
In the evening meet our English speaking guide and transfer for dinner at Taberna del Alabardero (American Award of Gastronomy, National Prize for Gastronomy, Gold Medal to the Tourist Merit, etc.)
DAY FOUR
After a full buffet breakfast in the hotel, we propose for you for this morning a sailing activity. We can organise a SAILING REGATTA with a wide selection of sailing boats and yachts, capacities ranging from 6-8 people, 40 people or up to 150 people. During the sailing soft drinks, champagnes, wines and canapés will be available on board. Duration approx. 4 hours depending on the hotel and port chosen (i.e. Cabopino, Marbella or Puerto Banus)
On bigger sailing boats it is possible to organise a buffet lunch, cocktail and open bar.
After the cruise, fishing or regatta, return the hotel and rest of the afternoon free.
Farewell dinner in The Don Carlos Beach Club and its sumptuous sub-tropical gardens, a privately-owned resort where you do as much or as little as you please... As entertainment, the performance of one of the most colourful and spectacular Spanish Classic Ballets will be the perfect end to this programme in Costa del Sol.
DAY FIVE
Last chance to enjoy the sun before a mid morning brunch at your chosen hotel, then transfer to the airport.
Suggested Sightseeing
GRANADA (full day)
Granada is one of the most remarkable cities in Spain. Its centre piece is the awe-inspiring Summer Palace of the Moorish Kings, the fabled Alhambra Palace with its magnificent courtyards & halls, followed by a visit to the Generalife Gardens with its lush vegetation & fountains, after lunch visit the Cathedral & the tombs of Queen Isabella & King Ferdinand.
TANGIER - MOROCCO (full day)
Tangier can be reached by ferry, hydrofoil or by air (air is recommended for saving time). On arrival in Tangier, a fascinating and vibrant Moroccan City, set on the North African coast you will be taken to the Kasbah, with its many street vendors all plying their ware for both the local population and visitors alike. After bargaining with the shopkeepers in the souk or just watching the colourful way of life, your journey continues to the Grottoes of Hercules and Cape Spartel. Lunch is taken in typical Moroccan style with traditional dishes & local entertainment.
SAILING RACES (half day)
We can offer 4 sailing boats with a capacity of 6 persons each fully equipped for a regatta along the coast. During the sailing soft drinks, champagnes, wines and canapés will be available on board. Duration approx. 4 hours hotel and port chosen i.e Cabopino, Marbella or Puerto Banus.
RONDA ( half or full day)
This spectacular town reached by a tortuous route through rugged gorges, is perched high on a rocky ledge. The old town is divided by a massive gorge and connected by a stone bridge. As well as the Cathedral, you visit the bullring and the remains of the prehistoric Roman and Arabic cultures that have all left their mark on Ronda.
GIBRALTAR (half or full day)
The journey takes you along the coastal highway to La Linea, here the rock can be fully seen for the first time. Having crossed the border you transfer to mini-buses to tour the Rock, which includes Europa Point, where on a clear day the coastline of Africa is clearly visible. Your journey up through the maize of tunnels inside the Rock leads to St. Michael's Caves with its dramatic rock formations and acoustics. After refreshments, leave the summit passing the famous Barbary Apes with their view out over the old harbour below, it is here Nelson's body was brought ashore from HMS Victory on its way back to England.
SEVILLE (full day)
After a fairly long but spectacular drive, the city of Seville and its splendid monuments await discovery. The magnificent 15th Century Gothic Cathedral with its great "Giralda" or bell tower, a former Moorish minaret is the resting place of Christopher Columbus and the focal point of the city. After lunch a stroll through the cities old quarter the "Barrio Santa Cruz" with its narrow street and colourful patios before visiting the great Mudejar fortress, the Alcazar.
- Córdoba (full day)
- Jerez (half day or full)
- Itàlica (half day)
- Bull and horse farm visit
Theme Party Ideas for Incentives
Hacienda Evening
The Hacienda consists of a minature bullring, a restaurant and entertainment area for flamenco dancing etc. Guests are greeted by Spanish troubadours, known locally as a "Tuna" band and a welcome drink followed by a barbecue or paella dinner. The rest of the evening is pure fun with displays of horse riding, or trying to outwit a baby bull in the ring. There are also competitions in donkey riding, wine drinking from a "porron" or you can just relax and enjoy a Flamenco Show and dance.
The Fortuna Casino
The Fortuna Nightclub is one of the best in southern Spain. There are two International cabaret shows each evening and guests can also visit the casino. (Passports required). Half a bottle of champagne or two drinks are normally included and dinner is also available. Maximum 450 persons.
Convention Centres
All of the suggested hotels have their own meeting rooms and beside these are big convention & congress centers in:
- Granada
- Cordoba
- Seville
- Barcelona
- Madrid
- Torremolinos
- Sitges
Meeting rooms ranging in capacity from 20 to 2500 persons
Welcome Gifts
- Salvador Dali painting reproductions.
- T-shirts with company logo.
- Sherry or Cava bottle (with participants name on the bottle).
- Two sherry glasses (with company logo).
- Andulsian Fan.
- Ceramic (personalised tiles, plates or figures).
- Reproduction of old Maritime Navigation instruments.
SEVILLE - HANDLED THROUGH COSTA DEL SOL OFFICE
Theme Party Ideas for Incentives
Flamenco Evening
The native Seguidilla first appeared in the 15th century. Today guests will enjoy a superb selection of Flamenco and regional dances in the best club in Seville, followed by dinner in a nearby restaurant.
Hacienda de Toros
A full day tour to a typical Seville farmhouse and ranch stocked with fighting bulls and Arab horses. A variety of activities can be arranged including a harmless (to the bull) baby bull fight and displays of horse breaking, training and horsemanship. Lunch or dinner can also be arranged, or a cocktail reception with aperitifs.
Specialist Groups
- Architecture
- Agriculture
- Art
- Ornithology
- Wine