HIGHLIGHTS OF SPAIN

10 NIGHTS / 11 DAYS

Day 01 :Welcome to Spain

We'll gather at our Barcelona hotel around 5 p.m. for a "Welcome to Spain" get-together. Then we'll head out for an orientation paseo (stroll), including a look at the swirling, Modernista architecture of Antoni Gaudí along the "Block of Discord." We'll finish by getting acquainted over a tapas-style dinner together. Sleep in Barcelona (2 nights). No bus. Walking: light.

Day 02 : Lively, Artistic Barcelona

This morning, we'll explore Barcelona's maze-like Gothic Quarter, from its Roman foundations to the spires of its candle-, relic- (and geese-!) strewn cathedral. Then we'll hop the subway to Gaudí's towering, dizzying Sagrada Família church. Afterwards you'll be free to experience more of this magnificent city on your own, from the Picasso Museum to Gaudí's playful Parc Güell. No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 03 : Madrid and the Royal Palace

All aboard! After breakfast we'll take one of Europe's speediest trains (the AVE) to Madrid. Upon arrival, we'll enjoy a panoramic bus tour of this energetic city's major monuments and classy boulevards then meet our local guide for a tour through the sumptuously-decorated Royal Palace. With 2,000 rooms, acres of luxurious tapestries, and a king's ransom of chandeliers, this is truly one of the great palaces of Europe. Later we'll stroll the lively streets of our neighborhood and enjoy dinner together. Sleep in Madrid (3 nights). Train: 3 hrs. Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 04: Masterpieces of Madrid

This morning we'll take a walking tour from Madrid's bustling Puerta del Sol to its elegant Plaza Mayor. We'll also tour one of Europe's premier art museums — the masterpiece-packed Prado — where you'll see paintings by Velásquez, Goya, El Greco and others. Your afternoon and evening are free to visit the Reina Sofía, stroll through the majestic Retiro Gardens (Madrid's most popular park), and maybe even catch a performance of zarzuela, Spain's delightfully light opera. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 05: Day Trip to Segovia

We'll venture out of the city by bus, up to the history-rich town of Segovia and its beautifully-preserved Roman aqueduct. After a walking tour of the aqueduct and town, you'll have free time to wander and visit Segovia's medieval Alcázar fortress. We'll regroup this afternoon for lunch to savor a Segovian specialty together — roast suckling pig. We'll return to Madrid in time for you to enjoy dinner on your own. Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 06:Historic Toledo

It's a short bus ride to Spain's old capital city of Toledo (and back in time about 500 years). We'll take a morning walking tour that includes Toledo's magnificent cathedral, the medieval Sinagoga del Tránsito and El Greco's The Burial of the Count of Orgaz at the Santo Tomé Chapel. This afternoon and evening you'll have plenty of free time to enjoy the winding streets and varied sights (and some of Spain's best shopping). Sleep in Toledo (1 night). Bus: 1 hr. Walking: strenuous.

Day 07: La Mancha and Granada

Today we'll drive through windswept "Don Quixote country," stopping to sniff the saffron and admire a whitewashed windmill or two. Our destination is Granada, where we'll begin with a visit to the ornate tombs of world-changing Ferdinand and Isabella, who reigned over a new age of religious zeal at home and exploration of the "new" Americas. Then we'll head up the Albayzín hill for dinner together and enjoy a sunset view of tomorrow's treat — the Alhambra. Sleep in Granada (2 nights). Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 08: Moorish Treasures of Granada

We'll spend our morning learning about Spain's Islamic legacy as we tour the sprawling palace and garden complex of the Alhambra with a local expert. This last and greatest of Europe's Moorish palaces will awe you with its grace and artistry. This afternoon and evening you'll be free to linger longer at the Alhambra, and make your own discoveries along the colorful streets and alleyways of Granada's Old Town. No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 09: Ronda

Today's destination is the hill town of Ronda, home to Spain's oldest bullring and its most breathtaking gorge. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore Ronda's Moorish and Mercadillo Quarters, linked together by the famous gravity-defying stone bridge (towering over the rubble of an earlier one that wasn't). Sleep in or near Ronda (1 night, groups may be split between two hotels). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 10: Spain's Pueblos Blancos

Today we'll wind our way between the olive groves and whitewashed villages of Spain's Pueblos Blancos. We'll head into the countryside to visit an olive oil mill, where we'll sample the products and learn about Spain's traditional methods of producing its extra-virgin export. Then we'll press on to the quintessential hill town — Arcos de la Frontera — where we'll share dinner together and sleep (2 nights). Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 11: Sherry and Horses

It's a short hop to Jerez de la Frontera where we'll learn the history of the town's specialty at a traditional sherry bodega (sampling the local product). Nearby we'll marvel at the prancing horses at an Andalusian horse farm, where we'll learn about these magnificent horses and their connection to the local culture. We'll return with time to enjoy a free afternoon and evening in lovely Arcos. Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 12: Sevilla's Barrio Santa Cruz

This morning we'll drive directly to Sevilla, Spain's most flamboyant and atmospheric city. We'll begin our visit with a guided tour that takes us to the famous Macarena (Weeping Virgin), through the narrow whitewashed lanes of the Barrio Santa Cruz, and ends with the world's largest Gothic cathedral. You'll have time to do more exploring on your own before we regroup tonight for a performance of sultry, swirling flamenco. Sleep in Sevilla (2 nights). Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 13: Sevilla's Royal Alcazar

We'll start today with a tour of the beautifully Moorish-style Alcázar palace, the Sevilla home of the Spanish Royal Family for the past 500 years. Afterward, you're free to walk in the footsteps of Carmen and Don Juan, linger in Sevilla's charming squares or stroll along the romantic Guadalquivir River. This evening we'll share travel memories and toast new friends at our final dinner together, capped off with a carriage ride through the streets of Sevilla. Salud! No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 14: Tour Over After Breakfast

Sevilla's airport is a bus or taxi ride away with easy connections throughout Europe. Alternately there is an AVE train to Madrid to continue your Iberian adventures on your own. Hasta luego!

Destination Specialist

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