SPAIN AND PORTUGAL

Prepare for an exciting adventure through the sparkling tiled streets of Spain. We depart Dallas this afternoon for Madrid via London on British Airways. Bon Voyage!

Bienvenido a Madrid! Welcome to the bustling capital of Spain. Our representative will meet us at Madrid airport early this afternoon, and transfer us to our centrally located hotel.

Madrid is the capital of friendliness and goodwill. Its atmosphere, its animation and its joy of living are contagious. Its strength and its personality make Madrid an unforgettable city and its abundant attractions, atmosphere, art, and history are complemented by an extraordinary assortment of nearby cities of great monumental wealth and historical interest.

Today we will enjoy a full-day city sightseeing tour of Madrid with our local guide along the noble avenues to see the Plaza de Espana and the statue of Cervantes, author of Don Quixote. We continue past Cibeles Fountain, the Parliament, and cross the Puerta del Sol, the geographical center point of Spain.

We will visit one of the glories of Spain—the fabulous Prado Museum. This imposing building was constructed in 1785, and in 1819 was inaugurated to house the royal collection. The Prado Museum is now one of the world's greatest museums, and has a collection of more than 6,000 works. There are sections for all the major schools of art, and the Goya collection, which started with three works donated by the museum's founder and internationally acclaimed Fernando VII. Look too for important pieces by Velázquez, El Greco, Rubens, Zurbarán, and Murillo.

The tour will include a visit to the Army Museum. We will also visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, which opened in October 1992 and is located in the specially renovated Villahermosa Palace, opposite the Prado Museum. In it is a private collection, one of the most impressive in the world, that consists of more than 800 paintings by great Masters from the 13th century to present day, and was bequeathed to Spain by Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza. Besides classical works, the collection includes Impressionist pieces by Manet, Monet, Renoir, Gauguin, Toulouse-Lautrec, Cézanne, and Van Gogh, among others.

Today we will take on a full-day sightseeing excursion to El Escorial, Segovia, and Avila. This morning we drive first to El Escorial and visit the Valley of the Fallen, a dramatic site where General Franco decided to place an extraordinary monument to the dead of the Spanish Civil War. The basilica, of immense proportions, has been hollowed out of a granite mountain. The tombs of Franco himself and José Antonio Primo Rivera, the founder of the Falangist Party, are prominent, and in the crypt, which is closed to the public. There, ossuaries contain the remains of tens of thousands of people from both sides of the Civil War. Nearby is a huge cross that stands 492 feet high and measures 150 feet wide.

We then travel to lovely Romanesque Segovia to view the Aqueduct and visit the Cathedral and the Alcazar.

The Roman Aqueduct is one of the finest still in existence and among the largest Roman structures left in Spain. Dating from the 1st century AD, it is 2,700 feet long with 119 arches and 94 feet high. An imposing and symmetrically graceful monument, it is constructed entirely of granite stones, with no use made of mortar or any other bonding material.

The cathedral is one of the last Gothic churches built in Spain. Work began in 1525, but it took nearly two centuries to complete. The cloister was moved here piece by piece from an older cathedral destroyed during the Communidades War (a rebellion by Castilian noblemen).

The Alcazar (castle) is located on a wedge-shaped promontory high above the confluence of the Eresma and Clamores rivers, making it both easily defensible and dramatically beautiful. There have been fortifications here since Roman times. The earliest parts of the existing structure date from the 12th and 13th centuries, but most date from the 14th century, with subsequent remodeling in the 15th century. Today, the Alcazar houses a 10-room museum exhibiting tapestries, old furniture, weapons, and armor. The views from the top of the Torre de Juan II (Tower of Juan II), for those with the energy to climb the 152 steps, are spectacular.

We then drive to Avila, where the city walls are the symbolical emblems of the city. They contribute to the defining image of the warring and monastic center that Avila was and has been able to maintain throughout the years. It constitutes a unique symbol that encloses within its walls mysticism and history, art, and heroic chivalry. It is a city of contrasts, as the hustle and bustle of the Mercado (market) echoes from the quiet repose of the temples and its cloisters. Churches, convents, beautiful palaces, and the impressive cathedral provide Avila’s character and identity in which the spirit of Santa Theresa of Jesus and of Saint John of the Cross still vibrate.

After our most interesting tour, we return to our hotel in Madrid.

This morning we leave Madrid and drive first to the citadel city of Toledo, an incomparable open-air museum of Spanish history, architecture, and great art. During our sightseeing tour of Toledo, we will visit the El Greco’s House, Iglesia de Santo Tome, and Synagogue of the Transit.

The spectacular setting above the ravine of a jade-green River Tagus barely prepares visitors for the delights of this much-visited city, whose old quarter is a treasury of artistic and architectural riches. Preeminent among these is its huge cathedral, whose contents include works by Velázquez and Toledo's adopted genius, El Greco, who spent his last years in the city.

El Greco’s masterpiece, the Burial of the Count of Orgaz, is housed in the Iglesia de Santo Tomé. Ornate synagogues attest to a once prosperous Jewish community, Visigothic jewels deck San Roman church, and Moorish features adorn many buildings. Shops in the old town sell Toledo's specialties: damascene (inlaid steel) and marzipan. We then proceed to Cordoba, and upon arrival, we check in at the Hotel Alfaros.

The morning is free to explore this lovely city on our own.

This afternoon we will enjoy city sightseeing tour of Cordoba with our local guide. Cordoba’s long and glamorous history has left a wealth of fine buildings and an old quarter of enormous charm. We will visit the glorious mosque or Mezquita, flanked by courtyards of orange trees and superbly decorated inside with horseshoe arches and rich mosaics. Near the Mezquita lies the Judería or Jewish quarter, a picturesque maze of white houses and flower- or fountain-filled patios.

Today we will be taken on a full day sightseeing excursion to Seville (Sevilla), a gorgeous, lively, and spirited city. Spain's fourth largest city, Seville is an important industrial center and inland port. Our local tour guide will take us to visit the Cathedral and Giralda Tower, two of Seville's most important monuments. In 1184, a minaret was built on a Roman base, now known as the Giralda (literally 'weather vane'), named after the revolving bronze statue of Faith at its summit. The Cathedral, one of the last to be built in the Gothic style, is not only the largest in Spain but the third largest in the Christian world, after Saint Peter's in Rome and Saint Paul's in London. The main points of interest include the Royal Chapel, the tomb of Alfonso X, a museum exhibiting the Cathedral's treasures, and the tomb of Christopher Columbus. We also visit the Alcazar, Barrio de Santa Cruz, and Plaza Espana.

Later in the afternoon, we return back to our hotel in Cordoba.

Today we leave Cordoba and travel to Granada via Jaen. Jaen's ubiquitous olive groves add to the pleasures of local touring. The provincial capital is a sizeable commercial center with a lengthy history—Carthaginian, Roman, and Moorish. The Moors left their name behind: Jaen means 'the route of the caravan.'

We then continue our journey through Andalusia to the Moorish kingdom capital of Granada in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. It is one of the world's most impressive and famous cities, half Islamic and half Christian. Upon arrival in Granada, we will be transferred to our hotel.

Everything we see in this romantic city of 'Arabian Nights' reminds us of 800 years of Moorish rule. During our full-day sightseeing tour of Granada, we visit the beautiful and inspiring 700-year-old Alhambra, a castle complex of worldwide fame. It has layers of walled fortifications that encircle several square miles of immaculately manicured gardens. Without a doubt, it is the monument most representative of Spain, and one of the most splendid achievements in the history of architecture. Its name is derived from the Arabic and means 'Red Castle,' particularly descriptive since its walls were made from the red clay of the hill on which it is situated.

We then visit the water gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence. You will be amazed by the intricate stonework of this 13th century, mountain-top fortress. There are beautiful fountains and pools, all set in a lovely, well-maintained garden filled with a variety of flowers. We will also visit the Royal Chapel, a treasure house of decorative art, precious jewels, and fine paintings. During their reign, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella spent a quarter of their considerable income on preparing this extraordinary chapel to receive their mortal remains after death.

Tonight we are in for a big treat. We will enjoy a spectacular Flamenco show and dinner at Restaurant Juanillo in Sacramonte Caves.

This morning we leave Granada and our motorcoach journey takes us to Valencia via Alicante. Upon arrival in Valencia, Spain’s third largest city, we check in at our hotel.

In the morning we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Valencia with our local guide. Ceramic domed roofs glitter in the Levantine sunshine, and the tree-lined boulevards of the modern town contrast with the old-fashioned patios and plazas of the older quarter. During our sightseeing tour, we will also visit the The National Ceramics Museum, in the impressively ornate 18th century Marqués Dos Aguas palace. It houses an extensive ceramic collection. One of the three 18th-century carriages used to belong to the eponymous marquis, and there are many examples of the finely painted and glazed tiles known as 'azulejos.'

Before we leave Valencia, we will visit the Lladro porcelain studio. Then our motorcoach journey takes us to Montserrat, where we visit the Basilica and the Grand Madonna. We then proceed to Barcelona, and upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel. Bienvenido a Barcelona! Welcome to the bustling city of Spain!

This morning our local guide will take us on a sightseeing tour of Barcelona. Located between sparkling sea and green hills, Spain's second largest city makes a spirited contrast with Madrid. As the capital and economic powerhouse of wealthy Catalonia, a vibrant Mediterranean seaport, and thriving cultural center, Barcelona presents an enjoyable challenge to any visitor. This most beautiful and vibrant city in Spain is also the home of the world-famous architect Antonio Gaudi.

We begin our tour with a visit to the Cathedral and its cloister. Construction of the present Gothic cathedral began in 1298, on the site of a previous Romanesque cathedral, but the main façade, planned 400 years earlier, was not completed until the late 19th century. High, elegant colonnades lend a soaring, airy feel to the interior, and there are beautiful stained-glass windows, some dating from the 15th century. We will also visit Fundacion Miro and the Picasso Museum.

The Picasso Museum, housed in three adjoining Gothic palaces, traces the early artistic evolution of Pablo Picasso during his time in Malaga and Barcelona. The wide-ranging display includes paintings from the artist's youth, drawings, and ceramics.

The afternoon is free to explore this lovely city on our own.

Today we will enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour with our local guide. This morning we visit the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) Church, Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece. Construction began under another architect in 1883, and Gaudí did not take control until 1891. What he intended was a complex of bristling spires around a dome, with three main façades, the whole representing the Apostles. In fact, only the east façade was completed by the time of Gaudí’s untimely death in 1926, but it tells us enough about this complex and intriguing architectural design for the whole scheme to have acquired worldwide fame.

We then visit the Music Museum (Museu de la Música), located in the Casa Quadras, a work of the celebrated Catalan architect Puig i Cadafalch. The museum houses musical instruments from all over the world, dating from the 16th to 20th centuries. Thereafter we visit Gaudi's fabulous Guell Park, declared an artistic monument and world heritage site by UNESCO.

This afternoon we drive to Sant Sadurni d’Anoia, where we will visit the Cave and taste 'Cava' – Spanish Champagne.

After our visit, we return to our hotel in Barcelona. This evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner at Marina Moncho’s Restaurant.

The morning is free to relax and explore Barcelona on our own. Barcelona has long been dubbed 'La Gran Encisera' – the Great Enchantress. Barcelona has always been ambitious, decidedly modern (even in the 2nd century), and quick to accept the most recent innovations. With the bustle of the world's busiest seaport, the medieval romance of its Gothic Quarter, and a feast of Catalan Art Nouveau buildings, Barcelona remains one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

It is time to leave this land of simple beauty. This morning we bid farewell to Barcelona, as our motor coach transport us to Barcelona airport. There we will board our British Airways flight for London.

Upon arrival at London’s Gatwick airport this evening, we will check in at the Le Meridien Gatwick hotel.

This morning we check in and board our British Airways flight for Dallas. We arrive in Dallas this afternoon, full of memories of our trip to Spain.

WELCOME HOME!

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