DAY 1: Depart for Spain
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DAY 2: Arrive in Madrid
- Arrive in the lively metropolis of Madrid, capital of Spain. Transfer to your hotel with time to rest and relax.
- Overnight: Madrid
- Meal: Dinner
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DAY 3: Tour Madrids Treasures, Half Day Escorial Tour
- Todays tour of Madrids impressive architecture begins at the Plaza de Cibeles with its striking buildings. View 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. Countinued with Half Day Escorial Tour, Enjoy a visit to what has often been described as the "eighth wonder of the world." El Escorial is, perhaps, Philip IIs most enduring legacy to Spain. This combination monastery-palace-mausoleum is situated approximately one hour outside of Madrid in the foothills of the Guadarrama Mountains. This austere monastery, erected by King Philip II in 1584, was intended to be a memorial to his father, King Charles V, and to commemorate Spain´s victory at Saint Quentin in 1557. It has since become the burial place of subsequent Spanish kings and queens.
- Overnight: Madrid
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 4: Medieval Toledo, The "Garden City" of Valencia
- Travel to nearby Toledo, the former capital city of Spain that still retains its medieval atmosphere and charm. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, Toledo is known for its extensive monumental heritage and historical coexistence of Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures. Walk through the ancient Jewish Quarter and Plaza de Zocodover. Continue to the Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue with its beautiful Moorish architecture, the oldest synagogue in Europe still standing, and the St. Tome Church, with its brilliant El Greco masterpiece. Then, travel east towards the Mediterranean coast to the "garden city" of Valencia for dinner and overnight
- Overnight: Valencia
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 5: Valencia City Tour, Paella Cooking Class with dinner
- Valencia is Spains major Mediterranean port - this unique city is shaped by the vastness of the sea and the closeness of the coastal mountains. On the morning tour, hear about "El Cid", Spains national hero who fought here against the Moors. Discover this treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture before continuing to the City Gates and City Hall. Arrive at the fantastic City of Arts and Sciences designed by contemporary artist Santiago Calatrava. This huge scientific and cultural complex is made up of impressive buildings and stands out because of its extraordinary avant-garde architecture. During a tour of the Palau de les Arts, gain insight into the design and history of the building and marvel at its shimmering trencadis exterior. Countinued with Paella Cooking Class with dinner, Today you will help prepare Paella Valenciana in the city where this delicious dish was created. This free-style combination of rice, meat and vegetables is a very popular regional dish and a staple in most Valencian diets. Enjoy some Spanish starters as you observe your Paella as it cooks in the paellero, the way it was traditionally prepared. Polish off your meal with a typical Valencian dessert.
- Overnight: Valencia
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 6: Fairytale Peniscola, Wine Tasting in Penedes, Barcelona
- Head along the intense blue of the Mediterranean coast to the fortified fairytale city of Peniscola crowned by a Templar castle featured in the movie "El Cid". View the lighthouse, built on a rocky headland, and the lighthouse keepers cottage with its precipitous winding steps leading down to the sea. Then, continue through Costa Dorada to the wine country of Penedes, one of the most exciting wine regions in Spain. A wide range of wine styles are produced here including the traditional (sparkling) white and rose Cava. Winemaking in the region dates back millennia the ancient Romans have left here many vestiges of their wine production. Stop at one of the wine cellars for a tasting of the local wines before traveling to sensational Barcelona. Upon arrival, ascend Montjuic Hill home to the Olympic complex, a number of sports facilities built for the 1992 Summer Olympics. Tonight, enjoy your first taste of Barcelonas rousing nightlife and fabulous cuisine
- Overnight: Barcelona
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 7: Barcelona City Tour, Half Day Montserrat Tour
- Start the day in this artistic city with a 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. Conclude the tour with a visit to Park Guell, Barcelonas most famous park, a playful creation by Gaudi. Learn intriguing facts about its creator and admire the parks colorful design and intricate tile work. The rest of the day explore many galleries, 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, dinner together at a local restaurant is a perfect way to end your tour
- Overnight: Barcelona
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 8: Depart Spain
- Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
- Meal: Breakfast
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