Spanish Experience (End Barcelona, 9 Days)

Welcome to Madrid, the graceful capital of Spain. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and prepare for an exciting journey ahead. In the evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers to discuss the upcoming itinerary. As the sun sets, explore the city's vibrant nightlife and perhaps join an optional walking tour to savor your first taste of Spanish tapas.

Kickstart your day with a guided tour of Madrid's famous landmarks. Wander through the heart of the city, along the Gran Vía, and admire the Cibeles Fountain, the Royal Palace, and the Paseo de la Castellana. In the afternoon, you have the option to visit the UNESCO-listed city of Segovia, known for its Roman aqueduct and fairytale-like Alcázar. Return to Madrid in the evening and immerse yourself in the city's buzzing nightlife.

Today, we journey to the historic town of Toledo, renowned for its traditional sword making. Join a sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist and explore the city's grand plazas, synagogue, and cathedral. Visit a steel workshop to learn about the ancient tradition of swordmaking. Continue south past Puerto Lápice, the setting for Don Quixote's knighting, and into the hills of Andalucía. Arrive in Seville, your home for the next two nights.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Seville, a city known for its beautiful monuments, sunny weather, and flamenco. Join your Local Specialist for a tour of the city's highlights, including the Maria Luisa Park. Spend the afternoon exploring the labyrinthine lanes of Seville's Old Quarter or opt for a tour of the 14th-century Moorish Alcazar. In the evening, don't miss the opportunity to witness a fiery flamenco show, a true Sevillian experience.

Depart from Seville and journey to Granada, a city that transports you back to the time of Moorish rule. Explore the city's Arab influences, Moorish architecture, and tetería tea houses. Consider joining an optional tour of the Albaicín Quarter, the city's oldest neighborhood, and the Alhambra, a fortified citadel overlooking Granada. End the day with a lively gypsy performance, if you wish.

Travel to the hills of Guadix, known for its unique cave dwellings, before heading to the modern city of Valencia. Enjoy an orientation tour with your Travel Director, visiting the Art Nouveau Train Station, Towers of Serrano and Quart, and the sacred Mercado de Colon. Stop by the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, a cultural and scientific complex that is a must-see in Valencia.

Continue your journey to the Levant region, stopping at Peñíscola, known as 'The City in the Sea'. Visit the Templar castle, made famous by the Hollywood film, El Cid. Travel along the beautiful Costa Dorada to Barcelona, where you'll explore the city's highlights with your Local Specialist. Admire the facade of Gaudí's La Sagrada Família and stroll along the Passeig de Gracia. Enjoy a group dinner in the evening, reminiscing about your Spanish adventure.

Spend your last full day in Spain exploring Barcelona at your own pace. Discover the architectural masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí, wander through the Gothic quarter, or join an optional visit to the Montserrat mountains to see the revered Black Madonna. As the sun sets, sample some local cava at a seaside bar or enjoy an evening drive with panoramic views from Montjuic.

As your grand Spanish adventure comes to an end, it's time to bid farewell to your fellow travelers. Take with you the memories of imperial cities, golden landscapes, and the fiery passion of Spain that will continue to burn long after your departure.