We board our overnight transatlantic flights

We Arrive in Madrid It�s time to rest or to join the locals in El Retiro Park. At 6 pm, we�ll meet our Tour Director and traveling companions and have a welcome dinner at our hotel. (Included: Dinner)

Madrid The capital since 1561, Madrid today is a strikingly modern city, the showcase of a country resolutely turned towards the future. Morning sightseeing with a local guide takes us to the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de Espa�a with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, elegant Calle Alcala, and Paseo de Castellana. Then, the highlight: a visit to the palatial Prado Museum with its priceless art treasures. We�ll enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Exciting optional excursions are available. (Included: Breakfast)

Madrid�Cordoba-Seville This morning, we drive south through the arid landscapes of Don Quixote�s La Mancha to Cordoba, where sightseeing with a local guide includes the Alcazar, the Roman Bridge, and the medieval old Jewish Quarter. Tour the magnificent 8th-century MOSQUE OF THE CALIPHS, famous for its 850 pillars of porphyry, marble, and jasper. Then, continue to vibrant, festive Seville. (Included: Breakfast and Dinner)

Seville During our sightseeing tour with a local guide, we\'ll hear about the city�s role in Roman times, its conquest by the Moors in 712 AD, and its contribution to the discovery of the New World. Admire Maria Luisa Park, the Golden Tower on the Guadalquivir River, and the university that used to be the tobacco factory of Carmen fame. Then, stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming SANTA CRUZ QUARTER, and visit the CATHEDRAL with Columbus� tomb, the world�s largest gothic edifice. For a truly Andalusian night out, reserve a seat at our optional flamenco show. "The most popular night on the tour", says Mary Delia, STI travel director. (Included: Breakfast)

Seville�Granada Sightseeing with a local guide features Granada�s main attraction, the ALHAMBRA. The Alhambra features Islamic architecture and beautifully detailed gardens, a fantasy of �lace in stone� surrounded by arabesque gardens and fountains. We\'ll have some time to amble through the exotic WATER GARDENS OF THE GENERALIFE. (Included: Breakfast and Dinner)

Granada�Valencia Cross Mora Pass and pass troglodyte cave dwellings hollowed out of the soft tufa stone near Purullena and Guadix on our way to Valencia, once a royal capital. (Included: Breakfast)

Valencia-Barcelona Valencia�s Roman, Moorish, and Spanish history comes alive during our guided walking tour. Enjoy free time before driving along the coast to Barcelona, the proud capital of Catalonia and Spain�s second-largest city. Tonight, join the group for an optional dinner at a typical Catalonian restaurant. (Included: Breakfast)

Barcelona Sightseeing with a local guide features the Columbus Monument, elegant tree-lined Ramblas, Plaza de Cataluna, and Paseo de Gracia. Visit the spectacular SAGRADA FAMILIA, Gaudi�s masterpiece, and enjoy a panoramic view of the city and harbor from Montju�c Hill. Also visit the GOTHIC QUARTER. Afternoon at leisure, and an optional excursion to Montserrat may be arranged. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at our hotel to celebrate the success of our vacation in Espana! (Included: Breakfast and Dinner)

Our homebound flights arrive the same day. (Included: Breakfast)