Day 2: Experience sights, sounds, tastes of Barcelona, Picasso Museum and others, the cathedral, Las Ramblas, the Mediterranean piers, La Poble Espanyol (an introduction to all of Spain for tourists) if there is time, dessert restaurant and others including tapas, a musical performance at Palau de la Musica Catalana if interested.

Day 3: Gaudi architectural tour all day, Casa Batllo (dragon roof), La Sagrada Familia (100 year old cathedral still under construction), La Pedrera (famous chimneys on the roof), Parque Guell. Night train to Granada.

Day 4: Arrive in Granada (*) and get situated at hotel (possibly the Parador inside the Alhambra). Visit the Alhambra and gardens. Walk through Moorish neighborhoods through the town to the Cathedral. Dinner and evening stroll for good views of the Alhambra lit up at night.

Day 5: Either spend the day hiking in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and stay another night in Granada. OR take an early train (or rent a car) to Ronda (*) and hike to the base of the beautiful Puente Nuevo Bridge built in 1793 which spans the El Tajo gorge. If there is time, visit the first Spanish bull ring and/or a cave outside of town that has Paleolithic paintings that date from 20,000-25,000 years ago. Stay the night in Ronda.

Day 6: Take an early bus or train (or car) to Seville. Spend the afternoon on a walking tour downtown. Visit the cathedral and Christopher Columbus’ tomb. Experience a lively Flamenco performance in the evening.

Day 7: Walk through Seville's neighborhoods, museums, tour Alcazar palace fortress. Leave for Madrid tonight or the next morning.

Day 8: Early fast train to Madrid. If there is time, walk and picnic at Retiro Park and/or visit an art museum. Downtown walking tour in the afternoon around Puerta del Sol.

Day 9: Visit the palace, the Prado (paintings by Valazquez, El Greco, Goya) Other big art museums include the Thyssen and Reina Sofia (Picasso's Guernica). Dinner and tapas near Plaza Major.

Day 10: Day trip to Toledo (*) by train. Wander the narrow streets, visit the cathedral and Alcazar perhaps first fortified by the Romans, now somewhat of a memorial to Franco. Train back to Madrid. Typical Spanish night out beginning at 10:00 PM if anyone is interested.

Day 11: Early breakfast including churros (doughnuts) and Chocolate at the Chocolateria San Gines. Wander around the Sunday Rastro Flea Market looking for bargains. Day trip to Segovia (*) to see the 29 meter tall Roman aqueduct with 163 arches built without mortar in the first century AD. Also, the Alcazar here is a fairy tale castle. Evening train back to Madrid.

Day 12: Depart for US.

NOTE: There is a lot packed into this Itinerary. We may not have time to do everything. We will prioritize and do as much as we can while also allowing time to rest and enjoy the sights. (*) Indicates where Paradores (luxury government hotels) are available.