THE BEST OF SPAIN

9 days from Madrid to Barcelona

Day 1Arrive in Madrid, Spain

Time to rest or to start exploring the Spanish capital. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (Dinner)

Day 2Madrid

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. This afternoon is at leisure. Exciting optional excursions are available. (Breakfast)

Day 3Madrid–Cordoba–Seville

This morning, drive south through the arid landscapes of Don Quixote’s La Mancha to Cordoba, where sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the Alcazar, the Roman Bridge, and the medieval Jewish quarter. Tour the magnificent 8th-century MOSQUE OF THE CALIPHS, famous for its 850 pillars of porphyry, marble, and jasper. Then, continue to vibrant, festive Seville, the capital of Andalusia. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4Seville

During your sightseeing tour with a Local Guide, 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. Then, stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming SANTA CRUZ QUARTER. Highlight is a visit to the ALCAZAR, founded in the 11th century as a Moorish fortress, with its Palacio de Don Pedro. 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. (Breakfast)

Day 5Seville–Granada

Sightseeing with a Local Guide features Granada’s main attaction, 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. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6Granada–Valencia

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 guided walking tour, Valencia’s Roman, Moorish, and Spanish history comes alive. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 7Valencia–Barcelona

Drive along the coast to Barcelona, Spain’s second-largest city and the host of the Olympic Games in 1992. Tonight, why not join an optional dinner at a typical Catalonian restaurant? (Breakfast)

Day 8Barcelona

Sightseeing with a Local Guide features the Columbus Monument, elegant tree-lined Ramblas, Plaza de Cataluna, and Paseo de Gracia. Admire the spectacular Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s masterpiece, and enjoy a panoramic view of the city and harbor from Montjuïc Hill. Also visit the GOTHIC QUARTER. Afternoon at leisure. An optional excursion to Montserrat can be arranged. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 9Barcelona

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

Included Features

Madrid

Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, visit the Prado Museum

Cordoba

Guided walking tour, visit the Mosque of the Caliphs

Seville

Guided sightseeing, walk through the Santa Cruz quarter, and visit the Alcazar

Granada

Guided walking tour, visit the Alhambra complex and the Water Gardens of the Generalife; dinner at a local restaurant

Valencia

Guided walking tour

Barcelona

Guided sightseeing, take pictures of the Sagrada Familia Basilica, and visit the gothic quarter; farewell dinner



Note:

• December 21 Departure Christmas Eve in Seville

Accomodation