ITINERARY

DAY 1:  DEPART USA

Depart New York area airport. Meals served aboard overnight flight.

Day 2: BARCELONA

Arrive early morning in Barcelona where we will be met by our Tour Escort and transferred to the hotel. Afternoon orientation tour includes Mass at Santa Maria del Mar Church and panoramic tour including the magnificent Cathedral, the old Gothic quarter, Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia Church and “Las Ramblas”, the most famous avenue in Barcelona. Dinner and overnight in Barcelona. (D)

Day 3: BARCELONA  (EXCURSION MONTSERRAT)

Full day excursion to visit Montserrat and visit the famous Basilica dedicated to the “Black Madonna”. Celebrate Mass. Lunch at Abad Cisneros Restaurant is included. Dinner and overnight in Barcelona. (B,D)

Day 4: BARCELONA  /  ZARAGOZA / MADRID

Early morning departure to the medieval town of Zaragoza to visit one of the world’s largest Marian Shrines, Our Lady of the Pilar. Mass will be celebrated here. Continue to Madrid for dinner and overnight. (B,D

Day 5:  MADRID

Enjoy an orientation tour of Madrid from the motorcoach where you will see the Royal Palace, Plaza Espana with its monument to Cervantes, and a few of the most beautiful plazas in all of Spain. Visit the Prado Museum. Dinner and overnight in Madrid. (B,D)

Day 6:  MADRID / TOLEDO

Early morning Mass at St. Loyola Church, then depart Madrid for Toledo, one of Spain’s most ancient and charming cities. Here you will visit the El Greco Museum, Santa Tome Church, and the Cathedral, one of the largest in Europe, tour Old Town have lunch (on your own) together at a Parador perched above the city. Enjoy the afternoon wandering the quaint streets. There will be ample time to shop for Toledo’s famous gold jewelry and cutlery. Dinner and overnight in Toledo. (B,D)

Day 7: TOLEDO / GRANADA

Morning departure through sun-scorched, arid landscapes of Don Quixote’s La Mancha to the lovely garden city of Granada. There will be an orientation tour of Granada, another Spanish city with much Arabian culture. A highlight of the day will be visits to both the Alhambra and Generalife, the two most spectacular palaces in the region. Also visit the Cathedral of Granada (burial place of Ferdinand and Isabella). Dinner and overnight in Granada. (At night, consider seeing gypsy Flamenco dancing.) (B,D)

Day 8: GRANADA / CORDOBA / SEVILLE

Depart after breakfast for Seville, located in the heart of southern Spain in Andalucía. En route stop in Cordoba, a spectacular city famous for its Islamic art and architecture. A visit will be made to the 10^th century mosque as well as the Cordoba Cathedral, a lovely mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Dinner and overnight in Seville. (B,D)

Day 9: SEVILLE

Enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Seville, one of Spain’s most charming cities. In Seville visit the lovely Cathedral (and burial place of Christopher Columbus) where great celebrations take place throughout the year, the quaint Triana quarter, the Alcazar of King Pedro, City Hall, and Murillo’s House. The afternoon will be spent at leisure. (B,D)

Day 10: SEVILLE / MADRID

Day at leisure, then transfer to Spain’s newest express train, the AVE, for a 2 ½ hour rail ride back to Madrid (5pm – 7:25pm). (B,D)

Day 11: MADRID (AVILA & SEGOVIA)

Today visit Avila, the town associated with St. Teresa, one of the female doctors of the church. In Avila visit the Convent of St. Teresa (site of her birthplace), Convent of Nuestra Senora de Gracia, and the Encarnacion, where St. Teresa made her profession. Continue to Segovia, St. John of the Cross’ town to see the Cathedral and Alcazar. Return to Madrid for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

Day 12: MADRID / U.S.A.

Depart after breakfast for flight. Arrive in the U.S.A. same day. (B)

Included Highlights:

* Airfare: Roundtrip from New York area airport.

* Accommodations: 12 Days / 10 nights Superior Tourist Class Hotels.

* Meals: 10 Breakfasts & 10 Dinners

* Sightseeing: As listed in the itinerary.

* Also Included: Daily Mass, Airport-hotel transfers, hotel tips & taxes, baggage handling, Touring by Private Air Conditioned Motorcoach, Seville-Madrid AVE