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→ Itinerary

Itinerary

UGUST 9 – USA / MADRID: Fly transatlantic overnight from the USA to Madrid, Spain. Dinner is served, and in-flight entertainment is provided.

AUGUST 10 – ARRIVE MADRID: Arrival in Madrid, meet with your local guide and shortly afterwards depart and make your way to your hotel located in the heart of Madrid. Enjoy the remainder of your afternoon relaxing or exploring this vibrant city at your own pace.

AUGUST 11 – MADRID SQUARES & ROYAL PALACE: After breakfast this morning, depart on an unforgettable walking tour in Madrid. From your hotel to Plaza Mayor, take a leisurely stroll to Plaza de la Villa, one of the city’s oldest squares, uncovering hidden gems along the charming streets of Madrid de los Austrias. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore this iconic square bustling with life, where street performers and fellow travelers create an unforgettable atmosphere. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor a traditional Spanish breakfast of rich hot chocolate paired with delicious churros-a true delight! From Plaza Mayor, take a leisurely stroll to Plaza de la Villa, one of the city’s oldest squares, uncovering hidden gems along the charming streets of Madrid de los Austrias. Each step reveals the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, offering a unique perspective on Madrid’s past. Next stop will be at the majestic Royal Palace, where your guide will provide an explanation of this magnificent monument and share insights about the kings who have lived in this historic residence. As we stroll through the palace grounds, you will feel transported back in time, with many opportunities to admire the stunning gardens. Following your historical exploration, it is time to relax aboard a comfortable coach for a scenic panoramic tour of Madrid. Glide past iconic landmarks including the Paseo del Prado, the beautiful Cibeles Fountain, and the renowned Puerta de Alcala, as your guide shares fascinating stories and anecdotes about this vibrant city. You will also pass by the legendary Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Colon square and the lively Gran Via.

For dinner, embark on a culinary adventure through the heart of Madrid with an exciting Madrid tapas walking tour dinner. Experience the city’s rich gastronomic culture as you hop between charming tapas bars, each offering a unique taste of Spain. Savor a delightful variety of authentic tapas, your knowledgeable guide will share stories about the origin of each dish and the history behind the vibrant neighborhoods you visit. Afterwards, return to your hotel for overnight. (B/TP)

AUGUST 12 – RIBERA DEL DUERO REGION & ECLIPSE: Enjoy breakfast. Today you will explore the Ribera del Duero region, known for its stunning landscapes of vineyards, castles, and historic sites. Ribera del Duero is one of Spain’s nine most renowned winemaking areas, renowned for maintaining a rich sense of history alongside modern winery facilities that dot the landscape. The region also features impressive landmarks such as monasteries, churches, and castles that testify to its storied past. Your first stop is Aranda de Duero, the heart of Ribera del Duero. Here, you will visit the underground wine caves, with over 120 tunnels dating back to the 16th century. A walking tour through the town’s center will allow you to appreciate its history and charm, including a visit to a private underground cellar. Following the tour, visit the famous Portia winery, designed by Norman Foster. Spread over 11,300 square meters, this innovative winery can produce up to one million bottles of wine annually. Its unique star-shaped architecture consists of three interconnected buildings: the west section where wine is produced, the south designated for barrel storage, and the north for aging and storage.

In the afternoon, arrive in Penaranda de Duero. Penaranda is a picturesque small town in the heart of Spain’s Ribera del Duero region, renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and charming atmosphere. Check into your hotel and enjoy some time to freshen up and get ready for an exciting evening! Enjoy a local dinner before exploring the secrets of the upcoming solar eclipse.

After dinner, the Eclipse observation begins at 7:30 PM and concludes between 9:30 PM and midnight, depending on sky conditions. The activity lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, giving you ample time to fully immerse yourself in the universe. Explore the secrets of the solar eclipse from the top of a castle surrounded by vineyards, guided by an astronomy expert.

During your Eclipse experience, you will explore:

• The astronomical mysteries behind eclipses. Why do they happen?
• The different types of eclipses and why they don’t occur often.
• The most remarkable eclipses in history and their impact on civilizations.

After the eclipse, enjoy an unforgettable night under the stars as we explore the wonders of meteor showers, with a special focus on the Perseids. Overnight in in Penaranda de Duero. (B/D)

Note that visibility of the eclipse depends on weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

AUGUST 13 – RIOJA: After breakfast, enjoy some free time to explore the historic streets of the medieval village before departing for the Rioja winery area. Rioja offers more than just outstanding wines; it is a captivating region full of scenic landscapes, unspoiled villages, and rich art, culture, and history. Upon arrival, visit the Vivanco Wine Museum, where you will enjoy a gourmet meal at the Vivanco Restaurant, surrounded by vineyard landscapes, while savoring the best of local cuisine. Afternoon visit to the Vivanco Wine Museum, where you will explore one of the most comprehensive wine museums in the world. Located in Rioja, Spain, it was founded by the Vivanco family, owners of the historic Vivanco Winery. The museum offers an extensive collection that showcases over 4000 years of viticulture, including artifacts, tools, and relics related to wine production and the cultural significance of wine throughout history. Along the way, you will take a tour through the landscapes and hidden villages of La Rioja. These picturesque villages offer a unique glimpse into medieval Spain, with their historic walls, plazas, and centuries-old traditions that continue to delight visitors today. Arrive in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, one of the most popular towns along the Camino de Santiago route. Enjoy dinner in your hotel. (B/D)

AUGUST 14 – RIOJA / ZARAGOZA: Enjoy breakfast followed by some free time to explore the historic streets of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a renowned medieval village with a rich history connected to the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. After lunch on your own, depart for Zaragoza. On arrival explore Zaragoza and visit the Basilica del Pilar, one of Spain’s most iconic landmarks and a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. During this guided tour, you’ll visit a stunning baroque monument on the Ebro River noted for its impressive domes, frescoes, and sculptures. Learn about its history and enjoy panoramic views from its towers. The tour also covers Zaragoza’s charming old town, including highlights like the Roman Theatre and Aljaferia Palace, showcasing the city’s rich heritage. Overnight in Zaragoza. (B)

AUGUST 15 – ZARAGOZA / BARCELONA: This morning after breakfast, depart from Zaragoza and head to Barcelona. On arrival in Barcelona, enjoy a city tour to explore the city’s rich history and culinary traditions. The journey begins at Plaza Catalunya, an iconic square bustling with life in the heart of the city. Stroll down Las Ramblas, toward the Gothic Quarter, discover historic buildings such as the Barcelona Cathedral and Placa Sant Jaume. Following your walking tour, it’s time for a scenic panoramic tour of Barcelona. Travel to the coast, visiting Barceloneta, a lively and charming coastal neighborhood of Barcelona, renowned for its beautiful beaches, seafood restaurants, and vibrant atmosphere. You will also journey along Passeig de Gracia, the most elegant street in Barcelona, where you can admire the remarkable works of Antoni Gaudi, including Casa Batllo and La Pedrera. Visit La Sagrada Familia, one of the highlights of Barcelona. Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights about these iconic modernist masterpieces. The tour will continue to Plaza de Espana which features a large central fountain and beautiful gardens. Finally, ascend to Montjuic, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of all of Barcelona. Your evening is free in Barcelona. (B)

AUGUST 16 – BARCELONA / USA: After breakfast, group transfer to Barcelona airport for your flight home to the US.

IMPORTANT: This tour includes walking tours. To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surface.

→ Inclusions

 Inclusions

• Roundtrip Economy air from Chicago on American Airlines
• 6 nights’ accommodation in 4-Star hotel: 2 nights in Madrid, 1 night in Ribera, 1 night in Rioja, 1 night in Zaragoza, and 1 night in Barcelona
• Luxury motorcoach for all transfers and sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary
• Services of a full-time Tour Director
• Breakfast each morning, except day of arrival
• Tapas dinner in a historic bodega and one of Madrid’s oldest taverns, including drinks
• Dinners in Ribera and Rioja
• Madrid city tour including a traditional Chocolate and Churros experience in Plaza Mayor
• Visit a private underground cellar and walking tour in Aranda de Duero
• Visit Portia Winery, including lunch and wine tasting
• Eclipse Day: Experience the solar eclipse from the top of a scenic castle esplanade surrounded by vineyards
• Eclipse Day: Astronomy expert who will explain the eclipse and the meteor shower, providing an educational and memorable experience
• Visit and gourmet lunch at the Vivanco Wine Museum
• Visit picturesque villages in Rioja
• Zaragoza city tour including a visit to the Basilica del Pilar
• Barcelona city tour including a visit to Sagrada Familia
• Hotel porterage of one suitcase per person
• Portfolio of travel documents
• Local 24-Hour Emergency Customer Service while traveling in Spain

IMPORTANT: This tour includes walking tours. To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surface.

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