Day 1: Overnight Flight

Day 2: Madrid, Spain – Tour Begins
Welcome to Madrid, Spain’s capital and largest city. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner.

Day 3: Madrid – Royal Palace – Toledo – Madrid
During a locally guided tour of Madrid’s historic center, 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 magnificent 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 4: Madrid – Cordoba – Seville
Today, your tour manager provides a brief lesson on the origin and history of the Spanish language. Then, travel to the extraordinary Moorish city of Cordoba. Embark on a walking tour of the Mezquita. This UNESCO site, an architectural marvel, built by the Moors in the 8th century as a magnificent mosque, was converted into the city’s cathedral in the 16th century. Continue your exploration of Cordoba in the city's well-preserved and historical old Jewish Quarter. Later, transfer to Seville, considered Spain’s “cultural capital.”

Day 5: 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 flowers, 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 flamenco 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 flamenco. This evening, take your reserved seats for an authentic flamenco show featuring Seville's top performers.

Day 6: 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 7: 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 8: Valencia – Lladro – Valencia
A city tour of historic Valencia features the ornate 14th century Serranos Tower and imposing 15th century Quart Tower. You'll also see the bustling central market, one of the largest in Europe, and view the Gothic Cathedral, where construction began in 1262 on the site of an ancient mosque. Your trip to Valencia would not be complete without a stop at Lonja, the old Silk Exchange, recognized by UNESCO as one of the most beautiful buildings of European civil Gothic architecture. Later, visit Lladro-City of Porcelain and learn about the history and creative process of the world-famous, hand-made Lladro figurines. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore Valencia’s amazing buildings and museums independently and stroll the walkways of the impressive City of Arts & Sciences.

Day 9: Valencia – Museum of Las Fallas – Barcelona
Begin your day with a visit to the Museum of Las Fallas where you will see figurines from the last 80 years of the Las Fallas festival. Learn about this unique, spectacular festival from assembly and costumes to fireworks and the night of burning. Later, travel to Barcelona, one of Europe’s most beautiful and exciting cities.

Day 10: 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 flower 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 colorful Barcelona on your own. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a lovely trip to Spain!

Day 11: Barcelona – Tour Ends
You return home with vivid memories of a spectacularly beautiful land with an old, rich and diverse cultural heritage.