Day 1: Overnight Flight
Discover cosmopolitan Madrid, avant-garde Barcelona, the beautiful Pyrenees and more on this diverse and fascinating journey through Spain. Admire the masterpieces of Spanish artists at the illustrious Prado and Picasso museums and stroll through the medieval streets of Toledo. Explore the distinct cultures of the Pyrenees region as you enjoy the breathtaking mountain landscape. Stop in Pamplona to learn about the revered "running of the bulls.” Conclude in Barcelona, home to Gaudi's whimsical architecture and a showcase of works by other modern Spanish artists. Through lectures by Smithsonian experts, gain an understanding of Spain’s rich history and distinctive cultures.
Day 2: Arrive Madrid, Spain
Your tour begins today in the vibrant capital city of Madrid. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner.
Day 3: Madrid - Royal Palace - Prado Museum
In 1561, Felipe II designated Madrid as the capital of Spain and it has served as Spain’s geographic and cultural heart ever since. During a walking tour of Madrid’s historic center, see the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, the city’s main public area since the 17th century. Then visit the opulent Royal Palace with its fantastic collection of furniture and artifacts. Spend time at the world-renowned Prado, opened in 1819 to house the Spanish royal collections. Among its treasures are works by Spanish masters including Velazquez, Murillo, Ribera, El Greco, and Goya.
Day 4: Madrid - Toledo - Madrid
Toledo, a hilltop city which served as the capital of medieval Spain until 1560, is your destination today. This wonderfully eclectic city was influenced by many cultures, including the Romans, Visigoths, Moors, Jews, and Christians. A tour of Toledo highlights the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the 13th-century synagogue of El Transito, a testament to Toledo’s Jewish heritage. You'll also stop in the Church of Santo Tome to view El Greco’s masterpiece painting, The Burial of Count Orgaz. The afternoon is at leisure in Madrid. An evening lecture on Basque culture and its people prepares you for a visit to the Basque region.
Day 5: Madrid - Burgos - Bilbao
Travel through the Castile-Leon region to the beautiful town of Burgos. Surrounded by mountains, Burgos is home to Spain's third largest Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, continue north to one of the major cities in the Basque region, Bilbao.
Day 6: Bilbao
Tour the impressive Guggenheim Museum, considered one of the most important collections of avant-garde art in the world. The building itself has been hailed by critics worldwide as an architectural masterpiece. Designed by North American architect Frank O. Gehry, it is an extraordinary structure made up of interconnecting shapes covered in titanium. The afternoon is at leisure to pursue individual interests in this vibrant city.
Day 7: Bilbao - Pamplona - San Sebastian - Bilbao
Your destination today is Pamplona, a city best known for its annual "running of the bulls," made famous by Ernest Hemingway. On a walking tour of Pamplona, see the Estafeta, the narrow street used during the encierros (running of the bulls), as well as the arcaded Plaza del Castillo and the Gothic cathedral. Spend some leisure time in Pamplona before continuing north to San Sebastian, an elegant turn-of-the-century Belle Epoque seaside resort. Upon arrival, stroll along the promenade and explore the historic town center.
Day 8: Bilbao - Hondarribia - Vielha
Travel along the scenic Basque Coast to the charming village of Hondarribia, situated at the confluence of the Bidasoa River and the Bisque Bay. The walled Old Town, with its colorful, picturesque architecture, has been named a “Historic Artistic Site.” Continue traveling across the border to France and later return to Spain and the town of Vielha. Spend the evening surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Pyrenees.
Day 9: Vielha - Lleida - Barcelona
Today cross the majestic Pyrenees Mountains to Lleida. Later, arrive in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, and spend the next three nights in this dynamic avant-garde city on the shores of the Mediterranean. Notice that Barcelona’s street signs are written in two languages; both Catalán and Castilian are recognized as the city’s official languages.
Day 10: Barcelona
Explore the architecture of Antonio Gaudi, whose unique works make Barcelona such a fantastic destination. View Las Ramblas Boulevard, Columbus Monument, Parc Montjuic, Antonio Gaudi’s “La Sagrada Familia,” Parc Guell and Casa Mila. Conclude your city tour with a visit to the world-famous Picasso Museum, which contains the most significant collection of Pablo Picasso's early work. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore the area independently or take an optional tour to Montserrat Monastery.
Day 11: Barcelona - Figueres - Girona - Barcelona
Travel north along the beautiful Mediterranean coast to the small city of Figueres, the birthplace of legendary Spanish artist Salvador Dalí. Figueres' main attraction is the whimsical Dalí Theater-Museum, which is itself a work of art. Enjoy a panoramic tour of Figueres before traveling through the Catalán wine region to the walled city of Girona. Nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees, on the banks of the Onyar River, Girona is celebrated for its medieval old city and peaceful natural surroundings. Later, return to Barcelona for a farewell dinner.
Day 12: Barcelona - Tour Concludes
Your tour ends today in the city of Barcelona.
Prices from $2149 land only or $2947 including air
Collette Experiences
Discover cosmopolitan Madrid, avantgarde Barcelona, the beautiful Pyrenees and more on this diverse and fascinating journey through Spain.
Admire the masterpieces of Spanish artists at the illustrious Prado and Picasso museums and stroll through the medieval streets of Toledo.
Explore the distinct cultures of the Pyrenees region as you enjoy the breathtaking mountain landscape.
Stop in Pamplona to learn about the revered "running of the bulls." Conclude in Barcelona, home to Gaudi's whimsical architecture and a showcase of works by other modern Spanish artists. Through lectures by Smithsonian experts, gain an understanding of Spain's rich history and distinctive cultures.
Gain an understanding of the fascinating and vibrant Basque culture, with its mysterious origins, unique history, and centuries-old language, during an exclusive talk.
Learn about modern art and architecture, particularly the contributions of Spanish legends Picasso, Gaudi and Dali, during a lecture in beautiful Barcelona.
Experience Even More
Enjoy a lecture by an art historian on the achievements of the Spanish masters, whose works you'll have the opportunity to admire during your visit to the world renowned Prado Museum.
