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Marygrove College Alumni Present… Spain's Classics Highlights: For more information on this vacation, contact: Diane Puhl at 1-(313) 927-1443. Day 1: Overnight Flight Day 2: Arrive Madrid, Spain Welcome to Madrid! Tonight, enjoy dinner at a popular restaurant. (D) Day 3: Madrid - Prado Museum - Toledo - Madrid Madrid was founded in 1561 and has since served as Spain’s geographic and spiritual heart. During a locally guided tour of Madrid’s historic center, see the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, the city’s main public area since the 17th century. Then take a guided tour of the Prado Museum, a world-renowned museum that opened in 1819. Especially outstanding are the works of the Spanish masters, including Velazquez, Murillo, Ribera, El Greco and Goya. This afternoon you travel to Toledo, the capital of medieval Spain until 1560. Discover a city of many cultures, including Roman, Visigoth, Moorish, Jewish and Christian. A comprehensive tour highlights the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the 13th century synagogue of El Transito, 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. (B) Day 4: Madrid - Cordoba - Seville Today, travel to the extraordinary Moorish city of Cordoba. Embark on a walking tour of the Mezquita, a magnificent mosque, built by the Moors in the 8th century, which was converted into the city’s cathedral in the 16th century. The mosque is an architectural marvel, with double-tiered arches supported by 850 pillars of marble, alabaster and stone. Continue your exploration of Cordoba in the city's historical old Jewish Quarter. Later, transfer to Seville, considered Spain’s “cultural capital.” (B, D) Day 5: Seville Today you will see Columbus’ tomb, the ornate cathedral and Giralda Bell Tower. Enjoy a walking tour of the quaint old Santa Cruz Quarter, Plaza D’Espana and the beautiful Maria Luisa Park. A local flamenco dancer joins you for a typical “tapas lunch”, where 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. (B, L) Day 6: 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, an immense hilltop palace complex. Also tour the Generalife, meaning “garden of the architect,” where the grounds are beautifully designed with waterfalls, walkways, courtyards and smaller secret gardens. (B, D) Day 7: Granada - Valencia Today, 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, surrounded by citrus groves. (B, D) Day 8: Valencia - Barcelona Enjoy a city sightseeing tour of Valencia where you will view the highlights of this historical city, such as the Serranos and Quart Towers and the bustling central market, one of the largest in Europe, housing thousands of stalls and a true representation of Spanish life. You will also 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. Continue north along the coast to Barcelona. (B) Day 9: Barcelona Get an in-depth look at Barcelona, Catalonia's capital and 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 “La Sagrada Familia,” Parc Guell and Casa Mila. This afternoon continue to explore colorful Barcelona on your own, or take part in an optional tour to the quaint mountain village of Montserrat. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a lovely trip to Spain! (B, D) Day 10: Barcelona - Tour Ends (B) *Unless otherwise noted, this offer is land only, valid on new retail bookings only and not combinable with any offer. All special offers are only valid for a set period of time, which varies by offer. Please also refer to our Privacy Policy and our Terms and Conditions for more information. |
 
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