Compare Southern Spain Yesterday & Today: Madrid, Granada & Seville by Road Scholar vs Spain in 9 days - Madrid, Andalusia & Costa del Sol - Superior by Exoticca

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive Madrid, Orientation & Walk, Welcome Dinner Madrid

Hotel check-in available by 2:00 PM. Walking approx. 1-2 miles; About 1 hour total

Upon arrival, leisurely check-into your room before orientation

Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures and answer questions. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to make suggestions. During many of our visits we will encounter winding or hilly roads, as well as cobblestone streets and sidewalks. Comfortable and sturdy footwear is highly recommended. There will be extensive daily walking, often up to 4 miles, approx. 1-4 hours, at a steady pace. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event, we will alert you as quickly as possible. After orientation we’ll set out with our Group Leader for a walking exploration of the area around the hotel.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night's rest for the day ahead.

On your own to enjoy what you like

At the hotel restaurant, we´ll enjoy a welcome dinner with a delicious set menu with a choice of one beverage included; other beverages are available for purchase

Day 3 Royal Palace, Lectures on Geography & Spain Today Madrid

Driving approx. 9 miles total. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; steady pace. Sturdy comfortable footwear is highly recommended.

We will depart from the hotel by private bus for the Royal Palace to meet a local expert. They will lead our field trip to explore the stunning Royal Palace, the largest in Europe by floor area, with 3,418 rooms covering 1,450,000 square feet (135,000 square meters). It is no longer the royal family's home, but continues to be the site of official ceremonies and state occasions. Built in the 18th Century on the site of the old Alcázar fortress, it was inspired by Bernini’s sketches for the Louvre in Paris with courtyards, galleries and a parade ground. Particularly notable are the Royal Armory, the Hall of Mirrors, masterpieces by Caravaggio, El Greco, de Flandes, Goya, Madrazo, Morales, Rubens, Sorolla, Velázquez, and many more.

We will return to the hotel where we will be joined by a local expert on Spanish Culture for a presentation on the geography and early history of the Iberian peninsula. After a short break we´ll have a presentation on contemporary Spain given by the same expert.

At leisure.

At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a tasty breakfast buffet featuring a variety of hot and cold items including egg dishes, breakfast breads and meats, cereals, fresh fruit, milk juice, coffee, tea and water.

At a restaurant in the city center, we’ll have a tasty set menu with a choice of one beverage included; other beverages available for purchase.

On your own to enjoy what you like. On-site staff will be happy to make suggestions.

Day 4 The Prado, Free afternoon Madrid

Driving approx. 3 miles. Walking up to 2-3 miles; steady pace. Sturdy comfortable footwear is highly recommended

We will take a private bus to the Prado for an art history class with a local expert. The Museo Nacional del Prado is one of the world’s leading galleries. The superb royal collection was assembled by Hapsburg and Bourbon Spanish monarchs from the 16th to early 19th centuries. The museum opened to the public in 1819 and has collected thousands of paintings since as well as sculptures, prints and drawings. Among the masterpieces are works by Bosch, Dürer, El Greco, Goya, Mantegna, Raphael, Rubens, Titian, Tintoretto, Van Eyck, Velázquez, and many more. Nine new galleries have been added since 1950. The Prado has become a prized destination for art lovers.

Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Madrid.The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At leisure.

Hotel Buffet

On your own to sample the local cuisine.

On your own to enjoy what you like in Madrid. On-site staff will be happy to make suggestions.

Day 5 Toledo Madrid

Driving approx. 50 miles to Toledo, one way; approx. 1:15 hours. Walking up to 3-4 miles throughout the day; Steady pace; cobblestone streets and many hills. Comfortable and sturdy footwear recommended.

Departing from the hotel by private bus for a full-day field trip to explore some of the most important sites in medieval Toledo with its heritage of three co-existing cultures: Jewish, Christian, and Muslim. The approach to this World Heritage city provides breathtaking panoramic views. As the UNESCO inscription states, in its 2,000-year history Toledo has been a Roman municipium, capital of the kingdom of the Visigoths, a fortress of the Emirate of Córdoba and an outpost of the Christian kings fighting the Moors. After the Reconquista, remarkable Jewish religious monuments were built at the same time as churches. A local expert will lead our walk through the walled city including the Cathedral, the Sephardic Jewish Museum, and the Church of Santo Tomé with its painting by El Greco. Toledo Cathedral, one of Europe’s greatest Gothic structures, was built on the site of the Great Mosque which itself stood on the site of a Visigothic church. The Sephardic Museum preserves the legacy of Spanish-Jewish and Sephardic culture, housed in a 14th Century building that was once the Sinagoga del Tránsito, founded by the Jewish treasurer to the king of Castile. Over the centuries, it sheltered Jewish artisans, Moorish master builders, and Christian craftsmen. The Church of Santo Tomé, founded in the 12th Century, was rebuilt in the 14th Century thanks to the generosity of the Count of Orgaz, who is the subject of El Greco’s most famous painting, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, which hangs in the chapel.

A short free time in Toledo to explore on your own after lunch. We will return to Madrid late afternoon.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Hotel Buffet

At a local restaurant in Toledo we’ll have a set menu with a choice of one beverage included; other beverages available for purchase.

On your own to enjoy what you like. On-site staff will be happy to make suggestions.

Day 6 Transfer to Granada, Museum of Olive Culture & Production Granada

Driving about 300 miles to Granada with stops; approx. 5 hours total. Walking up to 2-3 miles throughout the day. Steady pace; Comfortable and sturdy footwear recommended.

After check-out we’ll transfer by bus to Granada. On route, we will stop near the town of Baeza to explore the Museum of Olive Culture and production, situated in the protected environment Complejo Natural de La Laguna. We will learn from an expert about the history and production of this important Spanish export from ancient times to the contemporary era and taste the liquid gold. In the long garden, we will see varieties of olive trees from different Mediterranean countries.

We expect to arrive in Granada late afternoon. After checking in at the hotel and settling into your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before an orientation about the local program and an introductory walk.

At leisure.

Hotel Buffet

At a nearby restaurant we’ll enjoy a set menu with a choice of two beverages included; other beverages available for purchase.

On your own to enjoy what you like in Madrid. On-site staff will be happy to make suggestions.

Day 7 Alhambra & Generalife, Moorish Spain Lecture Granada

Driving approximately 4 miles throughout the day. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day; Steady pace; cobblestone streets and many hills. Sturdy comfortable footwear is highly recommended

With a local expert, we will spend the morning at the magnificent Alhambra Palace and Generalife gardens overlooking Granada. The Alhambra began modestly as a fort around 889 CE. It gradually fell into ruins and was transformed in the 11th century by the Moorish sultan of Granada into a palace. Moorish poets described it as “a pearl set in emeralds.” It later became a royal residence of the Nasrid dynasty but was eventually abandoned after the Christian re-conquest. Finally, it was “rediscovered” in the 19th century and restorations began. Today, it is one of the world’s most significant examples of Islamic art and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, we will explore the adjacent Generalife, the summer palace and private retreat of the sultans. This was where they escaped official court life and its burdens, to relax and reflect amid exceptional man-made beauty.

Back to the hotel where a local expert will join us for a presentation on Moorish Spain, which lasted from 711-1492 CE, and its influences. After the presentation we will enjoy some free time.

At leisure.

The hotel buffet will include breakfast breads and pastries, cereal, butter, jam, coffee, tea, juice and water.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have a set menu with a choice of two beverages included; other beverages available for purchase.

Dinner on your own. An opportunity to discover Granada's local cuisine.

Day 8 Albayzín, Royal Chapel & Cathedral, Independent Exploration Granada

Driving approximately 8 miles during the day. Walking up to 5 miles; cobblestone streets and many hills. Steady pace; Sturdy comfortable footwear is highly recommended

We will meet with a local expert for a walk to the Albayzín, with its well-preserved Moorish streets. The Albayzín is Granada’s oldest Arab district, situated on the hill across from the Alhambra. In the 13th century it was a prosperous district with a slew of palaces and villas. Later, it became a maze of narrow streets and squares combined with a multitude of whitewashed houses. Afterwards we´ll walk with an expert on a field trip to the Cathedral and Royal Chapel, final resting place of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. After the Reconquista in 1492, they had the city’s mosques demolished or changed into Catholic churches. Granada’s Cathedral of the Incarnation was built on the site of the Grand Mosque. Construction began in 1523 but the church was not completed until 1703, with a succession of architects and styles. The Royal Chapel was built first to hold the tombs of the monarchs.

Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Granada. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Hotel Buffet

At a restaurant in the city center, we’ll have a tasty set menu with a choice of two beverages included; other beverages available for purchase.

On your own to sample the local cuisine

Day 9 Transfer to Seville, Córdoba Great Mosque & Synagogue Seville

The transfer to Seville through Córdoba is about 215 miles. Approx. 4 hours total. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day; cobblestone streets. Comfortable and sturdy footwear recommended

Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll begin our transfer to Seville, but not before stopping in Córdoba, the crossroads of civilizations, and mainstay of Islamic and Jewish heritage in Spain. While here, we’ll enjoy expert-led explorations of the Great Mosque and Cathedral, and pass by one of the last-standing ancient synagogues in Spain. We’ll stroll through the geranium-filled Judería, once Córdoba's Jewish Quarter, and site of a monument to the famous philosopher Maimónides.

We expect to arrive in Seville late afternoon. After checking in at the hotel and settling into your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before an orientation about the local program and an introductory walk.

At leisure.

Hotel Buffet

At a typical restaurant in Córdoba, we’ll have a set menu with a choice of one beverage included; other beverages available for purchase.

At a local restaurant in Seville we’ll have a set menu with a choice of one beverage included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 10 Cathedral, Lecture on Bullfighting, Meeting locals Seville

Walking up to 3-4 miles; cobblestone streets,Steady pace; Sturdy comfortable footwear is highly recommended

At The Center for Cross-Cultural Studies headquarters (CC-CS) participate in a lively discussion with a specialist expert on the history, culture, and art of bullfighting. Then, we will meet with a local historian who will walk us into the Cathedral, one of the world´s largest and packed with historic treasures and art. The 343-ft bell tower, the Giralda, the symbol of Seville, is in fact all that remains of the mosque built before the Christians conquered the city in 1248. It was used as a cathedral until earthquake damage caused the Christians to start building a Gothic cathedral on the site in 1401. Construction lasted more than 100 years, paid for partly by gold and silver from the New World. One altar is made entirely of Mexican silver.

Meet with local families, learn all about the realities of family life in Spain, as you enjoy lunch an afternoon at their homes.

At leisure.

At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a tasty breakfast buffet featuring a variety of hot and cold items including egg dishes, breakfast breads and meats, cereals, fresh fruit, milk juice, coffee, tea, water.

On your own to enjoy what you like. On-site staff will be happy to make suggestions.

On your own to enjoy what you like. On-site staff will be happy to make suggestions.

Day 11 Alcázar, Jewish Quarter, Flamenco lecture and Show Seville

Walking up to 4 miles; cobblestone streets, steps. Steady pace; Sturdy comfortable footwear is highly recommended

Depart for walk with our Group Leader to the extraordinary Alcázar Royal Palace and gardens and meet a local expert who will guide our explorations. This UNESCO listed World Heritage Site incorporates architectural and artistic influences from its beginnings as a Moorish fort into the Middle Ages and on through the Renaissance and Baroque eras to the 19th century. Still used by the royal family, it is the oldest royal palace in Europe and one of the most beautiful with its striking Mudéjar (Moorish influenced) design and ornamentation. Next, we will visit Seville's oldest neighborhood, the Barrio de Santa Cruz. During medieval times, this neighborhood was the Jewish quarter and it is home to many of Seville's oldest churches including the Cathedral that in 1898 became the reputed final resting place of Christopher Columbus.

At the Center for Cross-Cultural Studies participate in a lively discussion with a specialist expert on the art of flamenco dance and music. Afterwards we will walk to a local “tablao” and see flamenco come alive at an intimate show.

Rest up for our last full day tomorrow!

Hotel buffet

On your own to enjoy what you like in Seville. On-site staff will be happy to make suggestions.

At a restaurant close to the flamenco show, we’ll have a late dinner of a set menu with a choice of one beverage; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 12 Itálica, Cooking class & Farewell paella lunch Seville

Driving approx. 12 miles throughout the day. Walking up to 4 miles; cobblestone streets, steps, some inclines. Steady pace; Sturdy comfortable footwear is highly recommended

We will depart by private bus for a field trip to the Roman ruins of Itálica, just outside Seville, for an expert-led exploration with a local historian of this birthplace of two Roman emperors. Afterwards, we will return to Seville to have a hands-on cooking class led by a local chef. We will learn about and cook the most popular traditional Spanish dish: Paella.

Take the remainder of the afternoon to pack, buy souvenirs, explore on your own or just relax.

Prepare for departure in the morning and get a good night's rest.

Hotel Buffet

Share your favorite experiences with your new Road Scholar friends over a tasty Paella for your Farewell lunch.

On your own to sample the local cuisine.

Day 13 Program Concludes Departure

Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. See your program’s travel details/transportation regarding transfers.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Hotel buffet. This concludes our program

Day 1: US - Night on board

Ready to explore the historic cities and vibrant culture of Spain? Arrive at your US departure airport, ready for a flight* to Madrid. Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Madrid

Touch down in Madrid, the enigmatic capital city of Spain, known for its fast-paced atmosphere, classical architecture and beautiful plazas and parks. Transfer to the hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace. Madrid is well-known for its brilliant gastronomic scene and lively nightlife, so be sure to get out after dark to experience the amazing atmosphere of the capital. Overnight stay in Madrid.

Day 3: Madrid

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day with a panoramic tour of Madrid. Uncover the medieval origins of the city in Barrio de la Morería, famed for its historic monuments, such as the Muslim-era city walls. Drive through the Baroque-era heart of the city, known for its magnificent boulevards and grand buildings. See the Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace and both Cibeles and Neptuno Fountain. Pass by the incredible Prado Museum before heading to the more contemporary parts of the city, such as the Gran Via shopping street and the upmarket Salamanca neighborhood. Finally, continue past Parque del Oeste to see the emblematic Las Ventas Bullring and the Santiago Bernabéu Football Stadium. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy the delights of the city at your leisure. Madrid has a number of rooftop bars and restaurants, so perhaps head to one of these to enjoy spectacular views of the city as the sunsets. Overnight stay in Madrid.

Day 4: Madid - Caceres - Cordoba

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave the capital behind as you set off for Caceres, in the western region of Extremadura. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Caceres is famed for its fusion of Roman, Islamic, Gothic and Italian Renaissance architecture. After a journey of around 3-hours, take a walk through the Plaza Mayor and soak up the atmosphere of the Medieval Quarter in the Old Town. Afterwards, continue towards Cordoba, once the capital of the Islamic caliphate in Spain and a beautiful, historic city, perched on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Arrive after a journey of around 3.5 hours and get settled at the hotel. Dinner will be served at the hotel and you can enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in Cordoba.

Day 5: Cordoba - Seville

Breakfast at the hotel. Start the day with a tour of Cordoba to discover its ancient Islamic heritage and famous mosques. Stroll through the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter and soak up the unique atmosphere. In the afternoon, continue to Seville, a journey of just 2-hours through the landscapes of Andalusia. Arrive in Seville, known for its legendary tapas and Flamenco dancing. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in Seville.

Day 6: Seville

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, a local expert will guide you through a panoramic city tour of Seville featuring the Cathedral and its famous Giralda Bell Tower. Discover the popular neighborhood of Santa Cruz, Maria Luisa Park and the beautiful Plaza de España. In the afternoon, we recommend a stroll through the historic city center and enjoying Seville's fine tapas bars at your leisure. Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay in Seville.

Day 7: Seville - Ronda - Costa del Sol

Breakfast at the hotel before leaving Seville behind as you depart southwards, headed for Ronda. Arrive in Ronda, a mountain-top city of Celtic origin, known for its impressive views and scenic surroundings. After some free time here, continue towards the coast and to the idyllic Costa del Sol, one of the most modern and important international tourist areas in Spain. Take in the beautiful sea views and get settled at your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay on the Costa del Sol.

Day 8: Costa del Sol - Granada

Breakfast at the hotel. Head inland today as you journey towards historic Granada. Arrive in this ancient city, known as the last Moorish stronghold in Spain, and begin a tour of the Alhambra Complex, including the beautiful Generalife Gardens. Be inspired by the Islamic architecture and incredible views of the surrounding city. Afterwards, get settled at the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in Granada.

Day 9: Granada - Toledo - Madrid

Breakfast at the hotel. Journey northwards this morning to the imperial city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, Christianity, Islam and Judaism have coexisted side by side for centuries. The entire city is like a living museum, with atmospheric streets and an eclectic collection of monuments. Take a short guided tour of Toledo to get to know its historic old town. Afterwards, visit a famous Damasquinado Factory, where gold and silver are inlaid into iron to create spectacular decorative arts. Continue back to the capital of Madrid and transfer to the hotel. Your final evening in Spain is free at your leisure to make the most of the delicious Spanish cuisine and lively atmosphere of Madrid's bars and cafes. Overnight stay in Madrid.

Day 10: Madrid - US

Breakfast at the hotel.* Sadly, it's time to bring your journey through Spain to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your flight back to the US.** Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day. ** Depending on the return flight schedule, you may arrive in the US the next day and the total duration of the trip would be 11 days.