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Costa del Sol, Spain :: October 2006
They say that September and October on the Costa del Sol is as close to golfing bliss as it gets! Great golf courses, sunshine without excessive heat, whitewashed buildings, the buzz of the coast, long dinners with sangria by the jug full, vibey nightlife and all this at prices that are still affordable. And that is where you could soon be spending 10 unforgettable days.

For all those golfers who want to get away to play golf, have an overseas holiday and simply enjoy themselves, we have packaged a tour to the Costa del Sol that will appeal to everyone. Based in ever-popular Puerto Banus, the package promises you golf, sun and loads of fun. Even if you have been to Spain before, you don’t want to miss this one! The programme has been structured so that you can be part of the group or you can break away as you like. And once again we have included a car per room to give you total flexibility in your movements. Tee-off times booked are all morning times. All the courses to be played are A-category courses that have been specially selected for their challenge and beauty. Be sure to book early...

This is what awaits you when you board the plane:

Day 1: Assemble early evening at Johannesburg International before departing for Madrid.

Day 2: Early morning arrival in Madrid and onward connection to Malaga on the Costa del Sol. Here we collect our cars (one car per room) and drive along the coast, past Marbella to Puerto Banus…the centre of the buzz on the Costa del Sol. Our hotel is situated just two hundred meters from the world-renowned marina and the endless restaurants, bars and nightclubs which line the marina. Many of our previous groups have stayed in the hotel and we again chose the hotel for its modernity, location and facilities and the fact that the hotel has recently undergone a total refurbishment. After checking in, we have the afternoon free to start working on our tan, go sightseeing, visit the nearby tapas or get in a round of golf.

Day 3: Our first chance to savour the superb golf on the Costa del Sol is at El Paraiso, a Gary Player designed course which is an ideal layout for our first round, especially as the green fees include a golf car! And while the golfers are on the course, the non-golfers have more than enough options to enjoy themselves. From the superb modern shopping centre almost alongside our hotel, to the boutiques of Marbella. From the waterfront tourist shops at the marina to the fascinating shops in the Old City of Marbella. Or a short outing to the many tiny villages with narrow streets, whitewashed buildings and sun splashed bougainvillea. And for the sun lovers, the famous beaches of the Costa del Sol or the hotel’s own pool await you.

Day 4: Today we play the beautiful Los Naranjos, a short drive from our hotel and always in superb condition. After an afternoon beside the pool or on the beach, take a short drive into the hills and enjoy dinner in the town of Benahavis, where nearly every building houses a restaurant. Join up with the group or enjoy a quiet dinner on your own….either way it will be a memorable evening!

Day 5: Time to take a break from the golf and get in some serious sightseeing! Top of the list for many will be nearby Gibraltar, but other popular day outings will include Ronda (one of the most interesting and visited towns in the region) and Granada, where they will see the Alhambra (a World Heritage Sight). For those wanting to play golf today, the golf desk in our hotel will arrange tee-off times on the course of your choice.

Day 6: The lovely winding Santa Maria course has enchanted many of our groups in the past and is certain to be a hit with this year’s group. Laying in the foothills it offers stunning views over the Mediterranean as well some breathtaking holes over lakes and hills. After golf, we suggest that you explore the mountain village of Mijas, an enchanting labyrinth of white buildings and cobbled streets perched tightly against the mountainside with stunning views down the coast and across the Mediterranean. Sip sangria at the street bars and watch the shadows lengthen over the coast below before trying the local cuisine in one of the many restaurants. And if you need a taxi at the end of the evening, remember that the taxis in Mijas are donkeys!

Later in the afternoon join the group for an optional sunset cruise from Puerto Banus to Marbella, where there will be time to explore the magic of this jet-set town. And when the sun goes down we get together in the beautiful Plaza los Naranjos for dinner under the Andalucian stars.

Day 7: Santa Clara, the exciting course designed by Enrique Canales and which is receiving praise from everyone who plays it, is our course for today. Described as a typically “dramatic” Spanish course, it features stunning water features on a number of holes and will be as enjoyable as it is beautiful. Even the palm trees come into play! And of course Sunday is Bullfight Day in Spain and the nearest ring is just 5 minutes from our hotel – you won’t necessarily enjoy it if you decide to attend, but it is an experience you will never forget.

Day 8: A day at leisure to enjoy as you like... suntan beside the pool or on the beach with the rich and famous, go exploring the small Andalucian villages in the nearby hills, seek out further Spanish shopping bargains, visit nearby Gibraltar or enjoy a game of golf.

If you decide to play Valderrama, the challenge will be to tame the course that has played host to the 1997 Ryder Cup. This amazing and controversial course winds its way between long-established trees and remains the most sought after course on the Costa del Sol.

As the sun sets this evening, we shall no doubt be sipping sangria or our favourite long cool drink beside the marina as we soak in the atmosphere for the last time on this tour.

Day 9: En route to airport lies the stunningly beautiful Santana Country Club, the highly-acclaimed latest addition to the Costa del Sol’s list of courses. Designed and built to the highest and latest international standards, Santana will remain etched in your memory for a long, long time. After golf and end-of-tour prizegiving in the clubhouse, it’s a short drive back to Malaga airport to drop off our cars and catch our flight to Madrid, where we board our flight to Johannesburg, make use of our special 3 night stayover package in Madrid or extend your holiday in Europe.

Day 10: Our flight arrives back in Johannesburg mid-morning, and it’s time to share our memories with those unfortunate folk who were not with us on the tour!

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