DAY 1

• MADRID

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• The Adventure Begins
• Meet your private driver and vehicle for an airport transfer.
• A welcome package with a city map, train tickets (if relevant), and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.
• For your added comfort, an English-speaking assistant will be waiting for you at the hotel lobby to ensure a smooth check-in, and to walk you through your welcome package documents.

DAY 2

• MADRID

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• Hit the Streets
• Meet your private guide in the hotel lobby and set out on foot for a pleasant walking tour which reveals the secrets of the two must-see attractions of the Spanish capital: the Prado Museum, and the Royal Palace. Along the way, you'll get to discover the most important buildings and avenues of the vibrant Madrid, from the time of the Habsburgs and the Bourbons up until today. The Prado Museum is one of the most important art galleries in the world. Its main corpus is nourished by the royal collections treasured for centuries by different imperial dynasties. Together with Las Meninas de Velázquez and Goya’s May 3rd 1808, the galleries are full of masterpieces from the Spanish, Italian and Flemish schools. After your visit of the Prado, you'll be treated to a coffee break to recharge your batteries and take in the local ambiance. From there, you'll follow your guide on a walk to Madrid's Royal Palace, the largest in all of Western Europe. Built during the 18th century by Felipe V, the first king of the Bourbon dynasty, it is used in modern times by the Spanish Crown. As you visit, admire the official reception rooms, the museum area, the Royal Chapel, the Throne Room and the private rooms of King Carlos III and Queen Isabel II. After your tour, you may continue your Palace visit at leisure before independent return to your hotel.

DAY 3

• MADRID

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• A Healthy Dose of History
• Spend a half-day venturing out to explore Toledo with a private driver and a local guide. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Toledo is Spain's medieval capital, and an area of inspiration for 16th-century master, El Greco. Surrounded by the River Tajo, the atmospheric walled town is crammed with churches, museums, and even steel workshops of master artisans, carrying on the tradition of the renowned swordsmiths of medieval Toledo. Upon meeting your local guide, take a walk into the past along the city’s cobblestone alleyways. Witness the 14th century Toledo Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece, considered by some the magnum opus of Gothic style in Spain. In the Jewish Quarter, you’ll see Europe’s oldest still-standing synagogue, the Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue. Spot the imposing Alcazar of Toledo, a historic fortress with its strategic stance gazing out over Toledo to the River Tagus and lands beyond, and see the exterior of the medieval Castle of San Servando, former home to the Knights Templar.

DAY 4

• MADRID TO SEVILLE

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• A Change of Scenery
• Meet your private driver and vehicle for a train station transfer.
• Depart by train from Madrid to Seville. The train ride takes approximately 3 hours.
• Meet your private driver and vehicle for a train station transfer.
• Enjoy a slice of Seville nightlife and hospitality with a dinner and show this evening. Make your way independently to El Arenal Tablao Flamenco where you'll begin your evening with a magical night of authentic flamenco performance, celebrating Andalusia's unique, world-renowned combination of song and dance. Relax, enjoy a courtesy drink, and watch a show with up to 17 professional artists on stage at once - bringing the mesmerizing art of flamenco to life. Afterward, continue to nearby Bar Postiguillo where you'll be treated to a delicious, traditional tapas dinner in a unique Andalusian ambiance. Bull heads grace 18th century stone walls, lamps hang from the ceiling and glow with warmth, creating an inviting and social feel, while creative twists in the kitchen make this tapas bar a buzzworthy favorite.

DAY 5

• SEVILLE

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• Cultural Immersion
• Meet your private guide and set out on foot for a walking tour today, visiting a pair of Seville's most outstanding monuments: Seville Cathedral, and the Seville Royal Alcazar. Begin with a stroll around Barrio de Santa Cruz, formerly the Jewish quarter, and the most picturesque and delightful part of the city, with narrow winding cobbled streets and whitewashed houses. From there, head to the Seville Royal Alcazar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, housing different palaces of various periods, and its gardens, which evoke its Muslim past. The upper levels of the Alcazar are still used by the royal family as the official Seville residence. Afterward, you’ll visit the largest Gothic cathedral in the world; the Seville Cathedral, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus. This Roman Catholic cathedral stands on the site of the 12th century Great Mosque, of which only the minaret remains. Locally known as “La Giralda”, it was converted to the cathedral’s bell tower in the mid-13th century.

DAY 6

• SEVILLE TO BARCELONA
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• The Journey Continues…
• Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.
• A flight is required to take you to your next destination, and not currently not included on your itinerary. Please contact your Destination Expert if you would like us to book the flight for you.
• Meet your private driver and vehicle for an airport transfer.
• Enjoy a day at leisure on the beach.

DAY 7

• BARCELONA

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• Audacious Architecture
• Set out with your private guide for a half-day walking tour of Old Barcelona's historic Gothic Quarter. Take a journey back in time and discover Roman remains and medieval palaces nestled in the heart of the city. Stroll by medieval Roman walls and towers dating back to the 4th century, meander through narrow stone alleyways of the old Jewish Quarter, and stand at the center of the governmental square Plaça de Sant Jaume. Walk past the 15th-century Casa de l'Ardiaca, former residence of the archdeacon, and enjoy a visit to the 14th-century Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, an architectural marvel of Gothic Art. Marvel at its impressive interior, including a magnificent central nave full of finesse and elegant sobriety. After soaking up Barcelona's historic core, travel like a local as your guide hails a taxi to bring you to famed Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi's iconic Sagrada Familia. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and monumental masterpiece of architecture - still under construction over 100 years after building commenced. One of Barcelona's must-see sites, the Sagrada Familia is the largest, unfinished Roman Catholic church in the entire world, and its unique style is not to be missed. After your visit, a taxi will whisk you back to your hotel, though you can opt to continue exploring on your own should you wish.

DAY 8

• BARCELONA

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• Creative Cuisine
• Discover the secrets of traditional cuisine as you learn how to cook some of Spain's authentic, typical dishes (paella, gazpacho, tapas) with the expert guidance of an English-speaking Chef. Make your way to the pre-defined meeting point where you'll begin with a walking tour around the famous La Boqueria market, where your chef will give you plenty of tips on picking local, seasonal products, and the freshest ingredients. From there, head back to the kitchen where you'll begin your cooking experience under the guidance of the chef, preparing elements of your very own meal. Finally, sit back and admire the scents and flavors of your creations as you dine on the dishes you've prepared, alongside delightful Spanish wine.

DAY 9

• BARCELONA
• Bon Voyage
• Meet your private driver and vehicle for an airport transfer.

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Hotel Atlantico

Las Casas de la Judería

Condes de Barcelona