Spain's Classic
Presented by Saint Anthony of Padua

Day 1: Sunday, May 22, 2011
Overnight Flight

Day 2: Monday, May 23, 2011
Arrive Madrid, Spain
Welcome to Madrid, Spain’s capital and largest city. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner.
Today Dinner is included.

Day 3: Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Madrid - Prado Museum - 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 Prado Museum, open since 1819, provides you with an historical and cultural perspective of this magnificent museum that boasts the world's finest collection of art by masters such as Velazquez and Goya. 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.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 4: Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Madrid - Cordoba - Seville
Today, your Tour Manager provides a brief lesson on the origin and history of the Spanish 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.”
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 5: Thursday, May 26, 2011
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 featuring Seville's top performers.
Today Breakfast and Lunch are included.

Day 6: Friday, May 27, 2011
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.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 7: Saturday, May 28, 2011
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.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 8: Sunday, May 29, 2011
Valencia - Barcelona
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.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 9: Monday, May 30, 2011
Barcelona
Get an in-depth look at Barcelona, one of the most vibrant and lively cities in Spain! 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!
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 10: Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Barcelona - Tour Ends
You return home with vivid memories of a spectacularly beautiful land with an old, rich and diverse cultural heritage.
Today Breakfast is included.

Collette Logo
May 22 - May 31, 2011

Highlights...
Madrid • Prado Museum • Toledo • Cordoba • Seville • Flamenco Show • Granada • Alhambra • Valencia • Barcelona •

10 Days • 14 Meals:
8 Breakfasts • 1 Lunches • 5 Dinners

Per Person Rates*:
Double $2999
Single $3499
Triple $2969

*Included in Price: Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $120 (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers, Round Trip Air from Logan Intl Airport.
Click Here for Details
 *Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $200 per person.

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
DAY 1
  Overnight Flight
DAY 2 - 3
  Melia Galgos Hotel, Madrid
DAY 4 - 5
  Melia Sevilla, Seville
  or Melia Lebreros, Seville
DAY 6
  Hotel Tryp Albayzin, Granada
DAY 7
  Hotel Beatriz Rey Don Jaime, Valencia
DAY 8 - 9
  Hotel Colon, Barcelona

On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Experience It!
The Flamenco

"El cante", "el baile," and "la guitarria." Combine the three into one romantic tour de force, and you have the essence of the flamenco…the song, the dance and the guitar. The flamenco's roots began in southern Spain as a 17th-century art form created by Andalusian gypsies. Similar to the blues that originated in America's Deep South, the "cante," or song, was a way for the gypsies to express their sorrow and repression. They sang their lyrics in the dark mines where they worked, using verse to help ease each other's personal grief. As the 18th-century approached, the gypsies gained more legal rights and many were able to purchase musical instruments. Soon the "guitarria," or guitar, was added to their repertoire. The "baile," or dance, quickly followed - and like any great art form, the flamenco took off. Soon performances in more mainstream venues like local cafes and dance halls combined with old-fashioned commercialism to make the flamenco the national dance of Spain.

Click here for: Important Reservation Information.

For more information call
Father James Achadinha
 Saint Anthony of Padua
(617) 547-5593

Please Note:
• Passport is required.
• To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
• Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.
• Included breakfasts are buffet breakfasts.
• Included breakfasts are buffet breakfasts.
• Hotel check-in on your day of arrival is 3:00 PM. Rooms may not be available prior to that time.
• This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets.