Visit Madrid, Toledo, Aranjuez, Valencia, Barcelona and Zaragoza

Following is our suggested itinerary, please note that you may extend the number of nights in each city, as well as select the hotel of your choice and choose from different sightseeing tours.

Day 1: USA - Madrid - Toledo
Upon arrival at the Barajas airport, you will pick up your rent a car and proceed to Toledo. (57 miles - 1 & ½ hours). Check in at your hotel. Toledo was the capital of Spain and Royal residence in the middle ages and in the XIII century, Moslems, Jews and Christians lived peacefully together in the city, which flourished as a great cultural and monumental center. You will enjoy walking along its narrow streets where the history can be felt in the air. In the afternoon, we suggest a visit to the Cathedral, Santo Tome Church (where El Greco?s masterpiece is located) and the Synagogue. A walk on the cobbled streets of the town this evening, after all tourists have returned to Madrid is a must. Its medieval streets lighted and deserted will bring you magically to another century.
Day 2: Toledo - Aranjuez - Valencia
Breakfast. Take an early morning walk around the town and depart for Aranjuez (29 miles - 1 hour), the Royal summer residence of the Bourbon kings. Its fantastic gardens inspired a masterpiece of classic Spanish guitar (The Concert of Aranjuez). The Royal Palace can be visited. After your visit to Aranjuez, continue your drive to Valencia (208 miles - 3 hours). Check into your hotel in Valencia and overnight.
Day 3: Valencia
Breakfast. Spend today visiting this city in the Mediterranean. Located in a fertile terrain and with soft Mediterranean weather, Valencia is surrounded by rich orchards (its oranges are famous worldwide) and it is full of splendid gardens. It was recovered for the Christian Kingdom by the mythis El Cid. In the morning, we suggest a visit to its Gothic Cathedral, where the bell tower (Micalet) is the symbol of the city. La Lonja (XVth exchange market) and the old market are also singular. A ?must? to be visited is the futuristic Arts and Science Center which is fast becoming one of Spain?s top visitor attractions, offering a wonderful inter-active science museum, the Hemispheric planetarium where you can take a virtual trip through space, an oceanarium (underwater city which recreates the habitats of all the world?s oceans) and the Palace of the Arts for performances of theater, opera and music. Overnight.
Day 4: Valencia - Barcelona
Breakfast. This morning depart for a drive along the beautiful Mediterranean coast north to Barcelona. (218 miles - 4 hours). Upon arrival in Barcelona, check into your hotel. This evening we recommend a nice dinner in front of the sea in the Olympic port.
Day 5: Barcelona
Breakfast. A full day to visit Barcelona. We recommend a walk to the Gothic Quarter, full of building from the 12 th to the 17 th centuries, a visit inside the Cathedrasl. Also be sure to visit the Ensanche, built in the 19 th century where the La Sagrada Familia Church and most of the Modernist buildings are. And be sure to walk along the live Ramblas, full of street actors, musicians and painters.
Day 6: Barcelona - Zaragoza
Breakfast. Depart for Zaragoza (190 miles - 3 hours). What was during the Middle Ages the capital of the Kingdom of Aragon has a rich heritage of monuments mingling the influences of the different cultures that have existed there. Medieval streets and broad avenues make up a city with an open and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Zaragoza has not one but two cathedrals and, like Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, was a major pilgrimage center. According to legend, the Virgin Mary appeared to St. James, patron saint of Spain, on the banks of the Ebro River and ordered him to build a church there. It is one of the greatest centers of the Marian cult in Spain. Be sure to visit the Pilar Square and Basilica, The Seo and the 16 th century Lonja (Old Market). In the evening, wander through the cafes, theaters, restaurants, music bars, and tascas that are populated by the 40,000 students of the University of Zaragoza.
Day 7: Zaragoza - Madrid
Breakfast. Early this morning, depart for Madrid (202 miles - 4 hours). Upon arrival in Madrid, check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon visiting some of Madrid?s main avenues and fountains (Cibeles, Neptuno), as well as the famous and always busy Plaza Mayor.
Day 8: Madrid
Breakfast. Enjoy a full day to fully explore this thriving city. Madrid is a city of great contrast and tendencies that provide a feast for the eyes: the Old City, the innumerable churches and convents, the Madrid of the Hapsburgs, the Royal Palace, the Puerta de Alcala, the Retiro Park, etc? every façade, corner, statue or park has its own particular charm. It?s museum mile offers more masterpieces per square foot than anywhere else in the world; the stellar Prado with its El Grecos and Velazquezes; the Caravaggios and Rembrandts at the Thyssen-Bornemisza; and the Dalís, Mirós and Picasso's wrenching Guernica, at the Reina Sofía.
Day 9: Madrid - USA
Breakfast. At appropriate time, depart for the airport. Please allow yourself enough time, to return the car. (Note: we do not suggest driving in Madrid, you may want to drop off the car when you arrive and book a transfer out to the airport.) End of services.