Andalucía, El Sol y El Sur

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: Barcelona

Arrive in Barcelona and meet your ACIS Tour Manager. Founded by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, it’s known for its artistic treasures and fine architecture from Gothic to modernist. Begin to explore the city, including the neighborhoods around Ciutadella Park and the Olympic Port, on a guided Barcelona by bike tour. (D)

Day 3, Wednesday June 9: Barcelona

Begin your day with a panoramic sightseeing tour. Your local guide will point out the major highlights of Barcelona, 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 city's unique Gaudí-designed houses, either Casa Batlló or La Pedrera. (B,D)

Day 4, Thursday June 10: Granada

Today depart by internal flight for Granada. Spend the rest of the day exploring. (B,D)

Day 5, Friday June 11: Granada

Begin your morning sightseeing tour of Granada with a guided visit to the world-famous Alhambra, one of the greatest accomplishments of Islamic art and architecture. Insightful commentary enhances this tour, which includes the fragrant Generalife Gardens on the grounds of a summer palace within the complex. Later you may opt to 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 get swept up by the passion and skill of your professional instructors during a flamenco show. This evening, take a winding stroll 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 6, Saturday June 12: Seville

Drive to Córdoba, once the largest and most powerful city in the Western world. Here you’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour including a guided visit of the massive Mezquita. Built as a mosque on the site of a former Roman temple, it’s now a cathedral—and a reflection of the religious diversity that shaped the city’s culture. Then perhaps sample some of the region’s famous tapas for lunch before driving through olive groves en route to Seville. (B,D)

Day 7, Sunday June 13: Seville

Today's guided sightseeing tour in Seville includes highlights such as the immense Cathedral, the third-largest church in the world and burial place of Christopher Columbus, and the grand Giralda Tower. In the afternoon, discover your talento artistico and craft your own unique souvenir during a Spanish fan painting workshop that illuminates the interesting history of these beautiful works of art. This evening mingle and speak Spanish with locals as you explore picturesque Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter of this medieval city, filled with charming squares, cafés and gardens. (B,D)

Day 8, Monday June 14: Costa del Sol

Travel this morning to Arcos de la Frontera, one of the region’s famous hillside pueblos blancos, or white villages, so named for their vividly whitewashed buildings topped by red-tile roofs. Explore the town before you continue on to the Costa del Sol (“Coast of the Sun”) for a free afternoon to enjoy the local beach culture. (B,D)

Day 9, Tuesday June 15: Costa del Sol

Today you may opt to journey to Tangier, Morocco, where you can explore the Grand Socco, a popular marketplace square, and enjoy an included Moroccan lunch. Otherwise remain in the Costa del Sol and take advantage of the abundant sporting facilities or perhaps sample espetos, the local wood-grilled seafood specialty. (B,D)

Day 10, Wednesday June 16: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)