The Best of Spain

Take off on a overnight flight to Madrid.

*Passengers who did not purchase flights will join the tour in Madrid on Day 2.

After a morning arrival in Madrid, Spain’s grand capital and cultural heart, you’ll be greeted at the airport and escorted to your hotel, where your Tour Director will lead a get-acquainted walk around the surrounding neighborhood. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure before meeting your Tour Director for a welcome cocktail, orientation and dinner.

Our morning features a guided tour of this splendid city. As we travel along the Gran Via, Madrid’s equivalent to New York City’s Broadway, we’ll marvel at the Opera district, Plaza de Colon, the monumental 18th-century Royal Palace (entrance included), Puerto del Sol Plaza and Plaza de España, Madrid’s main square, where we’ll see an imposing statue of Spain’s literary giant, Miguel de Cervantes. We’ll end at the enormous, impressive Prado Museum, which holds one of the world’s top collections, including masterpieces by El Greco, Velázquez and Goya. The balance of the day is at leisure. Consider taking a foodie walking tour of the city’s tapas scene (see optional tours). Or do what the Madrileños do. Take el paseo (stroll) to the delightful Retiro Park and then stop at one of Madrid’s excellent restaurants or tapas bars.

Today we leave the current capital and stop in Toledo, the former medieval capital. Set on a hilltop overlooking the Castilian Plains and Tagus River, Toledo is the setting for many of El Greco’s paintings. We’ll take a guided walk through Toledo’s atmospheric cobbled streets, stopping at Santo Tome Church, home of El Greco’s masterwork, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, as well as Santa Maria la Blanca. Formerly the Iben Shushan Synagogue, this 12th-century structure is considered the site of the oldest synagogue in Europe still standing and a symbol of the harmonious coexistence of the three cultures (Jewish, Christian and Muslim) living on the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages. This afternoon, we’ll journey south to Andalusia past the iconic windmills of La Mancha, the setting for the adventures of Cervantes’ legendary character, Don Quixote, to Cordoba, a former capital of Roman Spain and later Moorish Spain.

Cultural gem Cordoba hosts some of Spain’s most impressive monuments. It was also the birthplace of the great 12th-century Jewish philosopher Moshe Ben Maimon (Maimonides). On our guided tour, we’ll marvel at the Mezquita (Great Mosque) built in the 10th century during Cordoba’s glory days as the capital of Moorish Spain. The mosque was later converted to a cathedral, but the fine original architectural details are stunning. We’ll also view the reconstructed Roman Bridge, as well as the beautifully restored 14th-century synagogue that survived the expulsion of Spain’s Jews. We’ll then continue to Seville, the charming Moorish capital of Spain’s Andalusia Region. After our dinner together at a local restaurant, we suggest you catch a performance of the expressive dance form—flamenco! See optional excursions for details.  

On an included guided tour, we’ll discover the passions of the city that is the backdrop for the great operas Carmen and Don Giovanni. Highlights include the Seville Cathedral, the biggest Gothic cathedral in the world, and landmark Giralda Bell Tower, the remaining part of the mosque built by the Moors. Our tour winds through the narrow streets and plazas of the well-preserved Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish Quarter, where we’ll delight in the whitewashed buildings, quaint shops and colorful flowers. Later, we’ll drive to the Plaza de España, passing the elegant Maria Luisa Park. The rest of the day is spent as you wish, strolling boulevards lined with palm and orange trees or relaxing at an outdoor café.

This morning, we journey on to Granada, the former Moorish stronghold and site of the region’s crown jewel, the Alhambra. Sprawled over a hilltop overlooking the city, the awe-inspiring Alhambra is an impressive castle and fortress with its romantic Generalife gardens. We’ll have time to marvel at the views of the city below and snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains in the distance, as well as walk through the acclaimed gardens, beautifully designed with courtyards, waterfalls and secret smaller gardens.

You’re sure to be captivated by the rolling terrain and groves of olives, almonds, lemons and oranges on our way to the Mediterranean coast and Valencia, a city of great culture and beautiful gardens. On our afternoon guided tour, we’ll see architecture both ancient (Roman, Arabic and the gothic Cathedral) and modern—or should we say futuristic? Renowned architect Santiago Calatrava designed the City of Arts and Science, a “city within a city” that is an eye-popping sight, as well as a peek into what the future might look like.

The next leg of our Best of Spain journey hugs the coastline of Catalonia. We’ll stop at the base of the Prades Mountains to visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the majestic Monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet, one of the largest and most complete Cistercian abbeys in the world. Later, we’ll arrive in Barcelona and settle into our centrally located hotel.

The capital of Catalonia, Barcelona mixes medieval charm with avant-garde style. We’ll join a local expert for a fascinating tour that begins at the old harbor with a drive along Barcelona’s iconic boulevard, Las Ramblas. We’ll see the city’s lively heart, Plaza Catalunya, and picturesque Plaza de España before taking off on foot to explore the charming Gothic Quarter, Barcelona’s old city. Of course, a Barcelona tour isn’t complete without admiring buildings designed by the celebrated Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi. We’ll see one of his most famous works, the unfinished La Sagrada Familia Basilica, which has been under construction since 1882! The balance of the day is on your own to visit a museum or relax at an outdoor café. Ask your Tour Director for suggestions on where to dine tonight and what dishes to try. Why not paella?

Today you’ll have a full day to explore vibrant Barcelona on your own. You could return to the enchanting Gothic Quarter and soak up its magical atmosphere of cafes, street musicians and quaint shops. Seek out more of Gaudi’s masterpieces in the city center or stroll along Las Ramblas, stopping at the colorful Boqueria Market for freshly squeezed juice, a snack or more tapas! We’ll gather in the evening for a farewell dinner at a famous local restaurant.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the U.S. Your Best of Spain tour comes to an end as you land in the U.S. later today.

*The tour will end for passengers who did not purchase flights today, on Day 12, in Barcelona.