Day
1
SUN I BARCELONA
Welcome to Spain! Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure to explore Barcelona. This captivating city beckons your exploration at leisure with its Gothic Quarter, Art Nouveau structures, and bustling harbor. We suggest a stroll along Las Ramblas pedestrian promenade and a visit to Montjuic, site of the International 1929 exposition and 1992 Olympics. Overnight in Barcelona.
Day
2
MON I BARCELONA
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon you will discover the treasures of the capital of Catalan Art Nouveau where the famous architect, Antoni Gaudi, lived and worked. Drive along Paseo de Gracia to see Gaudi’s famous apartment buildings La Pedrera and Casa Batllò, before enjoying a tour of the Sagrada Familia. Overnight in Barcelona. (B)
Day
3
TUE I BARCELONA
Day at leisure. Enjoy some shopping, visit a museum, or simply sit back and relax at one of the many bars while sipping wine and tasting some delicious tapas. The city is yours to discover. (B)
Day
4
WED I BARCELONA I VALENCIA
Morning departure for Valencia. Upon arrival, explore the city during your panoramic tour. We will drive along the Turia River & Gardens to reach the city center, featuring architecture with designs by world-famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Visit the historical center with its gothic “Carmen Quarter” and its monuments, including: La Lonja (former silk market), the Modernist façade of the Central Market, The Ceramic Museum, Virgin Square, and Colon Market. Overnight in Valencia. (B)
Day
5
THU I VALENCIA I MADRID
Upon arrival you will be met and greeted by our local representative. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure to explore magnificent Madrid at your own pace. This eclectic city boasts many attractions, including its Plaza Mayor main square, the Prado museum, the world-famous Opera House and Royal Palace, plus fabulous restaurants, “tapas” bars, shopping, and virtually unending nightlife options. Overnight in Madrid. (B)
Day
6
FRI I MADRID
Today’s city tour takes you to explore Madrid’s 17th century “Austrian” quarter where the austere exteriors of its palaces contrast with their luxurious interiors. Discover the 18th century neoclassical architecture represented in the Royal Palace, the Sabatini Gardens and “Campo del Moro,” the Alcalá Gate, Paseo del Prado, and famous Cibeles and Neptuno fountains. See the more modern “Gran Via” and the “Paseo de la Castellana.” Overnight in Madrid. (B)
Day
7
SAT I MADRID I SEVILLE
After breakfast depart to Seville, the capital of Andalucía. This afternoon you will visit the Flamenco Museum and take in a one-hour performance that showcases the museum’s dedication to bringing its visitors an authentic and unique flamenco experience. Next, enjoy a panoramic tour of Seville. See Plaza de España & Plaza de América, with its buildings left from the 1929 Latin-American Expo, the María Luisa Park and Torre del Oro by the Guadalquivir, and visit the Cathedral with its original minaret – La Giralda Tower, before returning to your hotel. (B)
Day
8
SUN I SEVILLE
Day at leisure to discover other interesting highlights of the Andalusian capital such as the Alcázar, a magnificent Moorish construction to which Mudéjar additions were made in 1326, and the old Jewish Quarter of Santa Cruz, with its characteristic ‘Patios’, artistically decorated with plants, flowers, tiles and wrought iron balconies. (B)
Day
9
MON I SEVILLE I CORDOBA I GRANADA
After breakfast depart to fabulous Granada. En-route, we will stop in Cordoba for a tour of its historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Aljama, the 8th century Mosque combining Islamic, Baroque and Gothic design, and internationally recognized as an architectural treasure. After the capture of Cordoba by the Catholics, the Mosque was converted into a cathedral. Next, take in the charm of the Jewish Quarter and visit the Synagogue before continuing to Granada. Overnight in Granada. (B)
Day
10
TUE I GRANADA
Power-up with breakfast at your hotel and get ready to explore Spain’s foremost monument, “La Alhambra” -- built on a hill atop the old Roman and Visigothic ruins overlooking Granada. Tour the main fortress, Alcazaba, with its magnificent Torres Bermejas and the Carlos V Palace before visiting the lush Generalife Gardens. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure. Overnight in Granada. (B)
Day
11
WED I GRANADA I MADRID
Today say good bye to Granada and board your high-speed AVE train to Madrid. Day at leisure for optional excursions. We suggest a visit of Toledo, the former Imperial capital city of Spain. Overnight in Madrid. (B)
Day
12
