Vida de España
View Location
Your adventure begins in the capital city of Madrid with sightseeing of the main attractions, a visit to the Prado Museum, and a dinner of traditional tapas. Stop in lively Toledo before arriving in Granada, home of the 13th-century Alhambra and the Water Gardens of the Generalife. Other highlights: picturesque Costa del Sol, inimitable Ronda, an electrifying flamenco show and Columbus’ tomb in Seville, a stop in Cordoba to visit the Mosque of the Caliphs, and Don Quixote’s La Mancha—excelente!
Day 1: DEPART USA
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2: Madrid
Arrive today in the Spanish capital. Meet your Program Director upon passing through customs and depart for a walking tour with a local guide featuring the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de España with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, elegant Calle Alcala, and Paseo de Castellana. This evening enjoy dinner at the HARD ROCK CAFÉ.
Day 3: Madrid
Today’s highlight is a visit to the palatial PRADO MUSEUM with its priceless art treasures. This evening enjoy a meal of traditional tapas.
Day 4: Madrid—Toledo —Granada
El Prado
Spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River, Toledo attracts more sightseers from all over the world than any other Spanish town. A Local Guide takes you to the Moorish bridge, an early SYNAGOGUE, the 13th-century gothic CATHEDRAL, and the Church of SANTO TOMÉ with one of El Greco’s most famous paintings. Also time to visit a DAMASCENE STEEL WORKSHOP before arriving in history steeped Granada.
Day 5: Granada —Costa del Sol
See the sights of Granada with a Local Guide and visit its main attraction, the ALHAMBRA COMPLEX. A fantasy of “lace in stone” surrounded by arabesque gardens and fountains, it affords superb views of the Old Quarter and Sacromonte, a mountain occupied by Gypsy cave dwellers. Also amble through the magnificent WATER GARDENS OF THE GENERALIFE royal summer residence. Then, turn towards the sea, away from the mountains, to lively Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol. This evening enjoy a seafood dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6: At Leisure on the Costa del Sol
Enjoy a free day at your beachfront hotel. Catch up on your postcards, enjoy the sandy beaches, browse through the trendy boutiques, and sample the many fancy restaurants. You may want to join an optional excursion to the Rock of Gibraltar, in British hands since 1704. This evening experience the Spanish dish of paella at a local restaurant.
Day 7: Costa del Sol—Ronda —Seville
Visit picturesque, historic Ronda, perched on a platform of the Sierra de Ronda and cut in two by a deep ravine, before reaching Seville, the vibrant capital of Andalusia. This afternoon visit the ALCÁZAR, the oldest royal residence in Europe still in use.
Day 8: Seville
During your sightseeing tour with a Local Guide hear about the city’s role in Roman times, its conquest by the Moors in 712 AD, and its contribution to the discovery of the New World. Admire Maria Luisa Park, the Golden Tower on the Guadalquivir River, and the university that used to be the tobacco factory of Carmen fame. Then, stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming SANTA CRUZ QUARTER, and visit the CATHEDRAL with Columbus’ tomb, the world’s largest gothic edifice. This evening enjoy an Andalusian Night by attending a flamenco show.
Day 9: Seville—Cordoba —Madrid
In the morning, enjoy a walking tour with a Local Guide in Cordoba. See the Alcazar, the Roman Bridge, and the medieval old Jewish quarter. Tour the magnificent 8th-century MOSQUE OF THE CALIPHS, famous for its 850 pillars of porphyry, marble, and jasper. Next, drive north from the fertile valley of the Guadalquivir River through the arid landscapes of Don Quixote’s La Mancha back to Madrid. This evening your Program Director hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate the success of your Spain experience.
Day 10: Depart for HOME
Your homebound flight arrives today.