DAY 1, Monday - Depart for Spain
Depart for Spain
DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Madrid
Arrive in the lively metropolis of Madrid, capital of Spain. Transfer to your hotel. Most flights arrive in the early morning and your room may not be ready for you. In this case, leave your luggage with the concierge and your Tour Manager will provide suggestions for you to begin to explore the city on your own. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM, followed by dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 5 PM
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Wednesday - Tour Madrid's Treasures
Today's tour of Madrid's impressive architecture 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 combination monastery-palace-mausoleum 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 4, 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 5, 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 the month of 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 6, 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 7, 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 on your own. 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 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 8, Monday - Depart Spain
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators.
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