Day : 1
Arrive in Madrid, Spain
Number of Days : 1
Welcome to Madrid! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner with wine at your hotel. (D)
Day : 2
Madrid
Number of Days : 1
The capital since 1561, Madrid today is a strikingly modern city, the showcase of a country resolutely turned towards the future. Your Local Guide takes you to the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de España with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, elegant Calle Alcala, and Paseo de Castellana. Then, the highlight: a visit to the palatial PRADO MUSEUM with its priceless art treasures. To make the most of your stay, exciting optional excursions are available. (B)
Day : 3
Madrid–Seville
Number of Days : 1
A scenic drive through the arid landscapes of Don Quixote’s La Mancha brings you to Seville, the vibrant, festive capital of Andalusia. (B,D)
Day : 4
Seville
Number of Days : 1
Meet your Local Guide, and hear about the city’s role in Roman times, its conquest by the Moors in 712 AD, and its contribution to the discovery of the New World. Admire Maria Luisa Park, the Golden Tower on the Guadalquivir River, and the university that used to be the tobacco factory of Carmen fame. Also, visit the magnificent CASA DE PILATOS, a mixture of Moorish and Roman architecture with a splendid collection of Roman sculptures. Then, stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming SANTA CRUZ QUARTER. For those interested, an optional extended guided visit to the cathedral is available. Tonight, for a truly Andalusian night out, reserve a seat at our optional Flamenco show. (B)
Day : 5
Seville–Granada
Number of Days : 1
Sightseeing with a Local Guide features Granada’s main attraction: the ALHAMBRA COMPLEX. The mighty yet graceful citadel was planned by 13th-century Moorish ruler Al Ahamar. A fantasy of “lace in stone” surrounded by arabesque gardens and fountains, it affords superb views of the Old Quarter and Sacromonte, a mountain occupied by Gypsy cave dwellers. Also, amble through the magnificent WATER GARDENS OF THE GENERALIFE, the royal summer residence. (B)
Day : 6
Granada–Valencia
Number of Days : 1
Cross Mora Pass and pass troglodyte cave dwellings, hollowed out of the soft tufa stone, near Purullena and Guadix on your way to Valencia, once a royal capital. During your orientation drive, Valencia’s Roman, Moorish, and Spanish history come alive. Admire the magnificent La Seo Cathedral and enjoy free time to further explore the OLD TOWN. (B,D)
Day : 7
Valencia–Barcelona
Number of Days : 1
Follow the coast to Barcelona, Spain’s second-largest city and host of the Olympic Games in 1992. (B)
Day : 8
Barcelona
Number of Days : 1
Sightseeing with a Local Guide features the Columbus Monument, Plaza de Cataluna, and Paseo de Gràcia. Visit the spectacular SAGRADA FAMILIA BASILICA, Gaudí's masterpiece, followed by a panoramic view of the city and harbor from Montjuïc Hill. This afternoon, an optional excursion to Montserrat can be arranged, and this evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner with wine at a local restaurant to say adios to your traveling companions. (B,D)
Day : 9
Barcelona
Number of Days : 1
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)