Highlights of Andalucia & Madrid Tour with Barcelona Option

Your tour begins in Seville, the most quintessential city of Andalusia. After you check in to your hotel, a local guide will greet you and begin your “Tapas Tour” through the city. This famous Seville ritual is a festive experience. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you stroll through town to sample tapas (the Spanish version of a “pub crawl”). These small plates of light appetizers are designed to accompany Spanish wines. The enticing flavors of garlic, olive oil, cheese and saffron all pair beautifully with local spirits. Mingle with the locals as you sip wine and take in the ambiance. This traditional custom is a lively and unpretentious social gathering. One possible stop is the tapas bar that was rumored to be a favorite of King Juan Carlos.

Today you’ll get more acquainted with Seville during a half-day guided walking tour. Accompanied by your expert guide, you’ll see the most important sites of the city. You’ll visit the magnificent cathedral that has a monument to Christopher Columbus and a beautiful treasure decorated with pure gold. This grand place of worship was an important mosque until the 13th century and is now the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. The only Islamic architectural feature that remains from the original mosque is the beautiful 12th-century bell tower. Next, you’ll visit the Alcazar, the historic Moorish palace that exemplifies the beauty of Islamic design. You’ll see the lavishly decorated interior as well as the splendid Andalusian gardens that are full of beautiful courtyards, fountains, and flowers. Finally, you’ll wander over to the Barrio de Santa Cruz that was once the Jewish Quarter of Seville. Now, this charming area is Seville's most fashionable neighborhood. If you’re interested in learning Flamenco, you can arrange to take a private dance lesson at one of Seville’s academies of Flamenco.

This morning after breakfast, you’ll take the train to Granada, another magnificent Andalusian city. After checking in to your hotel, you will set out for a tour of the Alhambra Palace. One of the most enduring monuments of Moorish Andalusia, the Alhambra is the most emblematic symbol of the Islamic rule in Spain. At the time, Granada was a great cultural center of the Islamic world. Located high on a hill above the city with a spectacular view onto the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Alhambra is an expansive estate of fortified palaces and courtyards with glorious fountains and vibrant gardens. You will visit the palaces and then continue through to the lush gardens of the Generalife. The perfectly symmetrical garden landscaping inspires visitors to stop and appreciate the splendor. Depending on the time of year, you may be lucky to see beautiful roses and other flowers in full bloom.

This morning, you’ll take the train to your next destination, Córdoba. After checking in to your hotel, take some time to refresh and relax. Later in the afternoon, you will meet your expert guide for a walking tour of the city’s most important historic sites. The tour includes a visit to the “Mezquita” (the medieval Islamic mosque) that was built in 785 and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Mezquita is the greatest monument of Córdoba and still marvels visitors today with its impressive architecture. Admire the seemingly endless rows of graceful columns and delicate arches that lead you to the breathtaking grand sanctuary. A 1,000 years ago, Córdoba was the center of Western Islam. You will also visit the old Jewish Quarter, which is one of the largest medieval quarters in Europe. This historic quarter has recently undergone a renovation. Wander through the narrow winding streets and spacious courtyards that are now restored to their former glory.

This morning after breakfast, you’ll take the high-speed train to Spain’s capital city of Madrid. Ever since Spain joined the European Union, the city has undergone many renovations, which will allow you to truly appreciate the beauty of the elegant buildings and grand boulevards. Today after you check in to your hotel and take some time to freshen up, you will begin your private half-day walking tour. Your local guide will take you to the most important sites of the historic center. You’ll begin at the Puerta del Sol, the vibrant plaza that is the heart of Madrid. Then you’ll stroll over to the 17th century Plaza Mayor, the grand public square built during the Habsburg period. You’ll also visit the Plaza de la Villa, a small picturesque square and the location of Madrid’s city hall since 1630. Finally you’ll see the Lujanes Tower House, a 15th century palace built in the Mudejar style, located at the Plaza de la Villa—the site of the old Arab souk. You’ll have some free time later in the afternoon to take a tour of The Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Spain.

You will have today at leisure to discover Madrid. Foodies can arrange a private cooking lesson to learn the basics of Spanish cuisine. The private class is taught by a member of the Spanish Academy of Gastronomy. You will meet in a professional kitchen, where your instructor will guide you through the steps of preparing an authentic Spanish lunch. You will also learn some general facts about the Spanish diet and the history of Spanish cuisine. After your class, you will enjoy the meal accompanied by wine from Spain's renowned La Rioja region.

If you prefer to spend the day sightseeing, there are many places to choose from. You may want to visit the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia Museum, which displays the masterpieces of Miro, along with other treasures of modern art. Another wonderful collection of art is found at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, one of the world's finest private art collections. You could also take a leisurely stroll to the Royal Botanical Gardens, a beautiful 20-acre garden near the Prado Museum. Or you could visit the Parque del Retiro, one of the largest parks in Madrid that was designed for Spanish Kings. The park once was the location of elegant balls, festive celebrations, theater and bull fights

Your tour concludes today after breakfast. You will be provided a private transfer to Madrid's Barajas Airport for your return flight home.

OR

This morning after breakfast, you will take the high-speed train to Barcelona. You will have the day at leisure to begin exploring this vibrant city. Barcelona is located on the Mediterranean Coast in the Catalonia region of Spain, famous for its culture and cuisine. It’s a place that inspires visitors. You’ll appreciate the joyous way of life. Any time of year people are out and about at the cafes, courtyards, beaches, and boulevards. Admire the architecture as you wander about the city. Today you may want to visit the Museu Picasso that displays the artist's early works or the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya that displays 1,000 years of art, mostly from the region of Catalonia. Or you can take a scenic tram ride up to Tibidabo Mountain, traveling through Barcelona’s most affluent neighborhood in this tranquil leafy environment.  Keep your eyes peeled for the spectacular houses hidden in the distance. The tram ride takes less than ten minutes and lets you out at Plaça De Andreu. From this point on a clear day, you will enjoy stunningly picturesque views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean sea.

Today you will discover the fascinating city of Barcelona on a private half-day walking tour. You’ll see the sites and learn about the history from you knowledgable local guide. This tour focuses on the city’s highlights: the Plaça de Catalunya, Barcelona’s large central square; the Ramblas, the elegant historic promenade; the Ciutat Vella, the Old City; and the medieval Gothic Quarter, the most atmospheric quarter of the Ciutat Vella district. Finally you’ll visit the Cathedral of the Sagrada Familia to appreciate the splendor of this avant-garde neo-Gothic masterpiece. The cathedral features two spectacular works by Antoni Gaudí, the Crypt and the Nativity facade, which have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites.

You can continue exploring the city at your leisure. For those interested in architecture, you have the option to head out for a special architectural tour of Barcelona. The tour is led by a knowledgable guide who hails from a family of architects himself. As an aficionado of modernist architecture, your guide will bring to life the period that was Barcelona's most vibrant. You’ll learn about this exciting moment in history and the visionary architect Antoni Gaudí and his contemporaries.

After breakfast at your hotel, your tour concludes. You’ll be provided a private transfer to Barcelona's airport for your return flight home.