Spain 2018

Day 1 -Madrid:

Upon arrival to Madrid Airport, you are met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel in the city center. The remainder of the day is at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a welcome drink, where you will have a chance to meet everyone on the trip including our tour guide. We will follow-up as a group with dinner at our hotel. Overnight at H10 Villa de la Reina in Madrid.

Day 2 – Madrid – City Tour, Prado Museum & Las Ventas Bullring:

After breakfast at your hotel, experience a guided city tour of Madrid's main avenues, squares and fountains, followed by a visit to the Prado Museum, which contains one of the world's most important art collections. Then get inside Madrid's most famous bullfighting stadium, Las Ventas Bullring and learn about the traditions and culture of bullfighting as you see key stadium sites including the network of alleyways lining the main ring and the stands where audiences yell and cheer. The afternoon is at leisure. Overnight at H10 Villa de la Reina in Madrid.

Day 3- Madrid - Toledo - Madrid:

After breakfast at our hotel, head to Toledo. The beautiful imperial city-museum of Toledo "World Heritage City" is located 70km away from Madrid. It is one of the oldest towns in Europe, called "city of the three cultures", since Christians, Muslims and Jews lived together. Visit the Cathedral; Church of St. Tomé with "El Entierro del señor de Orgaz", masterpiece of El Greco; and Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca. Overnight at your hotel in Madrid.

Day 4 - Madrid - AM Tapas Tour:

Today immerse yourself in Madrid's rich culinary culture with this Tapas tour. Start with a visit to one of the best-known markets in the city center and four stops at authentic local bars and restaurants where you will flavor several tapas with wine or other drinks. Get a quick, yet authentic insight into Spanish culture, history, and gastronomic tradition on this walking tour. Afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a quintessential Madrid experience with a live flamenco show in the heart of the city. Head to an authentic Flamenco venue, and start the night off with a traditional 3-course dinner of regional cuisine. Settle back in your seat as professional dancers and musicians take the stage for a live, passionate performance of the uniquely Spanish art form. Overnight at H10 Villa de la Reina in Madrid.

Day 5 - Madrid - Barcelona:

After breakfast at your hotel, you are transferred to the train station to board your high speed train to Barcelona. Upon arrival to Barcelona, you are met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a nice welcome dinner at your hotel. Overnight at your hotel in Barcelona.

Day 6 – Barcelona – Half-Day City Tour

After breakfast at your hotel, experience a guided tour inside of the Church of the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's unfinished masterwork and an emblem of the city. On the way back to your hotel, you will pass by the famous Gaudi Apartments along Passeig de Gracia, Barcelona's most affluent avenue.

Day 7 - Barcelona – Half-Day Montserrat and Cava Tasting:

After breakfast at your hotel, make a pilgrimage to the mystical mountaintop retreat of Montserrat during this 5-hour excursion from Barcelona with your group. Explore this nearly 1,000-year old Benedictine Monastery complex set high above Catalonia. See the famous `Black Madonna' icon and visit legendary `Holy Cave' where the virgin is said to have once appeared. On your way back to Barcelona, stop at Caves Freixenet, where you'll spend some time learning about, and tasting, cava. Discover the process behind cava production and then enjoy a cava tasting.

Day 8 - Barcelona - PM. Panoramic Tour:

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a morning at leisure. In the afternoon, get acquainted with the Gothic grandeur of Barcelona on a walking tour through the spectacular Gothic Quarter of the city. Delve into the fascinating 2,000 year-old history of the area, gazing at dramatic landmarks like Barcelona Cathedral and Santa Maria del Mar as you explore. Stroll along the iconic La Rambla boulevard and allow yourself to be seduced by the vibrant charm of Barcelona on this enriching tour. Then you will be transferred to a local restaurant "Can Cortada" or similar for a savory 3 course dinner (including wine). Overnight at your hotel in Barcelona.

Day 9 – Return Back Home

Today we will return to the USA with warm memories of Spanish culture and traditions. After breakfast, we will travel to the airport to take our flight back home.