Sunday - Arrival in Madrid
Check-in at the 4-star luxury Hotel Preciados. Each traveler will be issued a 2-day pass Hop-on/Hop Off (HOHO) bus pass. See the history, art and culture of Madrid. Visit the spectacular Royal Palace of King Philip III and Philip IV, and the Paseo del Prado. A drive down the Gran Vía, the capital's most important road during the first half of the last century, offers insight into its unique architectural diversity and outstanding examples of the Belle Époque, such as the Casino de Madrid and the Palace Hotel. The Salamanca neighborhood was built and became a residential area with the site of the first bourgeois homes. Also developed was the Paseo de la Castellana, where the city's palatial mansions gave way to modern skyscrapers of great architectural value. These structures are testaments to Madrid's position as one of Europe's most cosmopolitan, attractive and modern cities. A visit to the he famous Prado Museum is on today’s schedule. That evening, join traveling companions for a Welcome Dinner hosted by The Professor at an authentic Spanish restaurant.
Note: The HOHO bus is a double-decker luxury bus following prescribed routes tailored to touring the city. Riders may “hop on and off” as many times as they wish for a 2-day touring period. Also provided is a 2-day “Madrid Card” offering unlimited, VIP entrance to the most popular attractions in Madrid. Travelers proceed at their own pace or with The Professor on his daily itinerary.
Monday - Madrid
On The Professor’s itinerary is the Royal Palace. The Reina Sofia and Thyssen Museums are also on the plan. View Picasso’s powerful and emotional Guernica along with significant works by Monet, Dali, The Old Masters, Van Gogh, Hopper, and other noteworthy artists.
Tuesday - Guided Day Trip to Toledo
Toledo is a World Heritage city, a fascinating fortress located on a hilltop protected by the Tagus River. El Greco lived here and some of his greatest works remain in the El Greco Museum and Toledo Cathedral. We will see the churches, synagogues, and remaining culture, history and architecture of the Christians, Jews, and Moors who all lived in Toledo peacefully.
Wednesday - Guided Day Trip to Avila and Segovia
Avila is the city of “Stones and Saints”. This is what every traveler pictures Spain to be. Visit castles (called “alcazars”), churches, and enjoy the best food in all of Spain. We’ll visit the sacred Santa Theresa Convent with its magnificent sculptures. Segovia is a World Heritage City with a striking Roman aqueduct, 900-year old alcazar castle, and stunning cathedral – an ancient home of kings.
Thursday - Madrid/Barcelona
In the morning we will depart as a group to Barcelona via high-speed luxury train. After check-in at our hotel in the heart of Barcelona, we’ll embark on a HOHO city tour with plenty of free time left over to spend at your leisure. Included is the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus and Barcelona Card for free admission to the best city museums.
Friday - Barcelona
Second day of the HOHO bus pass and the Barcelona Card. Visit the sights of Barcelona to include Las Ramblas, Familia Sagrada, Old Town, and Barceloneta.
Saturday - Guided Sitges and Freixenet Cava Wine Tour
Today we will have a locally guided tour to the wonderful beach city of Sitges then experience the effervescent bubbly offered by the world famous Freixenet cellars.
Sunday - Barcelona
Breakfast at Hotel before return to the USA