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1 MADRID, SPAIN.
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to start exploring
lively Madrid. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers.
(D)
2 MADRID - ARANJUEZ - CUENCA - VALENCIA.
Start the day by driving to nearby Aranjuez in the Castilian Plain,
where you stop to visit the Royal Palace, originally built in the 14th
century. Although burned down both in 1727 and 1728, it was splendidly
rebuilt and became a favourite residence of Spanish royalty. Continue
travelling southeast to the magnificently located old town of Cuenca,
which stands high above the precipices of the Rivers Jucar and Huecar.
It is famous for its "hanging houses" that are suspended over the Huecar
ravine. Journey on to Valencia for two overnights. (B,D)
3 VALENCIA.
Valencia is known mainly for its wonderful climate and the quality of
its light. Enjoy a drive along wide avenues lined with fig and palm
trees and along the old quarter's narrow streets with its fine gothic
houses and typical patios. Time to do some shopping or more personal
sightseeing and, of course, the option of joining an excursion. (B)
4 VALENCIA - PENISCOLA - BARCELONA.
An interesting day starts with a drive north to the nearby Castellon for
a visit of its Peniscola Castle, built by the Knights Templar in the
14th century. The promontory on which the castle and town are located is
a fine reminder of medieval times. Continue your journey through orange
groves and seaside resorts past Tarragona to Catalonia's lively and
beautiful capital, Barcelona. (B)
5 BARCELONA.
This morning's sightseeing with a Local Guide will include a drive
around Montjuic to see the Olympic Stadium and a great panoramic view of
the port and city. The drive continues to the city centre to Plaza
Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire the greatness and eccentricity
of Gaudi's architectural masterpieces in the Houses Batllo and Mila and
the Sagrada Familia (entrance fees not included). (B,D)
6 BARCELONA - SARAGOSSA - PAMPLONA.
See more of Catalonia as you drive northwest to Saragossa on the banks
of the River Ebro. During your stop you'll have time to see the
Sanctuary of our Lady of the Pillar. Continue north through fertile
valleys and the Rioja wine-growing region to Basque Country and on to
the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Navarra, Pamplona, for an
overnight stay. (B)
7 PAMPLONA - BILBAO - BURGOS.
Start the morning by driving further into Basque Country for a visit to
the Sanctuary of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of
Jesus. Journey northwest to the port town of Bilbao. Time for an
optional visit to the spectacular Guggenheim Museum. Apart from its
amazing collection of modern paintings, the building itself, by Frank
Gehry, is considered one of the 20th century's great architectural
masterpieces. In the afternoon, travel south to Burgos. (B,D)
8 BURGOS - SEGOVIA - AVILA - SALAMANCA.
Today, head southwest into Castile. Enjoy some grand scenery as you
travel to the edge of the Sierra de Guadarrama, a green oasis in the
Castilian desert. Stop in Segovia, magnificently perched on a rock
formation at an altitude of 3,280 feet. The cathedral, the alcazar, and
the Roman aqueduct are some of its more famous sights. Next, drive west
to Avila for a short visit before continuing to Salamanca in time to
enjoy the extraordinary beauty of its Plaza Mayor. (B,D)
9 SALAMANCA - CACERES - SEVILLE.
Leave early this morning and cross the mighty Tagus River and the
Guadarrama. Stop in Caceres, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO
for its blend of Roman, Islamic, northern gothic, and Italian
Renaissance styles. Enjoy more Spanish landscapes before reaching
Seville, one of Spain's most colourful cities. (B,D)
10 SEVILLE.
A full day at leisure. Perhaps you'd like to spend this morning enjoying
an optional sightseeing tour including the main highlights of the
vibrant city. (B)
11 SEVILLE - JEREZ - RONDA - GRANADA.
A day to see the best of Andalusia. Head first into the Jerez region for
a sherry-tasting stop. Next, journey by way of the typically
white-painted villages to the town of Ronda, famous for the ravine that
literally cuts it in two and, of course, its bullfighting connections.
Overnight in Granada in the shadow of the mighty Sierra Nevada. (B,D)
12 GRANADA - CORDOBA.
Granada was the Arabs' most treasured city; they still mourn its loss in
their prayers. Learn more about it on the included visit with a Local
Guide. More grand scenery this afternoon as you travel to Cordoba on the
banks of the Guadalquivir River. (B,D)
13 CORDOBA - MADRID
This is perhaps Spain's most Moorish city with its great mosque, the
Mezquita, one of Islam's most important pieces of architecture outside
the Arab world. You'll enjoy the small, whitewashed houses, the winding
streets, and the colourful squares. Later, journey into the very heart
of La Mancha, famed for its castles and windmills. Reach Madrid in time
to enjoy a relaxed evening. (B)
14 MADRID.
This morning the optional trip to Toledo is most rewarding. The splendid
setting of this old walled city above the Tagus was made famous in El
Greco's painting, and even now it's like a great openair museum of
Spanish history and art. Later, join the included Madrid city
sightseeing. Not only because it's the capital of Spain but also because
it is situated 2,180 feet above sea level, the Spaniards say it's the
nearest thing to heaven. (B)
15 MADRID.
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |
