“ Spain - Country of History, Art,
Museums and Architecture”

Included Features:
• Round-trip air (to Madrid and from Barcelona)
• Transfers as specified in the itinerary
• Rail from Madrid to Barcelona
• Roundtrip flights from Barcelona to Bilbao
• 8 Nights accommodation in centrally located hotels with private facilities, hotel category will be chosen based on your preference
• Buffet-breakfast daily at the hotel
• Tours in Madrid: Overview tour, Excursion to Toledo, El Escorial & Valley of the Fallen
• Flamenco Show and Dinner
• Tours in Barcelonw: Overview Tour, Modernism in Barcelona, Excursion to Bilbao with Guggeheim Museum and Excursion to Monserrat
• Taxes and service charges
• Comprehensive information kit
• Local representative in each city

Day 1
Depart from United States to Madrid

Day 2
After arriving in Madrid, a transfer will take you to a centrally located Madrid hotel. This afternoon take a guided tour of Madrid to become acquainted with Spain’s Capital. During this tour you will seethe oldest quarters of Madrid built during the reigns of the Habsburgs, the Borbons, and Queen Isabella. See Plaza Mayor, Retiro Park, the Royal Palace, the Prado, Plaza de Los Cibeles, Puerta del Sol and many more.

Day 3
Morning is at leisure in Madrid to discover the city on your own; visit the Prado Museum or the Royal Palace. In the afternoon, join the excursion to Toledo, known for its rich artistic and architectural heritage, and home to some very special Spanish monuments. Toledo is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites and is Spain’s religious “capital” – considered the city of three cultures: Christian, Muslim and Jewish.

Day 4
In the morning, take a guided excursion to the El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen. The Escorial, a palace-turned- monastery, is one of the most monumental and complex buildings in Spain. Built in the 16th c. by Juan de Herrera it was considered as the 8th Wonder of the World at that time. It is located in the heart of the Sierra de Guadarrama. The Valley of the Fallen (Valle de los Caidos) is an impressive Monument built in memory of the soldiers fallen during the Spanish Civil War situated close to El Escorial. Part of the monument is a crypt built into the rock with a cross with a height of over 150 mtrs. Return to Madrid in the early afternoon, for more time to explore on your own. In the evening enjoy dinner with a Flamenco Show.

Day 5
Transfer to the Madrid rail station for your train to Barcelona. Upon your arrival at the Barcelona rail station, we will arrange for a transfer to take you to a centrally located hotel.

Day 6
This afternoon take a guided tour of Barcelona. During this tour you will see the Cathedral, the Gothic Quarter, the Olympic Port & the Olympic Stadium. You will also visit the Spanish Village and taste some of the famous Catalan Cava.

Day 7
This morning join a guided tour “Modernism in Barcelona” which focuses on Gaudi and Picasso. Visit the main Gaudi buildings of the Sagrada Familia, the Casa Bartllo and La Pedrera. The tour also includes a visit to the famous Picasso Museum. In the afternoon enjoy a Wine “Tasting and Tapas Tour” in Barcelona’s old town (about 3 hours) introduces you to the best tapas and wine bars of Barcelona.

Day 8
This morning, fly to Bilbao to visit the famous Guggenheim Museum. The flight is a little less than an hour in each direction. Explore Bilbao’s old town, a huddle of narrow streets on the Slopes of the hill; see the cathedral and the Town Hall. Return to Madrid in the late afternoon.

Day 9
Enjoy a half-day guided excursion to Montserrat, which is an essential part of the Catalonian identity, being the spiritual center and guardian of the souls of the Catalonians. Of special interests is the Benedictine Monastery with its 16th century Basilica. Montserrat is located high in the mountains with spectacular views of the surrounding area. The excursion can either be done by bus or by mountain railway. The afternoon is at your leisure in Barcelona.

Day 10
A transfer will be arranged to take you to the Barcelona airport for your flight back home.