Travel by high speed AVE rail from Madrid to Torremolinos on this unforgettable Locally-hosted vacation through five of Spain's most famous cities.
About the Tour
“Lady of Spain, I adore you. Right from the night I first saw you.” We’re sure you’ll be joining Bing Crosby and Eddie Fisher in singing these lyrics when you return from this 12-day vacation to Spain—you may even be inspired to grab an accordion and sing along! Your vacation begins when you arrive in Barcelona, Spain's second-largest city. Hear the inside stories and fascinating details of the must-see attractions, and visit works by the famous architect Gaudí, including Casa Batlló and the unfinished La Sagrada Familia Basilica. A day at leisure in Barcelona gives you time to explore on your own. You may want to take an excursion to Montserrat with its unique natural park and 1,000-year-old Benedictine monastery, visit the Camp Nou football (soccer) stadium, or relax at the beach.
Then, it’s off on the high-speed train to Madrid, where your guided sightseeing with a local expert features the Prado Museum, where you’ll see the world's finest collection of European art by masters such as El Greco, Velázquez, and Goya. From Madrid, we’ll also take you on an excursion to Toledo, where you’ll visit an early synagogue, the 13th-century Gothic cathedral, and the Church of Santo Tomé, home to El Greco's painting The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. From Madrid, you’ll travel once again by high-speed train to Seville, where we've arranged for you to enjoy guided sightseeing with a local expert. You'll hear the inside stories of must-see attractions, such as the university that used to be the tobacco factory of Carmen fame. We’ll take you to the Santa Cruz Quarter and to Seville's Alcazar, founded in the 11th century as a Moorish fortress. A full day in Seville will also give you the opportunity to explore on your own. Your Local Host will have suggestions and can help arrange the activities you desire, such as a Flamenco show or a cruise on the Guadalquivir River.
Next up is Cordoba for one night. Here, we’ve arranged for you to have sightseeing with a local expert. You’ll see the city’s Alcazar (royal castle), the Roman Bridge, and the medieval Jewish Quarter. You’ll also visit the Mosque of the Caliphs, built in the 8th century. You’ll journey to Malaga, where we’ll pick you up at the train station and take you to your hotel in the resort town of Torremolinos. Here, you’ll relax and have time to explore. You may want to visit the local amusement park, take a trip to the botanic gardens, stroll along the Costa del Sol’s extensive beaches, or just relax and sample the seafood restaurants for which this area is famous. Be sure to ask your Local Host for suggestions on where to go.
With the comfort of knowing you’ll have a Local Host in each city to help you navigate, translate if needed, and feel at ease, you've got yourself a vacation that is more like a fiesta.
Highlights
- First class AVE rail between destinations
- 11 nights hotel accommodations
- Breakfast buffet daily
- Guided sightseeing of Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and Cordoba
- Excursion to Toledo
- Leisure days in each city
- Baggage handling and portage included
- Services of a Local Host in each city.
Call to Book 1-877-929-7245
Itinerary
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Day 1 - Arrive in BarcelonaBienvenido-welcome! Time to relax or to begin exploring Spain’s second-largest city, and the capital of Catalonia. Your Local Host is on hand to help you maximize your time.
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Day 2 - Barcelona SightseeingMorning guided sightseeing, starting from Plaza Catalunya, includes a drive along elegant Passeig de Gràcia to see the captivating façade of La Pedrera, and to visit Gaudi’s Casa Batlló. Passing through the central Eixample district, reach the extraordinary Sagrada Familia Basilica. See the Arc de Triomf and stop at Ciutadella Park to begin a walking tour through the medieval streets of the trendy El Born district. Your city discovery continues to the Old Port area and Columbus Monument, arriving at magnificent Montjuic Hill with time for a photo stop at Miramar lookout point.
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Day 3 - Barcelona at LeisureA full day to enjoy this splendid city at your own pace. Spend time at the Olympic Port with its modern sculptures, restaurants, and bars; or visit the Camp Nou football (soccer) stadium. Your Local Host can help you organize your day.
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Day 4 - Barcelona to MadridTransfer to Atocha Station with its beautiful interior garden, and catch the high-speed AVE train (first class) to Madrid.
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Day 5 - Madrid SightseeingMorning guided sightseeing features a visit to the palatial Prado Museum to admire one of the world’s finest collections of European art. Also see Plaza de España, Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, Orient Square with the ornate Royal Palace, Parque del Buen Retiro (Park of the Pleasant Retreat), and Puerta de Alcalá. Your Local Host will have suggestions for your afternoon at leisure.
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Day 6 - Excursion to ToledoEnjoy a special highlight excursion to Toledo, spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River. See the Moorish bridge, an early synagogue, the 13th-century gothic cathedral, and the Church of Santo Tomé, home to El Greco’s painting, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz.
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Day 7 - Madrid to SevilleTravel by high-speed AVE train (first class) to Seville. During your guided sightseeing, hear about the city’s role in Roman times, its conquest by the Moors in 712 AD, and its contribution to the discovery of the New World. Admire Maria Luisa Park, the Golden Tower on the Guadalquivir River, and the university that used to be the tobacco factory of Carmen fame. Then, stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming Santa Cruz Quarter. The highlight is a visit to Seville’s Alcazar, founded in the 11th century as a Moorish fortress, with its Palacio de Don Pedro.
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Day 8 - Seville at LeisureYour Local Host will have suggestions for things to see and do, such as a visit to Casa de Pilatos, an Andalusian palace adorned with precious azulejos tiles; and where to shop for locally produced food items.
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Day 9 - Seville to CordobaJourney by high-speed AVE train (first class) to Cordoba. During your guided sightseeing, admire this city’s Alcazar (royal castle), the Roman Bridge, and the medieval Jewish Quarter. Visit the magnificent 8th-century Mosque of the Caliphs, famous for its 850 pillars of porphyry, marble, and jasper.
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Day 10 - Cordoba to TorremolinosTravel by high-speed AVE train (first class) to Málaga, then transfer to your hotel in the resort town of Torremolinos to relax, soak up the atmosphere, and sample the seafood restaurants for which this resort is famous.
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Day 11 - Torremolinos at LeisureYour local host will have many ideas for your day at leisure, such as a trip to the botanic garden with its massive stone water wheels, or a visit to the local amusement park, Tivoli World.
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Day 12 - Return HomeYour vacation ends with breakfast this morning (nearest airport is Malaga).
Accommodations
Tryp Apolo, Barcelona, Spain
A modern 314 room hotel located in the heart of Barcelona with Free Wi-Fi internet access in all rooms and public areas. Delicious snacks can be enjoyed at the Tapas Bar whilst the lobby bar serves refreshing drinks and cocktails. Restaurants, theatres, museums and tapas bars can all be easily found in close proximity to the hotel.
Novotel Madrid Center, Madrid, Spain
Located in Madrid's exclusive Salamanca district, close to the beautiful Retiro Park, this stylish 790 room hotel located in Madrid's elegant Salamanca District with Free Wi-Fi internet access available throughout. Amenities include a gourmet restaurant, a chic bar featuring a large video wall, a fitness room and relaxing lounge areas. Just a few minutes walk from a metro station which will easily connect you with the rest of the city. Bustling cafés, designer boutiques, fine restaurants and designer tapas bars can be found in the surrounding area.
Sevilla Center, Seville, Spain
Modern multistory Hotel, guest amenities for the business or leisure traveler, panoramic views of the city, centrally located. The hotel boasts a very central location and is well communicated with the AVE train station "Santa Justa" in "Avenida de Buhaira which is a direct route to the airport as well as the city's main transportation links.
Cordoba Center, Cordoba, Spain
A delightful modern property with 207 rooms. Free Wi-Fi access is available in all the guestrooms and communal areas. Leisure facilities include a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a terrace on the 7th floor with fantastic panoramic city views, a fitness room and sauna. Dining options include an elegant à la carte restaurant, a café serving light meals and a relaxing piano bar for drinks. Located in an affluent central district known as the "Golden Block" offering easy access to the historical Jewish Quarter and Mezquita.
Melia Costa Del Sol, Torremolinos, Spain
Contemporary Hotel comprising twin 9-story buildings set on El Bajondillo Beach.
AVE
AVE is Spain's flagship high-speed service, connecting Madrid, Cordoba and Seville across dedicated high-speed tracks. AVE trains are based on the French TGV and Thalys, and the speed and comfort offered are similar. However, the level of service for passengers in First Class ("Preferente") is much higher, with a complimentary drink and light snack included. A café-bar serving drinks and snacks is also available on board. AVE is so reliable that the Spanish railroad company, RENFE, promise a full refund if the train is more than five minutes late - so far they have only had to honor that promise in 0.16% of cases!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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