Los Pueblos Blancos

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, Friday March 29: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Saturday March 30: Madrid

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

Day 3, Sunday March 31: 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 breeze past the crowds with your timed reservation to visit the magnificent Prado, 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. Tonight enjoy a tapas dinner. We'll cap off our exceptional day with a stroll down to Plaza Mayor to see the artists and street performers. (B,D)

Day 4, Monday April 1: Seville

Depart Madrid for the old Spanish capital of Toledo. With an expert local guide, tour the towering Gothic Cathedral, visit El Greco's painting in the Church of Santo Tomé and explore the Mudéjar-style Medieval Synagogue. Continue south to Seville for dinner. Enjoy an evening paseo along the river to see the Torre del Oro and colorful Barrio de Triana. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday April 2: Seville

Located in the heart of Andalucía, Seville is the region's capital. During a guided sightseeing tour, discover the immense Gothic Cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus, and enjoy views from the grand Giralda Tower. In the afternoon, discover your talento artistico and craft your own unique souvenir during a Spanish fan painting workshop with an expert instructor from the Escuela de Bellas Artes that illuminates the interesting history of these beautiful works of art. Tonight, experience one of Spain’s most enduring performance art traditions during a flamenco lesson and show. You’ll learn the steps and rhythms of this traditional dance before watching your instructors make it all look so easy. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday April 3: Costa del Sol

Journey to Ronda, divided by a deep ravine over which spans an 18th century engineering marvel, the Puente Nuevo. Tour the town’s famous bullring, one of the oldest in Spain. Then drive past the picturesque pueblos blancos, white villages, and stop in one of them, Mijas, to see the whitewashed walls, quaint streets and tiled roofs distinctive to the area. Enjoy dinner tonight on the Costa del Sol. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday April 4: Costa del Sol

Today 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 8, Friday April 5: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Enhance your Spanish experience with a two-night extension to Granada—visit the legendary Alhambra and the Nerja Caves—one of Spain’s most specatacular sites. (B)