CROSSING THE PYRENEES ITINERARY:
Day 1 — Depart the U.S.
Depart the U.S. for Madrid on an overnight flight.
Day 2 — Madrid, Spain
Your tour begins today in the vibrant capital city of
Madrid. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome
reception and dinner. (D)
Day 3 — Madrid
Designated as the capital of Spain in 1561 by Felipe II,
Madrid is Spain's geographic and cultural heart. During a
walking tour of Madrid's historic center, see the Puerta del Sol
and Plaza Mayor, the city's main public area since the 17th
century. Then visit the opulent Royal Palace with its important
collection of furniture and artifacts. Spend time at the
world-renowned Prado, opened in 1819 to house the Spanish royal
collections. Among its treasures are works by Spanish masters,
including Velazquez, Murillo, Ribera, El Greco, and Goya. (B)
Day 4 — Toledo
Toledo, a hilltop city that served as the capital of
medieval Spain until 1560, is your destination today. This
eclectic city was influenced by many cultures, including the
Romans, Visigoths, Moors, Jews, and Christians. A tour of Toledo
highlights the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the 13th-century
synagogue of El Transito, a testament to Toledo's Jewish
heritage. You'll also stop in the Church of Santo Tome to view
El Greco's masterpiece painting, The Burial of Count Orgaz. The
afternoon is at leisure in Madrid. An evening lecture on Basque
culture prepares you for a visit to the Basque region. (B)
Day 5 — Burgos and Bilbao
Travel through the Castile-Leon region to the beautiful town
of Burgos. Surrounded by mountains, Burgos is home to Spain's
third largest Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Later, continue north to one of the major cities in the Basque
region, Bilbao. (B,D)
Day 6 — Bilbao
Tour the impressive Guggenheim Museum, considered one of the
most important collections of avant-garde art in the world. The
building itself has been hailed by critics worldwide as an
architectural masterpiece. Designed by North American architect
Frank Gehry, it is an extraordinary structure made up of
interconnecting shapes covered in titanium. The afternoon is at
leisure to pursue individual interests in this vibrant city. (B)
Day 7 — Pamplona and San Sebastian
Your destination today is Pamplona, a city best known for
its annual "running of the bulls," made famous by Ernest
Hemingway. On a walking tour of Pamplona, see the Estafeta, the
narrow street used during the encierros (running of the bulls),
as well as the arcaded Plaza del Castillo and the Gothic
cathedral. Spend some time exploring Pamplona on your own before
continuing north to San Sebastian, an elegant
turn-of-the-century Belle Epoque seaside resort. Upon arrival,
stroll along the promenade and explore the historic town center.
(B,D)
Day 8 — Hondarribia and Vielha
Travel along the scenic Basque Coast to the charming village
of Hondarribia, situated at the confluence of the Bidasoa River
and the Bay of Biscay. The walled Old Town, with its colorful,
picturesque architecture, has been named a "Historic Artistic
Site." Continue traveling across the border to France and later
return to Spain and the town of Vielha. Spend the evening
surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Pyrenees. (B,D)
Day 9 — Llerida and Barcelona
Cross the majestic Pyrenees Mountains via Llerida as you
travel to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. Spend the next
three nights in this dynamic avant-garde city on the shores of
the Mediterranean. Notice that Barcelona's street signs are
written in two languages; both Catalán and Castilian are
recognized as the city's official languages. (B,D)
Day 10 — Barcelona
Explore the architecture of Antonio Gaudi, whose unique
works make Barcelona such a fantastic destination. View Las
Ramblas Boulevard, Columbus Monument, Parc Montjuic, Antonio
Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, and Casa Mila. Conclude
your city tour with a visit to the world-famous Picasso Museum,
which contains the most significant collection of Pablo
Picasso's early work. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore
the area independently or take an optional tour to Montserrat
Monastery. (B)
Day 11 — Barcelona
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Barcelona and its
abundance of museums or spend time strolling down Las Ramblas
viewing the flower and bird markets. Or you may choose to relax
and enjoy some tapas, a traditional Spanish tradition. Enjoy a
festive farewell dinner this evening. (B,D)
Day 12 — Barcelona
Depart Barcelona for the U.S. (B
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