La Fiesta with Sonia

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, Sunday June 26: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Monday June 27: Madrid

¡Bienvenidos a España! Arrive in the capital city of Madrid, meet your ACIS Tour Manager Sonia and begin to settle in. After a long flight, what could be better than stretching your legs with a stroll through majestic Retiro Park, sampling ice cream and watching the street musicians beside the boating lake? Or, for those eager for art, perhaps start your adventure off with a visit to see Picasso's Guernica at the Museo Reina Sofía. (D)

Day 3, Tuesday June 28: 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. A panoramic drive takes you past 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 highlighting artwork of the Spanish masters Velázquez and Goya, as well as 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 with a matador-led drive through the fields to see the bulls in the wild, participate in a bullfighting lesson and then enjoy a demonstration of matador skills with a real bull (no animals are harmed). Return to Madrid. This evening join Sonia on a stroll around city at night, including the Plaza Mayor and the spectacular Mercado de San Miguel, where you may wish to join the Madrileños in sampling some of the local delicacies on offer. Today a hearty, rustic lunch at the bull ranch is included instead of dinner. (B,L)

Day 4, Wednesday June 29: Madrid

Experience medieval Spain with a full-day excursion to the old Visigothic capital of Toledo. Step back in time as a local guide unlocks the Medieval Synagogue, El Greco's great painting in the Church of Santo Tomé and the treasures of the Gothic Cathedral—the jewel in the crown of Catholic Spain. Return to Madrid with time to explore more of the city's many highlights at your own pace. Sports fans might wish to visit the Bernabéu Stadium museum and facilities, or perhaps you might like to take in the sunset and spectacular views from the Egyptian Temple of Debod. (B,D)

Day 5, Thursday June 30: Seville

Today pass through the legendary plains of La Mancha, land of Don Quixote, en route to Córdoba. Explore the city's whitewashed cobbled streets with your tour manager and enjoy a visit with audio guides inside its famous Moorish Mezquita, which now also serves as the Córdoba's cathedral. Then drive to Seville and start to get to know the rich history of this enchanting city with its intoxicating fusion of music, ritual, architecture and orange blossoms. After dinner join Sonia on a walking tour of the city at night, perhaps choosing to take in the view from high up on top of the Metropol Parasol—known locally as "Las Setas"—Seville's most daring and iconic modern structure. (B,D)

Day 6, Friday July 1: Seville

Located in the heart of Andalucía, Seville is the region's capital. On your guided sightseeing tour, see the former Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz, the scenic Plaza de España, and the historic Guadalquivir River where Spanish explorers offloaded goods at the Torre del Oro. You'll also go inside the immense Gothic Cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus, and enjoy views from the grand Giralda Tower. After time for lunch, a visit to the enchanting Alcázar will be a highlight of your afternoon. We'll maximize your time with a pre-booked group entrance as you use audio guides to discover the incredible salons, courtyards, gardens and history of this royal palace complex, considered one of the greatest examples of Mudéjar art in existence and the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe. Tonight's feast is a traditional Spanish paella dinner, considered by many as Spain's national dish. (B,D)

Day 7, Saturday July 2: Granada

Drive through Andalucía's sunflower fields and olive groves to Granada, the former seat of Spain's Moorish kingdom. A walking tour led by your tour manager introduces you to many of Granada's multicultural highlights. See the Arab baths, Turkish tea rooms, the Archaeological Museum's intricate Spanish Renaissance façade and the well-preserved 14th century Corral del Carbón. Then visit inside the Royal Chapel of Granada Cathedral where Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand are buried. Free time after will allow for shopping within the beautiful architecture of the Alcaicería, the original Moorish silk bazaar. Later explore the unique caves of the Sacromonte area, where you'll experience one of Spain's most enduring traditions—flamenco. Learn some basic moves during your flamenco lesson with an expert before you compare your new talent with your instructors' at a flamenco show with dinner included. (B,D)

Day 8, Sunday July 3: Malaga

No visit to Granada is complete without seeing the legendary Alhambra palace and fortress complex, the most magnificent of all the Moorish palaces in Spain. We take advantage of the early morning light to enjoy the spectacular interiors and savor the aromatic Generalife Gardens. After a time for a tapas lunch downtown, depart for Málaga, where a panoramic bus tour of the Costa del Sol's largest city includes stunning views from the 14th century Gibralfaro Castle, built on a hill high above the city center. (B,D)

Day 9, Monday July 4: Malaga

In the morning experience the city center as the locals might during your guided bike tour, taking in all the sights downtown including the Cathedral, indoor market and the beach boardwalk. This afternoon is free for you to perhaps enjoy some well-earned leisure time on the beach, shop for last-minute souvenirs, sample a traditional local snack such as fried boquerones or get in touch with your inner artist at the world-class Picasso Museum. The city's Museo Automovilístico, a hidden gem, is a treat for anyone interested in high fashion, design or vintage cars. Finally, cap off your adventure abroad with a farewell dinner by the sea. (B,D)

Day 10, Tuesday July 5: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)