spanish_discovery

Day 1 Depart USA Overnight flight to Madrid. Day 2 Arrive Madrid On arrival you are met at Madrid airport and transferred to your hotel. After check-in you have the chance to unwind and relax before exploring this lively Spanish capital. This evening, we enjoy a welcome beverage with our Tour Director and fellow traveling companions. Hotel: AC Aravaca
Day 3 Madrid – Granada This morning we're off to the ancient capital of Castile, Toledo. Here our sightseeing tour visits the Synagogue, the church of Santo Tomé, a Toledo steel workshop plus views of the Cathedral. Next, our journey continues via the Spanish Meseta, towards the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the splendid Moorish city of Granada. Tonight, we enjoy an included dinner of local specialties while being serenaded. Hotel: Carmen
	Day 4 Granada – Costa del Sol (2) After breakfast our morning sightseeing tour takes us to visit the spectacular Alhambra Palace, former residence of the Moorish Kings. Then we drive towards the coast and the Costa del Sol where tonight, you may wish to enjoy a specialty fish dinner in Torremolinos. Hotel: Melia Costa del Sol (2 nights) Day 5 Costa del Sol free day A full day to relax on this sunny coast. Perhaps take a stroll along the promenade and afterwards you may wish to enjoy a jug of Sangria in a sidewalk café or have a delicious paella lunch in one of the restaurants. Later, perhaps take a trip to the village of old Mijas, where you can shop for local handicrafts and feast on delicious 'tapas'. This evening is at leisure, why not stroll along the promenade?
Day 6 Costa del Sol – Seville (2) Today starts with a scenic drive along the Costa del Sol, passing the exciting millionaires' resort of Marbella and on to La Linea. Later, we will cross to the Rock of Gibraltar where there's time for some duty-free shopping. Next we continue our drive through the Jerez countryside, finally reaching the Andalusian capital of Seville for two night. We dine at our hotel this evening. Hotel: Al Andalus (2 nights) Day 7 Seville sightseeing This morning after breakfast, we enjoy a drive through the tree-lined streets of Seville. Here our sightseeing tour highlights the Bell Tower and weather vane of the Giralda. We will also see the pools and fountains of the Maria Luisa Park as well as the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Free time in the afternoon to explore. This evening, why not try a little Spanish passion at a fiery Flamenco show?
Day 8 Seville – Cordoba – Madrid (2) We travel through the Valley of the Guadalquivir this morning to the city of Cordoba. Here our sightseeing tour features the Mosque of the Caliphs and the medieval synagogue. Then we continue across the plains of La Mancha to Puerto Lapice where, according to tradition, Don Quixote was dubbed Knight by one of the local innkeepers. Next, back to Madrid for two nights. Hotel: Orense (2 nights) Day 9 Madrid sightseeing Today's morning sightseeing tour takes us to the Puerta del Sol, Cibeles Fountain, Gran Via and the Cervantes Monument on the Plaza España. The highlight of our day is a guided visit to the world-famous Prado Art Gallery with its many masterpieces by Velazquez and Goya – among some of the great names in paintings by the Grand Masters of Spain. The remainder of your day is free to explore. You may wish to take a stroll in the Retiro Park, or take an excursion to the monastery-palace of Philip II at El Escorial. On your final evening, maybe celebrate with your fellow travelers and enjoy dinner in a typical 'meson'. Day 10 Madrid – USA It's 'hasta la vista' as we transfer to the airport for our return flight to America.