Your Exclusive Itinerary
Day 1 – Begin in Barcelona
Check in to the Montblanc Hotel, ideally located in the historic Gothic Quarter.
Day 2 – Art & Architecture in Barcelona
Barcelona’s rich heritage of Modernist art and architecture is the focus of today’s specially-designed, privately guided tour. Marvel at the whimsical genius of Antoni Gaudi as you gaze upon the ornate façade and towering spires of the Sagrada Familia  . We’ve also arranged entry into two of his most famous buildings. Casa Batlló is celebrated for its colorful Catalan-style mosaics. At Casa Milà, Gaudi’s playful use of curves might obscure his extraordinary skill as both designer and architect. Without a single straight line and no load-bearing walls, this large apartment complex rests entirely on pillars and arches! Take a break at Els 4 Gats, a casual but very historic restaurant tucked away in the Gothic Quarter. This was a favorite hangout of young Picasso, and the menu cover he designed for them was his first commissioned work. The balance of the day is free to enjoy as you please. Meals B,L
Day 3 – By Rail to Madrid
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Then, with our compliments, you can visit a nearby Hammam. This traditional Arab experience reveals the rich historical legacy of the Moors in Spain. Relax with traditional wellness techniques which have been utilized for centuries here in Spain and throughout the Mediterranean. In the afternoon, you’ll be chauffeured to the rail station for a scenic journey aboard the High Speed AVE Train. In Madrid, your car and driver await to transport you to the charming Hotel Laura. Meals B
Day 4 – Discover Madrid and the Prado!
A thousand years of glory and history has left its mark in the fine architecture and proud spirit of Madrid! With your personal guide leading the way, walk through the grand Plaza Mayor, centuries-old and still bustling with popular shops and eateries. Admire the grandeur of iconic monuments like the Royal Palace and Opera House, and then bypass the lines awaiting entry into the Prado. Your privately guided exploration through this world-famous museum reveals masterworks by Goya, El Greco, Velázquez and Picasso – just to name a few! Meals B
Day 5 – South to Seville
A leisurely morning is a great opportunity to step out and enjoy more of Madrid at your own pace. Later, your car and driver will escort you to the station to board the High Speed AVE Train. Upon arrival in Seville, you’ll be warmly greeted and taken by chauffeured car to the inviting San Gil Hotel. Meals B
Day 6 – Ancient Wonders, Enduring Traditions
Feel the weight of history here in ancient Seville, once an important Roman city and later conquered by Moors from North Africa. Stand within the imposing majesty of the Cathedral . For centuries, this was the grandest monument in all of Christendom; today it’s still the largest Gothic building in Europe. Tour the resplendent Alcázar , one of the oldest royal residences on the Continent. Then by special arrangement, you’ll speak with nuns in their closed convent. This is a rare opportunity to learn about the centuries-old traditions that still guide their daily life isolated from the outside world. Sample their traditional pastries and engage in lively dialogue. Meals B
Day 7 – Depart Seville
Your program finishes this morning. Or journey on to Granada to discover one of Spain’s most historic cities, home to the magnificent Alhambra, a palatial fortress built in the 14th century. Meals B
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