La España Auténtica

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 19: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Friday March 20: Madrid

Arrive in Spain's modern and cosmopolitan capital and transfer into the city center. Leave your luggage at the hotel and head right out to perhaps seek out the statue of Don Quixote or stroll into Plaza Mayor. (D)

Day 3, Saturday March 21: 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. Perhaps spend your afternoon rowing on the lake in Retiro Park or discussing the Spanish Civil War as you view Picasso's Guernica in the Reina Sofía Museum. (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday March 22: Merida

Depart this morning by train for Cáceres, capital of Spain's Extremadura region. A guided walking tour of the Old Town will show you this beautiful city's ancient walls, narrow cobbled streets, medieval structures and multitude of storks' nests. After time for lunch, continue to Mérida, the ancient capital of Lusitania and home to the most Roman ruins in Spain. A guided sightseeing tour by bus shows you highlights such as the Roman Theater, Circus Maximus, Temple of Diana and Puente Romano, with entrance included to the Roman Amphitheater. (B,D)

Day 5, Monday March 23: Seville

Take the train into Andalucía's prettiest city, Seville. Your guided sightseeing tour by bus includes entrance to the Gothic Cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus, and the spectacular views from the grand Giralda Tower. The remainder of the day is yours to perhaps wander the streets of the Santa Cruz quarter and imagine the days when the Spanish Explorers were bringing gold from the New World. (B,D)

Day 6, Tuesday March 24: Seville

Warm up this morning with a guided bike tour of Seville that showcases landmarks such as María Luisa Park, the city's historic center and the riverside district. In the afternoon discover more of Seville at your own pace. You may wish to practice your Spanish as you shop for souvenirs, visit the Santa Cruz neighborhood, snap a photo of the eye-catching Metropol Parasol or learn about the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929 at the Plaza de España. (B,D)

Day 7, Wednesday March 25: Cadiz

Head south this morning for a visit of Arcos de la Frontera, one of the most beautiful pueblos blancos, white villages, strategically located atop the cliff with a web of whitewashed arches over winding, narrow streets that are full of history. After time to explore, continue to Cádiz, the oldest continually inhabited settlement in Europe. A walking tour shows you the picturesque old city, the golden cupola of the cathedral, the central market and the famous church of San Felipe Neri where the first Spanish Constitution was signed. (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday March 26: Torremolinos

Today experience an important part of Spain's culture with a visit to the legendary Alvaro Domecq´s bull ranch, where you will get a first-hand look at the raising and habitat of the famed, ferocious Torrestrella fighting bulls and talented Andalusian horses. Explore the countryside of the ranch to see the animals in their natural environment and then learn more about their breeding and performance in the ranch's grandstand. A hearty, rustic lunch at the bull ranch is included. Then, travel to Málaga for your final evening abroad. (B,L,D)

Day 9, Friday March 27: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)