La Fiesta

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 23: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Friday March 24: 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. (D)

Day 3, Saturday March 25: 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. This afternoon you may choose to step back to Spain's golden age on an optional excursion to El Escorial. Built by King Philip II to honor San Lorenzo after he defeated the French in 1557, its immense size and elaborate decoration emphasize its importance to Spanish history. After dinner may be a good time to sample churros y chocolate as you stroll down to see the artists and street performers in Plaza Mayor. (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday March 26: Madrid

Experience medieval Spain with a full-day excursion to the old Visigothic capital of Toledo. With a local guide, explore the Medieval Synagogue, visit El Greco's great painting in the Church of Santo Tomé and have a complete tour of the treasures of the Gothic Cathedral. Return to Madrid and explore more of this city's many highlights at your own pace. (B,D)

Day 5, Monday March 27: Seville

Pass through the legendary plains of La Mancha, land of Don Quixote, en route to Córdoba. Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the city and a visit inside its famous Moorish Mezquita with audio guides. Then drive 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 6, Tuesday March 28: Seville

Located in the heart of Andalucía, Seville is the region's capital. 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 enjoy a guided bike tour of Seville that showcases landmarks such as María Luisa Park, the city's historic center and the riverside district. 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 7, Wednesday March 29: Granada

Drive through Andalucía's sunflower fields and olive groves to Granada, the former seat of Spain's Moorish kingdom. During a sightseeing tour with a local guide, 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 explore the unique caves of the Sacromonte area, where you'll learn one of Spain's most enduring traditions—flamenco dancing. An expert teaches you the moves during your flamenco lesson before you enjoy a special dinner, and then compare your new talent with your instructors' at a flamenco show. (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday March 30: Costa del Sol

This morning depart Granada and drive through mountain towns with spectacular coastal views to the Costa del Sol. See weaving, pottery and basket-making at the village of Mijas, one of the pueblos blancos known for its famous "burro-taxis" (donkeys rented for transportation), en route to the sun-splashed shores of the Mediterranean. Strike out from your hotel for a paseo along the beachfront promenade this evening. (B,D)

Day 9, Friday March 31: Costa del Sol

Today take a trip to Tangier in Morocco, where you can explore the Grand Socco and enjoy an included lunch of Moroccan specialties. (B,D)

Day 10, Saturday April 1: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)