Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona

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 18: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Friday March 19: Madrid

¡Bienvenidos a España! Welcome to Spain's modern and cosmopolitan capital. Meet your ACIS Tour Manager before you begin to explore the city's wide avenues and open plazas. (D)

Day 3, Saturday March 20: 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. Your cultural immersion continues later today as a master teacher shows you how to channel your inner bailaor/bailaora with a lesson in the passionate art of flamenco dancing, an important tradition in Spanish culture. After the lesson, enjoy a dramatic and fiery professional flamenco show starring your own instructor. (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday March 21: Valencia

Today's drive takes you to Cuenca, a town with UNESCO world heritage status. The ancient town is perched above two deep gorges of the Júcar and Huécar rivers and you'll see the famous Casas Colgadas, a complex of houses perched high up on the steep slopes. As well as being of great historic interest, Cuenca has also established itself as being a center of modern art and culture. Once you've explored the town, you'll continue your journey to the bustling city of Valencia. (B,D)

Day 5, Monday March 22: Valencia

Founded as a Roman colony, Valencia boasts one of the largest historic centers in Spain, with a wealth of ancient monuments and cultural attractions. This morning you'll start to discover Valencia's rich heritage on a guided sightseeing tour, which includes visiting the city's cathedral, seeing the old silk exchange and taking a panoramic drive along the grand boulevards to view the impressive architecture of the Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias. Next you'll continue to El Palmar, a fishing town on the edge of Albufera lagoon, part of the Parc Natural de l'Albufera de València. While in El Palmar, you'll have a lunch of Paella Valenciana. Paella has ancient roots, but its modern form originated in the mid-19th century in the Albufera area, and so what better place to enjoy this Valencian specialty. Return to Valencia for a free evening to discover more of the city's treasures. (B,L)

Day 6, Tuesday March 23: Barcelona

Today you'll journey to Barcelona, making a stop in Tarragona, a historic Roman port. You'll learn about what was once one of the Roman Empire's finest cities during a visit to the Tarragona Amphitheatre, built in the 2nd century overlooking the sea and once the site of gladiator battles in front of as many as 14,000 spectators. From Tarragona, head to Catalonia's capital city, Barcelona. Founded by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, it’s known for its artistic treasures and fine architecture from Gothic to Modernist. (B,D)

Day 7, Wednesday March 24: Barcelona

Today you'll experience the best of Barcelona. Panoramic sightseeing with your local guide will show you the city's historic and modern highlights, from the Gothic Quarter to the unique Gaudí designs along the Passeig de Gràcia, and will make a stop outside his masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia. Antoni Gaudí, one of Catalonia's most famous sons, was a Modernist architect whose distinctive style is revered to this day. Later, stroll through his whimsical Parc Güell for a sweeping view over the city, and also enjoy a visit inside one of the unique Gaudí-designed houses, either Casa Batlló or La Pedrera. During a free afternoon, why not stroll along La Rambla or visit the Picasso Museum? (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday March 25: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)