Day 1  Saturday
Departure day
Depart the USA on your overnight flight for Spain, via Madrid.

Day 2  Sunday    D
Arrive Chinchon
Upon your arrival, transfer to the beautiful Parador in Chinchon, formerly the Augustinian monastery of St. Mary of Paradise, beautifully decorated with Renaissance murals and magnificent tapestries. Chinchon is a classic La Mancha style village, famous for the production of anise liquor. The altarpiece of the parish church is thought to have been painted by Goya during the time his brother was the parish priest. Meet your traveling companions in the courtyard of the Parador this evening for a get-acquainted reception and dinner. PARADOR CHINCHON

Day 3  Monday    BD
Aranjuez/Concert
This morning, pay a visit to the gardens at Aranjuez, former spring and fall retreat of the Spanish royal family. At a local bodega, you'll taste the famous anise liquor for which the region is known. In the late afternoon you are treated to a musical performance. Dine this evening in one of the characteristic and charming restaurants along the main square of Chinchon while enjoying the view from a balcony overlooking the square. PARADOR CHINCHON

Day 4  Tuesday    BL
Burgos
Travel today to Siguenza for lunch in one of the most impressive paradors, a magnificent 12th-century castle, formerly the residence of bishops, cardinals and kings, which took 12 years to reconstruct. Then continue on to Burgos, on the banks of the Rio Arlanzon in the cradle of Castile. Your hotel is a handsomely restored former 14th-century castle, the LANDA PALACE.

Day 5  Wednesday    BD
Burgos
This morning tour this quiet city, once the capital of Castile and Leon. The imposing Gothic cathedral is the third largest in Spain. Its facade and the finely worked floral decorations of its two spires will amaze you. El Cid, born Rodrigo Diaz, Spain`s most legendary hero who valiantly fought against the Moors, is buried here. Dine at your leisure this evening. LANDA PALACE HOTEL

Day 6  Thursday    BL
Bilboa/San Sebastian
Travel to Bilboa to visit the Guggenheim Museum, an extraordinary construction of interconnecting shapes and a repository of works by the most prominent artists of the last four decades of the 20th century, perhaps the most celebrated building of the 20th century. Sample a special taster menu in the museum`s famous gourmet restaurant. This afternoon, arrive in San Sebastian on the Bay of Biscay, where real-life picture-postcard views of unique beauty have drawn visitors to this elegant portside city for over a century. You might like to try the local Basque wine, txaloli, made from tart green grapes. HOTEL PALACIO DE AIETE

Day 7  Friday    BL
Pamplona
Jouney to Pamplona this morning, celebrated town from Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises". See the fine gothic cloister of the cathedral and enjoy the charm of the warren of small streets near the Plaza del Castillo. After lunch return to San Sebastian. The most spectacular view of the city is from Mountain Igueldo, which overlooks the city's scallop-shaped beaches, mountains and turtle-shaped Santa Clara island in the middle of La Concha Bay. This evening you are free to try one of the many fine restaurants serving the excellent Basque cuisine for which San Sebastian is known. HOTEL PALACIO DE AIETE

Day 8  Saturday    BD
Rioja Country
Today`s journey takes you through ancient villages and picturesque countryside into the Rioja, a region stretching 75 miles along the Ebro River and widely recognized as the country`s leading red wine region. Wine has been produced here since Roman times and combines Atlantic and Mediterranean influences as well as Basque overtones. Visit one of the prominent bodegas where you can taste for yourself. Tonight bid adios to your companions as you gather for your farewell dinner at the HOTEL PALACIO DE AIETE.

Day 9  Sunday    B
Departure day
Transfer to the airport for your return flights home. We hope you have enjoyed your unique visit to the north of Spain and will join us in the future for another Iberian adventure.