Contrastes del Norte

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: Madrid

Arrive in Madrid, the cosmopolitan capital of Spain, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and start exploring.

Day 3: Madrid

Madrid's rich heritage comes alive on a guided morning walking tour that showcases classic Spanish boulevards, grand plazas and the diverse architecture of modern-day Madrid. Highlights include the Teatro Real Opera House, Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and Neptune Fountain. You'll also go inside the magnificent Prado (skipping the lines with a timed reservation), one of the world's premier art museums. Here an expert will provide illuminating commentary about the artwork of Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens and Bosch. Even the 18th-century neo-classical building that houses the collection is stunning.

Day 4: Burgos

This morning, drive to the magnificent palace monastery of El Escorial, built by King Philip II to honor San Lorenzo after he defeated the French in 1557. Enjoy a guided visit to the palace before you continue to ancient Segovia, and tour its impressive 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct and dreamlike Alcázar with your tour manager. Traveling through Castile, arrive in Burgos, once home of the great Spanish hero El Cid.

Day 5: San Sebastian

A morning walking tour of Burgos with your tour manager takes you to one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in Europe. Then head north to Bilbao, home of Spain's Guggenheim Museum, and enjoy its impressive collection with headsets provided. Continue on to picturesque San Sebastián, the fashionable Basque seaside resort.

Day 6: San Sebastian

This morning experience an important piece of Basque sporting culture as you try your hand at one of the world's fastest ball games, pelota. Expert players will treat you to both a pelota lesson and professional demonstration match. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore more of San Sebastián at your own pace. This evening enjoy an authentic Spanish dinner and walking tour.

Day 7: Barcelona

Drive to the thriving city of Zaragoza, noted for its traditions of folklore and gastronomy as well as the Basílica del Pilar and the grand Moorish Aljafería Palace, built during the 11th century. There will be time for lunch then travel onward to Barcelona, capital of Catalonia.

Day 8: Barcelona

Begin your day with a panoramic sightseeing tour. Your local guide will point out the major highlights of Barcelona, from the Gothic Quarter to the unique Gaudí designs along the Passeig de Gràcia, and will make a stop outside his masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia. Antoni Gaudí, one of Catalonia's most famous sons, was a Modernist architect whose distinctive style is revered to this day. Later, stroll through his whimsical Parc Güell for a sweeping view over the city, and also enjoy a visit inside one of the city's unique Gaudí-designed houses, either Casa Batlló or La Pedrera. Then you'll learn about one of Spain's most enduring traditions—flamenco dancing. An expert teaches you the moves to this traditional and passionate Spanish art form during your flamenco lesson. The rest of the day is yours to perhaps explore the Gothic Quarter or browse local shops for souvenirs.

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.