DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Madrid
Arrive in Madrid, Spain's energetic capital and transfer to your hotel. Most flights arrive in the early morning and your room may not be ready for you. In this case, leave your luggage with the concierge and your Tour Manager will provide suggestions for you to begin to explore the city on your own. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM, followed by a light dinner at the hotel. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Dinner

Today's tour of Madrid's impressive architecture begins at the Plaza de Cibeles with its striking buildings. Continue, to view the magnificent Royal Palace. The rest of the day is yours to explore on your own. Perhaps, participate in the optional tour to El Escorial*, the stunning combination monastery-palace-mausoleum built by Philip II
*The optional tour to El Escorial is unavailable from Dec 24 to 26
Optional: Half Day Escorial Tour
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast

Travel to nearby Toledo, the former capital city of Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a panoramic drive along the Tagus River and enjoy views of the Alcazar of Toledo. Walk through the ancient Jewish Quarter before visiting the Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue. Next, visit St. Tomé Church, with its masterpiece by El Greco. Then, drive across the arid landscapes of Don Quixote's "La Mancha" to Granada in Andalucia for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Granada
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today's sightseeing of Moorish Granada is highlighted by a visit to the 13th century Alhambra perched atop Assabica Hill and overlooking the entire city. This imposing hilltop fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fine example of Moorish art and architecture. See spectacular views of the town and the Sierra Nevada Mountains before continuing to Seville, capital of Andalucia for overnight
*Alhambra visiting times, which may include evening hours, and which areas of the complex are accessible on the day of your visit, are determined solely at the discretion of the Alhambra. Your itinerary will be arranged by your Tour Manager to accommodate the designated time of entry
Overnight: Seville
Meals: Breakfast

On this morning's visit in Seville, view Plaza de España and the Maria Luisa Park by the Guadalquivir River. Explore the narrow streets and the many plazas of the quaint old Santa Cruz Quarter. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy an optional Flamenco Show performed by some of Seville's leading Flamenco artists
Optional: Evening Flamenco Show (PM)
Overnight: Seville
Meals: Breakfast

Depart Seville and head to Cordoba, founded by the Romans. Visit the Mezquita de Cordoba, a mosque that was transformed into a soaring cathedral in the 16th century. A walking tour of the city reveals the ancient Jewish Quarter with its labyrinth of winding narrow streets, courtyards, and picturesque squares. View the 14th century Synagogue on Calle de los Judios before lunch on your own. In the afternoon, travel to Madrid for overnight. Tonight, bid adios to your Tour Manager at dinner
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast