Day 1:
Depart USA
We
depart this afternoon for an overnight flight to
beautiful southern Spain. We will enjoy various meals and
service while in flight.
Day 2: Arrive in
Madrid
Upon our
arrival in Madrid we will meet our tour escort and enjoy an
orientation tour of Madrid en route to our hotel. We will
have some free time this afternoon to rest at our hotel or
explore on our own before we meet for a special welcome dinner
this evening at our hotel.
Day 3:
Madrid
Following our buffet breakfast at the hotel, we will have a
half-day tour
including
entrances to the Prado Museum and Royal Palace. Upon
return to the hotel, the afternoon is free for you to spend at
your leisure.
Day 4:
Madrid, Optional tour of Toledo
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a full day to spend touring
Madrid as you choose. Or, take part in an optional
half-day tour of Toledo,
including
a guided tour of the Toledo Cathedral and St. Thomas Church.
Day 5:
Madrid, Cordoba, Malaga
This morning we depart via train to Cordoba.
An impressive
and surprising Cordoba presents itself to today's visitors as
impressive and surprising as its past. Not many know that during
the 11th century, Cordoba was one of the most important capitals
in Europe. People of various cultures and religions - Jews,
Muslims and Christians - were living peacefully together, and
important philosophers, scientists, and artists emerged from
here. Knowing some of Cordoba's rich cultural background
will certainly enhance your tour as we visit some of its great
monuments. The highlight of Cordoba is the Mezquita which
is the third largest Arabian Mosque in the world and described
by some as the most beautiful and original building in all of
Spain. This evening we transfer to Malaga, where dinner
will be on your own.
Day 6:
Malaga, Optional tour of Granada
Today is free for you to explore Malaga, known as the “City
of the Mediterranean Sun.” Malaga is famous for the great
beaches of nearby Costa del Sol as well as the birthplace of
Picasso. Visit the Malaga Cathedral which is one of the
four most important cathedrals in Spain, or explore Old Town
with it's offering of tiny streets leading to the market area.
Worth a visit for any tourist, the market hall with its
impressive marble entrance displays some of the city’s best
local vendors of fresh fish, fruit, flowers and vegetables.
Old Town also provides an assortment of nice restaurants to
choose from for lunch. If you choose the optional tour to
historic
Granada, we will see Alhambra Palace and Generalife. The
old Moorish quarter – El Albaicin, is a maze of little lanes
with old white house and beautiful private villas.
Day 7: Malaga, Optional
Ronda/Mijas tour
Free day in Malaga, or
take part in an
optional excursion to Ronda and Mijas. The town of Ronda,
one of the most popular tourist destinations in southern Spain,
stands on a towering plateau and is divided in two by a plunging
river gorge known as El Tajo. Ronda is the home to modern
bullfighting, and it is here that we will enjoy a guided tour of
the Spanish Bullfighting Museum. We will also take time in
Ronda to visit the Arab Baths considered one of the best
preserved baths in Europe. Our last stop on today’s excursion
is the quaint typical Andalusian village of Mijas. We will
enjoy a walking tour of Mijas as we take time to view the
beautiful coastal plains. Mijas is also known for its artisans
who make baskets and plates with "esparto" and miniature
figurines made out with matches. We will return to Malaga for
an evening at leisure.
Day 8: Home
Following breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for
your return flight to the US.
