14 Nights / 15 Days
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to start exploring lively Madrid. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.
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 favorite residence of Spanish royalty. Continue traveling southeast to the magnificently located old town of Cuenca, which stands high above the precipices of the Jucar and Huecar Rivers. It is famous for its 鈥渉anging houses鈥 that are suspended over the Huecar ravine. Journey on to Valencia for two overnights. Tonight, enjoy a typical dinner at a local restaurant.
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鈥檚 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.
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鈥檚 lively and beautiful capital, Barcelona.
This morning鈥檚 sightseeing with a Local Guide will include a drive around Montju茂c to see the Olympic Stadium and a great panoramic view of the port and city. The drive continues to the city center to Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire the greatness and eccentricity of Gaudi鈥檚 architectural masterpieces in the Houses Batll贸 and Mila and the Sagrada Familia (entrance fees not included).
See more of Catalonia as you drive northwest to Saragossa on the banks of the Ebro River. During your stop you鈥檒l 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.
Start the morning by driving further into Basque Country for a visit to San Sebastian (called 鈥淒onostia鈥 in Basque), the seaside resort on the southern coast of the Bay of Biscay. Journey northwest to the port town of Bilbao. Free time for leisure activities鈥攎aybe an independent visit to the Guggenheim Museum. The building, by Frank Gehry, is considered one of the 20th century鈥檚 great architectural masterpieces. In the afternoon, travel south to Burgos.
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.
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鈥檚 most colorful cities.
A full day at leisure. Perhaps you鈥檇 like to spend this morning enjoying an optional sightseeing tour including the main highlights of the vibrant city.
A day to see the best of Andalusia. Head south by way of the typical 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.
Granada was the Arabs鈥 most treasured city; they still mourn its loss in their prayers. Visit the ALHAMBRA, a summer complex built by Moorish kings. More grand scenery this afternoon as you travel first to Montilla for a visit to a local WINE CELLAR for a tasting. Then, continue to Cordoba on the banks of the Guadalquivir River.
Cordoba is perhaps Spain鈥檚 most Moorish city with its great mosque, the MEZQUITA, one of Islam鈥檚 most important pieces of architecture outside the Arab world. You鈥檒l enjoy the small, white-washed houses, the winding streets, and the colorful 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)
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鈥檚 painting, and even now it鈥檚 like a great open-air museum of Spanish history and art. Later, join the included Madrid city sightseeing. Not only because it鈥檚 the capital of Spain but also because it is situated 2,180 feet above sea level, the Spaniards say it鈥檚 the nearest thing to heaven.
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Madrid | Praga (ST) |
Valencia | Confortel Valencia (ST) |
Barclona | Porta Fira (F) |
Pamplona | Maisonnave (ST) |
Burgos | Corona de Castilla (ST) |
Salamanca | Catalonia Plaza Mayor (F) |
Seveille | Don Paco (ST) |
Granada | Don Juan (ST) |
Cordoba | Selu (ST) |
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