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, Monday June 7: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Tuesday June 8: 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, Wednesday June 9: 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. 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, Thursday June 10: 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, Friday June 11: 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, Saturday June 12: 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—an aromatic tango of rice, seafood and vegetables considered by many as Spain's national dish. (B,D)

Day 7, Sunday June 13: 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 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 dinner, and then get swept up by the passion and skill of your professional instructors during a flamenco show. After, take a winding evening stroll with your tour manager through the old Medieval Moorish streets of the Albaicín neighborhood, and cap off your day with stunning views from Mirador de San Nicolás. (B,D)

Day 8, Monday June 14: 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, Tuesday June 15: Costa del Sol

Today you may take an optional trip to Tangier in Morocco, where you can explore the Grand Socco and enjoy an included lunch of Moroccan specialties. If you choose not to take the optional excursion, take advantage of abundant sporting facilities, simply stroll along the beach or sample the local wood grilled seafood specialty, espetos. You'll want to soak up the Spanish sun and culture before you leave. (B,D)

Day 10, Wednesday June 16: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)