DAY 1: Depart for Spain
|
DAY 2: Arrive in Madrid
- Arrive in the lively metropolis of Madrid, capital of Spain since 1561. Transfer to your hotel with time to rest and relax or, get acquainted with this beautiful city. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM. We recommend you flights that arrive no later than 5 PM. Following the meeting there will be a light dinner served
- Overnight: Madrid
- Meal: Dinner
|
DAY 3: Madrid City Tour, Toledo Tour
- Todays tour of Madrids impressive architecture begins at the Plaza de Cibeles with its striking buildings. Continue via the elegant Plaza Mayor to the magnificent Royal Palace, Europes second largest. Then, on to the renowned Prado Museum stand before an astonishing collection of masterpieces by Velazquez, Goya, El Greco and more. The rest of the day explore this city of great monuments and museums on your own, countinued with Toledo Tour, Toledo is a "Museum City" of great artistic beauty. Former capital of Spain and one of the oldest cities in Europe, Toledo has magnificent examples of architecture from different periods, making it one of the leading artistic cities of the country. In Toledo visit the most famous monuments, such as St. Tome Church, which houses El Grecos The Burial of Count Orgaz" and the Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue. Also admire its famous hand-crafted work, the "Damasquinado." Tonight, opt to explore Madrids fabulous restaurants and non-stop nightlife
- Optional: Half Day Toledo (PM)
- Overnight: Madrid
- Meals: Breakfast
|
DAY 4: Cordoba City Tour, Travel to Seville
- This morning, embark on a scenic drive through the arid landscapes of Don Quixotes La Mancha, featuring panoramic views of its famous windmills. Arrive in Cordoba, founded by the Romans. Visit the astonishing Mezquita de Cordoba, one of the largest mosques in the world, transformed into a soaring cathedral in the 16th century. A walking tour of the city reveals the ancient Jewish Quarter with its labyrinth of winding narrow streets, shady flower filled courtyards, picturesque squares, and view of the 14th century Synagogue on Calle de los Judios. After lunch on your own, travel to Seville, capital of Andalucia for dinner and overnight
- Overnight: Seville
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
|
DAY 5: Seville City Tour, Evening Flamenco Show
- The morning tour of Seville begins at beautiful Plaza de Espana and the fragrant gardens of Maria Luisa Park by the Guadalquivir River before visiting the quaint Barrio Santa Cruz with its narrow, winding streets. Continue with a visit to the Cathedral of Seville, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world and burial site of Christopher Columbus. Built on the site of the former great Mosque, its original minaret, the Giralda Bell Tower, still stands. Remainder of the day in the bustling downtown area to discover this vibrant city. Tonight, is countinued with Evening Flamenco Show, This evening, enjoy a drink and traditional Flamenco show. As performed by some of Sevilles leading Flamenco artists, enjoy routines based on the cante jondo or "deep song," which describes the performers profound emotions in ancient poetic phrases. Although the development of Flamenco has centered principally in the region of Andalucia, it has come to embrace many of the folk traditions of the northern provinces. As a result, it has become, along with the bullfight, a popular symbol of Spain.
- Overnight: Seville
- Meal: Breakfast
|
DAY 6: Drive to Granada, Moorish Influenced Alhambra
- After breakfast, travel to Granada. Todays sightseeing of Moorish Granada is highlighted by a visit to the 13th century Alhambra, one of Spains most celebrated monuments, dramatically perched atop Assabica Hill and overlooking the entire city. This imposing hilltop fortress, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the worlds finest examples of Moorish art and architecture. During the reign of the Moors, the Alhambra served as the residence of the royal family. See spectacular views of the town and the Sierra Nevada Mountains
- Alhambra visiting times, which may include evening hours, and which areas of the complex are accessible on the day of your visit, are determined solely at the discretion of the Alhambra. Your itinerary will be arranged by your Tour Manager to accommodate the designated time of entry
- Overnight: Granada
- Meal: Breakfast
|
DAY 7: Travel to Valencia
- Today head north through the groves of olives, almonds, lemons and oranges to the garden city of Valencia. Discover this treasure trove of Roman architecture before continuing to the City Gates, City Hall and Gothic Cathedral. Arrive at the huge Arts and Science City designed by contemporary artist Santiago Calatrava, with its extraordinary avant-garde architecture that includes impressive buildings such as the Hemisferic and Oceanogràfic. Tonight, enjoy dinner together
- Overnight: Valencia
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
|
DAY 8: Drive to Barcelona, Barcelona City Tour
- Depart Valencia and drive along the coast of Catalunya to sensational Barcelona. Upon arrival, drive along the Old Harbor to the Plaza Catalunya, the citys bustling main square. Pass the famous works of Gaudi, the master architect, including the Casa Batllo, seemingly constructed from skulls and bones. Then, continue on to view the iconic symbol of Barcelona, Gaudis masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, a colossal church that is legendary and still unfinished. Ascend Montjuic Hill, home to the Olympic Complex, a number of sports facilities built for the 1992 Summer Olympics. The rest of the day is at leisure for individual pursuits. Tonight, enjoy your first taste of Barcelonas rousing nightlife and fabulous cuisine
- Overnight: Barcelona
- Meals: Breakfast
|
DAY 9: Full Day in Barcelona
- Today, spend a full day in Barcelona to further explore the city and choose to visit La Sagrada Familia. Countinued with Half Day Montserrat Tour, Enjoy a relaxing drive along the picturesque villages of the province to reach Montserrat Mountain. On arrival, visit the Royal Basilica, where you will see the famous 12th-century Romanesque sculpture of "Virgen Moreneta." Tonight at dinner bid farewell to your Tour Manager
- Overnight: Barcelona
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
|
DAY 10: Depart Spain
- Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
- Meal: Breakfast
|
