Spanish Wonder

The lively capital of Spain is your launchpad to a memorable encounter with one of Europe's most soulful destinations. Relax in the lush surrounds of El Retiro Park, shop up a storm on Gran Vía or people-watch over coffee and churros with chocolate in the Puerta del Sol. This evening, join your fellow travelers and Travel Director for an orientation drive followed by dinner.

Head to Toledo, the former capital of Spain, where you will join a Local Specialist for a walking tour of this city that dates back to Roman times. You'll visit a traditional factory and Dive into Culture, witnessing the age-old inlaid-steel craft, before seeing one of El Greco's most famous paintings in the Church of Santo Tomé – 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz'. You'll also visit the synagogue, before returning to Madrid to admire the exterior of the Royal Palace and Cibeles Fountain with your Local Specialist. Spend the evening on your own, or delve into the sights and flavors of Spain's capital with an Optional Experience.

Journey through the plains of La Mancha, a region made famous by the tale of Don Quixote, and arrive in Córdoba. With a Local Specialist, visit the Mosque of the Caliphs, uncovering stories of cultural exchange and architectural legacy. Continue to Seville, where you’ll stay for the next two nights. Join your hosts at a local olive oil farm for a Be My Guest experience. Learn how olives are grown and pressed, hear about life in the countryside and sample some of the oils produced on site.

This morning, meet our Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Seville. View the symbolic Giralda Bell Tower, and see the Moorish-inspired Maria Luisa Park, with its tiled fountains, pavilions and ponds. Marvel at the ornate tomb of Christopher Columbus in the cathedral, then take a walk through the former Jewish Quarter. In the evening, consider an Optional Experience to see, hear and feel the mysterious and ineffable charm of a traditional flamenco show.

Multicultural Granada takes center stage today, as you visit the magnificent Alhambra in the company of a Local Specialist. An exquisite example of Moorish architecture, the Alhambra complex was built towards the end of Islamic rule in Spain. Wander through the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the royal Summer Palace, once linked to the other palaces by a covered walkway across the ravine.

This morning, journey via the Mora Pass to Guadix in the northern foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. You’ll see the whitewashed troglodyte dwellings lodged into the ochre-colored cliffs of the surrounding area, then travel to Valencia, where you’ll see the Bullring and admire the medieval architecture of the Quart and Serranos towers. Embrace the city's spirit of innovation and stop to view the City of Arts and Sciences, a large scale urban recreation center for culture and science. Enjoy organic horchata, the celebrated drink of Valencia, during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This evening, you will dine at your hotel.

Head north, along the coast through the Levant region, and stop at Peñíscola, the 'City in the Sea'. View the ancient castle of the 'Spanish Pope', built by the Knights Templar and used in the film, 'El Cid'. We then continue along the Costa Dorada to Barcelona with its whimsical Gaudi architecture. Join a Local Specialist to admire the exterior of the unfinished Sagrada Família, see the upscale boutiques and Gaudi creations on the Passeig de Gràcia, and pay tribute to Christopher Columbus at the monument that bears his name.

Today, you’ll soak up the charm of Barcelona. You could join a morning Optional Experience to Montserrat, where you’ll visit the mountaintop monastery and the shrine of the Black Madonna. Take the afternoon to stroll through the vibrant streets of El Born at your own pace and treat yourself to some delicious tapas. This evening, you’ll gather with your fellow travelers and Travel Director to enjoy a delightful dinner together.

Bid a fond adiós to Spain at the end of a memorable holiday.