spain: the art cities
march 23-30, 2020 | $1,450 DOUBLE OCCUPANCY land only; $2,400 land & air (additional options below) | 7 days, 6 nights
Begin with a tour of Madrid including a visit to the Prado Museum, where you can admire works of art by famous artists such as El Greco, Velazquez, Goya and more. Continue to Toledo, the “Museum City”, and visit the Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue and St. Tome Church, then head towards the Mediterranean Coast to the “garden city” of Valencia to explore the City Gates, City Hall, and the Gothic Cathedral. Travel along the coastline to the fortified fairytale city of Peñíscola, then continue through the Costa Dorada to the wine region of Penedes for a taste of the local wines in one of the wine cellars. Finally, enjoy a city tour of Barcelona with views of the Old Harbor, Plaza Catalunya, Gaudi’s Casa Batllo and Sagrada Familia, and the site of the 1992 Olympic Stadium.
DAY 1: In Transit
Board your flight for the trans-Atlantic flight to Spain.
DAY 2: hola madrid
Arrive in the lively metropolis of Madrid’s Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD). The capital of Spain since 1562, it is the birthplace of many of the world’s greatest writers, painters, and artists. Transfer to your hotel with time to rest and relax or get acquainted with this beautiful city. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink and orientation meeting with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers, followed by a Welcome Dinner.
Hotel: Barceló Torre de Madrid
Meal(s): Dinner
DAY 3: madrid’s treasures
Today’s tour of Madrid’s impressive architecture begins at the Plaza de Cibeles with its striking buildings. Continue via the elegant Plaza Mayor to the magnificent Royal Palace, Europe’s second largest, and to the Plaza de España dominated by the monument to Cervantes, famed author of Don Quixote. Then on to the renowned Prado Museum; stand before an astonishing collection of masterpieces by Velazquez, Goya, El Greco and more. The rest of the day is yours to explore this city of great monuments and museums on your own or join the optional tour to Escorial.
Hotel: Barceló Torre de Madrid
Meal(s): Breakfast
Optional Experience:
Half Day Escorial Tour
Enjoy a visit to what has often been described as the "eighth wonder of the world." El Escorial is, perhaps, Philip II's most enduring legacy to Spain. This combination monastery-palace-mausoleum is situated approximately one hour outside of Madrid in the foothills of the Guadarrama Mountains. This austere monastery, erected by King Philip II in 1584, was intended to be a memorial to his father, King Charles V, and to commemorate Spain´s victory at Saint Quentin in 1557. It has since become the burial place of subsequent Spanish kings and queens.
Adult Price: $101 per person
DAY 4: medieval toledo, the “garden city” of valencia
Travel to nearby Toledo, the former capital city of Spain that still retains its medieval atmosphere and charm. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, Toledo is known for its extensive monumental heritage and historical coexistence of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish cultures. Walk through the ancient Jewish Quarter and Plaza de Zocodover. Continue to the Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue with its beautiful Moorish architecture, the oldest synagogue in Europe still standing, and the St. Tome Church, with its brilliant El Greco masterpiece. Then, travel east towards the Mediterranean coast to the “garden city” of Valencia for dinner and overnight.
Hotel: Barceló Valencia
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5: VALENCIA city tour
Valencia is Spain’s major Mediterranean port - this unique city is shaped by the vastness of the sea and the closeness of the coastal mountains. On the morning tour, hear about El Cid, Spain’s national hero who fought here against the Moors. Discover this treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture before continuing to the City Gates and City Hall. Arrive at the fantastic City of Arts and Sciences designed by contemporary artist Santiago Calatrava. This huge scientific and cultural complex is made up of impressive buildings and stands out because of its extraordinary avant-garde architecture. During a tour of the Palau de les Arts, gain insight into the design and history of the building and marvel at its shimmering trencadis exterior. The rest of the day is yours to linger at this site or wander on your own. Perhaps participate in the optional Paella Cooking Class with Dinner.
Hotel: Barceló Valencia
Meal(s): Breakfast
Optional Experience:
Paella Cooking Class with Dinner
Today learn how to prepare Paella Valenciana in the city where this delicious dish was created. This free-style combination of rice, meat, and vegetables is a very popular regional dish and a staple in most Valencian diets. Enjoy some Spanish starters as you observe the Paella as it cooks over a wood fire, the way it was traditionally prepared. Polish off your meal with a typical Valencian dessert.
Adult Price: $95 per person
DAY 6: fairytale Peñíscola, wine tasting in penedes, arrive in barcelona
Head along the intense blue of the Mediterranean coast to the fortified fairytale city of Peñíscola crowned by a Templar castle featured in the movie El Cid. View the lighthouse, built on a rocky headland, and the lighthouse keeper’s cottage with its precipitous winding steps leading down to the sea. Then, continue through Costa Dorada to the wine country of Penedes, one of the most exciting wine regions in Spain. A wide range of wine styles are produced here including the traditional (sparkling) white and rosé Cava. Winemaking in the region dates back millennia; the ancient Romans have left here many vestiges of their wine production. Stop at one of the wine cellars for a tasting of the local wines before traveling to sensational Barcelona. Upon arrival, ascend Montjuic Hill home to the Olympic complex, a number of sports facilities built for the 1992 Summer Olympics. Tonight, enjoy your first taste of Barcelona’s rousing nightlife and fabulous cuisine.
Hotel: Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona
Meal(s): Breakfast
DAY 7: Barcelona city tour
Start the day in this artistic city with a drive along the Old Harbor to the Plaza Catalunya, the city’s bustling main square. Pass the famous works of Gaudi, the master architect, including the Casa Batllo, seemingly constructed from skulls and bones. Then continue on to view the iconic symbol of Barcelona, Gaudi’s masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, a colossal church that is legendary and still unfinished. Conclude the tour with a visit to Park Guell, Barcelona’s most famous park, a playful creation by Gaudi. Learn intriguing facts about its creator and admire the park’s colorful design and intricate tile work. The rest of the day is on your own for exploring the many galleries, or walk along Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s most famous pedestrian walkway with its life-size animators, and stalls. Attend the optional tour to Montserrat. Tonight, a Farewell Dinner together at a local restaurant is a perfect way to end your tour.
Hotel: Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Experience:
Half Day Montserrat Tour
Enjoy a relaxing drive along the picturesque villages of the province to reach Montserrat Mountain. On arrival, visit the Royal Basilica, where you will see the famous 12th-century Romanesque sculpture of "Virgen Moreneta."
Adult Price: $85 per person
DAY 8: adios España
Bid “adios” to Spain and your fellow travelers. Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight back to the States.
Meal(s): Breakfast
the hotelS
Barceló Torre de Madrid
Barceló valencia
hilton diagonal mar barcelona
the details
what’s included
6 nights First Class accommodations (2 nights Madrid, 2 nights Valencia, 2 nights Barcelona)
Single room supplement add $625 - land only or air and land package
9 meals (6 breakfasts, 3 dinners with wine)
All hotel taxes, fees, service charges & porterage
Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
Services of local guides in all major cities
Entrance fees per itinerary
what’s not included
Flights Houston to Madrid, Barcelona to Houston (Included only if air and land package purchased)
Airline taxes & fuel surcharges (Included only if air and land package purchased)
Arrival & Departure Date transfers (Included only if air and land package purchased)
Travel Insurance (Recommended and Available to Purchase)
Admission to Optional Excursions (Available to Purchase)
Questions?
Contact us at info@thewanderlusttravelclub.com