DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Spain
Depart for Spain
DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Bilbao
Arrive in Bilbao situated in the heart of Spain's Basque Country, and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Spanish Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM, followed by a reception. We recommend you select flights that arrive no later than 5 PM
Overnight: Bilbao
DAY 3, Thursday - Bilbao Walking Tour
Embark on a morning city tour of Bilbao, to discover its rich history and architectural beauty. Begin at the heart of the Casco Viejo, the city's charming Old Quarter. View Plaza Nueva, a grand Neoclassical square surrounded by arcaded structures, and the 14th century Gothic Cathedral de Santiago with its impressive Renaissance entryway. Stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets of the Seven Streets area, dating back to the early 1400s, lined with traditional pinxto bars, and historic buildings. Explore the bustling Ribera Market, one of the largest indoor markets in Europe, offering fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies. Spend the remainder of the day discovering the city independently
Overnight: Bilbao
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Friday - Bay of Biscay, San Sebastian & Biarritz
Today's journey takes you to the enchanting Bay of Biscay, where you will explore the coastal gems of Biarritz and San Sebastian. Begin in San Sebastian, a vibrant city in Spain's Basque Country, known as the Pearl of the Cantabrian Sea. The city is renowned for its culinary excellence and beautiful beaches. View the gorgeous architecture and the lovely plaza and flower-filled parks that dot the city. Continue to Biarritz, a glamorous seaside town in southwestern France, known for its beautiful beaches, and elegant promenades. Once a fishing town, it was transformed into a resort for royalty in the 1800s. Later, head back to Bilbao
Overnight: Bilbao
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Saturday - Full Day in Bilbao or Optional Full Day Bermeo, Guernica & Lekeitio Tour
Today is free to explore Bilbao at your own pace. Perhaps, participate in the optional Full Day Bermeo, Guernica & Lekeitio Tour. Embark on a delightful tour of Spain's Basque Country. Begin with a walking tour of Bermeo, a fishing village known for its colorful houses, historic harbor, and maritime heritage. View landmarks such as the Church of Santa Maria, and the Fisherman's Museum. Continue to Mundaka, a coastal town located in the stunning Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. The town is famous for its beaches that are home to some of the best surfing in the world. Next, head to Guernica to visit the Peace Museum, where you'll learn about the town's bombing during the Spanish Civil War. Conclude the tour with a visit to Lekeitio. View the Basilica of Santa María la Antigua, an imposing 14th century Gothic temple. Free time before returning to Bilbao late afternoon
Optional: Full Day Bermeo, Guernica & Lekeitio Tour
Overnight: Bilbao
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Sunday - Guggenheim Museum, Optional Home Hosted Dinner in Bilbao
Your day of exploration begins with a visit to the iconic Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture designed by architect Frank O. Gehry. The structure is dominated by his inspired use of flowing canopies, ship shapes, towers and flying fins, all gleaming with titanium tiles. It is considered one of the 20th century's most influential buildings. View an extensive collection of contemporary and avant-garde art, featuring works from acclaimed artists such as Jeff Koons, Richard Serra, Yves Klein, and Mark Rothko. Balance of the day is at leisure. Tonight, experience the warmth of Basque hospitality with an optional Home hosted dinner in Bilbao. Join a local family in their home and savor a delicious meal of traditional Basque dishes, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Interact with the family and learn about their culture and traditions
Optional: Home Hosted Dinner in Bilbao (PM)
Overnight: Bilbao
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Monday - Full Day in Bilbao or Optional Full Day La Rioja Region with Wine Tasting & Lunch
Spend the day at leisure or choose the optional Full Day La Rioja Region with Wine Tasting & Lunch. Take a captivating tour to the famous Rioja wine region, celebrated for its exceptional viticulture. Marvel at the scenery of green fertile valleys, dramatic mountains, and picturesque villages as you approach the beautiful wine region of Rioja. Stop to visit Laguardia, a medieval town encircled by ancient stone walls. Perched on a hilltop, the town offers breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and the Sierra de Cantabria. Stroll through the labyrinth of narrow alleys and view the impressive Santa Maria de los Reyes Church. Next, head to a traditional Spanish winery (bodega) and walk through the lush vineyards. Learn about the art of winemaking and explore the cellar, where some of Spain's finest wines are aged. Sample a selection of Rioja wines and discover the distinctive flavors that set apart this wine region. Afterward, savor lunch featuring regional dishes. Arrive at your hotel in late afternoon
Optional: Full Day La Rioja Region with Wine Tasting & Lunch
Overnight: Bilbao
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Tuesday - Flight to Madrid
Today, depart Bilbao and transfer to the airport for your flight to Madrid, capital of Spain. Arrive and check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your new Spanish Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM, followed by dinner
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9, Wednesday - Tour Madrid's Treasures
Today's tour of Madrid begins at the Plaza de Cibeles with its striking buildings. View the magnificent Royal Palace, Europe's second largest. Then on to the renowned Prado Museum. Stand before an astonishing collection of masterpieces by Velazquez, Goya, El Greco and more. The rest of the day is yours to explore this city of great monuments and museums on your own or, join the optional tour to Escorial. Visit what has often been described as the eighth wonder of the world. El Escorial is, perhaps, Philip II´s most enduring legacy to Spain. This royal palace and monastery complex is situated approximately one hour outside of Madrid in the foothills of the Guadarrama Mountains
Optional: Half Day Escorial Tour (PM)
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10, Thursday - 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
DAY 11, Friday - Valencia City Tour
On the morning tour, hear about "El Cid", Spain's 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. The rest of the day free. Perhaps participate in the optional Paella Cooking Class with Dinner. Learn how to prepare Paella Valenciana in the city where this delicious dish was created. This freestyle combination of rice, meat, and vegetables is a very popular regional dish and a staple in most Valencian diets
*During Aug, Palau de les Arts will be replaced with La Lonja de la Seda.
Optional: Paella Cooking Class with Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Valencia
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12, Saturday - Fairytale Peniscola, Wine Tasting in Penedes, Barcelona
Head along 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 keeper's 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 rosé 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
Overnight: Barcelona
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13, Sunday - Barcelona City Tour
Start the day in this artistic city with a drive along the Old Harbor to Plaza Catalunya, the city's 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, Gaudi's masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, a colossal church that is legendary and still unfinished*. Conclude the tour with a visit to Park Guell, Barcelona's most famous park, a playful creation by Gaudi. Learn intriguing facts about its creator and admire the park's colorful design and intricate tile work. The rest of the day is free. Choose the optional tour to Montserrat. Take 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 is at a local restaurant
*Entrance to La Sagrada Familia is not included. Passengers can visit on their own and are advised to book tickets in advance.
Optional: Half Day Montserrat Tour (PM)
Overnight: Barcelona
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 14, Monday - Depart Spain
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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