España Especial - The Best of Spain

Arrive at Barcelona airport where you are met by your tour leader and transferred to the hotel. Take some time to rest and freshen up before joining the group for a welcome reception in the hotel, followed by a marvelous welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, departure for the Sagrada Familia Basilica, one of the most famous masterpieces of Antoni Gaudi and a renowned Unesco World Heritage site. Continue for a city tour of the capital of Catalonia and with Gothic city centre and the famous Park Guell. Later this evening, enjoy a great dinner with music and wine, overlooking the Olympic Harbor.

Today the entire day in Barcelona is yours to enjoy as you desire.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE: Montserrat & The Black Madonna
€ 49 per person (payable to the tour director in €uros at the time of the tour)
Enjoy this exciting adventure to one of the most mysterious and magical places in Catalonia..the mountain of Montserrat is magnificent easily recognizable from far by its serrated roof, from which its name comes from. At 2,380 feet above sea level, the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat is situated in a stunning location, surrounded by an unforgettable natural landscape. First you will visit the basilica, where the Virgin Santa Maria of Montserrat, patron saint of Catalonia, is located. Next, you'll take a walking tour of the monastery surroundings. Enjoy the unparalleled views offered by this region, which was declared as a Natural Park in 1987. You will also discover the Holy Cave where the virgin is said to have appeared by Funicular .The site has, since then, become an authentic centre for pilgrimage and prayer. La Escolania de Montserrat; one of the oldest boys’ choirs in Europe has is seats in the monastery.

After breakfast we continue to follow the south coast of Spain to Valencia. On the way, stop to visit the medieval town of Peñiscola, with is white walled cottages. After some free time for lunch, we visit the city of Arts and Sciences - Valencia. Take an orientation drive and a walking tour of the city centre with the tour leader. This evening attend a cooking school to learn how to make the best paella. Of course, cooking lessons are not complete without tasting great wines.

Following breakfast, Granada is today's destination. The route follows the famous Costa Blanca (White Coast). Drive by Benidorm, which literally means "sleep well". After crossing the Sierra Nevada mountains, we reach Granada driving directly to the symbol of the city: The Alhambra, (in Arabic, Red Castle), located on the hill top of al-Sabika and the banks of Darro river, another UNESCO World Heritage site. This evening enjoy your included dinner at your hotel.

This morning feel free to enjoy Granada at leisure.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE: Granada : Albaicin & Royal Chapel: Where the Past Meets The Present
€ 39 per person (payable to the tour director in €uros at the time of the tour)
Take a leisurely walk with your Local Expert through the Albaicin neighbourhood,
The last bastion of Islam in Spain: explore the intriguing maze of narrow streets with whitewashed houses and patio gardens from bygone Moorish splendour.
After a photo stop at one ot the most famous views of the Alhambra Palace, visit the Royal Chapel housing the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella.

Depart Granada late morning for Seville, stopping on the way for lunch. After checking into the Seville hotel, attend a professional Flamenco show. Experience how Spaniards enjoy themselves, while delighting in refreshing aperitifs, sangria and tapas..."OLE". Dinner tonight is served in the hotel.

After breakfast meet with a local expert guide to discover the city of Seville. Visit the old Santa Cruz quarter with its little squares and fancy fountains. Tour the imposing Seville Cathedral, which holds the burial place of Christopher Columbus. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE: Seville Dinner with a Horse Carriage Ride : Feel Like the King of Spain!
€ 69 per person (payable to the tour director in €uros at the time of the tour)
Seville is Spain’s most majestic city an evening out is a must! Tonight we’ll enjoy an array of traditional Andalusian specialities, served in a local restaurant with wine beer & soft drink included. After a wonderful meal we’ll then finish with a magnificent horse & carriage ride through the old town of Seville which is especially magical in the evening.

After an early breakfast we head to the Moorish city of Cordoba for an included visit of the 8th century, "The Mezquita", an Islamic temple transformed into a Christian church, known today as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Through the lands of Don Quixote, la Mancha, we reach the capital of this mighty country, Madrid. This evening we discover Madrid by night including an informal walk through the historical center. Time on your own to enjoy typical madrilenes dishes like the tripe a la Madrilena or the delicious jamon serrano. On the way back to the hotel we view the famous lighted fountain "Fuente de Cibeles".

After breakfast, accompanied by an expert local guide, we tour Madrid and its many sights, including a visit to one of its famous museums, the Prado. Enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at leisure.

Today, the last day of our tour, is an entire free day to continue exploring Madrid.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE: Toledo: A "Must-See" Adventure!
€ 48 per person (payable to the tour director in €uros at the time of the tour).
Local Expert takes you to the unique city of Toledo, Spain’s Capital during the golden era, and where El Greco lived and worked. Walk through the narrow cobble streets where once Catholics, Muslim & Jews lived in harmony; admire the old city views along the Tagus gorge. Afterward visit a specialist workshop where artisan create authentic Damascene ware, an ancient art perfected by the Moors and passed down.

Tonight is our "last supper" in Spain. Celebrate the final night of this memorable and remarkable vacation with lots of food, wine, great music and definitely fun!

After breakfast transfer to Madrid airport for your onward journey.