Have you wanted to see Spain? I have the trip for you. May 17-29, 2024.
Spain’s Classics
Day: 1
Overnight Flight
You are on your way to a colorful and cultural adventure featuring the best of Spain.
Day: 2
Madrid, Spain – Tour Begins
Dinner Riu Plaza Espana
Welcome to Madrid, Spain’s lively capital and largest city. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers and enjoy a welcome dinner.
Day: 3
Madrid
Breakfast Riu Plaza Espana
During a locally guided panoramic tour of Madrid’s historic center, see iconic sites such as the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, where events have been held since the 17th century. Join a local expert to explore the priceless masterpieces of the Prado Museum, which opened in 1819 and boasts the world’s finest collection of art by masters such as Velazquez and Goya. Tonight, you might choose to experience Madrid like a local with a metro ride, a walking tour and dinner with traditional entertainment at a local restaurant.
Day: 4
Madrid – Toledo – Madrid
Breakfast Riu Plaza Espana
Travel to the hilly town of Toledo (UNESCO), the capital of medieval Spain until 1560. Embark on a comprehensive tour, highlighting the magnificent Gothic cathedral. Then, visit the Church of Santo Tome and view El Greco’s masterpiece painting, The Burial of Count Orgaz, before returning to Madrid.
Day: 5
Madrid – Cordoba – Seville
Breakfast & Dinner NH Sevilla Plaza de Armas
Travel to the extraordinary Moorish city of Cordoba by the AVE high-speed train to reduce travel time and allow you to enjoy more free time in Cordoba. Embark on a walking tour of Cordoba’s well-preserved and historical old Jewish Quarter. Then visit La Mezquita (UNESCO), an 8th-century mosque that was converted into the city’s cathedral in the 16th century. End your day in Seville, considered to be Spain’s “cultural capital” with dinner at a local restaurant.
Day: 6
Seville
Breakfast & Lunch NH Sevilla Plaza de Armas
Embark on a panoramic tour before arriving at the iconic Plaza de España. Then decide on how you see Seville because it’s your choice! Walk the charming and quaint Santa Cruz Quarter with an expert guide, admiring the orange trees and white-washed houses -OR- see the city from a different perspective with a boat ride on the Guadalquivir River, drifting by timeworn bridges and towers. Later, visit the Seville Cathedral* (UNESCO) – the largest gothic church in the world – and see Columbus’ tomb and the Giralda Bell Tower. End the afternoon with a light tapas lunch, overlooking the cathedral. This evening, enjoy an authentic flamenco show (UNESCO) featuring Seville’s top performers.
Day: 7
Seville – Granada
Breakfast & Dinner Barcelo Carmen Granada
Travel to Granada, the last great capital of the Moors in Spain before it fell to the Catholic monarchs in 1492. Upon arrival, join a local expert for a tour of the world-famous Alhambra** (UNESCO), a stone fortress overlooking the entire city and serving as a mesmerizing example of Islamic architecture. This evening, a guided tapas tour on foot is on the menu!
Day: 8
Granada – Valencia
Breakfast SH Valencia Palace
Travel through Spain’s amazing landscape on your way to the Mediterranean coast. Pass by rolling hills dotted with picturesque olive and orange groves before arriving in the city of Valencia. A treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture, Valencia is Spain’s third largest city melding historic and modern culture.
Day: 9
Valencia – Albufera – Valencia
Breakfast & Lunch SH Valencia Palace
On a panoramic tour of Valencia, see the City of Arts and Sciences – an ultramodern educational institution. Explore the city’s old town on foot, discovering the history with a local expert. View the ornate towers before wandering through the bustling central market, where you’ll shop side-by-side with the locals. Enjoy time on your own to explore as you wish. Travel to Albufera, the area where paella first originated. Enjoy a boat ride on the canals surrounding the rice field plantations. Visit a traditional fisherman’s home, known as a barraca, and enjoy a paella-making demonstration and an authentic paella lunch.
Day: 10
Valencia – Barcelona
Breakfast Catalonia Plaza Catalunya
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 colorful bird and flower stalls.
Day: 11
Barcelona
Breakfast & Dinner Catalonia Plaza Catalunya
Embark on a panoramic tour of Barcelona, showcasing the Columbus Monument, Parc de Montjuic, and Antoni Gaudi’s Batllo House and Casa Mila building (UNESCO). A local expert will accompany you on a visit to the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia*** (UNESCO), considered to be the most famous of Gaudi’s works. Work on the basilica began in 1882, and it is scheduled to be completed in 2026 on the 100th anniversary of the architect’s death. As the day draws to a close, enjoy a farewell dinner celebrating the end of your trip to Spain.
Day: 12
Barcelona – Tour Ends
Breakfast
Return home with memories of a beautiful land and a diverse cultural heritage or begin your Costa Brava post-trip extension.
Price for two is $13,236.00 which includes non stop flight from Newark, 16 meals, travel insurance, all taxes.
** Contact me for optional 4 night post extended stay in Barcelona**
*** Price is subject to change after today 8/25/2023***
Contact me for a complimentary vacation planning session.
