Day 1: Depart USA
Board your overnight flight (not included).

Day 2: Madrid of the Bourbons
Welcome to Madrid, Europe's highest capital, occupying the very centre of the Iberian Peninsula. At Madrid Airport, transfers depart for your elegant hotel at 09:00, 11:00, 13:30 & 16:00. Located near the Prado Museum, your landmark hotel was ranked as one of the world's best by Condé Nast Traveler's 2010 Gold List. This evening please join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception, drinks and light informal meal. After a restful night's sleep, a local expert introduces you to the city! Drive along the elegant, tree-lined avenues to the grandiose Cibeles Fountain. Turn down the Gran Via to see the monument to Cervantes in the Plaza de España and Royal Palace then continue through the Puerto del Sol. Highlight is a guided tour of the magnificent Prado museum housing works by Titian, Botticelli, Rubens and many others. This afternoon you are at leisure to explore, relax and enjoy the rest of your stay to the full.(Welcome Reception / Buffet Breakfast)

Day 4: Toledo, Spain's Ancient Capital
Drive out to Toledo, situated on a rocky precipice high above the River Tagus. This was Spain's capital during the golden era, where Arab, Jewish and Christian cultures flourished side-by-side during the Middle Ages. Within the city walls a local expert leads you through the narrow cobbled streets to visit the Gothic cathedral, as impressive as it is old, housing works by the artist El Greco. Toledo has something to enjoy at every step so the afternoon is yours to soak up the rich history. Located outside the historic centre, your impressive hotel has been beautifully integrated into a restored 16th-century palace.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 5: Cordoba and Seville, the City of Carmen
Travel through the flat plains of La Mancha today, where Don Quixote tilted at windmills as his faithful Sancho Panza looked on. You'll see several of these white-washed structures lining the ridge above Consuegra. In the famous wine-centre of Valdepeñas, its roads lined with 'bodegas' , sample some of the local vino de mesa. Now up through the Despeñaperros pass, scene of desperate battles and great victories over the Moors and Napoleon. Follow the valley of the river Guadalquivir to historic Cordoba, once considered the most civilised city in Europe! Important in the times of the Romans and the Visigoths, Cordoba knew its Golden Age under the Moors - the magnificent 8th century mosque with its 850 columns bears witness to their artistic genius. A local expert will take you inside the mosque, which has been used as a Christian cathedral since the 13th century. There is also time to stroll in the twisting maze of streets and across the Roman Bridge. Continue to Seville for two nights in the stunning Andalusian capital. Your exquisite hotel is located on the historic city centre and offers a striking combination of art, culture and style. During your stay, bask in the romantic aura of the city with a pleasant horse and carriage ride. At the leafy Maria Louisa Park visit the iconic Plaza de España. Then a local expert shows you through the narrow lanes and pretty squares of the old Santa Cruz quarter. Emerge by the walls of the 14th-century Alcazar palace. In front of you stands the massive Cathedral and Moorish Giralda Tower and inside you'll visit the tomb of Columbus. The afternoon is entirely free for you to explore at your own pace. As the sun's golden rays start to fade, enjoy a Highlight Dinner bursting with the flavours of Andalucía, complemented by wine and attentive service.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner / Buffet Breakfast)

Day 7: Granada and the Alhambra Palace
A beautiful drive through gleaming white villages and a sea of olive groves brings you to Granada. Here, over looking the town, awaits one of the most remarkable fortresses ever built, the Alhambra. Explore this exquisite palace; a fantasy of stone cut lace, arabesque gardens and fountains, built as a citadel by the Moors in the 13th century. Walk on to the exotic water-gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence. Relax here in the sunshine and enjoy the fine views over the town and its three verdant hills. Right next door, your exquisite hotel reflects the Moorish splendour, enchantment and beauty of the palace.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 8: Barcelona - the City of Gaudi
Time this morning, to perhaps take a leisurely walk through the Albaicin neighbourhood and explore the intriguing maze of narrow streets with whitewashed houses and patio gardens of bygone Moorish splendour. Then transfer to the airport for your short flight to Barcelona, vibrant capital of Catalonia. Your iconic hotel, with its gorgeous old facade, is set in a restored modernist building. Maybe hit the terrace bar tonight for views over the city from the Sagrada Familia right down to the sea. In the morning, meet a local expert who takes you down the gracious Passeig de Gracia, past the wrought-iron street lamps and finest buildings of the Catalan Art Nouveau. Alight by the narrow lanes of the Gothic Quarter, centred around the old Cathedral. Then back out to visit the leviathan of the Eixample, Gaudi's extraordinary Sagrada Familia Cathedral. Gloopy spires search the sky like some epic Hydra. Inside, a stone tree canopy holds up the roof while sun pours through stained glass on to sea-creature caverns. The cuisine of Catalonia is justifiably famous so please join us for a celebration finalé dinner with wine tonight.(Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner)

Day 10: Return to USA
Departure transfers arrive at Barcelona Airport at 07:00, 09:00 and 11:00.(Buffet Breakfast)