Real Spain

Royal Spain : History, art, Culture and architecture

Through human existence, Spain has always marked history and continues to do so. Nothing of importance to life has escaped Spain, a cradle of civilizations and a land bestowed with so much beauty that it should be a pilgrimage for everyone. As you step in, layers of time will reveal to you the greatness of antiquity in Spain and the reality of the noble Spaniards.

Day 1: New York / Madrid

The new Spanish fleet will be your bridge over the Atlantic. Iberia flies great new jets. You feel you are in Spain as soon as you take off. Comfortable overnight flight with dinner and complementary movie.

Day 2: Madrid

Arrive to Madrid in early morning where your host will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Morning to relax and acclimate. The afternoon will be devoted to sightseeing of exciting Madrid.The walk through the old section ends with a visit to a traditional taverna.

Day 3: Madrid

Morning at El Prado museum, la Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor environs. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Day 4: Madrid / Barcelona

Travel to Barcelona visiting on the way Zaragoza the capital of the province of Aragon then continue to explore the Catalan region all the way to Barcelona for a wonderful dinner in a local eatery.

Day 5: Barcelona

Morning devoted to visit the historic sights (Barri Gothic, Las Ramblas, Manzana de la Discordia, etc...). Lunch will be served down town. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Day 6: Barcelona / Alicante

Travel along the breath taking Mediterranean shore line visiting villages and fishermen ports. Dinner and accommodation in Alicante.

Day 7: Alicante / Granada

Travel by land visiting Murcia, the picturesque Lorca and the village of Guadix. Arrive to Granada for an orientation tour of the city. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

Day 8: Granada

Morning at the famous Moorish palace of Alhambra and the Generalife Gardens. Lunch will be down town. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure.

Day 9: Granada / Gibraltar

Travel through the magnificent ridges of the Sierra Nevada down to Costa del Sol visiting small villages and historic highlights. Dinner and accommodation in the British enclave of Gibraltar.

Day 10: Gibraltar / Cadiz

Morning at the Rock of Gibraltar visiting the highlights of this unique historic part of the Iberic peninsula. (Optional day excursion to Tangier in Morocco across the straight). We will continueour quest to Cadiz visiting notable Andalusian villages, Tarifa at the conjuncture of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, the closest point to Africa, and an ancient outpost from the Carthaginians to the Romans and the Moors. Beyond its walls Tarifa is one of the best wind surfing locales in the world.

Day 11: Cadiz / Arcos de la Frontera / Ronda / Alcala de los Gazules / Cadiz

This what the savvy traveler considers to be the best triangle of Pueblos Blancos in all of Spain. Nothing reveals the beauty, charm and the dignity of Andalucia more than Ronda and its surrounding villages, and today is devoted to discover the beauty of this part of magnificent Spain.

Day 12: Cadiz / Jerez / Utrera / Seville

Here you are in the oldest existing city of Europe, Cadiz, a 1100 BC Phoenician depot that still serves its purpose as a port city and a window on the Atlantic even today. Nowhere in Spain, patriotism and liberalism are more expressed than Cadiz. A Drive will take you through the largest national park considered best in Europe for wild life. Continue your discovery through Jerez the home and heartland of Sherry the Spanish Brandy.

Day 13: Seville

Seville is simply a work of art, pleasant and welcoming, with its charm and class, there is never enough time for it. Today is devoted for this magnificent Moorish city to explore its marvels.

Day 14: Seville / Cordoba / Toledo

Travel in the morning to Cordoba for city tour and lunch, this will highlight our last stop in the legendary Andalucia. We will continue traveling up north to Toledo, the heartbeat of the Artistic Spain.

Day 15: Toledo

Spain's brightest jewel, the city of arts and crafts, and intellect. The city has preserved from theGreeks, the Romans, the Visighots, Moors and the Jews, a glowing aura that overcasts this magnificent metropolis as portrayed in El Greco paintings. Sightseeing will highlight La Mudejar Puerta del Sol, the cathedral known for its Baroque architecture and fine wings; Santo Dome to admire El Greco's huge painting ( el Entirro del Conte de Orgaz); Santa Maria lablanca ( the Jewish quarter); San Juan del Reyes; Alkazar and other
notable sites.

Day 16: Toledo / Madrid

Travel to Madrid visiting on the way Siquinza and Valdepeñas known for its bodegas and tinajas. Free afternoon in Madrid.

Day 17: Madrid / Washington

Morning departure to the airport for your transatlantic flight with a memorable trip of a lifetime.

What is Included:

RT Washington, DC. / Madrid
Land transportation in deluxe chauffeured vehicles
Accommodation in 4 star hotels and, paradors
Breakfast and dinner daily
Services of guides and escort
Fees to monuments and museums

Cities visited & Hotels used

Madrid: 3 nights, Hotel El Coloso ****
Barcelona: 2nights, Hotel El Norte ***
Alicante: 1 night, Hotel La Zenia ****
Granada: 2 nights, Hotel Carmen ****
Gibraltar: 1 nights, Hotel Bristol ****
Cadiz: 2 nights, Hotel de la Playa ****
Sevilla: 2 nights, Hotel Las Casas De Las Juderias ***
Toledo: 2 nights, Hotel Alfonso V ***