Day 1 :
Depart from North America
- Enjoy your overnight flight to Madrid.:
Day 2 :
Welcome to Madrid!
- Arrive in Madrid:
Begin exploring the vibrant capital of Spain.
Day 3 :
Madrid
- Explore Madrid with a Local Guide:
Join a local guide for a view of the Plaza de España, the Plaza Colón, and the Royal Palace. View Las Meninas in the Prado Museum.
- Reina Sofía Museum:
Learn about Picasso's Guernica in the Reina Sofía Museum.
- LEAP Cocina Española:
LEAP Activity | Cocina Española
Create some of Spain’s most popular and iconic dishes and discover firsthand what makes these dishes enduring classics of Spanish cuisine.
Day 4 :
Toledo
- Explore Toledo with a Local Guide:
A local guide shows you Toledo, a city as brilliant as the gold threads inlaid in its famous black jewelry. Visit the Gothic Cathedral, the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca, a local sword factory, and the Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes.
- Spanish Civil War:
LEAP Activity | Spanish Civil War
Nationalist? Republican? Argue ideology in a revolutionary role-play that delves into the causes of the Spanish Civil War!
Day 5 :
El Escorial – Segovia
- Visit El Escorial:
Journey to El Escorial, Philip II's palace.
- Segovia:
Visit the immense Roman aqueduct in Segovia and the fairy tale castle Alcázar.
- Continue to Salamanca.:
Day 6 :
Salamanca
- See the Sights with a Local Guide:
Follow a local guide through this sunny university city. Stops include the Plaza Mayor and the aptly named Casa de las Conchas.
- Discover Spain's oldest university while walking from the ornate wood carvings of the new cathedral to the frescoes of the attached old cathedral.:
- LEAP Spirit of Spain:
LEAP Activity | Spirit of Spain
Immerse yourself in the art that defines the passion of Spain. Explore the meaning and compare the techniques of artists from El Greco to Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso. Enrich your knowledge of art history as you debate how these and other artists defined and shaped Spanish culture.
Day 7 :
Trujillo – Caceres
- Travel Through Extremadura to Truijillo:
Travel through the stark landscape of Extremadura to Trujillo, birthplace of Pizarro, the conqueror of the Incas.
- Continue to Caceres:
Continue to the austere city of Caceres, whose city center is an almost intact walled Gothic town and a World Heritage site. Spend the night in Extremadura.
Day 8 :
Merida – Seville
- See the Roman Ruins in Merida:
Travel south to Andalusia. En route, visit the best-preserved Roman remains in Spain at Merida.
- Continue to Seville:
Day 9 :
Seville
- Discover the City of Seville:
With a local guide, visit the Giralda Tower within the largest Gothic church in the world, then explore the grand Alcázar.
- LEAP ¡Ay Flamenco!:
LEAP Activity | ¡Ay Flamenco!
Clap! Stomp your feet—now flamenco! Professional dancers teach you the history, rhythms, and moves of the dance that holds a special place in Spanish culture. Later, sit back and admire the pros in a show.
Day 10 :
Granada
- Discover Granada with a Local Guide:
Explore the last Moorish city to fall to the Christian Reconquista—Granada. With a local guide, notice Islamic architecture on your way to the Alhambra fortress-palace and the Generalife Gardens.
Day 11 :
Cordoba
- Explore Cordoba with a Local Guide:
Tour Córdoba's 1,200-year-old Mezquita, once the largest mosque in Islam. Gaze at the statue of Maimonaides, and luxuriate in the aroma of flower-accented courtyards.
- Board a High Speed Train to Barcelona:
Day 12 :
Barcelona
- Discover Barcelona with a Local Guide:
With a local guide, wonder at Gaudí's unfinished Sagrada Família, admire the Olympic Stadium, then visit the historic Barri Gòtic.
- Tour Gaudí's Casa Milà and Park Güell.:
Day 13 :
Barcelona
- Add on: Montserrat:
Journey to the Shrine of Our Lady of Montserrat, a popular pilgrimage destination outside of Barcelona. See the mysterious wish-granting Black Madonna, the Monastery, and the gorgeous basilica.
- Add on: Farewell Dinner in Barcelona:
Reflect on the journey you've experienced and the memories you've created over an appetizing dinner in Barcelona.
Day 14 :
Return Home OR Extend Your Trip
- Depart from Spain:
Board your flight home or extend your travels with a one-night extension to Costa Brava.
Extend your stay | Visit Costa Brava
Head to the coast for a day on Costa Brava. Explore thought-provoking works by Dali at his museum in his hometown of Figueres. Spend some time enjoying the beaches or exploring the peaceful villages.
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