Question:
When is the best time to travel to Spain?
Answer:
The ideal months to visit are May, June and September (plus
April and October in the south). At these times you can rely on good
weather, yet avoid the some times extreme heat - and the main crush of
Spanish and foreign tourists. That said, there's decent weather in some
parts of Spain virtually year-round. Winter along the southern and
southeastern Mediterranean coasts is mild, while in the height of summer you
can retreat to the northwest, or to beaches or high mountains anywhere, if
you need to get away from excessive heat. If you want to make sure you hit
some festivities, the best events are concentrated between Semana Santa (the
week leading up to Easter Sunday) and September.
Question:
What are the most popular food items in Spain?
Answer:
Spanish food has a deservedly fantastic
reputation, and tapas are probably one of the most civilized inventions
since cold beer. Paella, gazpacho and chorizo may be familiar to most
Western diners, but Spanish cuisine goes well beyond these, with a
smorgasbord of rich stews, soups, beans, seafood and meats, all of which
have been influential in Latin American cooking. It's a good idea to reset
your stomach-clock when traveling in Spain because lunch, eaten between 1.30
and 4pm, is usually the main meal of the day. The evening meal is lighter
and is served between 10 and 11pm.
Question:
How are the wines in Spain?
Answer:
There are more than 50 wine regions in Spain
with the best red wine coming from Rioja, Ribero del Duero and Navarra in
the north and the top white wines from Rueda and Penedes in Catalonia.
Also popular are brandy and sherry from Jerez.
Food and wine enthusiasts can spend time in
the old taverns of Granada, Seville, Cordoba and Madrid sampling an endless
range of fine Spanish wine and tapas from all over the country and dining in
restaurants which offer the regional culinary specialties of the nation.
Question:
What are the best items to shop for while in Spain?
Answer:
Markets sell the freshest of produce and quality wines
can be found at almost any grocer. Every large town has a daily market
(mercado) open from 9 a.m. to 2p.m. In addition to the produce and baked
goods, they sell items such as flowers,
hardware, pottery, lace embroideries and clothes. Antiques and
flea markets are
held everywhere in Spain, but are more abundant in Madrid. Leatherwork is
still
highly regarded among Spain's many traditional crafts. You will find good
pricing on
leather goods including purses, wallets, shoes and belts. Lladro can
also be bought at a good price.
Question:
How do I check pricing & availability of a
package listed on the site?
Answer:
To check availability & pricing, simply call
1-800-942-3301.
Agents are available from Monday - Friday from 9
a.m. to 8 p.m.
(Eastern Standard Time) Saturdays from 10 a.m. to
3 p.m. year round,
and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. January
through May. If you
prefer, you can email your request to
tours@atlastravelweb.com
Question:
How far in advance should I make my travel plans?
Answer:
Reservations including
airfare must be made at least 21 days prior to travel.
Land only bookings can be made up to 10 days prior to travel. A
typical package
should be booked 4 to 5 months in advance. Those that include
specialty items
such as wine vineyards, train tours or a visit to penguin island
should be booked
earlier as the departures are limited and sell out quickly.
Question:
When & how will I receive my travel documents for my
trip?
Answer:
Your travel documents will arrive approximately two
weeks prior to your
departure date via FedEx or Airborne Express.
Question:
Is there a fee a fee to book with our agency?
Answer:
We do not assess any fees or charges for services.
The rates quoted are
those established by the suppliers. In many
cases, there will special
discount offers available when booking through us.
Please call for details.
Question:
Is the transportation included between the airport and
hotels?
Answer:
In most instances if the airfare is booked with the
package transfers are
complimentary. If you make your own air
arrangements, there may be a
charge incurred to use the group transfers.
Question:
Do you offer travel insurance with your packages?
Answer:
Each supplier offers travel insurance with their
itineraries. We also offer
separate coverage through outside companies offering a
broad range of
protection for situations such as medical emergencies,
weather, luggage loss
or delays, and other coverage. Both options will
be discussed with you prior
to booking to see which would provide the best
coverage, at the best price.
Question:
Do you handle group travel?
Answer:
Yes. Please call our office with group travel
inquiries. We will assist you in
booking the best price for your group. Group
leaders receive travel benefits. |
