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Spain's Classics
Experience Spain's colorful pageant of art, history and culture. Set against a backdrop that spans sunny Mediterranean shores and grand mountain ranges, this stunning destination is dotted with white pueblos, groves of oranges and olives. Explore the priceless treasures of the Royal Palace, Europe's second largest palace. Visit the exotic and expansive Alhambra palace, resplendent with Moorish regal flair. See the Cathedral of Seville, the third largest in the world. Enjoy lunch with a flamenco dancer and feel the passion of this famous dance while you enjoy reserved seating at a performance. Explore Valencia, Barcelona, Granada, Cordoba and Toledo. Become part of an authentic 'paella experience,' and learn how this rice dish is made and where it originated. Marvel at Valencia's 'City of Arts & Sciences.' See how precious lladro figurines are made by hand. View Antonio Gaudi's architectural masterpieces. Spain beckons.
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| Call (620) 792-2458 for more information or to book today! Mention code 11228964 | | Collette Vacations | | Offer valid through 6/30/2013 | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 | Madrid | Overnight Flight: | | Day 2 | Madrid | Madrid, Spain - Tour Begins: Welcome to Madrid, Spain's capital and largest city. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner. | | Day 3 | Madrid | Madrid - Royal Palace - Toledo - Madrid: During a locally guided tour of Madrid's historic center, see the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, where events have been held since the 17th century. A guided tour of the monumental, 18th century Royal Palace* reveals lavish halls, banquet rooms, the throne room, royal armory and the impressive courtyard. This afternoon travel to Toledo, a UNESCO site and the capital of medieval Spain until 1560. A comprehensive tour highlights the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the 13th century synagogue, a testament to Toledo's Jewish heritage. Also stop in the Church of Santo Tome to view El Greco's masterpiece painting, The Burial of Count Orgaz. | | Day 4 | Madrid | Madrid - Cordoba - Seville: Ease your way into the local culture as your tour manager teaches you a few key phrases of the native language. Then, travel to the extraordinary Moorish city of Cordoba. Embark on a walking tour of the Mezquita. This UNESCO site, an architectural marvel, built by the Moors in the 8th century as a magnificent mosque, was converted into the city's cathedral in the 16th century. Continue your exploration of Cordoba in the city's well-preserved and historical old Jewish Quarter. Later, transfer to Seville, considered Spain's 'cultural capital.' | | Day 5 | Seville | Seville: Today you will see Columbus' tomb, the ornate cathedral, a UNESCO site, and Giralda Bell Tower. Enjoy a walking tour of the quaint old Santa Cruz Quarter with its bright flowers, white-washed buildings and winding streets; then continue to Plaza D'Espana and the beautiful Maria Luisa Park, one of the loveliest in all of Europe. A local flamenco dancer joins you for a typical 'tapas lunch' featuring small portions of hot and cold specialties; here you learn about the history, culture and artistry of flamenco. This evening, take your reserved seats for an authentic flamenco show (UNESCO) featuring Seville's top performers. | | Day 6 | Seville | Seville - Granada: Travel along the peaceful Sierra Nevada to Granada, the last great capital of the Moors in Spain before it fell to the Catholic monarchs in 1492. Join a local expert for a tour of the world-famous Alhambra, the immense hilltop palace that is a UNESCO site. Also tour the Generalife, meaning 'garden of the architect,' where the grounds are beautifully designed with waterfalls, courtyards and smaller secret gardens. | | Day 7 | Granada | Granada - Valencia: Today you travel through Spain's amazing landscape viewing rolling hills dotted with picturesque olive groves while en route to the Mediterranean coast. Arrive in the city of Valencia, a treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture, surrounded by citrus groves. | | Day 8 | Valencia | Valencia - Lladro - Valencia: A city tour of historic Valencia features the ornate 14th century Serranos Tower and imposing 15th century Quart Tower. You'll also see the bustling central market, one of the largest in Europe, and view the Gothic Cathedral, where construction began in 1262 on the site of an ancient mosque. Your trip to Valencia would not be complete without a stop at Lonja, the old Silk Exchange, recognized by UNESCO as one of the most beautiful buildings of European civil Gothic architecture. Next, visit Lladro-City of Porcelain and learn about the history and creative process of the world-famous, hand-made Lladro figurines**. Travel to the area where paella cuisine originated. A 'paella experience' features a boat ride on the canals surrounding rice field plantations; a visit to a traditional fisherman's home known as a 'barraca;' a paella making demonstration and an authentic paella lunch. The remainder of the day is at leisure. | | Day 9 | Valencia | Valencia - Museum of Las Fallas - Barcelona: Begin your day with a panoramic tour of Valencia's port area followed by the impressive City of Arts & Sciences. Visit the Museum of Las Fallas where you will see figurines from the last 80 years of the Las Fallas festival. Learn about this unique, spectacular festival from assembly and costumes to fireworks and the night of burning. Later, travel to Barcelona, one of Europe's most beautiful and exciting cities. | | Day 10 | Barcelona | Barcelona: Today, get an in-depth look at vibrant and lively Barcelona. Your locally guided tour showcases Las Ramblas Boulevard, the most famous in Barcelona, dotted with bird and flower stalls. Also see Columbus Monument; Parc Montjuic; Antonio Gaudi's UNESCO World Heritage sites including 'La Sagrada Familia,' Parc Guell, Bartlo House and the unconventional Casa Mila building. This afternoon continue to explore colorful Barcelona on your own. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a lovely trip to Spain! | | Day 11 | Barcelona | Barcelona - Tour Ends: You return home with vivid memories of a spectacularly beautiful land with an old, rich and diverse cultural heritage. |
| | | Hotel Colon Barcelona Barcelona, Spain | Melia Galgos Madrid, Spain | | Melia Sevilla Seville, Spain | Melia Lebreros Seville, Spain | | Hotel Tryp Oceanic Valencia, Spain | Hotel Macia Real de la Alhambra Granada, Spain | | Hotel Macia Condor Granada, Spain | |
| * NOTE:Tour prices are land only rates based on per person, double occupancy. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. Government taxes and fees are additional. Land rates are guaranteed at time of deposit. Certain taxes and fees are to be paid upon exiting the country in local currencies.
Airfare is additional and is available through Collette Vacations.
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