Spain

THURSDAY: It’s an overnight flight to Madrid, the capital city of sunny Spain, and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe—and the world! 

Please remember to post your photos & activities on Facebook so your friends can follow along.

FRIDAY: Upon arrival, your tour director will be waiting to greet you. We are pleased to offer complimentary transfers from the airport to your hotel (it’s a short 10-mile ride from the airport to the hotel). 

Madrid welcomes you with its friendly atmosphere. You’ll have some free time to settle in and relax before a panoramic sightseeing tour of Madrid. 

You’ll see Retiro Park, Alcala Gate, Serrano´s street, Columbus Square. For those of you who love to shop, you’ll be happy to know that your hotel is situated in the heart of the downtown shopping district. 

Tonight, we enjoy dinner in our hotel with fine local wines.

SATURDAY: This morning we’ll visit the world-famous Prado Museum. We’ll get to see the masterpieces of Velasquez, Goya, El Grco, El Bosco, Murillo, Rubens and many more. Next, we’ll visit the ancient Austrian quarter and the famous Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s grand central square.

Next we will visit the magnificent Royal Palace (Palacio Real) made up of over 3000 rooms, one of the most beautiful Palaces in Europe. It ends with a red carpet leading to the King’s actual throne! 

Enjoy the remainder of the day and evening on your own. Be sure to ask your tour leader for some restaurant suggestions.

SUNDAY: This morning we travel south to Andalucia, and will visit the ancient city of Toledo – the historical, cultural and religious heart of Spain. Due to the influence of its Islamic, Hebrew and Christian occupants, Toledo is known as the city of 3 cultures. We visit the Church of Santo Tome to see the famous El Greco painting “El Entierro del Conde de Orgaz.”.

Next, we visit the Synagogue as well as a factory creating Damascenes – intricate inlaid metallic artwork. A perfect souvenir to bring home! By now we’ll have worked up an appetite – we’ll enjoy a traditional Spanish lunch in a fine Toledo restaurant.

After lunch, we’ll make our way To Cordoba, we arrive to our beautiful boutique Hotel and have dinner in our hotel with fine Spanish wines.

MONDAY: We will visit Cordoba, one of the most beautiful and ancient cities of Andalucia. Every corner of this city is adorned with sweet smelling orange blossoms.

No monument is more iconic of Spain’s changing culture than the Mezquita, a former mosque that was transformed into a Catholic cathedral, which then resulted in Moorish and Gothic architecture all in one building.

Afterwards, we’ll stroll over to the Juderias Quarter (Jewish Quarter) with its beautiful cobblestone alleys filled with shops, tabernas and music.

Remainder of the Day at your own. Remember to ask your tour guide for Tapas suggestions.

TUESDAY: Today we’ll learn how to make the world famous “Paella” and then we’ll get to taste-test our own cooking. 

Next, we motor to the amazing city of Granada, home of the world famous, and massive, Alhambra!  Tonight, we enjoy a relaxing dinner in our hotel with fine local wines.

WEDNESDAY: Today we discover the marvels of the Alhambra, a summer palace built by the Moorish Kings. The Alhambra will remain etched in your memory forever! 

Also included is a visit to the Royal Chapel, as well as a visit to the famous San Nicolas Mirador, to enjoy spectacular sunset views of the Alhambra. 

Tonight, we thought you would like to enjoy dinner on your own. Be sure to ask your tour leader for restaurant suggestions! 

THURSDAY: An action-packed day! We will visit Jerez de la Frontera, well known for its wines, horses, and flamenco. We’ve reserved the best seats for you at the Royal Equestrian School “dressage” horse show. 

Next, get ready for Bodegas Tradición—a winery producing world-class Sherry. Be careful—it’s strong! 

Lucky for us, the vintner has his own, personal fine-art gallery filled with million-dollar Spanish masterpieces—including Picasso’s childhood art. After a light lunch, we drive to Seville, the capital city of the Andalucia Region. 

Tonight, we enjoy dinner in our hotel with fine local wines.

FRIDAY: After breakfast, we discover the marvelous city of Seville. We start by viewing Cartuja Island where Christopher Columbus lived while planning his voyage to “India”. 

We’ll see Columbus’ ornate tomb inside the Seville Cathedral with its gothic Giralda Bell Tower. You’ll also see the statue of King Ferdinand who defeated the last Islamic rulers in Spain - also in 1492. 

To this day, Spaniards argue over the more important figure in their history – Columbus or King Ferdinand? You’ll have to decide for yourself! Via the old Jewish District, we’ll visit the vast Plaza de España built for the Ibero-American Exposition in 1929. 

We end our tour with an old-fashioned, 30-minute horse and buggy ride through the center of Seville! 

Tonight we will attend an authentic "Flamenco Show" in a real Andalusian "Patio".  Dinner and wines will be served during the show. But be careful not to drink too much – you don’t want to end up being part of the show!

SATURDAY: Today, we will spend the afternoon at the Basilippo Olive Oil farm. Spain's olive oil is among the world's best, often referred to as “liquid gold”. 

After a light lunch in the olive oil farm, we’re off to the airport for our quick flight to Barcelona. Upon arrival, we’ll go directly to our hotel to enjoy dinner and relaxation.

SUNDAY: It’s time for us to discover the fascinating seaside city of Barcelona.

We’ll visit the Columbus Monument, Plaza Cataluna and the historic buildings along Paseo de Grazia. Then we’ll have the opportunity to see the most visited bullring in Spain, and, Antoni Gaudi’s masterpiece, the almost psychedelic Church of the Sagrada Familia.

Our day ends with a visit to the Basilica Santa Maria del Mar in the Gothic Quarter. Tonight, we’ll enjoy our final dinner together in a fine local restaurant with our new travel friends.

Don’t forget to exchange email addresses and make travel plans for the future. How about you all meet again on another Perillo Tour – to Italy or Hawaii!

MONDAY: Today we enjoy more of Gaudi’s amazing work. We visit his Casa Mila’, originally a private mansion, it resembles an undulating pastry made of concrete.

Next, we visit Gaudi’s colorful Park Güell, similar to “Main Street” in Disneyland but created 50 years earlier. We’ll end our visit atop Montjuic Mountain, with the best panoramic views of the city and harbor.

Tonight, you’ll enjoy your final evening on your own. Be sure to visit some last-minute shops for souvenirs!

TUESDAY: Today, we fly home full of happy memories and pictures to show our friends and family. For now, a warm hasta luego!