Highlights Of Spain

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board a homebound flight. B