In the medieval Gothic Quarter, visit the cathedral, the beautiful
Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar and the Picasso Museum. After a
tapas lunch, explore the Eixample district and see some of the works
of Gaud?.
Over the course of his career, Antoni Gaud? developed a
sensuous, curving, almost surreal design style that established him
as the innovative leader of the Spanish art nouveau movement.
Today you see the wave-like fa?ade of the Casa Mila and the
impressive but unfinished Sagrada Familia Basilica. Then enter
the Parc G?ell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and pass Gaud?'s
famous dragon fountain of multi-colored tiles. Traverse a walkway
supported by twisting rock pillars that seem to grow like tree trunks
out of the ground - another Gaud? masterpiece.
Hotel Casa Fuster B L
Days 1-2: USA or Canada/Barcelona, Spain
Take the new AVE high-speed train to Madrid; then see some of the
city's highlights. Explore the Prado Museum, housing one of the
most remarkable collections of European art in the world, including
many of the supreme works acquired by Spanish monarchs. View
works by Spain's great masters Goya, Vel?zquez and El Greco,
as well as masterpieces by Bosch, Titian, Rubens, Rembrandt,
Botticelli and Carvaggio.
Westin Palace Hotel B L
Day 3: Barcelona
Visit the lavish Royal Palace before you explore the Reina Sof?a
Modern Art Museum, one of the largest contemporary art
museums in the world. Its permanent collection consists almost
exclusively of works by 20th-century Spanish artists, including Mir?
and Picasso. The museum's most famous masterpiece is Picasso's Guernica. The rest of the day is at leisure, or you may join an optional afternoon sightseeing excursion to Toledo. Tonight, enjoy a typical tapas evening in the grand Plaza Mayor.
Westin Palace Hotel B D
Day 4: Barcelona/Madrid
Board the AVE high-speed train for C?rdoba where a walk through
this medieval city takes you to the magnificent Mezquita, a massive
Moorish mosque that was built between the 8th and 10th centuries.
Observe the Mezquita's colorful arches, marble pillars and a soaring
ceiling that are carefully balanced with detailed wall decorations.
After lunch, continue by coach to Granada and check in to your
hotel, where you dine ? la carte.
AC Palacio de Santa Paula B L D
Day 5: Madrid/Toledo/Madrid
This morning visit the magical palace of the Alhambra, the "red
fortress" and palace complex of the Muslim monarchs of Granada.
The intricate engravings on its interior walls resemble beautiful lace
work. Moorish poets called the Alhambra "a pearl set in emeralds"
because of the color of the buildings and the backdrop of verdant
forest and mountains. Then wander through the beautiful Moorish
gardens of the Generalife Palace. After lunch the afternoon is at
leisure.
AC Palacio de Santa Paula B L
Day 6: Madrid/C?rdoba/Granada
Drive to the picturesque town of Ronda for a visit to the famous
Plaza de Toros, the oldest bullring in Spain. After lunch at leisure,
continue to Seville and your centrally located hotel for dinner.
Hotel Alfonso XIII B D
Day 7: Granada
After a leisurely start this morning, drive to Jerez de la Frontera,
the sherry capital, for a private visit to a prestigious small bodega
for an introduction to the process of sherry making. Then watch
a performance of the famous "dancing stallions" of the Royal
Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. Tonight gather for a flamenco
performance, followed by a farewell dinner.
Hotel Alfonso XIII B L D
Day 8: Granada/Ronda/Seville
Seville is the regional capital of Andalusia and one of Spain's most
romantic cities, bearing traces of 500 years of Moorish occupation.
It was home to the legendary Don Juan and Carmen and is the final
resting place of Christopher Columbus and St. Ferdinand. Wander
the picturesque, narrow streets of the Santa Cruz Quarter and visit
the magnificent 14th-century Alcazar and cathedral. Gather for
farewell drinks at the hotel this evening.
Hotel Alfonso XIII B L
Day 9: Seville/Jerez de la Frontera/Seville
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board a homebound
flight.
B
Day 10: Seville
Day 11: Seville/USA or Canada