Madrid & Avila: A Parador Experience: 7 Days Escorted Tour Madrid, the capital of Spain, is avant-garde and easygoing, yet a booming city in every way. The city is the vortex of Spain's cultural, political, and artistic life and it boasts the Prado, containing one of the finest art collections in the world. Explore the provinces of Old Castile outside Madrid--Toledo and Segovia--renowned centers for crafts: leatherwork, glass, crystal, ironwork, lace and embroidery. Top this with two nights at a parador, formerly a 15th century palace, in Avila, a national landmark with medieval city walls and magnificent mountain views as a backdrop Inclusions Highlights Features Itinerary Dates Inclusions 3 nights in Madrid at Hotel Bauza 2 nights in Avila at Parador De Avila 5 breakfasts, 3 dinners Highlights Guided visit to the renowned Prado Museum Walking tour of Toledo, including area where El Greco lived Visit to the Tile Museum in Talavera de la Reina Walking tour of the walled city of Avila Excursion to Segovia and its ancient Roman aqueduct Visit to the Royal Glass Factory in LA Granja Gardens Special Features Visit an art restoration school in Madrid Overnight in a Parador.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Departure day
Depart on your overnight flight to Madrid.

Day 2 - Arrive Madrid, Spain
Arrive Madrid and the Hotel Bauza, a unique and luxurious trendsetter, which sits at the corner of Goya Street in the heart of the fashion district. The Hotel Bauza is modernist with sleek wood decor and nicely appointed rooms. After check-in, enjoy a short orientation of the city. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the lively atmosphere. This evening join the group for a welcome reception and dinner. HOTEL BAUZA

Day 3 - Madrid
Your morning city sightseeing includes a stroll through the Plaza Mayor, which was inaugurated in 1620 during the reign of Philip III with celebrations marking the canonizations of four Spanish saints. The square is one of the largest in Europe, and the most beautiful in Spain. It is surrounded by stone arcades that skirt elaborate 17th and 18th- century buildings, with wrought-iron balconies, slate roofs and painted murals. The square has been the site of bullfights, three dramatic fires, masked balls, fireworks, plays, fiestas and lavish celebrations marking royal weddings. Then proceed along Castellana Boulevard, past the Prado Museum and the Neptune fountain, to the Plaza de la Cibeles. This is the great crossroads of the city, named for the fountain in its center with the statue of the Greek goddess Cybele. Return to the Salamanca neighborhood, where Serrano and Lisa streets boast fine shopping and fascinating art galleries. The afternoon is at leisure for your own pursuits and there are great restaurants near the HOTEL BAUZA.

Day 4 - Madrid's Prado
Your knowledgeable local guide shows you around the renowned Prado Museum, to see the pre-eminent collection of masterpieces by Picasso and Dali and the works of the great Spanish trinity -- de Goya, Velazquez and El Greco. This afternoon visit an art restoration school in Madrid, where you'll learn about various techniques used in reviving old works of art. HOTEL BAUZA

Day 5 - Toledo/Avila
Drive to Toledo, the ancient capital of Spain. A walking tour includes the cathedral and the chapel of Santo Tome, housing the important work of El Greco - The Burial of Count Orgaz. At the Jewish Quarter, where El Greco lived, see restored El Transito Synagogue, dating from the 14th century and a fine example of Toledo's Mudejar art with its coffered ceilings, richly decorated with enchanting filigree workmanship. The Sephardic Museum is housed here with its interesting art collection. Continue to Talvera de la Reina to see the Tile Museum, founded by the Bourbons. Enjoy mountain landscapes of the Sierra de Gredos en route to the walled-city, Avila, where the 15th century Palace of Benavides is now a parador - and your hotel for next two days. PARADOR DE AVILA

Day 6 - Avila/Segovia
Start the day with a walking tour of Avila, capital of Castile, to see the Gothic cathedral and the Romanesque churches dating from the 12th century. The medieval city walls, with eighty-eight towers, are one thousand years old. Then enjoy Segovia. Outstanding Roman and medieval monuments, embroideries and textiles, and excellent cuisine make Segovia one of the most popular destinations in Spain. See the Roman aqueduct, ranking with the Pont du Gard in France as one of the greatest surviving examples of Roman engineering. The massive granite blocks that make up the vast structure are held up by neither mortar nor clamps, but nonetheless have remained standing since the days of Emperor Augustus in the 3rd century B.C. Visit the royal glass factory, located in the Royal Palace de La Granja gardens, before returning to Avila. Your farewell dinner is classic Castile cuisine. PARADOR DE AVILA

Day 7 - Conclude Madrid
After breakfast, a group transfer is provided to Madrid airport. Please do not book flights departing prior to 1:00PM

Not Included

• Airfare is not included. Please inquire about our competitive rates at the time of booking. With the purchase of international airfare through Maupintour, arrival and departure transfers are included.

Travel Dates & Rates

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• Booking Code: ZWS

• Land only rate is per person based on double occupancy.
• Pre/post tour nights are available upon request. Reservation deposit is $500 per person. Travel insurance is highly recommended.

Prices subject to change without notice until time of deposit. All dollar values not denoted as US or CA are in US Dollars.