Itinerary Details
Spanish Escape
Day 1ARRIVE IN MADRID, SPAINWelcome to Madrid! At 6 pm, meet your tour director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 2MADRIDMasterpieces in Madrid Discover the city's historic grandeur along the boulevards. Admire elegant buildings and views of legendary landmarks, including the Plaza de España monument to Miguel de Cervantes, author of "Don Quixote." Visit the world-famous Prado Museum for further glimpses into Spanish culture and history through its art collection. Enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure to explore more of this captivating city. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE The Prado Museum houses one of the world’s largest art collections, including its amazing assortment of masterpieces by historic artists like Velasquez, Goya, and El Greco. The famous museum also displays the works of renowned European masters, including Rubens and Rembrandt, along with a stunning collection of Greco-Roman statues.
Day 3MADRID–CORDOBA–SEVILLETreasures of Cordoba Enjoy a scenic drive south into the region of Andalusia. This afternoon, visit the magnificent city of Cordoba and join an orientation walk. Enjoy free time to browse the streets of the Jewish Quarter, see the remains of the Alcazar, and visit independently the Mosque of the Caliphs, one of the Twelve Treasures of Spain. Later, continue to the vibrant city of Seville. (B,D)
336 mi / 540 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM Cordoba is a glorious cultural hub which proudly showcases its Christian, Islamic, and Jewish influences. The remains of its city walls, the spectacular Roman bridge, and stunning Mosque of Córdoba (Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba), are testaments to its historic importance and cultural wealth. Explore the Old Town, take a stroll through the Old Jewish Quarter with its labyrinth of streets, browse the local stores displaying the traditional leather goods and silverware, and treat your tastebuds to some of the local specialties.
Day 4SEVILLEThe Squares of Seville This morning, discover what makes Seville so special! Start with a visit to the Plaza de España, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Then, join your Local Guide for a fascinating sightseeing tour comprising a panoramic drive, a visit to the Casa de Pilatos, and a stroll through the charming Santa Cruz Quarter. Enjoy free time to explore more. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Walk through Seville’s picturesque Plaza de España, originally built for Seville's Ibero-American Expo at the 1929 World's Fair. The 540,000-square-foot plaza features a sprawling mosaic patio. Explore the historic Santa Cruz quarter and its magical maze of tapas, flamenco, and cafés.
Day 5SEVILLE–GRANADASplendid Spain Drive to Granada for today’s highlight, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks – the Alhambra Complex*, an Islamic architectural masterpiece. Visit the breathtaking complex with your Local Guide and discover what makes it so special. Later, enjoy some free time getting acquainted with this captivating city, shaped by its blend of cultural influences. (B)
199mi/320 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ARCHITECTURAL GEMS Granada’s Alhambra Complex stands as one of the largest ancient aristocratic sites of Western Muslim culture. Its leafy lanes and streams enhance the grand water gardens of Generalife, at the once summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid rulers.
Day 6GRANADA–VALENCIAViews of Valencia Enjoy a scenic drive past the mountains towards the coast and the vibrant city of Valencia. On arrival an orientation drive will get you acquainted with the city. Enjoy free time to explore the charming historic center, browse the stores, and perhaps try some of the local specialties, such as the horchata drink. (B,D)
360mi/580 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE Marvel at the architecture of La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (The City of Arts and Sciences) in Valencia. This gleaming, ultra-modern complex is the largest of its kind in Europe, with its strikingly futuristic design mirroring the surrounding water park, and a stunning symbol of the Spanish city, which houses a planetarium, an oceanarium, and an interactive museum.
Day 7VALENCIA–BARCELONAThe Boulevards of Barcelona Enjoy the changing panorama during a scenic drive along the coast past some of Spain’s most famous seaside resorts to Barcelona. Free time this afternoon and evening to get acquainted with this flamboyant city, its lively atmosphere, amazing architecture, and tasty local dishes. (B)
211mi/340 km
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Barcelona in the footsteps of Picasso through the historic heart of the old city. Indulge in the tradition and tastes of 2,000 years in the Gothic Quarter. Take in the charm and captivating history with a walk down the tree-lined avenue of La Rambla amid the terraces and street performers on Barcelona’s famous thoroughfare.
Day 8BARCELONAGaudi’s Masterpiece This morning, follow your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour to see the Columbus Monument, Plaza de Cataluña, and Passeig de Grcia. The highlight of the tour is a visit to the Sagrada Familia Basilica. Continue the tour with a drive to Montjuïc Hill for panoramic views of the city and harbor. This evening [LF] enjoy Sangria and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia stands in Barcelona as a monument to the Holy Family and a testament to the masterwork of Antoni Gaudi. Built on the reliance of donations since the first stone was laid more than 130 years ago, the iconic church remains an unfinished masterpiece and the world’s longest-running construction project—slated for completion in 2026 on the 100th anniversary of the architect’s death.
Day 9BARCELONASafe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)