Art by: Charles Kaufman
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 since 1562, birthplace of many of the world's greatest writers, painters and artists. Transfer to your hotel with time to rest and relax or get acquainted with this beautiful city. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers followed by an orientation meeting at approximately 7 pm, followed by a Welcome Dinner - 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. Continue via the elegant Plaza Mayor to the magnificent Royal Palace, Europe's second largest, and to the Plaza de España dominated by the monument to Cervantes, famed author of Don Quixote. 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.* Enjoy a visit to 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 - Overnight: Valencia - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Friday - Valencia City Tour
Valencia is Spain's major Mediterranean port - this unique city is shaped by the vastness of the sea and the closeness of the coastal mountains. 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, City Hall, and the Gothic Cathedral. 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. The rest of the day is yours to linger at this site or wander on your own. 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 - Optional: Paella Cooking Class with Dinner (PM) - Overnight: Valencia- Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Saturday - Fairytale Peniscola, Wine Tasting in Penedes, Arrive in Barcelona
Head along the intense blue of 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, perhaps walk along Las Ramblas, Barcelona's most famous pedestrian walkway with its life-size animators, stalls, and people-watchers. Tonight, enjoy your first taste of Barcelona's rousing nightlife and fabulous cuisine! 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 the 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. Ascend Montjuic Hill home to the Olympic complex, a number of sports facilities built for the 1992 Summer Olympics with the Olympic Stadium at its center. The rest of the day is on your own for exploring the many galleries, or just savoring the magnificent surroundings. Attend the optional tour to Montserrat. Enjoy 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, a Farewell Dinner together at a local restaurant is a perfect way to end your tour. Optional: Half Day Montserrat Tour (PM) - Overnight: Barcelona - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8, Monday - Depart Spain
Bid "adios" to Spain and your fellow travelers. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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