Andalusian 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, Monday May 30: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Tuesday May 31: Toledo

Arrive in Madrid, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and drive the short distance to Toledo. (D)

Day 3, Wednesday June 1: Toledo

Get to know the old Visigothic capital of Toledo. With an expert local guide giving commentary, 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. In the afternoon enjoy free time to shop for Toledo Damascene ware or take time out in the main plaza for a café con leche. (B,D)

Day 4, Thursday June 2: Granada

Live out the famous scenes of Cervantes' Don Quixote today as you view the windmills of Consuegra. Continue to beautiful Granada, situated at the foot of the Sierra Nevada and home to Europe's greatest Moorish legacy. Tonight you will tour the fascinating caves of the Sacromonte neighborhood, stopping to learn the steps to Spain's most famous dance during a flamenco lesson. Enjoy a special dinner, then watch your instructors show you how it's done with a flamenco show. (B,D)

Day 5, Friday June 3: Ronda

Your local guide provides expert commentary during this morning's sightseeing tour of the Alhambra, one of the greatest accomplishments of Moorish art and architecture, and the fragrant Generalife Gardens. Depart in the afternoon for Mijas, one of Spain's picturesque pueblos blancos. The white houses decorated with iron grilles make this a jewel of Andalucía. You'll also want to check out the intricate weaving, pottery and basket-making that the town is known for. Your final destination today is Ronda. (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday June 4: Seville

This morning's guided sightseeing tour of Ronda includes time to visit inside the 18th century bullring and then view the cathedral as well as the Puente Nuevo bridge spanning the dramatic gorge over the Guadalevín River. Then head north to Seville, capital of Andalucía. Your route may take you past several more beautiful pueblos blancos—white villages—situated on rocky crags with charming streets and whitewashed houses. (B,D)

Day 7, Sunday June 5: Seville

Located in the heart of Andalucía, Seville is the region's capital. During today's sightseeing tour a local expert will show you the city's immense Gothic Cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus, and the grand Giralda Tower with its panoramic views. In the afternoon stroll the old section of the city, past the Torre de Oro or into the Parque María Luisa in the evening. (B,D)

Day 8, Monday June 6: Madrid

This morning drive to Córdoba, where sightseeing with a local expert using audio guides includes the unique striped arches of the Moorish Mezquita and the myriad narrow lanes lined with whitewashed buildings. Next journey to Madrid, Spain's modern capital for a traditional Spanish paella dinner—a spicy tango of rice, seafood and vegetables considered by many as Spain’s national dish. (B,D)

Day 9, Tuesday June 7: 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. Spend your final evening in Spain wandering to see the artists and street perfomers in the Plaza Mayor. (B,D)

Day 10, Wednesday June 8: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)