| Journey through Spain |
|
|
|
|
From the festive city squares of Madrid to the Sierra Nevada foothills and the Mediterranean coastline, this 14-day journey through Spain showcases a landscape as intricate and varied as its history and people. With days to explore each city, immerse yourself in the unique culture and traditions of each region, asserting its individuality through art, architecture, language, music and cuisine.
|
|
|
Madrid
Day 1 Begin your trip with an overnight flight to Madrid.
Day 2 A Go Ahead representative greets you at Madrid’s airport and then escorts you to your hotel. Meet the rest of your group at this evening’s included dinner. (B in flight, D)
Day 3 On your guided tour of Madrid, view the collection of Spanish art at the Prado museum and tour the 2,800-room interior of the Royal Palace. For a delectable Castillian meal, opt for our Traditional Spanish Evening. (B)
Day 4 Enjoy a free day in Madrid. Relax in one of Plaza Mayor’s many cafés or visit the Parque del Buen Retiro, featuring an Egyptian fountain at its center. Or join an optional excursion to the former Spanish capital of Toledo. (B)
Seville
Day 5 Travel via high-speed AVE train to
Córdoba. Upon arrival, you’ll have a guided tour and visit the 8th-century Mezquita, a fascinating blend of Christian and Moorish architecture. Explore Córdoba on your own this afternoon or take part in an optional tapas cooking class. Continue on to sunny Seville. (B, D)
Day 6 Visit Seville’s massive cathedral and the dazzling Alcázar, an excellent example of mudéjar architecture, during today’s guided tour. The afternoon is free to discover Seville on your own. Tonight, enjoy a night of dinner and dance at our optional Flamenco Evening. (B)
Costa Del Sol
Day 7 Tour the sherry-producing vineyards of Jerez de la Frontera, followed by a tasting at a local bodega. Then view the olive groves typical of Andalusia as you head south to the Costa del Sol, Spain’s resort region. (B, D)
Day 8 Explore the unique British colony of Gibraltar during a guided excursion to the very tip of the Iberian Peninsula. Known for its namesake limestone rock and famed as one of two Pillars of Hercules in Greco-Roman times, this gateway to Northern Africa is an exotic mix of British, Spanish and African influences. (B)
Granada
Day 9 Transfer to Granada, the last bastion of Moorish rule in Spain, and tour the opulent Alhambra, the hilltop fortress palace of Spain’s last Muslim rulers. Washington Irving collected local legends while living nearby. (B, D)
Valencia
Day 10 On the way to Valencia, stop in the district of Guadix, the Andalusian town where many of the residents live in underground caves. Continue on to Valencia, known for its orange groves and annual Fallas celebration, a fiesta of bonfires, music and fireworks. (B)
Day 11 On today’s guided tour of Valencia, travel along the city’s boulevards and past its bell towers to the cathedral, where you can view the chalice said to be the Holy Grail. Then continue on to Alonja and the Fallas Museum. This afternoon, join an optional excursion to the new City of the Arts and Sciences, a cultural complex of museums and futuristic buildings. (B, D)
Barcelona
Day 12 Travel north to Barcelona, stopping in the historical seaport of Tarragona. The city boasts an impressive array of Roman ruins, beautiful beaches and delicious cuisine (including the rich romesco sauce). (B, D)
Day 13 View the many highlights of Barcelona as you tour the city with an expert guide. View the Columbus Monument, the Barrio Gótico and Montjuïc Hill. You’ll see La Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s famous landmark. Then explore more of Gaudí’s work during visits to the Parque Güell and La Pedrera. This afternoon, join our optional excursion to Montserrat. (B)
Day 14 Board your flight home or remain in Barcelona for our two-night tour extension. (B)
Extend your stay
Barcelona
Day 14 With a full free day in Barcelona, you might shop along Plaza Catalunya, stroll through the Gothic quarter or view the exhibits at the Picasso Museum. Or join an optional excursion to see the Surrealist works of Salvador Dalí at the Dalí Museum in Figueres. (B)
Day 15 Spend another day enjoying the many pleasures of Barcelona. You might wish to browse in the Pueblo Español, a village re-creation built for the 1929 World’s Fair. (B)
Day 16 Transfer to Barcelona’s airport, where you’ll board your flight home. (B) |
|
|
Round-trip transatlantic air transportation with a major airline, airport transfers and escorts
The services of a bilingual Go Ahead Tour Director
A licensed local city guide in Madrid, Córdoba, Seville, Gibraltar, Granada, Valencia and Barcelona
12 nights accommodation in comfortable, well-located hotels with twin beds and private bath or shower
All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling and local taxes
Buffet breakfast (B) daily; 6 three-course dinners (D)
Private deluxe motorcoach featuring reclining seats, air conditioning and restroom
High-speed AVE transfer from Seville to Cordoba, including porterage
Guided sightseeing and entrance fees to select sights as described
Go Ahead travel bag and membership in our World Traveler Club, which includes credit toward your next tour |
|
|
|
| Daily Departures from 1/1/2009 to 12/31/2010 |
|
|
Destination Information
Itinerary
Items Included
Departure Dates
|
|
|
|
