Insight's First Class Services

• Escorted by a professional Tour DirectorLuxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 11

Quality Dining

• Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant in Barcelona (DA)
• 9 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 3 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

Itinerary

11 Days ~ Spain

Tour Pace
A well paced tour with two-night stays in the major cities of Madrid, Barcelona and Seville; allowing time to indulge in each city’s treasures. Perhaps become better acquainted with Gaudi in Barcelona? In Seville, you have a whole afternoon to relax or explore.

DAY 1 – THU – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Madrid.

DAY 2 – FRI – MADRID AT LEISURE
Welcome to Madrid! On arrival at Madrid Airport there are complimentary transfers to your tour hotel. The afternoon is at leisure – relax and settle in. In the evening, join your fellow passengers and Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Melia Galgos.

DAY 3 – SAT – MADRID – BARCELONA
Follow the wide arid plains of Castille. After passing Guadalajara, follow the Jalón River Valley, dotted with Mudejar Towers which are survivors of the bygone era of Moorish domination in Spain. Continue eastwards, passing Zaragoza in the province of Aragón, before encountering a different culture and language in Catalunya. Your home for the next two nights is the dynamic city of Barcelona.
Hotel: Melia. (BB)

DAY 4 – SUN – BARCELONA SIGHTSEEING
Visit the Gothic quarter on a guided tour and see the ancient cathedral, and see the famous Ramblas, with its open-air markets and cafes. In contrast to the old part of town, drive along the broad, elegant avenues of the Eixample district to admire Gaudi’s extraordinary unfinished creation, the Sagrada Familia church, about which opinions are so strongly divided. Tonight, visit all of Spain in one park at the ‘Pueblo Español’, before your Dine-Around evening, where you can choose from a selection of restaurants. Before returning to your hotel, drive past the Olympic Games site and enjoy glittering views over the harbour. (BB,DA)

DAY 5 – MON – BARCELONA – VALENCIA
Follow the Costa Dorada south, stopping in Peñìscola to view the white-walled cottages clustered around the sea-lapped castle used in the film El Cid. Continue past the famous orange groves to Valencia, your home for the night. An orientation tour with your Tour Director shows you the City Gates of Serranos and Cuarte, the Gothic Generalidad Palace, El Miguelete Cathedral with its octagonal bell tower, and the ultra modern Centre of Arts and Sciences.
Hotel: Husa Reina Victoria. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – TUE – VALENCIA – GRANADA
Leave for the Costa Blanca, passing through the stately waving palm tree forests of Elche and past the lemon groves in Murcia. Drive through the superb scenery of the Sierra Nevada with magnificent mountain views on all sides, and cross the Mora Pass to reach glorious 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. Also visit the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the Royal summer residence.
Hotel: Saray. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – WED – GRANADA – SEVILLE
A beautiful drive through gleaming white villages and brilliant fields of golden sunflowers leads to Seville exquisite capital of Andalucìa, and one of the most charming cities in Spain. You’ll stay in this ‘city of Carmen’ for the next two nights, so settle into your hotel.
Hotel: Melia Lebreros. (BB)

DAY 8 – THU – SEVILLE SIGHTSEEING
Seville has a distinctive character and presence which a local guide will unfold. Visit the massive cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus and enriched with the spoils of the New World. Pass the slender Giralda Tower, once the minaret of the Great Mosque, see the Alcazar and tour the fashionable Santa Cruz Quarter with its flower decked wrought iron balconies. This afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel. (BB,D)

DAY 9 – FRI – SEVILLE – MADRID
Set off early along the Guadalquivir valley, past villages and towns studded with Moorish towers and fortresses, stopping in the perfectly preserved Moorish city of Cordoba. See the famous 2000-year-old bridge before a guided visit to the magnificent Mezquita, an 8th century mosque with a Christian church built inside it. Cross the Sierra Morena mountains and the plains of La Mancha, following in the steps of Don Quixote, on your way back to Madrid.
Hotel: NH Eurobuilding. (BB)

DAY 10 – SAT – MADRID SIGHTSEEING
Enjoy a sightseeing tour along the noble avenues to see the statue of Cervantes’ fictional hero, Don Quixote, in the Plaza de España. Continue past Cibeles Fountain and the Parliament, and cross the Puerta del Sol. Visit the Prado Museum to admire the world famous paintings of Velázquez and Goya. Take time out to relax at a café or shop in the boutiques of Serrano. In the evening, consider joining a farewell dinner in the heart of town, complete with wine and music. (BB)

DAY 11 – SUN – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends with transfers to Madrid Airport. (BB)

Dates & Prices

To book a tour, call and speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
3/20/2008 - 3/30/2008	$1,999	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
3/27/2008 - 4/6/2008	$2,035	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
4/3/2008 - 4/13/2008	$2,275	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
4/10/2008 - 4/20/2008	$2,035	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
4/17/2008 - 4/27/2008	$2,199	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
4/24/2008 - 5/4/2008	$2,035	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
5/1/2008 - 5/11/2008	$2,035	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
5/8/2008 - 5/18/2008	$2,225	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
5/15/2008 - 5/25/2008	$2,035	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
5/22/2008 - 6/1/2008	$2,035	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
5/29/2008 - 6/8/2008	$2,035	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
6/5/2008 - 6/15/2008	$2,225	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
6/12/2008 - 6/22/2008	$2,025	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
6/19/2008 - 6/29/2008	$2,025	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
6/26/2008 - 7/6/2008	$2,025	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
7/3/2008 - 7/13/2008	$1,999	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
7/10/2008 - 7/20/2008	$1,999	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
7/17/2008 - 7/27/2008	$1,999	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
7/24/2008 - 8/3/2008	$1,999	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
7/31/2008 - 8/10/2008	$1,999	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
8/7/2008 - 8/17/2008	$1,999	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
8/14/2008 - 8/24/2008	$1,999	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
8/21/2008 - 8/31/2008	$1,999	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
8/28/2008 - 9/7/2008	$2,175	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/4/2008 - 9/14/2008	$2,035	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/11/2008 - 9/21/2008	$2,035	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/18/2008 - 9/28/2008	$2,035	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/25/2008 - 10/5/2008	$2,035	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
10/2/2008 - 10/12/2008	$2,035	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
10/9/2008 - 10/19/2008	$2,035	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
10/16/2008 - 10/26/2008	$2,035	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
10/23/2008 - 11/2/2008	$2,035	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
10/30/2008 - 11/9/2008	$1,999	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
12/18/2008 - 12/28/2008	$1,999	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
2/26/2009 - 3/8/2009	$1,999	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
3/5/2009 - 3/15/2009	$2,025	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
3/12/2009 - 3/22/2009	$2,199	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us

Sightseeing Highlights

Hotels
A varied selection of both modern and traditional hotels; with the contemporary Melia in Barcelona and the impressively designed Saray in Granada contrasting with the traditional style of the comfortable and ornate Husa Reina Victoria hotel in Valencia.

Fellow Passengers
This tour attracts both the first-time and the experienced traveler as it is a perfect introductory tour to the outstanding cities of central and southern Spain. It also appeals to those with a passion for art and architecture and an interest in Iberian culture.

Highlights
Highlights are many: the Alhambra Palace in Granada, the Modernist architecture of Barcelona, the white-washed village of Peniscola, and the contrasting cities of Seville, Valencia and Madrid. Don’t forget the paintings of Velázquez in the Prado.

Enjoy our Premium Highlights plus these extra tour features

Excursions & Sights

• See the Olympic Games complex in Barcelona and enjoy views from Montjuic hill
• See the Ramblas & Gothic cathedral in Barcelona’s old town
• Drive through Barcelona’s Modernist Eixample district See Antoni Gaudi’s controversial Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona
• See the white walled cottages & castle of Peñìscola
• See Valencia’s Gothic Generalidad Palace, octagonal El Miguelete Tower & Cathedral
• See the City Gates and the Centre for Arts & Sciences in Valencia
• See the Giralda Tower, pretty Santa Cruz Quarter & Alcazar in Seville
• See the Don Quixote statue in Plaza de España in MadridSee Madrid’s Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, and cross the Puerta del Sol
• Scenic drives – Jalón River Valley, Cross the Sierra Nevada, Plains of La Mancha

Guided City Tours

• In-depth sightseeing tours with audio headsets where appropriate in Barcelona, Seville, Madrid & Cordoba
• Orientation tour in Valencia & Granada

Insight's First Class Services

• Escorted by a professional Tour DirectorLuxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 11

Quality Dining

• Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant in Barcelona (DA)
• 9 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 3 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

 

 

City Highlights
MADRID
Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, visit the Prado Museum

TOLEDO
Guided sightseeing, visit an early synagogue, the gothic cathedral, Santo Tomé Church with one of El Greco’s masterpieces; a Damascene steel workshop

MADRID-CORDOBA
By high-speed “AVE” train (first-class)

CORDOBA
Guided sightseeing, visit the Mosque of the Caliphs

SEVILLE
Guided sightseeing, visit Maria Luisa park, the cathedral, and the Santa Cruz quarter

ROCK OF GIBRALTAR
Guided sightseeing, visit St. Michael’s Caves

GRANADA
Guided sightseeing, visit the Alhambra and the Water Gardens of the Generalife

Meals
9 buffet breakfasts (BB); 3 three-course dinners (D), including a welcome dinner in Madrid

Hotels:
MADRID Husa Princesa (SF), SEVILLE Melia Lebreros (SF), TORREMOLINOS Melia Costa del Sol (SF)

Itinerary

Day 1:
(Wed.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Madrid, Spain. (Thu.) Time to rest or to start exploring the Spanish capital. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 3:
Madrid. (Fri.) Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide takes you to the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de España with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, elegant Calle Alcala, and Paseo de Castellana. Then the highlight: a visit to the palatial PRADO MUSEUM with its priceless art treasures. The afternoon is at leisure, and an optional excursion to El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen can be arranged. (BB)

Day 4:
Madrid. Excursion to Toledo. (Sat.) Focus on splendid Toledo, spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River. A Local Guide takes you to the Moorish bridge, an early SYNAGOGUE, the 13th-century GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, and the Church of SANTO TOMÉ with one of El Greco’s most famous paintings. Also time to visit a DAMASCENE STEEL WORKSHOP before returning to Madrid. The rest of the afternoon is free for independent activities. (BB)

Day 5:
Madrid–Cordoba–Seville. (Sun.) This morning board the exciting high-speed “AVE” TRAIN that whisks you to Cordoba. Your guided sightseeing tour includes the Alcazar, the Roman Bridge, and the medieval old Jewish quarter. Tour the magnificent 8th-century MOSQUE OF THE CALIPHS, famous for its 850 pillars of porphyry, marble, and jasper. Then on to Seville by motorcoach. (BB,D)

Day 6:
Seville. (Mon.) Your Local Guide explains the city’s role in Roman times, its conquest by the Moors in 712 A.D., and its contribution to the discovery of the New World. Admire MARIA LUISA PARK. Drive to the Plaza de España, the Gold Tower on the Guadalquivir River, and the university that used to be the tobacco factory of Carmen fame. Visit the CATHEDRAL with Columbus’ tomb, the world’s largest gothic edifice, and stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming SANTA CRUZ QUARTER. For a truly Andalusian night out, reserve a seat at our optional flamenco show. (BB)

Day 7:
At Leisure in Seville. (Tue.) A free day to explore the sunny capital of Andalusia or to join an exciting optional excursion. (BB)

Day 8:
Seville–Gibraltar–Torremolinos. (Wed.) Drive south through the sunny wine region on the Costa de la Luz to the ROCK OF GIBRALTAR, in British hands since 1704. Hear about its turbulent history from your Local Guide, see the Moorish Castle, visit ST. MICHAEL’S CAVES and the colony of Barbary apes. Then continue to your beachfront hotel along the elegant Costa del Sol. (BB,D)

Day 9:
At Leisure in Torremolinos. Optional Excursion to Morocco. (Thu.) Day at leisure to enjoy the sandy beaches or to browse through the trendy boutiques. Another possibility: join an optional excursion to Morocco, on the African continent, with sightseeing in Tangier, lunch at a local restaurant, and time to explore the surroundings. (BB)

Day 10:
Torremolinos. Excursion to Granada. (Fri.) Away from the sea and into the mountains to history-steeped Granada. Meet your Local Guide and visit Granada’s main attraction, the ALHAMBRA. The mighty yet graceful citadel was planned by the 13th-century Moorish ruler Al Ahamar. A fantasy of “lace in stone” surrounded by arabesque gardens and fountains, it affords superb views of the Old Quarter and Sacromonte, a mountain occupied by Gypsy cave dwellers. Also amble through the magnificent WATER GARDENS OF THE GENERALIFE, the royal summer residence. Then time to further discover the beauties of this enchanting city on your own. In the late afternoon, return to Torremolinos. (BB)

Day 11:
(Sat.) Your homebound flight from Malaga arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices

To book a tour, call and speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
We are currently updating dates and rates for this tour. Please call a tour specialist at 1-800-942-3301 for personalized assistance.

Sightseeing Highlights

MADRID
Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, visit the Prado Museum

TOLEDO
Guided sightseeing, visit an early synagogue, the gothic cathedral, Santo Tomé Church with one of El Greco’s masterpieces; a Damascene steel workshop

MADRID-CORDOBA
By high-speed “AVE” train (first-class)

CORDOBA
Guided sightseeing, visit the Mosque of the Caliphs

SEVILLE
Guided sightseeing, visit Maria Luisa park, the cathedral, and the Santa Cruz quarter

ROCK OF GIBRALTAR
Guided sightseeing, visit St. Michael’s Caves

GRANADA
Guided sightseeing, visit the Alhambra and the Water Gardens of the Generalife