CHARMING SPAIN
Itinerary:
Day 1, Saturday: En route
Depart your home city, possibly via connection, on an overnight trans-Atlantic flight.
Day 2, Sunday: MADRID
Arrival at Madrid airport. After clearing simple immigration and customs formalities, you will be transferred to your First Class hotel. It is suggested you take advantage of the free time to get to know one of Europe's most dynamic capital cities. In the early evening, enjoy an “Illuminated Madrid” drive through the bustling streets of the old city, ending at the historical and impressive Plaza Mayor. This area is home to some of the most typical restaurants and taverns, which serve the delicious "tapas". PREMIUM PACKAGE includes a Tapas Dinner tonight. Return to your hotel at your own convenience. Accommodations.
Day 3, Monday: MADRID
Buffet breakfast. This morning's escorted sightseeing tour will allow you to get a glimpse of some of Madrid's most outstanding attractions, like the Puerta del Sol, the magnificent fountains of Neptune and Cibeles, the stately Alcala Gate, the busy Gran Via, the Plaza de España and the Plaza de Oriente. Free time for lunch on your own. PREMIUM PACKAGE includes a Lunch today. Highly recommended this afternoon, is an optional tour to the Imperial former capital city of Toledo, where you will be escorted through its narrow cobblestone streets, soaking up the medieval atmosphere. Touring will include the interior of the magnificent Gothic cathedral and a visit to St. Tome Church, where El Greco's masterpiece painting is displayed. There will also be some time for shopping for the unique typical local artisanry. PREMIUM PACKAGE includes the Tour to Toledo. Return to Madrid for accommodations.
Day 4, Tuesday: MADRID-MERIDA-SEVILLE
Buffet breakfast. Departure through the once-remote region of Extremadura, home to many of the “conquistadors”. Arrival in ancient Merida. Free time for lunch. (Lunch is included in PREMIUM PACKAGE.) In the afternoon, visit the impressive Roman amphitheatre archeological site before continuing to Seville. Accommodations.
Day 5, Wednesday: SEVILLE
Buffet breakfast. This morning's marvelous tour will explore this gracious and charming city, Spain's third largest. See the Tower of Gold, the tranquil and extensive Maria Luisa Park, the quaint Santa Cruz Quarter, and finally the huge cathedral (one of the world's largest) with its Giralda Tower (a former minaret). Free time for lunch on your own. (Lunch is included in PREMIUN PACKAGE) The afternoon is free to continue to explore or shop. This evening an optional Flamenco Show is suggested, with the enjoyment of local wine. PREMIUM PACKAGE includes Flamenco Show and drink. Accommodations.
Day 6, Thursday: SEVILLE-CORDOBA-GRANADA
Buffet breakfast. Depart to Cordoba. Visit one of the world’s marvels, the former Great Mosque (now a cathedral). Free time for lunch on your own. Continue to Granada, passing thousands of acres of olive groves. PREMIUM PACKAGE includes dinner tonight. This evening, an excellent suggestion would be to visit (optional) the quaint and typical Albaicin quarter, where Andalusian customs, music and wine join to create an enchanting atmosphere. (PREMIUM PACKAGE includes this visit).
Day 7, Friday: GRANADA-VALENCIA
Buffet breakfast. This morning, enjoy an escorted tour of the magnificent Alhambra and the verdant Gardens of the Generalife. At mid-day departure to the east cost of Spain arriving to Valencia for accommodations.
Day 8, Saturday: VALENCIA - BARCELONA
Buffet breakfast and morning city tour of the city and the new area of Museums. In the early afternoon continuation north to Barcelona, one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities. In the evening, it is suggested to dine at the Pueblo Español, featuring architectural replicas from all of Spain’s regions. PREMIUM PACKAGE includes dinner tonight. Accommodations.
Day 9, Sunday: BARCELONA
Buffet breakfast. This morning enjoy an escorted tour of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. See the ancient Gothic Quarter with its magnificent cathedral. Stop to admire the exterior of Gaudi’s masterwork, the Basilica of the Sacred Family (Sagrada Familia). Continue to Montjuich Hill (site of the Olympic Stadium), to enjoy a spectacular view of Barcelona and its port area. Free time for lunch, perhaps in the Olympic Port area. Lunch is included today in PREMIUM PACKAGE. Afternoon free. Accommodations.
Day 10, Monday: BARCELONA-USA
Buffet breakfast. Transfer to the Airport.
