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, Thursday March 21: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Friday March 22: 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, Saturday March 23: Barcelona

Begin your day with a panoramic sightseeing tour. Our local expert will point out all the major highlights of Barcelona, including the unique Gaudí-designed 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. We have the afternoon to wander 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. 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, Sunday March 24: Cordoba

Journey on the high-speed AVE train to Córdoba today where a sightseeing tour with a local expert includes discovering the unique striped arches of the Moorish Mezquita with an audio guide and wandering the narrow lanes lined with whitewashed buildings. Tonight enjoy a Moorish cuisine dinner that highlights the Arab influence on local flavors as you learn the features of this type of cuisine and why it's so prevalent in southern Spain. (B,D)

Day 5, Monday March 25: 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. After your visit enjoy a local train ride to Granada center where you will see Cathedral and Capilla Real from the outside. Next arrive by train at La Solea stop where 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 lunch, and then get swept up by the passion and skill of your professional instructors during a flamenco show. This evening is free to participate in the religious cellebrations and processions. Please note: lunch is included intead of dinner today. (B,L)

Day 6, Tuesday March 26: 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 7, Wednesday March 27: 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 8, Thursday March 28: 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 9, Friday March 29: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)