Day 2 - Bilbao

This morning enjoy a visit to the shining titanium Guggenheim Museum, masterpiece of Frank Gehry and symbol of the dynamic renewal of the city of Bilbao since its opening in 1997. The enormous atrium, 150ft high is connected to 19 galleries by suspended walkways and glass elevators. Afterwards walk through the old quarter, the Siete Calles (Seven Streets) to enjoy a hearty lunch of Basque specialties in an old cidreira (cider house). Afterwards head up to Artxondo to enjoy excellent panoramic views across the city.

Later view another of Bilbao’s famous sights, the Puente de Vizcaya Bridge, the world's oldest transporter bridge dating from 1893 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It crosses the Nervión River between the towns of Portugalete and Getxo and is 135 ft high and 525 ft long. 

This evening is at leisure.

If you are here in August, watch out for the Aste Nagusia festival - this is the largest celebration of the year in Bilbao, when Basque culture is on full display. Coinciding with the Feast of the Assumption, Aste Nagusia literally means 'Great Week' and consists of different music and activities set up by a number of groups called konpartsak. Don't miss the grand announcement, where the txupinera officially kicks off the festival by launching a rocket into the sky from the Arriaga Theatre!

Overnight: Gran Hotel Domine

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 3 - San Sebastian

This morning drive along the coast to San Sebastián. This elegant city has, for 100 years, been the most exclusive resort on the north coast of Spain. Set on a magnificent horseshoe bay, the "Parte Vieja" old town is a maze of small streets filled with every kind of restaurant and bar specializing in the most delicious tapas in Spain, known here as "pintxos".  After lunch there is time at leisure to shop before returning to Bilbao along the coast.

This evening dine while you enjoy spectacular views over the whole city in the 100-year-old El Txakolí restaurant located a short distance from the city centre on the edge of the cliff of the Monte Artxanda.

Overnight: Gran Hotel Domine

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 4 - Bilbao to Burgos to Madrid

This morning depart Bilbao for the drive south to Madrid.  Stop almost exactly half way in the historic city of Burgos whose Gothic cathedral is arguably the most beautiful in all Spain. You will be able to visit it before enjoying lunch in a local tavern. After lunch continue the drive to Madrid where you check-in to your hotel upon arrival.

This evening enjoy a tasting of Spanish wines with a leading wine specialist followed by a dinner of traditional tapas.

Overnight: Hotel Ritz

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 5 - Madrid

This morning begin with a visit to the Prado Museum, one of the world’s greatest museums, which for many visitors is one of the city’s main attractions.  It features one of the world's finest collections of European Art, from the 12th century to the early 19th century, based on the former Spanish Royal Collection. Here you can view works by Spain's three great masters: Goya, Velazquez and El Greco.

After the visit explore the area known as ‘Madrid of the Austrias’ on foot. This quarter dates from the time when the Hapsburgs reigned in Spain. This period began with King Carlos I, who enriched the city with palaces and monuments.  Perhaps enjoy a pre-lunch “aperitivo” in the recently restored San Miguel market before time at leisure for lunch in the Plaza Mayor.

This afternoon enjoy a panoramic tour of the city, in which you will see the major landmarks including the cathedral and the governmental buildings.  End the tour at the magnificent Royal Palace built for the Bourbon dynasty; the staterooms are filled with art treasures and antiques.

This evening is at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Ritz

Meal Plan: B

Day 6 - Toledo

This morning journey south to historic Toledo, once the capital of Spain and where for centuries the three cultures of Christianity, Islam and Judaism cohabited uneasily side by side. Rising above the gorge of the River Tajo, its narrow streets seem unchanged since the days of the painter El Greco. Sightseeing will include the Cathedral, and the Church of Santo Tomé which houses his most famous painting, the “Burial of Count Orgaz” and also see the magnificent Tránsito Synagogue. Don’t forget to stop to taste and buy the famous local marzipan which has been made in Toledo since Arab times.

After lunch in “El Cardenal”, an historic establishment located against the city walls and once part of the Archbishop’s Palace, return to Madrid for the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

This evening enjoy dinner followed by a flamenco show at “Torres Bermejas” before returning to the hotel at the end of the night.

Overnight: Hotel Ritz

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 7 - Madrid to Barcelona

This morning transfer to the train station for your high speed AVE train to Barcelona.  

On arrival in Barcelona you will head up to the Hill of Montjuic, the location of the Olympic Stadium where the games were held in 1992. Lunch will be taken at the Restaurant Montjuic El Xalet with spectacular views over the city.  The largest dining room boasts a huge rotating floor which allows everyone to enjoy the view from time to time. 

The eccentric genius of Antoni Gaudí is synonymous with the glories of Barcelona. The tour this afternoon gives a breath-taking overview of the extraordinary works which Gaudí created for wealthy patrons of late 19th century Barcelona, which was enjoying an unprecedented boom of prosperity and patronage of the Arts. In the Passeig de Gracia you will see the remarkable, mosaic covered, Casa Batlló and, across the street the undulating façade of “La Pedrera” whose chimneys must have been the inspiration for Darth Vader! Then, traveling up the hills which surround Barcelona, you come to the never completed Güell Park, where Gaudi himself lived in a small house for many years. Only one of the planned villas was ever built but the trees of stone, the mythical mosaic dragon and the hall of columns delight and amaze. And then, to end, a visit to the vast basilica of the Sagrada Familia which was Gaudi’s most cherished and ambitious project. Construction continues and it is possible to walk through the nave still filled with scaffolding and see how this mighty church is rapidly taking shape.

The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may wish to dine at the hotel, or to venture out to a local restaurant. Please ask your tour director for ideas.

Overnight: Hotel Palace

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 8 - Barcelona

This morning, enjoy a tour in the Old Town, the Barri Gòtic. Start at the Picasso Museum. This museum houses many works from the most prolific of all 20th-century artists, many of which were donated to the city by the painter himself. Your guides will then lead you on foot through a complex of narrow streets that follow the medieval plan. You will visit the fine Gothic cathedral of Barcelona that stands at the heart of the district. From here, it is a short walk to the Boquería market, one of the most vibrant places in the city that is situated on La Rambla, the central promenade. Here you will be able to browse around the fine array of stalls where the freshest of local produce and flowers are available.

There is time at leisure for lunch before a visit to the beautiful Palau de la Música Catalana, the masterpiece of Doménech i Montaner that is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.  The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

This evening, the group will be transferred to Restaurant Can Travi Nou, which occupies a large old farmhouse in Horta, a once rural district which has been absorbed by the city. After dinner return to the hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Palace

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 9 - Montserrat

This morning we drive west of the city to the peaks of the Serra de Montserrat, which is a world-famous shrine to one of the Catalunya’s principal patron saints. During our guided tour, we visit both the monastery, rebuilt in the 19th century after the original building, and the basilica where Montserrat's Black Virgin was found, were destroyed by Napoleon’s troops. There is also a museum divided into two sections, Ancient and Modern, which houses old masters such as El Greco and Caravaggio in addition to more recent Catalan artists. The crests of the mountains are dotted with hermitages, one of which can be reached by funicular giving access to breath-taking views of the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees.

After lunch, enjoy a visit to the to the world famous Codorníu Winery. Codorníu is a symbol of integrity and innovation in the world of cava.  The modernist cellars were designed by the distinguished architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, and are classified as a National Monument of Historical and Artistic Interest.  Return to Barcelona at the end of the afternoon.

Enjoy farewell drinks in the hotel before the remainder of the evening is at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Palace

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 10 - Depart Spain

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Meal Plan: B