Tour Code: WT-Madrid 01   8 Days Tour in Spain to Barcelona, San Sebastian, Burgos and Madrid

Departure: Daily

Day 01 - Entry Barcelona
Arrive in Barcelona and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. This evening, enjoy a welcome drink and orientation at the hotel.

Day 02 - Barcelona
This morning, your tour of Barcelona includes a panoramic tour of the Harbor area, Montjuic, Plaza de España and Plaza de Catalunya. Stop at Park Guell, one of Barcelona's largest urban parks designed by Gaudi, the famous Catalan architect. Originally planned to be an exclusive area for the richest families of Barcelona's bourgeoisie, it later became a public park. Though the park was never fully completed, it is considered one of Gaudi's most colorful and playful works. Continue with a guided walk through the Gothic Quarter to visit the cathedral and view Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, a large unfinished Roman Catholic basilica. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring the colorful markets of Las Ramblas.

Day 03 - Barcelona/San Sebastian
Today, depart Barcelona and drive to Zaragoza (Saragossa). Enjoy orientation of the city including a visit to the Basilica of El Pilar. View the City Hall and the old Currency exchange. Then continue north to the Bay of Biscay, to the coastal town of San Sebastian.

Day 04 - San Sebastian
Today's sightseeing includes a full-day excursion to Biarritz and Bilbao. Originally a quaint fishing village, the scenic seaside town of Biarritz became a favorite haunt of Europe's royalty in the 19th century. Continue to view the famous Hotel Du Palais, originally built by Napoleon III as a seaside villa for the Empress Eugenie. Its second empire style is the epitome of the elegant set who came to settle here. Enjoy free time to explore this stylish resort on your own. Continue to the town of Bilbao for visits to the Old Quarter and the Guggenheim Museum, designed by the North American architect Frank O. Gehry. Considered one of the 20th century's most influential architectural masterpieces, the museum houses an impressive collection of contemporary art by Spanish masters including Picasso, Dali and Miro. Return to San Sebastian.

Day 05 - San Sebastian/Burgos
This morning, depart San Sebastian and drive to the wine region of Rioja. Stop at a typical bodega, a Spanish winery, for a tour of the cellar and wine tasting. Drive through the scenic vineyards, stopping in the charming wine town of Haro for a lunch break on your own. Upon arrival in Burgos visit the Cathedral of Burgos, the only cathedral to be designated a stand-alone UNESCO World Heritage Site and the legendary burial place of El Cid.

Day 06 - Burgos/Madrid
Depart Burgos and drive south to Segovia, a distinguished medieval town and designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your tour of the city includes the Cathedral, the Alcazar, Jewish Quarter and the Roman Aqueduct. Enjoy time at leisure to explore Segovia on your own before departing for Madrid in the late afternoon.

Day 07 - Madrid
This morning's sightseeing tour of Madrid begins with a drive along the Gran Via through the Opera District, with views of the Plaza de Colon and the 18th century Royal Palace. Pass through Puerto del Sol Plaza and Plaza España, with its monument to legendary Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes. Your tour ends with a visit to the Prado Museum. Enjoy a guided tour of the museums many galleries, featuring the works of famous artists including El Greco, Velázquez and Ribera. This afternoon, choose an optional tour to Toledo, the "Museum City". Visit the most famous monuments in this UNESCO World Heritage city, including the Cathedral, St. Tome Church, which houses El Greco's. The Burial of Count Orgaz and the Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue. Also admire its famous handcrafted work, the "Damasquinado" ($47).

Day 08 - Exit Madrid
Tour ends after breakfast and see you off.