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Splendors of Spain
Barcelona, Valencia, Granada, Seville, Madrid
Tour 6890 – 11 days at $1,655
Itinerary
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DAY 1 – Barcelona.
Arrive Barcelona, Spain’s second–largest city and the host of the Olympic Games in 1992.At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and have a welcome dinner. (Indian Dinner)
DAY 2 – Barcelona.
This morning’s sightseeing with a Local Guide will include a drive around Montjuïc to see the Olympic Stadium and a great panoramic view of the port and city. The drive continues to the city center to Plaza Catalunya and Paseo De Gracia to admire the greatness and eccentricity of Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces in the Houses of Batlló and Mila and the Sagrada Familia (entrance fees not included). (B, Continental Dinner)
DAY 3 – Barcelona–Valencia.
Along the coast to Valencia, once a royal capital. Valencia is known mainly for its wonderful climate and the quality of its light. Enjoy a drive along wide avenues lined with fig and palm trees and along the old quarter’s narrow streets with its fine gothic houses and typical patios. Time to do some shopping or more personal sightseeing and, of course, the option of joining an excursion. (B, Continental Dinner)
DAY 4 – Valencia–Granada.
West towards the mountains. Pass Troglodyte Cave Dwellings hollowed out of the soft tufa stone near Guadix and Purullena, and over the Mora Pass on your way to the splendors of Granada. (B, Indian Dinner)
DAY 5 – Granada–Costa del Sol.
Granada was the Arabs’ most treasured city; they still mourn its loss in their prayers. Take advantage of the included visit of ALHAMBRA with a Local Guide. You’ll treasure the memory of its architectural beauty, and magnificent gardens of Generalife and the Summer Palace. This afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive along the Costa del Sol via Malaga to your hotel. (B, Continental Dinner)
DAY 6 – At Leisure on the Costa del Sol.
Enjoy a free day at your beachfront hotel. You may wish to join a full day optional excursion to Mijas, a typical Andalusian market town with some enchanting views of the coast from its upper terraces. Or just relax in the morning and go in the afternoon for a pleasant drive along the Mediterranean coast. (B, Indian Dinner)
DAY 7– Costa del Sol–Seville.
Head to the JEREZ region for a sherry tasting stop. And drive through the sunny sherry wine region to vibrant, festive Seville. (B, Indian Dinner)
DAY 8 – Seville.
Morning enjoy the sightseeing of Seville including the main highlights of this vibrant city – sightseeing includes Torre del Oro, the riverside, the famous Maria Luisa Park with a picture stop at Plaza de Espana. Also, go on to the Old Tobacco Factory. Get off coach at Jardines de Murillo, and go on foot through the Santa Cruz Quarter (the old Jewish section) to the Cathedral. From Puerta de Jerez return to the hotel by coach via the Bullring, the Macarena City Walls and reach the hotel. Afternoon at leisure. For a truly Andalusian night out, reserve a seat at our optional flamenco show. (B, Continental Dinner)
DAY 9 – Seville–Cordoba–Madrid.
Drive north towards Carmona, an Old World country town dominated by an ancient Alcazar, to Cordoba. This is Spain’s most Moorish city with its great MOSQUE, which is rightly known as one of Islam’s greatest pieces of architecture outside the Arab world and now a Catholic cathedral since 1236. Later, into the very heart of La Mancha, famed for its castles and windmills. Overnight in Madrid. (B, Indian Dinner)
DAY 10 – Madrid.
Of the Spanish capital, situated 2,180 feet above sea level, the Spaniards say it’s the nearest thing to heaven. You’ve only a day here and it’s certainly worth making the most of it by joining the included guided sightseeing excursion. Enjoy a panoramic drive by the way of Avenida Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Parliament Square and a picture stop outside the Royal Palace. Drive past the Cathedral, Mayor Street, Atocha Station, Prado Museum, Retiro Park, Alcala Gate, the Bullring and the stadium of one of the top football teams in the world – Real Madrid Stadium. Also, view Castellana Avenue, Columbus Square and the Cibeles Fountain and pass Gran Via St. and Plaza de Espana. Some photo stops enroute for you to savor some memories of this wonderful city. The optional trip to Toledo is rewarding in more ways than one; the splendid setting of this old walled city above the Tagus was made famous in El Greco’s painting, and even now it’s like a great open–air museum of Spanish history and art. (B, Continental Dinner)
DAY 11 – DEPART MADRID.
The vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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