Spain
Day 1:
Arrive Madrid, on arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel, near Puerta Del Sol rest of the day free, overnight at the hotel.
Day 2:
After Breakfast, at 0900, we will begin with a city sightseeing tour of Madrid described on the program and will continue with the visit of the Royal Palace. Elegant squares such as Plaza de Oriente, Plaza de Espana, Parque del Oeste, Principe Pio, el Puente del Rey, ending at Segovia's Bridge - one of the best viewpoints of the Royal Palace and the Cathedral of Almudena. We will continue to Puerta de Toledo, Plaza de la Villa, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Las Cortes, Plaza de Neptuno, Atocha, Paseo del Prado, Puerta de Alcala, Alcala street, the Retiro's Park and Las Ventas Bullring. We will return to the city center through Plaza de Colon. And we will continue towards the new Madrid, with its modern buildings, the great avenue Paseo de la Castellana, until Plaza de Castilla and we'll go down towards Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Plaza de Cibeles, Gran Via and Plaza del Callao, to end at Plaza de Isabel II (in front of Royal Opera House) We will make convenient stops for walking and taking pictures at Plaza Mayor, Templo de Debod and Las Ventas Bullring, if the weather permits and always accompanied by our guide. Free drink by courtesy of our partnership Hard Rock Cafe. The Royal Palace was built in the XVIII century upon the ancient Baroque Italian style fortress of the Habsburg. It is one of the most beautiful and best preserved palaces in Europe. To date, the most stunning receptions of the Spanish Crown are celebrated here: audiences, dinner parties, signature of agreements and the traditional ceremony of presentation of Credential Letters from foreign ambassadors. Return back to your hotel.
In the Evening today take a train to Segovia, Segovia is a historic city northwest of Madrid, in central Spain's Castile and León region. Its centuries of settlement have resulted in a rich architectural legacy, including medieval walls, Romanesque churches, a former royal palace and a Gothic cathedral. Its iconic ancient Roman aqueduct has more than 160 arches, most in the original mortarless granite, and stands above Plaza Azoguejo in the heart of the city. Return back by train to Madrid, overnight in Madrid
Day 3:
After breakfast in the morning proceed to Toledo by train. Discover the "City of the Three Cultures" Located 70 km away from Madrid is Toledo, a beautiful city-museum declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is one of the oldest towns in Europe and has a great artistic beauty and buildings from almost all periods in history (Arabian, Gothic, Mudejar, Renaissance and Baroque style). Toledo is called the "City of the Three Cultures", since Christians, Muslims and Jews lived together. Outside view of the Cathedral; Church of St. Tome (see note) with El Entierro del se or de Orgaz, masterpiece of El Greco; Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca and tour through the jew quarter; Mosque of El Cristo de la Luz; demonstration of the famous technique of damascene (incrustation of precious metals in steel) and panoramic sightseeing of Toledo. Note: The Church of Santo Tome would be substituted by the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes. Return back to Madrid Mid afternoon, rest of the day free in Madrid. Overnight at Madrid
Day 4:
After Breakfast in the morning, depart to Cordoba, arrive Cordoba and deposit your luggage in the Locker room at a small charge. Then proceed on a Hop on Hop Off bus to the famous Mosque “ Mezquita” , which is now a cathedral.
After seeing the mosque and the other interesting sights in Cordoba, return back to the station, collect your bags and take a train to Sevilla.
Arrive Sevilla station, collect your rental Car and drive to your hotel.
Day 5:
Experience Seville today, see the architecture of the Seville cathedrals, the mosques, and the other sights, walk the cobbled streets. Have Spanish delicacies and ice cream. Explore small streets and flea markets, on your own
Day 6:
Morning depart from Seville to Malaga in your rental Car, approximate drive of about 2 ½ hrs. Arrive Malaga and check into your hotel
Venture out and see the sights of Malaga, the Castle, the beaches, the Alcazaba, the Palace and the parks.
Day 7:
Relax on the costa del sol, drive to the nearby quaint towns and villages, where there are numerous flea markets and artisan shops.
Day 8:
Mid Morning start driving to Granada, a drive of about 2hrs, arrive Granada and check into your hotel. In the early evening visit the old quarters of Sacromonte and Albaicin, also visit the jewish quarter and the student quarter. In the evening, take in a Flamenco performance in a traditional gypsy cottage, in a small cosy setting, with a few people only. Return back to your hotel. overnight at the Hotel.
Day 9:
Book a tour of the Alhambra and see the world heritage palace, with influences of Moorish Architecture. In the evening explore Granada on your own.
Day 10:
Depart from Granada to Alicante a drive of about 3 ¾ hrs. arrive Alicante and check into your hotel. There are numerous cafes and the night for dinner and walk on the beach is welcome at anytime.
Day 11:
Visit the Castle today, take the elevator to go up to the top and see the magnificent view of the ocean and of Alicante. Then walk down through the old town back to your hotel. Rest of the Day free. Overnight at the hotel
Day 12:
Depart today for Valencia, a drive of about 2 hrs. Valencia is the city of the Paella. Arrive Valencia and check into your hotel. Visit the old town, the central market, the city of arts and sciences and the city square. Return back to your hotel, overnight.
Day 13:
Drive to the Albufera national Park, take a cruise on the backwaters and swampland, return back and have a seafood lunch at one of the many cafes and restaurants. Before returning back to your hotel. Rest of the day free in Valencia.
Day 14:
Depart for Barcelona, a 4 hr drive or you could give up your rental car and take a ferry from Valencia to Barcelona. On arrival at Barcelona, if driving, give up your car rental and proceed to your hotel. If arriving by ferry, proceed to your hotel. Spend the evening at the Ramblas area. A very lively area. Overnight at the Hotel
Day 15:
Barcelona, the land of Gaudi and his masterpieces, visit the Sagrada Familia, the parc guell and different masterpieces of Gaudi. A good option would be to take a Hop on Hop Off bus pass and visit all the sights in Barcelona. Overnight at Barcelona
Day 16:
Take a trip by train to Montserrat, go to the monastery by funicular and spend a couple of hours there in the mountains, very scenic, and also indulge in a dash of shopping the local foods, arts and crafts in a small flea market there, return back to Barcelona. Overnight
Day 17:
Day free in Barcelona, evening transfer on your own to the airport for your flight Back.