Sketches of Spain - TRIP CURRENTLY FULL/WAITLISTED

TRIP CURRENTLY FULL - WAITLIST ONLY

Download the brochure for Sketches of Spain!

From $3,595 per person based on double occupancy, air and VAT not included
Operated by Alumni Holidays International (AHI)

Overview
Follow in the footsteps of ancient Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans and Moors — people who once called this land home and who contributed to the rich traditions and colorful culture of modern Spain. This special program begins in the vibrant city of Barcelona. Marvel at its highlights, including the architecture of Antoni Gaudí, the fashionable Paseo de Gracia and the magnificent Cathedral. Continue to Pamplona, long associated with the running of the bulls and the setting for Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises.” Tour the Old Quarter in San Sebastián, home to some of the city’s finest architecture, and visit Bilbao and the famous Guggenheim Museum, which houses a vast collection of contemporary art. Delight in charming Burgos and immerse yourself in the artistic and architectural masterpieces in Toledo. Conclude in cosmopolitan Madrid, with its stunning architecture, lively streets and renowned museums — a fitting end to an extraordinary adventure!

Itinerary

Day 1:  In Transit to Barcelona, Spain

Depart your gateway city for Barcelona aboard scheduled jet service, which is provided for Air Program participants. Travelers participating in the AHI Travel Air Program will enjoy advanced seat assignments on most airlines; an air price guarantee including all fuel surcharges, airport and airline taxes; arrival and departure transfers including baggage handling; and many other benefits.

Meals — Appropriate in-flight meal service

Day 2:  Barcelona, Spain

Arrive at the airport in Barcelona. After passing through immigration and customs, Group Air Program passengers will be met by an AHI Travel representative in the arrivals hall. Independent Air Program passengers who are able to join the group transfer and Land Program passengers who have purchased an AHI transfer should proceed to the group flight arrivals hall to meet the AHI representative.

Transfer to the Hotel Cristal Palace. Located in the very heart of Barcelona, the sleek, recently refurbished Cristal Palace Hotel is the perfect base from which to explore the city and its lovely environs. After checking in, your luggage will be delivered directly to your room. Your AHI Travel Director will be with you throughout your journey to handle all program logistics and will be available daily to assist with sightseeing arrangements, dinner reservations, shopping suggestions and any other assistance you may require.

This evening, join your fellow travelers for a festive Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodations — Hotel Cristal Palace
Meals — Appropriate in-flight meal service and dinner

Day 3:  Barcelona

Educational Focus: The History of Catalonia and Barcelona
Rimmed by the Pyrénées Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, Catalonia was settled by the ancient Greeks and Carthaginians. Learn about its deep-rooted history, intrinsic spirit of independence, and flamboyantly Gothic and Art Nouveau capital city.

Excursion: Barcelona
International yet intensely Catalán, bustling Barcelona will captivate you with its whimsical architecture, elegant boulevards and flamboyant style. This morning, a panoramic tour introduces you to some of this port city’s most important sites, from the grand Paseo de Gracia, lined with moderniste landmarks and fanciful lampposts, to leafy Montjuïc with its Olympic Stadium. Afterwards, feel the timeworn cobblestones underfoot as you stroll through the cozy alleyways of Barcelona’s atmospheric Barri Gòtic, one of the most complete Gothic quarters in Europe.

Accommodations — Hotel Cristal Palace
Meals — Breakfast

Day 4:  Barcelona

Excursion: Gaudí's Barcelona
Today, wrap your imagination around the surreal architecture of Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926), the Spanish architect who was a leading exponent of the art nouveau movement in Europe –– a style characterized by intense ornamentation and organic lines. See Gaudi’s most famous work: La Sagrada Familia, the magical and surprising church still under construction today! Also visit Gaudi’s playful Parc Güell where you’ll be enchanted by the mosaic serpentine benches, shady trees and Mediterranean views.

Independent Exploration
The afternoon is at leisure. Set your sights on the Picasso Museum, or stroll the colorful Rambla, home to La Boqueria, one of the world’s most spectacular produce markets.

Accommodations — Hotel Cristal Palace
Meals — Breakfast

Day 5:  Barcelona/San Sebastian

This morning, fly from Barcelona to Bilbao. Upon arrival, transfer to San Sebastián.

Excursion: A Walk through San Sebastián
The seaside village of San Sebastián is the perfect blend of sandy beaches and lively tapas bars. Walk along the promenade and admire the beautiful Bay of Biscay. Meander through the Old Quarter with its elegant Town Hall and neo-Gothic Cathedral de Buen Pastor.

Local Flavor
Relax over a pinxtos lunch at a local restaurant in San Sebastián.

Check in at the Hotel Londres y de la Inglaterra.

Educational Focus: A History of Northern Spain
The Basque Country has its own identity and unique language. Learn of the gems along the Bay of Biscay, including genteel San Sebastián, once the summer retreat of Queen Isabella II.

Accommodations — Hotel Londres y de la Inglaterra
Meals — Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6:  San Sebastián/Pamplona

Excursion: Pamplona
Wander along the 16th-century streets of Hemingway’s beloved Pamplona, famous for the annual Running of the Bulls in July. Visit the Plaza del Toros, one of the largest bullrings in Spain, and the chapel where matadors pray and view the pens where bulls are corralled prior to the fight. See the splendid Gothic cathedral and the chapel of San Fermin and soak up scenes of daily life in this charming city.

Local Flavor
Enjoy the local fare at lunch.

Accommodations — Hotel Londres y de la Inglaterra
Meals — Breakfast and lunch

Day 7:  San Sebastián/Bilbao

Excursion: Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum
Nestled between coastal hills, this shipbuilding city is in the midst of a Renaissance that was sparked by the opening of the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum in 1997. A guide introduces you to what is arguably the most celebrated architectural marvel of our time and presents the most important masterpieces in this curvaceous titanium museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art.

Local Flavor
After feasting on modern art and architecture and seeing Bilbao’s historic quarter, enjoy lunch in Bilbao, a city known for its exceptional Basque cuisine.

Local Flavor
Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in San Sebastián.

Accommodations — Hotel Londres y de la Inglaterra
Meals — Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8:  San Sebastián/Burgos/Madrid

Today, depart San Sebastian for Madrid via Burgos, a historic Castilian city.

Excursion: Castilian Capital
This morning, discover Burgos, the delightful old capital of Castile, en route to Madrid. Learn about the city’s role in the Christian Reconquest, medieval trade and the Spanish Civil war as you wander its Old Quarter and visit the Burgos Cathedral, founded in 1221. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, the cathedral’s knobby, latticed spires and pinnacles soar towards the heavens. Inside, witness an array of treasures including a gold encrusted altar; the Christo de Burgos, a revered 13th-century crucifix; and the tomb of national hero, El Cid.

Local Flavor
Lunch is served in this once powerful capital located on the lush banks of the River Arlanzón.

Continue to Madrid, the Spanish capital since 1561, and check into the Wellington Hotel.

Accommodations — Hotel Wellington
Meals — Breakfast and lunch

Day 9:  Madrid

Educational Focus: Contemporary Spain
Explore recent Spanish history and discover Spain’s role in the world today.

Excursion: The Spanish Capital
Embrace the energetic spirit and grandeur of Madrid as you witness the sumptuous and sprawling Royal Palace; the 16th-century Plaza Mayor; the splendid architecture of the Gran Vía; and other world-class landmarks.

Local Flavor
Enjoy lunch like a madrileño as you dine with fellow travelers in this country known for its irresistible cuisine.

Excursion: Museo del Prado
This afternoon, a seasoned guide leads you through the Prado Museum, one of the world’s most important fine-art museums. The Prado, a neoclassical landmark, holds more than 8,000 paintings, including masterpieces by Francisco Goya, Diego Velázquez and El Greco, architect of the Spanish Renaissance. With the help of our expert, you’ll easily navigate the vast collection, learn about Spanish artists and gain insights that will help illuminate the fascinating art we’ll see throughout our journey.

Independent Exploration
The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Accommodations — Hotel Wellington
Meals — Breakfast and lunch

Day 10:  Madrid/Toledo

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before making the short journey through Castile-La Mancha — a land of olive groves, windmills and Don Quixote — to Toledo, the spiritual capital of Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Excursion: Toledo, Spain's Cultural Soul
A knowledgeable guide accompanies you through the tangle of streets in this atmospheric medieval quarter and takes you inside the city’s greatest landmarks. Linger inside the cathedral, one of the world’s largest Gothic structures and wander through the Jewish Quarter, home to the Iglesia de Santo Tomé. Learn about El Greco and his adopted home, and view his famous painting El Entierro del Conde de Orgaz, with its elongated figures and hint of mysticism. Then visit the 12th-century Santa Maria La Blanca Synagogue with its Moorish arches.

Local Flavor
Enjoy a classic Castilian lunch as you take in the stunning view of Toledo from the Parador de Toledo, located atop Emperor’s Hill.

This evening, return to Madrid and join fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner with wine.

Accommodations — Hotel Wellington
Meals — Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11:  In Transit to Gateway City

After breakfast, Air Program Passengers and Land Program participants who have purchased a group transfer will depart for Madrid Airport for their return flights home.

Meals — Breakfast and appropriate in-flight meal service

Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change. Many excursions in this program involve an element of walking.

Included Features

Accommodations

• Three nights in Barcelona, Spain, at the first-class Cristal Palace Hotel: Located in the very heart of Barcelona, the sleek, recently refurbished Cristal Palace Hotel is the perfect base from which to explore the city and its lovely environs. After a day of sightseeing, your return will be welcomed with gracious Spanish hospitality. Relax in the lounge or over a delicious meal in the restaurant and enjoy the many modern amenities of your well-appointed guest room.
• Three nights in an Sebastián at the first-class Hotel Londres y de la Inglaterra: This superior first class hotel in the center of San Sebastian has a prime location on beautiful La Concha Beach, with the Old Quarter nearby. Each comfortable, air-conditioned guest room offers a private bathroom; direct-dial telephone; satellite television; mini-bar; and safe.
• Three nights in Madrid at the deluxe Hotel Wellington: Bullfighters in traditional garb are among the frequent guests of this luxurious hotel overlooking Madrid’s Retiro Park. Within walking distance of fashion boutiques and the Art Triangle, the Wellington offers well-furnished rooms, a swimming pool, an on-site hair salon, and a piano bar among other amenities.

Transportation
Flight from Barcelona to Pamplona, including baggage handling, and deluxe motor coach transfer from San Sebastián to Madrid.

Meals

• Enjoy an extensive meal program, including nine breakfasts, six lunches and four dinners;
• Tea or coffee is included with all meals, plus wine with dinner.
• Sample authentic regional specialties during select meals at featured local restaurants.
• Take advantage of leisure time to try the local cuisine independently.

Your Exciting Travel Program

• Informative programs presented by local experts to enhance your insight into the region.
• Personal VOX listening devices allow you to hear every word from your expert English-speaking guides.
• All excursions:
  -Uncover the charm of Barcelona.
  -Admire Gaudi’s architectural whimsy.
  -Journey to Bilbao to tour the city and the Guggenheim Museum.
  -Tour Burgos and the city’s cathedral.
  -Wander through historic Toledo.
  -Discover the highlights of Madrid.
  -Explore the Prado Museum.
• Informative educational programs presented by local experts will enhance your insight into the region.
• Attend festive Welcome and Farewell Dinners.
   

Many Included Extras

• Consultation services of a dedicated Passenger Service Representative prior to departure.
• Services of an experienced AHI Travel Director.
• Detailed travel and destination information to assist in your planning.
• Tipping of excursion guides and drivers.
• Complimentary travel wallet.
   

Air Program
For your convenience, AHI offers a flexible Air Program featuring special air fares available at an additional cost in conjunction with the Land Program.  AHI has designated specific Group Air Schedules for this departure utilizing scheduled, round-trip jet service from North America and Barcelona, Spain, and return from Madrid. Those participating on these flights will enjoy:

• Transfers between the arrival/departure airports, including baggage handling.
• Prices are dependent upon dates, air routes and class of service chosen and will be reflected on your Reservation Confirmation, which will be sent to you upon receipt of your reservation. Air schedules will be sent with your Final Invoice approximately 90 days before departure.
• Prices quoted to you will include all domestic and foreign governmental airport departure taxes and fees and any applicable fuel surcharges.
• AHI ticketed passengers will also receive Automatic $250,000 Flight Insurance, subject to policy terms.