Spanish Vistas

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

¡Bienvenidos a España! Arrive in Madrid, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and settle in before exploring the wide avenues and open plazas of Spain's capital city.

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. Tonight, you may decide to sample churros y chocolate for dessert as you stroll down to see the artists and street performers in the Plaza Mayor.

Day 4: Granada

A journey to Spain's old capital of Toledo includes a visit to El Greco's great painting in the Church of Santo Tomé, the treasures of the Gothic Cathedral and the Medieval Synagogue accompanied by a local guide. Then drive through Andalucía's sunflower fields and olive groves to Granada, the former seat of Spain's Moorish kingdom, in time for dinner.

Day 5: Granada

A local guide provides commentary during your sightseeing tour as you visit the legendary Alhambra, the most magnificent of all the Moorish palaces in Spain, and wander through the aromatic Generalife Gardens. Spend the afternoon exploring the city's multicultural roots, perhaps by admiring the architecture and souvenirs in the Alcaicería, the former Muslim silk bazaar. Later you'll learn one of Spain's most enduring traditions, flamenco dancing, at a unique venue where Andalusian culture comes alive—Granada's Plaza de Toros. An expert teaches you the moves during your flamenco lesson before you enjoy a special dinner, and then get swept up by the passion and skill of your professional instructors during a flamenco show. After, take a winding evening stroll with your tour manager through the old Medieval Moorish streets of the Albaicín neighborhood, and cap off your day with stunning views from Mirador de San Nicolás.

Day 6: Seville

Journey today to Andalucía's capital, Seville. A sightseeing tour with a local expert includes its immense Gothic Cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus, and the grand Giralda Tower. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore more of Seville at your own pace. Perhaps practice your Spanish as you shop for souvenirs, visit the Torre de Oro or stroll in the Parque María Luisa.

Day 7: Seville

This morning, you'll learn about the historic Triana neighborhood's famed ceramic tiles, or azulejos, and decorate your own piece in a ceramic tile workshop. Later you may choose to take an optional journey to the Moorish city of Córdoba, where you can roam through narrow lanes lined with whitewashed buildings and see the unique striped arches of the Mezquita. Otherwise enjoy time to explore more of Seville as you please. Perhaps wander through Santa Cruz, the old section of Seville, or visit the beautiful Alcázar.

Day 8: Barcelona

Journey by high-speed AVE train to Barcelona. Founded by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, it's known for its artistic treasures and fine architecture from Gothic to Modernist. Take time to wander through the narrow cobbled streets, peaceful squares and towering old buildings that characterize Barri Gòtic (the city's Gothic Quarter) which was at times home to both Picasso and Joan Miró. Tonight's feast is a traditional Spanish paella dinner—a spicy tango of rice, seafood and vegetables considered by many as Spain's national dish.

Day 9: 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. Antoni Gaudí, one of Catalonia's most famous sons, was a Modernist architect whose distinctive style is revered to this day. Entrance to Gaudí's Sagrada Familia allows you study the incredible light and intricate architecture of this masterpiece inside and out. You'll also take a stroll through his whimsical Parc Güell and enjoy a sweeping view over the city all the way to the sea. Then spend the rest of the day discovering more of Barcelona, perhaps practicing your Spanish while mingling with locals in Plaça Reial, a popular city square, or engaging all your senses at the world famous La Boqueria food market. Whatever you decide, your memories of your Spanish sojourn will stay with you forever.

Day 10: Departure

Departure for the U.S.