Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo, Seville, Cordoba & Torremolinos

Travel by high speed AVE rail from Madrid to Torremolinos on this unforgettable Locally-hosted vacation through five of Spain's most famous cities.

“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.