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YOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Depart USA. Your exciting journey to enchanting Spain begins as you depart on your overnight flight to Madrid.

DAY 2: Arrive Madrid (Spain). Morning arrival in Madrid, the grand capital of Spain and its cultural heart. You’ll be greeted at the airport and escorted to your centrally located upscale hotel. Join your tour director for an orientation walk to familiarize yourself with the hotel’s surroundings. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure. This evening your tour director hosts a welcome cocktail and orientation, followed by a welcome dinner. Catalonia Atocha Hotel (D)



Day 3: Madrid. The splendid city of Madrid became Spain's capital in 1561 when Phillip II moved his court here from Toledo. Strategically located at the center of the Iberian Peninsula, Madrid quickly became Spain's political, cultural and artistic center. On this morning's included guided tour marvel at Madrid's brilliant architecture as you travel along the impressive Gran Via and view the Opera district, Plaza de Colon and the monumental 18th century Royal Palace, inspired by France's Versailles. You'll also admire Puerto del Sol Plaza and Plaza de España, Madrid's main square, with its imposing monument to Cervantes. The tour concludes at the renowned Prado Museum, where you will be dazzled by treasures of Spanish masters such as El Greco, Velázquez, and Goya. The balance of the day is at leisure to soak up the splendors of Madrid at your own pace. Perhaps stroll through the delightful Retiro Park and savor the delicious cuisine of one of Madrid's many excellent restaurants and tapas bars. (B)

Day 4: Toledo/Cordoba. This morning depart Madrid and travel to Toledo, the capital of medieval Spain. Toledo enjoys a picturesque hilltop location overlooking the Castillian Plains and is surrounded on three sides by the Tagus River. It was the setting of many of the paintings of the 16th-century master El Greco. Enjoy a guided walk through Toledo's atmospheric cobbled streets and view some of its major monuments. First, visit the Santo Tome Church where you’ll admire El Greco’s masterpiece, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. You’ll also visit Santa Maria la Blanca, originally known as the Iben Shushan Synagogue dating back to the 12th-century. It is widely considered the oldest synagogue structure in Europe still standing and a symbol of the harmonious coexistence of the three cultures that populated the Iberian Peninsula in the Middle Ages: Jewish, Christian and Muslim. This afternoon journey south to Andalusia via the region of La Mancha, legendary home of Don Quixote, with panoramic windmills views. Arrive in Cordoba, a former capital of Roman Spain and later Moorish Spain. Cordoba Center Hotel (B,D)

Day 5: Cordoba/Seville. Cordoba is a true cultural gem and features some of Spain’s most impressive monuments. It was also the birthplace of the philosopher Moshe Ben Maimon. On an included guided tour marvel at the amazing Mezquita (Great Mosque) built in the 10th century when Cordoba was in its glory as the capital of the Moorish Spain. The mosque was later converted to a cathedral but the fine original architectural details are stunning. You’ll also view the reconstructed Roman Bridge as well as the beautifully restored 14th-century synagogue that survived the expulsion of Spain’s Jews. Later proceed to Seville, the splendid and romantic Moorish capital of Spain’s Andalusia Region. After an included dinner we suggest an optional Flamenco performance ($55), the vibrant dance that originated in Seville. Melia Lebreros Hotel (B,D)

Day 6: Seville. Seville’s long and rich history is evident in the wealth of its spectacular monuments. Discover the charms of the city that inspired Carmen and Don Giovanni on an included guided tour. View the Moorish architecture of the Giralda Tower overlooking the Guadalquivir River and visit the impressive Cathedral, the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world, housing the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Explore the narrow streets and many plazas of the well preserved Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish Quarter, filled with whitewashed buildings, quaint shops and colorful flowers. Later, drive to the Plaza de España, passing the elegant Maria Luisa Park. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure. Stroll the lovely boulevards lined with palm trees and fragrant orange trees or relax at an outdoor cafe. (B)

Day 7: Seville/Granada. This morning travel to Granada, a former stronghold of Moorish Spain. The Moors chose Granada as the site for their impressive citadel: the Alhambra. Even from a distance, the Alhambra is an awe-inspiring sight, sprawling over a hilltop overlooking the city. Visit the splendid Alhambra Palace and its famous Lion Courtyard on a guided afternoon tour and savor the breathtaking views of the city below and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains in the distance. You’ll also visit the palace’s acclaimed gardens, the Generalife, beautifully designed with courtyards, waterfalls and secret smaller gardens. Granada Center Hotel (B,D)

Day 8: Granada/Valencia. Today journey through Spain’s captivating landscape of rolling hills dotted with groves of olives, almonds, lemons and oranges en route to the Mediterranean coast arriving at the garden city of Valencia. On an included guided afternoon tour discover the treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture that is evident in Valencia. View the City Gates, City Hall and the Gothic cathedral as well as other highlights of the incredible Arts and Science City designed by contemporary artist Santiago Calatrava. Vincci Lys Hotel (B,D)

Day 9: Valencia/Barcelona. Depart Valencia traveling along the coastline of Catalonia (or Catalunya). En route visit the fascinating Monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet, a Cistercian Monastery established in 1150. Located in a scenic spot at the feet of the Prades Mountains the monastery was founded by Cistercian monks from France on lands conquered from the Moors. Plobet was the first of three sister monasteries, known as the Cistercian triangle, that helped consolidate power in Catalonia in the 12th century. Later, continue your journey and arrive in Barcelona, one of Europe’s most beautiful and exciting cities. Settle into your centrally located hotel. Barcelona Center Hotel (B)

DAY 10: Barcelona. The capital of the Region of Catalonia, Barcelona offers a unique mix of medieval charm and avant-garde grandeur evident its abundant historical and cultural gems. This morning a local expert leads you on a tour to explore this amazing city. Start at the old Harbor and then drive along the grand La Rambla Boulevard and view the impressive plazas including spectacular Plaza de España and Plaza Catalunya. Next you’ll explore on foot the winding streets of the charming Gothic Quarter, Barcelona’s old city. Proceed with a visit to the famed Sagrada Familia, a large, unfinished Catholic Basilica designed by the celebrated Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi. Your tour ends with a drive up Montjuic Hill where you can see some of the structures of the 1992 Olympic Games and admire the city and harbor views. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore independently. Perhaps visit one of the intriguing museums or relax at an outdoor café. Try one of Barcelona’s inviting restaurants for dinner. Your tour director will be glad to provide recommendations. (B)

DAY 11: Barcelona/ Farewell Dinner. Enjoy a full day to explore vibrant Barcelona at your own pace. Perhaps return to the enchanting old Gothic Quarter and view up close some the lovely buildings, dating back to the first Roman settlement of Barcelona. Here you’ll also find quaint shops, cafes, restaurants and strolling musicians that add to the magical atmosphere. You may also explore some of Gaudi’s masterpieces, scattered around the city center. Stroll along the lively La Rambla and stop at the colorful Boqueria Market to savor its bountiful culinary delights. This evening join your fellow travelers for an included farewell dinner at a famous local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 12: Barcelona/USA. This morning bid Spain “Adios” and transfer to the airport for your return flight. Your memorable journey ends as you arrive back in the U.S. later today. (B)

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