Madrid, León y Santiago

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, Thursday June 3: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Friday June 4: Madrid

Bienvenidos a España! After arriving in Madrid, the cosmopolitan capital of Spain, you'll meet your ACIS Tour Manager and begin exploring this culturally significant city. You may want to start by getting a bite to eat at the little mesones in the Plaza Mayor. (D)

Day 3, Saturday June 5: 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 we'll dine like the madrileños do during an authentic tapas evening. Classic tapas dishes include items such as tortilla española, patatas bravas, bacalao, cheeses, olives or jamón. Finish off the meal at one of Madrid's most famous chocolaterías with a sweet Spanish treat—churros y chocolate! Afterward, stroll to Plaza Mayor to watch artists and street performers ply their crafts. (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday June 6: Madrid

Venture back in time today with an excursion to Toledo, a city that reveals the essence of medieval Spain. With a local guide you'll walk the winding streets to the Gothic Cathedral and the Medieval Synagogue and take in El Greco's great painting in the lovely 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 the evening and perhaps shop in the Mercado San Miguel or stroll past the illuminated Royal Palace. (B,L)

Day 5, Monday June 7: Leon

Start the day with a journey into the majestic Castilla y León region, known as the “Land of the Castles.” More than 300 were built in this high-plains area, primarily as a defense against Moorish invaders in medieval times. You'll see a prime example in Segovia, home of the Alcázar, a castle that began as a Roman fort. It looks like something you'd see on the pages of a fairy tale. Then you'll continue on to León, where you'll have time before dinner to explore this fascinating city, known for its churches and cathedrals. (B,D)

Day 6, Tuesday June 8: Santiago De Compostela

This morning you'll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of monuments and sights in León, once the busy capital of a former empire and now a quieter, pedestrian-friendly town. Enjoy entrance to the León Cathedral, notable for its soaring stained glass windows and Gothic style architecture. This afternoon, you'll head west for Santiago de Compostela. Watch the scenery change as you travel from the Castilla y León region into Galicia. (B,D)

Day 7, Wednesday June 9: Santiago De Compostela

Enjoy a full day to explore the Galician capital, which boasts one of the oldest universities in Spain and a beautiful old city center that combines Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture. The faithful also recognize it as the burial site of St. James the Apostle, which leads to its role as an important center for Christian traditions and the final destination on the Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James pilgrimage route. A guided sightseeing tour will reveal the city's most interesting sights and stories, including a visit inside the famed Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, beneath which lies the tomb of St. James. (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday June 10: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)