Welcome to Madrid!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Masterpieces in Madrid
MADRID Guided sightseeing includes the Prado Museum and sights of the Cibeles Fountain and Calle Alcala. (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.
Treasures of Cordoba
CORDOBA Guided walking tour includes the Mosque of the Caliphs. Enjoy free time to browse before departing for Seville. (B,D) 354 mi / 570 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE The Mosque of Cordoba (Mezquita-Catedral de Cordoba in Spanish) today is a Catholic cathedral but was originally a mosque built for Muslim prayer by Abd ar-Rahman I in the 8th century. The mosque's architecture is rich in dazzling detail, with over 800 granite and marble pillars supporting its beautiful brick and stone arches - a major focal point in the mosque along with the soaring bell tower - the tallest structure in the city.
The Squares of Seville
SEVILLE Visit Plaza de Espana. Guided sightseeing includes Casa de Pilatos, and a walk through the Santa Cruz quarter. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Walk through Seville's picturesque Plaza de Espana, 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 cafes
Splendid Spain
GRANADA Guided walking tour includes the Alhambra complex and the Water Gardens of the Generalife. (B) 155 mi / 250 km
NOTE: Alhambra complex: Entrance to Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed
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.
Spanish Specialties
VALENCIA Guided walking tour includes a photo stop at the science complex and a traditional Horchata (drink made from tiger nuts) tasting. [LF] Enjoy a traditional Paella dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 311 mi / 500 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
LOCAL TASTES Enjoy an authentic Spanish paella dinner in Valencia. Traditional Paella Valenciana is made with chicken and sweet paprika and golden saffron in a slow simmered broth for a sumptuous, heart-warming hallmark of traditional Spanish cuisine.
The Boulevards of Barcelona
Scenic drive along the coast en route to Barcelona.
BARCELONA Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. (B) 211 mi / 340 km
FREE TIME TIPS
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.
Adios, Barcelona!
BARCELONA Guided sightseeing includes the Columbus Monument, Plaza de Cataluna, and panoramic view of the city and harbour from Montjuic Hill. Visit the Sagrada Familia Basilica. [LF] Enjoy Sangria and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
LOCAL TASTES Say farewell to Spain with Sangria and culinary specialties at a local city centre restaurant. Often considered the signature drink of Spain and taking its name from its ?blood red color?, Sangria?s origins are thought to go back to Roman times, when it was simply wine added to water. Since then, the recipe has been revisited many times and there are many delicious local variations. Tonight, lift your glass for a toast to your Best of Spain tour.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)