Welcome to Madrid! At 6:00 p.m., meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Includes meal(s): Dinner
Masterpieces in Madrid This morning, discover the city's historic grandeur as you travel along the boulevards. Admire elegant buildings and views of legendary landmarks, including the Plaza de España monument to Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote. Visit the world-famous Prado Museum for further glimpses into Spanish culture and history through its art collection. Enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure to explore more of this captivating city. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
The Prado Museum houses one of the world’s largest art collections, including its amazing assortment of masterpieces by historic artists like Velásquez, Goya, and El Greco. The famous museum also displays the works of renowned European masters, including Rubens and Rembrandt, along with a stunning collection of Greco-Roman statues
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Treasures of Cordoba Enjoy a scenic drive south into the region of Andalusia. This afternoon, visit the magnificent city of Cordoba and follow your Local Guide on a walking tour to see the Jewish Quarter, the Roman Bridge, and the remains of the Alcazar. The tour highlight is a visit to the Mosque of the Caliphs, one of the Twelve Treasures of Spain. Enjoy some free time to browse the narrow streets before continuing to the vibrant city of Seville. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
The Mosque of Córdoba (Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba in Spanish) today is a Catholic cathedral but was originally a mosque built for Muslim prayer by Abd al-Rahman I in the 8th century. The mosque’s architecture is rich in dazzling detail, with over 800 granite and marble pillars supporting its beautiful brick and stone arches, a major focal point of the mosque, along with the soaring bell tower, the tallest structure in the city
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Spend Your Day Your Way in Seville This morning, discover what makes Seville so special. Start with a visit to the Plaza de España, one of the city’s most famous landmarks, then explore more of Seville with your choice of an included Globus Choice excursion.
Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to discover more of Seville. (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Splendid Spain Drive to Granada for today’s highlight, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks – the Alhambra Complex*, an Islamic architectural masterpiece. Visit the breathtaking complex with your Local Guide and discover what makes it so special. Later, enjoy some free time getting acquainted with this captivating city, shaped by its blend of cultural influences. (B)
*Alhambra complex: Entrance to Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Granada’s Alhambra Complex stands as one of the largest ancient aristocratic sites of Western Muslim culture. Its leafy lanes and streams enhance the grand water gardens of Generalife, once the summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid rulers
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Spanish Specialties Enjoy a scenic drive past the mountains towards the coast and the vibrant city of Valencia. Meet your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour that features a panoramic drive to see the Torres de Serranos and Plaza de Toros, a photo stop at the City of Arts and Sciences, plus a walking tour of Old Valencia. Visit a Horchateria to try the traditional Valencian horchata drink. This evening, get a real taste for Valencia with [LF] a mouthwatering traditional paella dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
Enjoy an authentic Spanish paella dinner in Valencia. Traditional paella Valenciana is made with chicken and sweet paprika and golden saffron in a slow-simmered broth for a sumptuous, heart-warming hallmark of traditional Spanish cuisine
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
The Boulevards of Barcelona Enjoy the changing panorama during a scenic drive along the coast past some of Spain’s most famous seaside resorts to Barcelona. Free time this afternoon and evening to get acquainted with this flamboyant city, its lively atmosphere, amazing architecture, and tasty local dishes. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
Explore more of Barcelona in the footsteps of Picasso through the historic heart of the old city. Indulge in the tradition and tastes of 2,000 years in the Gothic Quarter. Take in the charm and captivating history with a walk down the tree-lined avenue of La Rambla amid the terraces and street performers on Barcelona’s famous thoroughfare
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Adiós, Barcelona! This morning, follow your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour to see the Columbus Monument, Plaza de Cataluña, and Passeig de Gràcia. The highlight of the tour is a visit to the Sagrada Familia Basilica. Continue the tour with a drive to Montjuïc Hill for panoramic views of the city and harbor. This evening, [LF] enjoy sangria and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
Say farewell to Spain with sangria and culinary specialties at a local city center restaurant. Often considered the signature drink of Spain and taking its name from its “blood-red color,” sangria’s origins are thought to go back to Roman times, when it was simply wine added to water. Since then, the recipe has been revisited many times and there are many delicious local variations. Tonight, lift your glass for a toast to your Best of Spain tour
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
