Friday, March 11, 2011-- Depart OKC for Malaga, Spain
Saturday, March 12, 2011-- Arrive in Malaga
Arrive in Malaga and be met by your Tour Manager and board the coach for the short drive to the coastal city of Torremolinos. The balance of the day is free to relax and explore on your own. Dinner included. Overnight in Torremolinos.
Sunday, March 13, 2011-- Tangier, Morocco
Today you will enjoy a full day tour to Morocco. You will drive the length of the Costa del Sol to Algerciras where you will board the ferry to Tangier. Upon crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, you will arrive in Tangier and be met by your local guide. This fascinating city is a curious mix of modern buildings in the new part of the city, but it is like stepping into the past as you walk through the ancient part of the city. You will drive past impressive palaces and villas and celebrity homes. You will also have the opportunity to sit on a camel or maybe even see a snake charmer. Your tour also visits Hercules Caves, a place of stunning natural beauty and great archaeological significance. Then you will tour the old city as you walk through the Kasbah and see life virtually unchanged for hundreds of years. Your visit to Tangier also includes a lunch of famous Moroccan cuisine as you relax to the sounds and sights of musicians and a belly dancer. You will return to the pier to board the boat back to Spain. Breakfast included. Overnight in Torremolinos.
Monday, March 14, 2011-- Mijas/Ronda
Today you will take a drive to visit two of the most famous and beloved hill towns in Andalusia: Mijas and Ronda. First, you will visit Mijas, a delightful village comprised of white-washed houses. You will enjoy a donkey taxi through town. From here, you will travel to Ronda, a beautiful Andalusian town of Celtic origin. Enjoy spectacular views of the area while driving the Spanish coast for Ronda where, upon arrival, your tour by foot of the town includes the old town and its quaint streets and mansions. Ronda is one of the oldest places in Spain. The main attraction is a deep gorge, spanned by three bridges over the Guadelevín River. On both sides of this hole in the earth are houses clinging to the cliff that look as though they might plunge into the chasm as the slightest nudge. The view is absolutely breathtaking. You will also visit the Bull Ring of Ronda, the oldest in Spain, and its museum. You will have a 3-course lunch included during your visit to Ronda. Enjoy free time to explore the town on your own before returning to Torremolinos. Breakfast/lunch included. Overnight in Torremolinos.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011-- Seville
Today you will enjoy a visit to one of the most important cities in Spain: Seville. It is considered by many among the most beautiful cities in Europe. All the images associated with Andalusia--orange trees, flower-filled patios, and castanet-rattling Gypsies--come alive in Seville. You will enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of this beautiful city. Your tour will include the entrance to the Alcazar, a magnificent 14th century Mudejar palace. You will also enjoy entrance to the Cathedral and Giralda Tower. The Cathedral is the largest Gothic building in the world and the 3rd largest church in Europe. La Giralda, a Moorish tower next to the Cathedral is the city's most recognizable monument. You can climb to the top of the tower for a dazzling view of Seville. Lunch will be on your own in Seville. Following your visit, you will return to Torremolinos. Breakfast included. Overnight in Torremolinos.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011-- Granada/Alhambra
Today will be a magical tour as you drive to Granada to visit the Alhambra. This hilltop fortress and palace of the Nasrid kings, the last Muslim rulers of Spain, is one of the world's fabled landmarks. This monument edifice is arguably Spain's greatest attraction. Granada came to prominence in the 1200's at the peak of Muslim power. Even after Seville and Córdoba had fallen to the Catholic monarchs, Granada stood as the last surviving Islamic capital in Spain. It is where the sultans took their last stand against the Catholic invaders. You will enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent palace--perhaps the most remarkable fortress ever constructed. You will also visit the Generalife, set on 75 acres in the 13th Century to overlook the Alhambra. The highlight of the Generalife is its remarkable gardens. Breakfast included. Overnight in Torremolinos.
Thursday, March 17, 2011-- Madrid/Toledo
This morning you will transfer to the airport to board your flight to Madrid. Upon arrival, you will drive to nearby Toledo. Surrounded on three sides by a bend in the Tagus River, Toledo stands atop a hill overlooking the plains of New Castile. Once the capital of Spain, it is still the country's religious center. Your guided tour will be on foot as Toledo is comprised of narrow streets that run in a maze-like fashion. Your visit includes entrances to the Cathedral, ranked among the greatest gothic structures. You will also visit Santo Tome Church, which houses El Greco's masterpiece, the Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Finally, you will visit the Synagogue. Following your visit, you will return to Madrid for a brief panoramic tour including: Plaza Mayor, Casa de Campo, and the famed Gran Via. Following the tour, you will check into your hotel. Breakfast included. Overnight in Madrid.
Friday, March 18, 2011-- Madrid/Prado/Royal Palace
This morning you will enjoy two of the most famous sites in Madrid and, indeed, all of Europe: the Prado and the Royal Palace. Quite simply, the Prado ranks alongside the Louvre as one of the most important art collections in the world. The Prado is a trove of Renaissance masterpieces featuring works by such masters as Raphael, Botticelli, Mantegna, and Titan. The Prado also boasts excellent works by the Flemish painters including Rubens and Bosch. In paintings by the Spanish school, however, the Prado is unmatched. It boasts extensive collections by Velazquez, Goya, El Greco and Murillo. Following your tour here, you will visit the Royal Palace. Although no longer occupied by royalty, the Palace is still used for state functions. Its over 2,000 rooms are stuffed with art treasures and antiques. This evening you will enjoy a farewell dinner and an optional Flamenco show. Breakfast/Dinner included. Overnight in Madrid.
Saturday, March 19, 2011-- Return
This morning you will transfer to the airport to board your flight back to the States.
