Day 1: From New York (JFK) or Washington Dulles via Delta Airlines (or similar) for Spain.
Day 2: Madrid Welcome to Madrid. This city is strategically located at the geographical Center of the Iberian Peninsula, 646 meters above sea level.
Its old town is exemplary among major European cities, and blends harmoniously with the most modern and convenient of urban infrastructure. A cosmopolitan city, a business center, headquarters for the Public Administration, Government, Spanish Parliament and the home of the Spanish Royal Family, Madrid also plays a major role in both the banking and industrial sectors. Upon arrival, proceed to baggage claim and after clearing customs you will be met by the ABC Destinations Tours representative and transfer from
the airport to central Madrid and our hotel, your home for the next five nights. Tonight includes a welcome cocktail party with a variety of Spanish hors d’oeuvres. (B)
Day 3: Madrid After breakfast we start the morning with a tour of the city visiting the Prado Museum, one of the largest museums in the world. The
Prado Museum is renowned as being the largest art gallery in the world. It also exhibits sculptures, drawings, coins and other works of
arts, but it is undoubtedly its large collection of paintings which has given it fame worldwide. It houses more than 8,600 paintings, of
which they exhibit less than 2,000 because of lack of space available. Many museums throughout the world have less artistic riches in
their halls than the Prado Museum has in storage. In addition you will see important squares such as the Plaza de Espaņa, Plaza de
Independence, and the Plaza de Cibeles, followed by Madrid’s Town Hall in Plaza de la Villa and the world renowned old quarter. (B, D)
Day 4: Madrid – Avila/Segovia – Madrid Today we have an optional tour to the Castilian villages of Avila & Segovia. The extensive history of Avila begins with the primitive
Celtiberian settlement of the Vetones around 700 B.C. The first wall was built with the arrival of the Romans in the third century B.C.,
making Avila a strategic point of defense. The wall is the symbol of the city and it is one of the best kept, medieval walled enclosures in
Europe. We will visit: the San Vicenta Basilic and continue with a walking round trip through the streets of the city. Continue on we visit
the medieval village of Segovia, the trading Center under the Roman Empire. The Roman aqueduct in Azoguejo square, serves as the
main entrance to the historic quarter of Segovia. Here we will take a walk into the past viewing the medieval Jewish quarter. See the
streets, houses and yards where men, women and children led their lives for generations. We will also visit the Cathedral and the
Roman Aqueduct, one of the best preserved Roman monuments in Spain. (B)
Day 5: Madrid – Salamanca – Madrid After breakfast we depart for our full day tour to Salamanca. Salamanca is art and culture first hand thanks to its stunning buildings and wonderful atmosphere. Salamanca has always been known as the city of thought and culture. Our city experience begins with a walking
tour that includes stops at the Old Cathedral, the New Cathedral, the University, the Casa de las Conchas (House of Shells), La Clerecia and much more. (B)
Day 6: Madrid – Toledo – Madrid Enjoy a day at leisure to experience this great city. Strolling through Madrid is a great way to see the extravagant Royal Palace, the 16th century Puerta del Sol (Sun's Gate) marking the center of Spain. Sample traditional Paella and tapas while watching flamenco and a glass
of “vino tinto”. The city of Toledo has its origins in Toletum, the name the Romans gave to this settlement on the banks of the River Tagus
after its conquest in 190 BC. The arrival of the Arabs in the 8th century, together with the presence of Christians and Jews, made Toledo
the “city of the three cultures”. The maze of streets making up the historic centre of Toledo is only bounded by walls in which many gates
were opened. Here we will visit many of the city’s sights including, the Gothic Cathedral, the church of Saint Tome, with its masterwork
of El Greco “The Burial of Count Orgaz”. Continuing after lunch (not included) we visit the nearby Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes.
Tonight there will be a farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 7: Madrid – USA Departure Depart to the Madrid Airport for your return flight to USA. (B)
