ITINERARY DETAILS
DAY 1
Barcelona
Welcome to Spain, a country filled with Moorish palaces, Gothic cathedrals, Roman Aqueducts, modern artwork, delicious food and wine, fertile planes, crystal clear seas and soaring mountains. Upon arrival at the Barcelona airport, a representative will be waiting to transfer you to your luxury hotel. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, exploring the unique blend of traditional and modern architecture or discovering the delicious local cuisine. Ask your travel consultant for recommendations of their favorite restaurants, cafes and bars.
DAY 2
Barcelona – Barcelona Modernism Walking Tour
Discover the Quadrat d'or on your private guided tour through the Eixample district. This exceptional area was once the focus of Barcelona's Modernism, Art Nouveau style, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Take a leisurely stroll through this beautiful neighborhood, admiring the Catalan Modernism style buildings by architects, such as Antonio Gaudi, Domenech i Montaner, and Puig i Cadafalch. The highlights of the tour include visits to the Martí, the Palacio de la Musica, Gaudi's world famous Sagrada Familia, and to modernism houses including the Casa Batllo, La Pedrera, Casa Lleo i Morera, and Casa Terrades.
OPTIONAL: Enrich your stay in Barcelona with a cooking class or a tapas tasting tour with local food experts
DAY 3
Barcelona - Montserrat half-day Tour
Your tour will start with a scenic drive through picturesque villages before arriving at the incomparable setting of the mountain of Montserrat, which rises majestically to 4,051 feet (1,235 meters). During this excursion, you will have the chance to visit the Royal Basilica of Montserrat, which holds the famous 12th-century Romanesque carving of Virgen Moreneta, the Black Virgin. The Royal Basilica has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain for hundreds of years. As it is of course a site of religious importance guests are advised to be dressed appropriately. At the end of your tour, you will have free time at your disposal to continue exploring at your own pace.
DAY 4
Barcelona, Madrid
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the train station and take a high-speed train to Madrid. Upon arrival, a representative will be waiting to transfer you to your luxury hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
DAY 5
Madrid – Madrid Old Quarter and Royal Palace Walking Tour
Marvel through the rich history of Madrid during your private walking tour of the city's historic center and the Royal Palace. Your licensed English-speaking guide will meet you at your hotel, before setting off through the historic streets, discovering the old quarter, the Barrio de la Moreria, and learning about the city's Moorish roots. Continue to the Renaissance and Baroque buildings of the Habsburg era, in Calle Mayor, the Plaza Mayor, and the Plaza de la Villa. At the end of your walking tour through the old quarter, make sure to visit the impressive Royal Palace, the former residence of the Spanish Kings. The palace is adorned with the royal family's exquisite collection of tapestries, porcelain, antique clocks, armor and artworks. Admire priceless paintings by Goya and Velazquez, as well as the official Reception Hall, the Royal Chapel, Hall of the Throne, and the private room of King Carlos III and Queen Isabel II.
DAY 6
Madrid - Toledo half-day
Today you will explore this monumental city, the first capital of the Spanish Empire. Discover the impressive Cathedral, the old Palace of Justice, the Town Hall, the old Jewish quarter, and much more. You will be overwhelmed by the spectacular views of the city over the Tagus River and start with a nice walk-through of Toledo with your expert local guide continuing through the old Jewish quarter, with its narrow streets. Toledo has been the cradle of steel workshops for centuries, not only in Spain and you will be able to witness local craftsmen working steel to transform it into impressive swords, and helmets. Revel in the beauty of the Cathedral of Toledo which is considered the best expression of Gothic art in Spain. The Church of San Tomé houses El Greco's famous painting "The Burial of the Count Orgaz", the masterpiece of the Greek genius who settled in Toledo. Along with other memorable treasures of this city, you will also explore the old Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca, considered a symbol of the coexistence of the three cultures in Toledo.
DAY 7
Madrid, Seville
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Madrid rail station for your train to Seville. Upon arrival, a representative will be waiting to transfer you to your luxury hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day soaking up the beautiful architecture and unique culture of Andalusia.
DAY 8
Seville Walking Tour
Today's tour will take you through the beautiful streets of Seville's unique city center. Together with your English-Speaking guide discover the Barrio Santa Cruz, the Cathedral of Seville and La Giralda, a symbol of the city that unites the Islamic past to the Christian cathedral. You can optionally enrich your tour with a romantic horse and carriage ride through the city's colorful streets.
DAY 9
Seville - Cordoba full-day Tour
This inspiring private walking tour with your expert local guide will take you to explore Cordoba, a city with impressive cultural and monumental patrimony. Not many places in the world can say they have been the capital of Hispania Ulterior (Further Spain) under the Roman Empire and the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate. The UNESCO organization recognized the universal importance of Cordoba's historic legacy and extended the title of World Heritage Site not only to the Mosque-Cathedral but also to all the streets and buildings surrounding it. The structure of this Mosque-Cathedral is regarded as one of the most accomplished monuments of Moorish architecture. It was originally a church built by the Visigoths and it has been a witness and victim of historical fights between Muslims and Christians since 711 when the Muslims first conquered Spain.
DAY 10
Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Seville Airport, to catch your departure flight.
