Insider's Spain

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Friday June 9: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Saturday June 10: Barcelona

Arrive in Barcelona and meet your ACIS Tour Manager. Founded by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, it’s known for its artistic treasures and fine architecture from Gothic to modernist. Begin to explore the city, including the neighborhoods around Ciutadella Park and the Olympic Port, on a guided Barcelona by bike tour. (D)

Day 3, Sunday June 11: Barcelona

Begin your 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. This afternoono our local expert will point out, via personal headsets, all the major sights of Barcelona, including Gaudí’s famous houses. Antoni Gaudí, one of Catalonia’s most famous sons, was a Modernist architect whose distinctive style is revered to this day. After, you’ll be able to study the intricate design inside and out of his still-unfinished Sagrada Familia and stroll whimsical Parc Güell. Come back hungry; 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. (B,D)

Day 4, Monday June 12: Seville

This morning take the AVE to Seville. Spend your evening discovering Seville's rich history perhaps as you stroll the whitewashed Santa Cruz quarter, and imagine the days when the Spanish explorers were bringing gold from the New World. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday June 13: Seville

This morning on your guided sightseeing tour, discover the immense Gothic Cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus, and enjoy views from the grand Giralda Tower. This afternoon, you'll learn about the historic Triana neighborhood's famed ceramic tiles, or azulejos, and decorate your own piece in a ceramic tile workshop. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday June 14: Granada

Drive to Granada where your local guide will provide commentary during a sightseeing tour that includes a visit to the Alhambra, one of the greatest accomplishments of Islamic art and architecture, and the fragrant Generalife Gardens. Tonight 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. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday June 15: Madrid

Journey to Madrid via the spectacular mountain pass of Despeñaperros, the gateway between the region of Andalucía and the golden plains of La Mancha. Begin to explore the wide avenues and open plazas of Spain's capital city. (B,D)

Day 8, Friday June 16: Madrid

Madrid's rich heritage comes alive on your guided sightseeing tour of classic Spanish boulevards, grand plazas, and the diverse architecture of modern-day Madrid. Highlights include the Plaza de España with its statue of Don Quixote, the majestic Alcalá Gate, and the famous bullring Las Ventas. Then visit the magnificent Prado (skipping the lines with a timed reservation), one of the world's premier art museums. Here, an expert provides illuminating commentary on the artwork of Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens, and Bosch. Even the 18th-century Neo-Classical building that houses the collection is stunning. In the afternoon, participate in a legendary part of Spain's culture with a visit to a local Bull Ranch, where you will get a first-hand look at how famed Spanish bulls are bred. Explore the ranch, participate in a bullfighting lesson and then enjoy a demonstration of Matador skills with a real bull (no animals are harmed throughout our lesson). Today a hearty lunch at the bull ranch is included instead of dinner. (B,L)

Day 9, Saturday June 17: Madrid

Venture back in time to medieval Spain today on a journey to Toledo, once the Spanish capital. With an expert local guide, view the dazzling treasures of the Gothic Cathedral, the Mudéjar-style Medieval Synagogue, and the Church of Santo Tomé. Then visit a local restaurant for a Spanish cooking lesson led by professional chefs. Work in teams to create traditional dishes before dining on the tasty results with spectacular views of the Toledo skyline. Return to Madrid for your final evening and perhaps stroll down to see the artists and street performers in Plaza Mayor. (B,L,D)

Day 10, Sunday June 18: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)