On board international flight to Spain.

Home to national quintessence like Flamenco dance, bullfight, Iberian ham and Paella, hometown of Cervantes, Gaudi, Picasso and Dali, paradise for vintage wine, olive oil and soccer lovers, Spain remains a delight in senses. Every year there are over 50 million visitors from all around the world coming to Spain to enjoy the gourmet food, splendid history, quaint architecture, elegant works of art and breathtaking landscape. Today, you will touch down on your fascinating destination.

Upon arrival at Barcelona, meet and greet then transfer to the hotel (transfer is not included if you booked the land only package).

Rest up and get ready for your busy sightseeing tomorrow.

Hola Barcelona! Catalonian seaside city and the second largest metropolis in Spain with a history of over 2000 years. Known as the “City of Gaudi”, the city has over a dozen eye-catching architectures designed by Antoni Gaudi. Start off the day by visiting the city landmark, the towering La Sagrada Familia which has been built since 1883. This is the only structure that has been listed on the UNESCO  World Cultural Heritage Site even during construction. It is estimated that this giant complex will be finished in 2026 at the final height of 565ft/172m, the tallest church in the world. Biblical stories, curvilinear designs, geometrical patterns, natural elements and the concept of light rays dominate the whole edifice which is considered the masterpiece of Gaudi. Following the construction site, you will also visit Casa Batllo and Casa Mila, both are on the UNESCO  list designed by Gaudi located on the Passeig De Gracia Avenue, a famed upscale commercial boulevard lined with prestigious and posh buildings from different historical periods of time. Stroll along the tree-lined pedestrian La Rambla Street which connects Placa de Catalunya and Columbus Monument. Make a quick stop at the well-known and hustle and bustle Boqueria Market and then move onto the Palace of Guell, another UNESCO  listed must-see sight done by Gaudi. Take pictures of those colorful and enigmatic chimneys on the rooftop before stepping in the well-preserved Barrio Gothic Quarter, an ancient Roman district with countless zigzag narrow lanes. Explore the Catedral de Barcelona, a grand Gothic cathedral with 13 white geese kept in the cloister. Proceed to the UNESCO  listed Palace of Catalan Music, celebrated as “one of the most exquisite and elegant concert halls on earth”. This richly decorated auditorium was designed by Gaudi’s teacher, Lluis Domenech I Montaner, who was also active in the Catalan Rebirth movement.

Overnight in Barcelona.

After breakfast in the hotel, you will have a chance to visit Guell Park, another UNESCO  listed site belonging to the Gaudi collection. First designed to be part of a higher end residential area and later converted into a public garden, this park was set on top of Carmel Hill overlooking the city where Gaudi spent his last 20 years with his family.

Drive southwards to the coastal city of Valencia (220mi/350km), the third largest city in Spain. As the key port on the ancient Silk Road, Valencia was deeply influenced by the Orient and silk, rice, citrus and porcelain formed major parts of the cultural fabric. The local chefs, inspired by the incoming rice from Asia and seafood from the neighboring Mediterranean Sea, eventually have created the world famous paella. Being the most important silk trade center in Europe, Valencia was able to leave the city with some remarkable buildings. Upon arrival, visit La Lonja, an emblematic silk exchange building which was declared a UNESCO  World Heritage site. Explore St. Mary"s Cathedral, a Roman Catholic Church built between the 13th century and the 15th century. Free up your energy in the beautiful beach bars during your spare time in the evening.

Overnight in Valencia.

Jump on our bus for a scenic ride to Granada (300mi/490km), the last Moorish stronghold on the Iberian Peninsula where Islamic culture still shines. “Pearl of Andalusia” is what people often describe the city referring to its unique Arabian features. Come to the UNESCO  site of Alhambra and Generalife Gardens, a Moorish royal palace built on the cliff top in the 13th century. In 1492, it was here that the last Muslim ruler of the Emirate of Granada surrendered to the Catholic monarchs. The intricate carvings, geometric compositions, vegetal motifs, ornamented vaulting and elaborate water features in the courtyard of the palace all showcase that the Alhambra is truly the last pride of Arab in Europe. Walk around at the UNESCO  listed Albayzin, a distinct historical district with Medieval and Moorish flavor filled with winding lanes, small stores and restaurants. Here is the best location to have a panoramic view of the white villas, old churches and Alhambra at golden sunset.

Overnight in Granada.

Remarks: Entering into or visiting time and visiting sections of the Alhambra are not guaranteed. Alhambra management authority has the right to make the final decision.

Morning scenic bus ride to Ronda (110mi/180km), a peaceful and breathtaking 3000-year old white washed town perched on the hilltop divided into two sections by a deep gorge. Puente Nuevo was built over  the 400ft/120m deep El Tajo Valley and it has become one of the most photographed locations in the country. The legendary 18-century Plaza de Toros de Ronda was the first bullring in Spain capable of housing 5000 viewers which made Ronda the birthplace of bullfighting. Swing by tranquil Mijas, part of Costa del Sol, a stretch of towns hugging the Mediterranean Sea.

Next, proceed towards Seville (80mi/130km), the largest city in Andalusia with rich Islamic heritage as it was conquested by Muslims for 500 years. Get yourself acquainted with this ancient city by calling the monumental sites including Plaza de Espana with moat and Torre del Oro, an Arabian style military watchtower used to keep gold and silver shipped from overseas territories.

Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure or you may want to participate our optional evening excursion to appreciate Flamenco dance performance with Spanish flavor Tapas dinner.

 Optional Tour: Fiery Flamenco Night with dinner at U$99/person

Derived from Seville, Flamenco is a combination of dancing, singing and music influenced by Moorish, Jewish and Romany culture. As the Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity declared by UNESCO , Flamenco is considered the national symbol of Spain. Tonight, you are welcome to appreciate the fiery Flamenco performance with Tapas dinner.

Begin your enriching day by reveling in the UNESCO  listed Catedral de Santa Maria de la Sede, the biggest Gothic cathedral in the world where Columbus" coffin was buried. The 330ft/100m tall Giralda Clock Tower was remodeled and transformed from an Islamic minaret in the 16th century. Right next to Barrio de Santa Cruz is the Alcazar de Seville, another UNESCO  treasure where the movies “Game of Thrones” and “Kingdom of Heaven” were filmed. Built by Muslims in the 11th century, this royal palace is the oldest one of such in Europe with Mudejar style.

Drive to Cordoba(80mi/130km), once the largest city in Western Europe. As the capital for the Umayyad regime, there were as many as 300 Muslim mosques built in this prosperous city until 1236AD which made Cordoba a world leading center for education and learning. Come to the city landmark of Puente Romano, a 2000-year old 16-arch stone bridge connecting the UNESCO  listed La Mezquita Catedral de Cordoba and Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a Moorish style medieval castle. Relax at the UNESCO  protected La Juderia and take a selfie at the lavishly decorated Calleja de las Flores.

Overnight at Cordoba.

Set off the day by driving northwards to the ancient city Toledo (275mi/440km) which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO . Before Felipe II decided to move the capital to Madrid in 1561, Toledo served as the capital city for Visigothic, Arabian and Moorish dynasties for centuries due to its geographic and strategic importance. Christianity, Islam and Judaism have all left a rich and glorious multi-cultural legacy in this Castilla town making it a major cultural center during European Renaissance period. Situated on the mountain top and surrounded by water on three sides, the city has been depending on a 14th century Puente de San Martín as the main entrance with two fortifications on both sides guarding the bridge. At the highest point of the city stands the outstanding Alcázar de Toledo, a quadrangular stone landmark building of the Roman Palace crowned by four towers on each corner.While the facade is in Renaissance style, the interior is a typical Arabian style courtyard. Afterwards, you will admire Catedral Primada Santa María de Toledo, a masterpiece of Gothic church building in Spain. Built between 1227 and 1493, the cathedral was constructed on the basis of a Muslim Mosque. Continue to Madrid, the capital of Spain and as well as the third largest city in Europe. Check in and relax for the rest of the day.

Overnight in Madrid.

Begin your full sightseeing day from Puerta Del Sol where Old Madrid and Bourbon Dynasty Madrid meet. Tap into Royal Palace of Madrid, the third largest grand palace in Europe just after Palace of Versailles and Palace of Hofburg featuring fancy decorations, glitzy chandeliers and extravagant paintings. Unlike the Baroque façade of the Royal Palace, the Catedral de la Almudena on the other side of the Plaza de Armas is in neo-Gothic style, making a perfect balance in Old Madrid. A quick photo stop at the nearby Plaza de Oriente before moving on to the French section of town and wandering around on the mesmerizing Paseo del Prado Boulevard, the main parkway of Bourbon Madrid where you will come across the Spanish Louvre-Museo del Prado, the Spanish Pompidou Center-Centro de Arte Reina Sofia and the Spanish Musée d"Orsay-Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. Step in Parque del Buen Retiro, a serene and charming central park full of fountains, sculptures and monuments. The gorgeous glass and iron Palacio de Cristal is believed to be the Spanish version of Crystal Palace in London. Spend some free time on the busy shopping street, the Gran Via which is linking Puerta de Alcala with Plaza de España. Come back to the hotel after the tour.

For those who cannot wait to marvel at the rousing nightlife of Madrid, we have prepared an optional evening outing for you.

 Optional Tour: Madrid by Night with dinner at U$99/person

Follow our local expert to the Plaza Mayor in the heart of Madrid where you find the surrounding buildings of the square are all lit up at night. In the center of the square stands the statue of Philip III on a horse who observes people shopping, eating and chatting freely and happily here every night. Walk to the nearby San Miguel Market where your eyes will be feasted with delicate ingredients and ornate arrangements, your nose will be filled with aroma from all kinds of local wines, fruits and food. Tonight, you are invited to try the delicious Iberian ham and Spanish wine.

Overnight in Madrid.

Today is your free day to do your own last minute shopping or sightseeing or you may wish to opt in our optional full day excursion to Segovia and Avila with local specialty lunch.

 Optional Tour: Glory of Castilla with lunch at U$129/person

Morning schedule to visit Segovia (56mi/90km), a 2000 years old city. The first striking and mind-boggling landmark coming to your sight of Segovia is the 2400ft/728m long, 95ft/29m tall Roman Aqueduct elevated by 120 posts and 20,000 stone bricks without plaster. The whole complex was initially built about 2000 years ago purposed to channel water from about 11mi/18km away to the city and amazingly, it is still standing intact today and functioning well and of course it is on the list of UNESCO  World Cultural Heritage Site. Proceed to another eminent and enchanting structure, Alcazar de Segovia which was first built in the 12th century as a fortification for Arabs. Hailed as “One of the top ten most appealing citadels in Europe”, this fortress was even imitated by Disney World to be the design model for the Snow-White Castle. Another imposing building is Catedral de Segovia, a Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral located in the Plaza Mayor with a 290ft/88m high clock tower and numerous spires on top of the roof. Lunch will be the flavorful roast suckling pig. Next drive to the small walled town Avila (40mi/64km), built in the 8th century to ward off Moorish attacks. Walking in the well-preserved UNESCO  Old Town of Avila today is like stepping back in time to the medieval period and roaming around in a tiny peaceful European town back then.

Overnight in Madrid.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board the flight back to your home (transfer is not included if you booked the land only package).

*Please note: Depending on the air scheduling and availability, your flight back to USA/Canada may depart in very early morning the next day (00:00 am-03: 00 am).

For your final day, you may explore the city on your own and transfer to the airport in the evening. Hotel check-out is before noontime. (Late check-out may be available for a fee subject to the hotel policy).