Day 1 – Departure

Depart New York this evening for Madrid, Spain.

Day 2 – Madrid

Welcome to Madrid. Upon arrival your tour representative will greet you. After checking in at the hotel and time to freshen up, meet with your Learning Through Travel guide for an orientation tour of the city. Begin with a walking tour of the Plaza Mayor; continue to the Royal Palace (outside view), the Puerta de Sol, and Plaza Espana to Cervantes, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, elegant Calle Alcala and Paseo de Castellana. Enjoy a welcome cocktail party and dinner this evening.

Day 3 - Madrid - Toledo

This morning visit the palatial Prado Museum. Designed by Juan de Villaneuva in 1785, it is an art museum since 1818 housing some of the important Spanish artist’s paintings. Included are works by Velasquez, Gya, Murillo, Ribera and Zubaran. This afternoon leave Madrid driving through La Mancha Country to Toledo, known as the city of the “three cultures”. Toledo is home to some of the most wonderful gothic architecture in Spain. Visit the Gothic Cathedral, 13th century synagogue of El Transito and the Church of Santo Tome to view El Greco’s masterpiece “The burial of Count Orgaz” followed by a tour of El Greco’s home and museum (if operational hours permit). Before you return to Madrid visit the Alcazar.

Day 4 – Madrid

Today is at your leisure or you can join an optional tour to Avila and Segovia. See the famous Roman Aqueduct built during the time of Emperor Augustus and the Gothic Cathedral. The Alcazar fortress built in the 13th century by King Alfonso XI used until the late 15th century by  the kings of Spain as a royal residence. The palace has two courtyards and Arab baths.  After lunch, visit the Palace of La Granja, former hunting palace of the Spanish Kings. Late this afternoon, you will have an opportunity to have a true “taste” of Spain.  Tapas cooking lesson has been arranged at the Culinary School of Madrid, where you have the opportunity to cook and take your favorite recipe back home.

Day 5 – Madrid - Barcelona

This morning take a short flight to Barcelona. After a Tapas lunch visit the Picasso Museum, located in the Palau Aguilar it houses the most important collection of Picasso’s early works from his student years. 

Day 6 – Barcelona

Begin your tour of Barcelona with a visit to Montjuich, Olympic area. Continue with a walking tour of the Gothic quarter, one of the oldest and most interesting parts of Barcelona. The square of Sant Jaume was the Forum at the time of Roman occupation, and there are many remains of old fortifications still to be seen, such as the portal of "Plaça Nova". The historic center of the Gothic Quarter is the Plaza del Rei, bounded by the Palau Reial Major, a 13th century building which houses the Saló del Tinell, home of the Catalan monarchs, and the gothic chapel of Santa Àgata (14th century). The Palau del Lloctinent, the Palau Clariana-Padellàs and the home of the Museum d'Història de la Ciutat complete the nucleus of buildings. Another focal point of the Gothic Quarter is the area around the Cathedral, with the Romanesque church of Santa Llúcia. Continue to the La Famila Sagrada designed by Antonio Gaudi. The unfinished church is a symbolic structure. The four towers represent the 12 Apostles and the dome crowning the apse is the symbol of the Virgin Mary. Continue to the World Heritage site of Casa Mila, also designed by Antonio Gaudi this is an abstract structure with a fantastic display of chimneys.  Before your return to the hotel visit Guell Park.

Day 7 - Barcelona

Today is at your leisure to explore the city or take an optional tour to Montserrat, a famous mountain, sanctuary, monastery and spiritual community. Along with Santiago de Compostela and Zaragoza, Montserrat ranks as one of the most important and famous pilgrimage sites in Spain. Here you find the black Madonna of Montserrat. The small wooden statue of La Moreneta (the Dark Maiden) is the soul of the town. It is said to have been created by St. Luke and brought to Montserrat by St. Peter in AD50. Centuries later it is believed to have been hidden from the Moors in the nearby Santa Cova (Holy Grotto).The monks at the monastery spend their time praying and welcoming pilgrims. In the evening you can join an optional farewell dinner at Asador De Aranda Restaurant. Situated in Tibidabo, it is a distinct example of two traditional cultures united around one table, where gastronomy is Castilian and atmosphere is Catalan. The building is declared a National Historic and Artistic Monument, and is an example of Catalan Modernist. Of course the cuisine is excellent!!!  

Day 8 – Barcelona - Madrid

Farewell to Spain as you transfer to the airport for your return. Arrive home, your hearts and minds filled with many happy memories of Spain!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• International Air New York/Madrid-Barcelona/Madrid/New York
  

• One way Air Madrid/Barcelona
  

• 3 nights accommodation in Madrid at a 4-star
  

• 3 nights accommodation in Barcelona at a 4-star hotel
  

• Full day tour of Madrid and Toledo
  

• Full day tour of Barcelona
  

• 6 Breakfasts, 2 Lunch, 1Dinner
  

• All sightseeing and transfers as per program by deluxe air conditioned motor coach
  

• English speaking guide in each city
  

NOT INCLUDED

• U.S. Departure Tax and Airport Security fees.
  

• Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, meals not included in program, soft drinks, coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages, mineral water, tips for drivers, guides, transfer personnel, optional tours, travel insurance, etc.
  

PLEASE NOTE ITINERARY SEQUENCE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.