Day 1: Home - Madrid, Spain
Welcome to Madrid, Spain’s lively capital and largest city. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner.
Day 2: Madrid - Royal Palace - Toledo - Madrid
During a locally guided tour of Madrid's historic centre, see the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, where events have been held since the 17th Century. A guided tour of the monumental, 18th Century Royal Palace reveals lavish halls, banquet rooms, the throne room, royal armory and the impressive courtyard. This afternoon travel to Toledo, a UNESCO site and the capital of medieval Spain until 1560. A comprehensive tour highlights the magnifi cent Gothic cathedral and the 13th Century synagogue, a testament to Toledo's Jewish heritage. Also stop in the Church of Santo Tome to view El Greco's masterpiece painting, The Burial of Count Orgaz.
Day 3: Madrid - Cordoba - Seville
Today you’ll travel to the Moorish city of Cordoba and embark on a walking tour of the Mezquita. You’ll continue your exploration of Cordoba in the city’s well-preserved and historical old Jewish Quarter before heading to Seville.
Day 4: Seville
Today you will see Columbus' tomb, the ornate cathedral, a UNESCO site, and Giralda Bell Tower. Enjoy a walking tour of the quaint old Santa Cruz Quarter with its bright fl owers, white-washed buildings and winding streets; then continue to Plaza D'Espana and the beautiful Maria Luisa Park, one of the loveliest in all of Europe. A local fl amenco dancer joins you for a typical "tapas lunch" featuring small portions of hot and cold specialties; here you learn about the history, culture and artistry of fl amenco. This evening, take your reserved seats for an authentic fl amenco show featuring Seville's top performers.
Day 5: Seville - Granada
Travel along the peaceful Sierra Nevada to Granada, the last great capital of the Moors in Spain before it fell to the Catholic monarchs in 1492. Join a local expert for a tour of the world-famous Alhambra, the immense hilltop palace that is a UNESCO site. Also tour the Generalife, meaning "garden of the architect," where the grounds are beautifully designed with waterfalls, courtyards and smaller secret gardens.
Day 6: Granada - Valencia
Today you travel through Spain's amazing landscape viewing rolling hills dotted with picturesque olive groves while en route to the Mediterranean coast. Arrive in the city of Valencia, a treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture, surrounded by citrus groves.
Day 7: Valencia - Lladro - Paella Experience - Valencia
It’s your choice today! You can take a walking tour of historic Valencia or, perhaps you would prefer to explore the impressive City of Arts & Science, followed by a tour of the Lladro City of Porcelain. After you’ll have a “paella experience” featuring a boat ride; a paella-making demonstration followed by an authentic paella lunch. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 8: Valencia - Barcelona
Travel to Barcelona, one of Europe’s most beautiful and exciting cities. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Barcelona’s fascinating boulevards including the famous Las Ramblas, dotted with colourful bird and flower stalls.
Day 9: Barcelona
Today, get an in-depth look at vibrant and lively Barcelona. Your locally guided tour showcases Las Ramblas Boulevard, the most famous in Barcelona, dotted with bird and fl ower stalls. Also see Columbus Monument; Parc Montjuic; Antonio Gaudi's UNESCO World Heritage sites including "La Sagrada Familia," Parc Guell, Bartlo House and the unconventional Casa Mila building. This afternoon continue to explore colourful Barcelona on your own. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a lovely trip to Spain!
Day 10: Barcelona - Home
Your tour ends in Barcelona.