Images of Spain
June 26th - July 6th, 2009

Barcelona is a cosmopolitan Mediterranean city that incorporates in its urban street pattern, Roman remains, medieval districts and the most beautiful examples of Modernism and 20th century avant-garde art. Art and culture are central to Madrid life. The city has 73 museums that cover all fields of human knowledge. Of these, the most important are the Prado Museum, one of the worlds greatest art galleries, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum with more than 800 paintings, sculptures and tapestries and the Reina Sofía National Art Centre, which is dedicated to Spanish contemporary art, with works by Picasso, Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí and Juan Gris among others. Join us on a journey to two of the most beautiful and artistic cities in Europe.

Day One - June 26: Depart Toronto on your International flight to Barcelona. Dinner and breakfast will be served onboard.

Day Two - June 27th: Upon your arrival in Barcelona, you will be met by your Spanish tour manager and board your coach. En route to your centrally located hotel you will receive a commentary from your guide on the history of this fascinating city. After check-in you will have ample time for rest and relaxation before meeting your group for dinner at your hotel. Overnight - Barcelona (D)

Day Three - June 28th: Today begins with an exploration of the city of Barcelona, which has been described many times as an open air museum. The mix between the Modern and classic buildings make an impressive contrast. This city is simply outstanding, and so is the magnetism of its museums. You will have the opportunity of visiting the Picasso Museum, one of the greatest painters of the 20th century and the revelation of Cubism Art. This afternoon you will have free time to further explore this beautiful city. This evening, dinner will be at El Principal: A lovely restaurant within a quick distance of your hotel. Overnight - Barcelona (B,D)

Day Four - June 29th: This morning after breakfast, you will explore Gaudi’s World. This renowned architect, Antonio Gaudi (1852-1926) is by far the most important and representative architect of this city. He managed to offer this modernistic look with its great imagination and built an impressive range of buildings throughout the city. This afternoon you will have free time to continue exploring the city. This evening, you will be transferred to Port Olympic to visit one of the new growth areas. Built in 1992, this port held the marine events of the Olympic Games and is now a very lively area with fine restaurants and good cuisine. Tonight you will go to the Marina Monchos Restaurant to experience their amazing seafood. Overnight - Barcelona (B,D)

Day Five - June 30th: This morning you journey to Figueres, land in which Salvador Dali lived and his museum is built. Salvador Dali is one of the most important artists of the 20th century. The visit will be an impressive one, as the artist was not limited to a particular style or media. Whether working from pure inspiration or on a commissioned illustration, Dali’s matchless insight and symbolic complexity are apparent. Above all, Dali was a superb draftsman. His excellence as a creative artist will always set a standard for the art of the twentieth century. En route back to your hotel, you will have magnificent views of Cadaques, a beautiful fishing village next to the Mediterranean. This evening, you will be transferred to Can Cortada Restaurant. A stately mansion from the 16th century that is considered part of Barcelona’s cultural heritage. The food is simply fantastic! Overnight - Barcelona (B,D)

B = Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day Six - July 1st: After breakfast, you will be transferred to Montserrat. Apart from the pastoral activities at the sanctuary, Montserrat also offers a wide and varied range of leisure, nature and cultural activities. On your way back to Barcelona, you will experience Spanish gastronomy first hand as you try a “Paella contest” in a typical Catalonia Masia from the 19th century. Spread out over 10 hectares and surrounded by gardens and forest. Can Amat is located in Sant Esteve de Ses Rovires, near Martorell and 35 km from Barcelona. Overnight - Barcelona (B,L)

Day Seven - July 2nd: Today we transfer from Barcelona to Madrid on the new AVE High Speed Train. This train reaches up to 350 miles per hour, reaching Madrid in 2 hours and 50 minutes. Madrid is the capital city of Spain and one of the most beautiful and best known cities in Europe. Upon your arrival into your centrally located hotel, you will have time to relax and unwind before dinner. This evening you will dine at “Asador Real”, a typical Castellan Restaurant located very close to your hotel. Asador Real is a fantastic restaurant where lamb is cooked to perfection in and old firewood oven and makes for an impressive culinary experience.
Overnight - Madrid (B,D)

Day Eight - July 3rd: This morning after breakfast you will begin your exploration of this stunning city. You will start in the historical centre, with Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol as well as the Royal Palace, with their fountains and gates. You will visit the Prado Museum as well as the Reina Sofia Museum to contrast the Impressionism and modern art. You will continue your sightseeing for the rest of the day. Tonight, dinner will be served at La Capilla de la Bolsa, one of the best known restaurants in the city. Overnight - Madrid (B,D)

Day Nine - July 4th: Today will begin with a visit to Toledo, one of the best known cities in Spain. Only 1 hour away from Madrid, Toledo use to be the capital city, until Ferdinand II decided to separate the political power from the religious one. It has been perfectly preserved and has great architectonic and historical value. Tonight it’s about the Flamenco experience at Corral de la Pacheca. Overnight - Madrid (B,D)

Day Ten - July 5th: After breakfast this morning, we are going shopping. You will begin in the antique shops and branch out into the most popular shopping areas of Madrid. A walk by the Retiro Park can be simply stunning as it is the only place in the city in which no cars can be heard. A perfect place to relax and unwind. Tonight, dinner will be served at one of the most delicious restaurants in Madrid. This is no other like “La Favorita”. One of the best known restaurants in the city. Overnight - Madrid (B,D)

Day Eleven - July 6th: This morning after breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Canada. Dinner and snacks will be served onboard. (B)

Price: $4590 CAD per person based on double occupancy $ 795 CAD single supplement

INCLUSIONS:

• Round trip air transportation from Toronto
• 4 Star Hotel Accommodations
• Meals as per your itinerary
• Entrances as per your itinerary
• Experienced Tour Manager
• Porterage

EXCLUSIONS:

• Drinks with meals
• Air transportation taxes
• Travel Insurance