Day 1 thu apr 19	USA			OPTIONAL EXTENSION
Day 2 FRI APR 20	Madrid			Day 9 FRI apr 27	Granada / Barcelona
Day 3 SAT APR 21	Madrid			day 10 SAT apr 28	Barcelona
Day 4 SUN APR 22	Madrid			day 11 sun apr 29	Barcelona
Day 5 MON APR 23	Madrid / Seville			Day 12 mon apr 30	Barcelona
Day 6 TUE APR 24	Seville
Day 7 WED APR 25	Seville / Cordoba / Granada
Day 8 THU APR 26	Granada
Day 9 FRI APR 27	Granada / USA

Day 1 Thu, apr 19, 2012 – USA
Depart the USA on any regularly scheduled flight to Madrid, Spain.

Day 2 Fri, April 20 -- MADRID
Arrive Madrid where a private transfer from airport to the hotel awaits you outside the customs hall.
In the mid-16th century, King Felipe II converted Madrid to the capital of the Spanish Empire – “where the sun never set” – primarily because of its location in the heart of Spain, its access to water, abundance of game and a great climate. Street life is the trademark of 21st century Madrid. Whether in the cobbled streets of the old city or in the sleek, new districts, tradition and modernity live harmoniously in Madrid.

Considered one of the major cultural centers of the world with fabulous museums, outstanding architecture, delicious food, thrilling nightlife, and high-end shopping situated in a warm, friendly atmosphere, Madrid is definitely a place to visit!

Check in to the NH Palacio de Tepa. Located in Madrid's Las Letras district, the NH Palacio de Tepa is surrounded by history and romance. Just a five-minute walk away is the famous Plaza Mayor and next to it is Plaza Santa Ana which enchants tourists and locals alike. Madrid's most significant museums, such as the Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza, are also nearby, beckoning visitors with priceless works of art. Each of the elegantly furnished guest rooms features singular details reflecting the hotel's 18th century Spanish architecture, with recent renovations that add modern convenience to historical splendor. The rest of the morning is at leisure to rest. Lunch is on your own.

This afternoon depart on an Historical and Royal Madrid Tour with your local expert guide and driver.  Enjoy a panoramic visit of Madrid to learn about its history through its architecture and urban development since its founding by the Moors in the early 800’s. There are a wide variety of styles to be seen from modern Madrid with its new architectural wonders through the Baroque buildings of the 17th century located within the old city - like Plaza Mayor and City Hall – to the Neoclassical period with magnificent exponents like the Prado Museum, Puerta de Alcalá and Cibeles Fountain as well as the elegant and glamorous neighborhood of Salamanca hosting a showcase of 19th century buildings.

This tour includes a visit to the Royal Palace, residence of the Kings of Spain from the 18th century to the early 20th century. Please note the Palace will be closed to the public when needed for special royal receptions and ceremonies.

This evening we will have a welcome dinner at a local restaurant to get to know fellow travelers.

Hotel: Hotel NH Palacio de Tepa
Room:
Meals: Dinner

Day 3 Sat, Apr 21-- MADRID
Breakfast is at hotel. Enjoy a visit to the Prado and Reina Sofia Museums with an Art Historian focusing on Spanish Masters. Meet our guide in the hotel lobby who will take us through the Prado and the Reina Sofia Museums focusing on the paintings by the most famous Spanish masters like Velazquez, El Greco, Goya, Picasso, Dalí and Miró.

Spain gave great artists to the world during the 20th century. See Picasso’s “Guernica” as well as other masterpieces by Dalí, Miró and Juan Gris, at the Reina Sofia Museum of Modern Arts. The prestigious French architect, Jean Nouvelle, winner of the Pritzker Prize in 2008, enlarged the building, which was an old 18th century hospital.

At the Prado you will see works from Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. The 18th century building, in which the museum currently resides, was built to embellish the Prado Promenade under the rule of Carlos III. The museum opened in 1819 and was intended to provide the capital with a great picture gallery to match those opening in Europe at that time. The prestigious Spanish architect, Rafael Moneo, has enlarged the old building which involved the opening of additional rooms and a fantastic new wing not to be missed. Return to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure.

This evening enjoy a Tapas Dinner and Walking Tour with your Spanish Host and driver. Meet your host in the lobby of the hotel and begin a wonderful evening in Madrid. This is a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the two-centuries old Spanish tradition, "the tapas". Tapas are small portions of varied dishes that are served at the center of the table so that each guest is free to choose when and what to eat, together with his or her drink, usually a glass of Spanish wine or beer.

“Having tapas” or eating “tapas style” is probably the most enjoyable way of having lunch or dinner in a friendly atmosphere. After dinner, you may wish to explore the nightlife of Madrid in the gay district called La Chueca.

Hotel: Hotel NH Palacio de Tepa
Room:
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (Tapas)

Day 4 Sun, Aprl 22 -- MADRID
Breakfast is at hotel. Enjoy a Full-day excursion to Toledo. Drive to Toledo (approximately 1 hour.)

Toledo is one of the most delightful cities in Spain. The wealth of its impressive artistic and cultural legacy makes Toledo one of the most unique cities in Europe. This legacy is housed behind its walls in the form of churches, palaces, fortresses, mosques, and synagogues. This great diversity of artistic styles makes the old quarter a museum, which has led to it being declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Along with your guide you can understand why Toledo is also known as the “city of the three cultures”, because Christians, Arabs and Jews lived here together for centuries in perfect harmony. The city preserves two magnificent synagogues, a millenarian Mosque, a unique cathedral, ranked among the greatest Gothic structures in Europe, built from 1226 to 1493 as well as many churches, some of them housing treasures like the painting “The Burial of the Count of Orgaz” by el Greco at Santo Tomé Church. Between the 15th and 17th centuries the Toledo sword-making industry enjoyed a great boom, to the point where its products came to be regarded as the best in Europe. Visit a manufacturer of swords, sabres, daggers, still manufactured as the ancestors made them. Lunch is at local restaurant. After lunch enjoy some time at leisure to explore Toledo on your own before transferring back to Madrid. Dinner is at leisure. Suggested restaurants will be provided.

Hotel: Hotel NH Palacio de Tepa
Room:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 Mon, Apr 23 -- MADRID / SEVILLE
Breakfast is at the hotel. Check out and settle incidental accounts. Private Transfer from Hotel to Atocha Train Station where we take the High Speed Train (Business Tickets and Seat Reservations included) departing at 12 Noon and arriving into Seville at 2:30 PM.

Andalucía is the most populous and the second largest of the seventeen autonomous communities of the Kingdom of Spain. Its capital and largest city is Seville. The region is divided into eight provinces: Huelva, Seville, Cádiz, Córdoba, Málaga, Jaén, Granada and Almería. It was a very important region during the Roman Empire but is internationally known because of its importance during the period when the Muslims ruled Spain in medieval times. Present-day Andalucía is a region where tradition and modernity merge, and a region that derives much of its prosperity from agriculture and tourism.

Seville is a beautiful city rich in history and monuments. Present-day Seville is a city with an intense nightlife that is best experienced outside, thanks to the mild climate. The city was founded by the Romans and was later ruled by the Muslims. The Muslims ruled Seville from the year 711 until 1248 leaving indelible marks on the city. The height of Seville's splendor came with the discovery and founding of America during the 16th and 17th centuries with its port having the monopoly on trade with the overseas colonies. The intense trading activity in Seville during this period gave rise to an urban layout filled with small palaces, noble houses, churches and convents.

Private Transfer from Train Station to Hotel Alma Palacio de Villapanés.

Hotel Alma Villapanés Palace, built in the early 18th century, is located in the historic neighborhood of Santa Cruz district of Seville, close to the nerve center of the modern city.  Now an exclusive boutique hotel, each detail of the Hotel Alma Palacio de Villapanés pays tribute to the culture and tradition of Old Seville, as for example the large fortified lookout tower at one end of the façade and the inner courtyard surrounded on each side by three arches resting upon marble columns. The privileged views of the Cathedral and the Giralda Tower together with the classical style of the building confer beauty and elegance on this hotel.

The rest of the day at leisure. Dinner is at local restaurant.

Hotel: Hotel Alma Palacio Villapanés
Room:
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 Tue, Apr 24 -- SEVILLE
Breakfast is at hotel. Historical Seville walking tour with a local expert guide… Enjoy a guided walking tour through the old quarter of Seville and learn about its history from its Roman founding to present day Seville. Walk through the Santa Cruz Quarter, which is the old Jewish quarter of the city, and continue with a visit to the cathedral, the Giralda and the Alcazar (Royal Fortresses), a complex that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is the city's emblem. Your afternoon is at leisure. Before going for dinner enjoy a flamenco show.

Flamenco is a genuine Spanish art. It exists in three forms: Cante, the song, Baile, the dance, and Guitarra, guitar playing. Gypsies are often attributed to the creation of Flamenco, and at the very least we know they played an important part in its creation; in addition the popular songs and dances of Andalucía influenced early Flamenco significantly. Certainly, however, there were other influences that – directly or indirectly – influenced Flamenco. Dinner at local Restaurant

Hotel: Hotel Alma Palacio Villapanés
Room:
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 Wed, Apr 25 -- SEVILLE / CORDOBA / GRANADA
Breakfast is at hotel. Private Transfer to Cordoba. (Approximate Driving Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes / 145 kms)

UNESCO declared the historic quarter of Cordoba a World Heritage Site. In the 10th century, during the rule of Abd-al-Rahman III, the medina of Cordoba had a thousand mosques, eight hundred public baths, and a very advanced system of street lighting. Its urban layout rivaled the monuments of  Constantinople, Damascus and Baghdad.

We will have a half-day guided walking tour of Cordoba.

The historic quarter of Cordoba still preserves traces of the ancient splendor of the Caliphate of Cordoba during the 10th century, which made this city one of the most cultured and refined of medieval Europe. The synagogue is located in the old Jewish quarter that is now a complex network of little streets with Andalucían flavor. The cathedral-mosque is one of the most beautiful examples of Muslim art in Europe and the Real Alcazar of the Christian Kings that was the home of the Catholic Kings in Cordoba.

The Cathedral-Mosque of Cordoba is the universal symbol of Moorish heritage in Spain, and one of history's most extraordinary works of art. Inside the building more than five hundred columns can be seen. Their supporting rows of arches make up a forest of strange red and black perspectives, light and form - an unprecedented, fascinating labyrinth. Inside, at the center of its forest of columns, a great Christian cathedral suddenly rises up. Construction on it began in the 16th century within the Great Mosque, and it is an architectural wonder in its own right, with a range of different styles that go from the Gothic to the Baroque.

Just outside the Great Mosque itself you will find the peace and tranquility of the Patio de los Naranjos (Orange Tree Courtyard), a bright, stunning garden, a perfect spot to rest and take a stroll in the cool shade of its fountains and trees, surrounded by the scent of orange blossom. Enjoy lunch with your guide at a local restaurant. Private transfer to Granada. (Approximate Driving Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes / 200 kms) 6:30 PM Arrival to Granada.

Granada, the last kingdom to be reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs has an incredible artistic and historic heritage and a truly Moorish flavor. Moorish and Christian elements are both seen in the streets of Granada. Its cuisine, crafts and urban layout are a consequence of the city's glorious history. Fountains, viewpoints and Cármenes, and the villas surrounded by gardens typical of the city add to Granada's unforgettable charm. One of the oldest districts, the Albaicín, has been declared a World Heritage Site along with the Alhambra and the Generalife.

Check in at Hotel Palacio Santa Paula.

This deluxe hotel, Palacio de Santa Paula, is situated in the old town area of Granada. This unique building is the result of a very careful and well thought out refurbishment of the old Convent of Santa Paula, maintaining the old cloister intact. You will enjoy the pleasure of resting in one of the key monuments of this city, combined with the luxury of a great hotel.

Dinner is at leisure.

Hotel: Hotel Palacio Santa Paula
Room:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 Thu, Apr 26 -- GRANADA
Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy a half-day guided visit to the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens. La Alhambra is the most important preserved building of Muslim civil architecture. All the refinement, wealth and delicacy of Islamic art and architecture reached its climax in the West of Spain in this unique building which is a fortress, residence and royal city all in one and finds an extension in the gardens of El Generalife. UNESCO in the World Heritage List included la Alhambra and the gardens of El Generalife in 1984. They embody the strength of rich and sumptuous Muslim tradition based on lavish decoration, which is one of the most outstanding elements of these unique buildings.

The Generalife was the country residence of the Nasrid king, the orchard which provided the palaces with food supplies and a recreational area for the nobility. This vast fertile terrain was created by diverting the course of the river Darro with huge canals that reached up to the Generalife. The recreational courtyard of the Generalife, built between the 13th and 14th centuries, lies on the slopes of the Cerro del Sol, and offers breathtaking views.

Break for lunch on your own. In the afternoon enjoy a half-day guided walking tour through Granada’s Old Quarter and Albaicín.

The old quarter of Granada houses treasures like the Corral del Carbón, an old Arab corn exchange, the Plaza de Bib-Rambla, famous for its flower market, and the Alcaicería (silk exchange), an ancient souk where today you can buy regional crafts. The best way to approach Christian Granada is to visit the Cathedral with its Renaissance dome and Gothic layout. The Royal Chapel, where the Catholic Monarchs are buried, treasures from the private art collection of the Catholic Queen Isabel as well as her other private belongings. The Albaicín is a charming quarter of Granada that was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. This area of the city is full of churches and underground reservoirs. The Albaicín city wall dates back to the Nazarite era during the second half of the 14th century. Tonight enjoy a unique and amazing experience: Caviar tasting with an expert followed by dinner in one of the better restaurants of Granada.

The extreme purity of waters of Riofrío, in Loja, provides one of the star products of the Granadian cuisine: the ecological caviar. During three decades of investigation and testing, this company has become one of the few that develops its products through a 100% ecological process. They offer, in addition to beluga, sturgeon and trout either fresh, frozen or smoked as well as creams and pâtés made with them. This restaurant in Granada offers authentic, natural, genuine, healthful products and ingredients selected for their immediacy and freshness. These goods are then prepared with innovative culinary technique and a daring conception of the dishes.

Hotel: Hotel Palacio Santa Paula
Room:
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 Fri, Apr 27 -- GRANADA / USA
Breakfast is at hotel. Transfer from the hotel to the airport. Pick up from the hotel will be 2 hours prior to flight departure time. Fly to Madrid and connect with your flight to the USA or continue to Barcelona for an optional 3 nights.

Meals: Breakfast

Optional Extension
Day 9 Fri, Apr 27 -- GRANADA / BARcelONA
Arrival into Barcelona Airport. Private Transfer from airport to hotel.

Barcelona is a beautiful Mediterranean city founded by the Romans that offers an impressive Gothic, Modernist, artistic and cultural heritage. The city is a major economic center, and one of Europe's principal Mediterranean ports. Particularly renowned are architectural works of Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Domènech i Montaner that have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is delightful to walk the beautiful and vibrant Barcelona streets enjoying the friendly atmosphere and Mediterranean weather. Check in at Hotel Bagués

Hotel Bagués is a 5-star hotel located on Barcelona's famous Las Ramblas, in the heart of the city's Gothic Quarter. Right in the middle of Barcelona's largest cultural and shopping areas, close to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA), the Gran Teatre del Liceu opera house, the Cathedral and the emblematic Boqueria market-museum occupies the building that was the historic palace of El Regulador. It also houses the Masriera museum and function room, a permanent showcase for pieces by this most international Art Nouveau jeweler: Masriera. The hotel has 31 luxury rooms, most with views of Las Ramblas or the famous Carme Street, each displaying an exclusive piece of Masriera jewelery. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Dinner at a local restaurant.

Hotel: Hotel Bagués
Room:
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 Sat, Apr 28 -- BARCELONA
Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy a Guided Modernist Barcelona and Gaudí Architecture Tour with your local expert guide and driver. Enjoy the beauty of the Eixample while learning about Catalan Modernism that flourished between 1888 and 1906, with a prologue in 1882 and an epilogue lasting until the First World War. Modernism is one of the principal attractions of Barcelona, to the extent that UNESCO acknowledges many of the city’s modernist buildings as World Heritage sites.

You will visit the Casa Milá (La Pedrera) located on the beautiful Paseo de Gracia, Park Guell, Sagrada Familia, considered Gaudí’s masterpiece and Gaudi’s constructions at the entrance of the Park Güell. After the guided tour enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner is at leisure.

Hotel: Hotel Bagués
Room:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11 Sun, Apr 19 -- BARCELONA
Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy a walking tour to visit the old areas of the Historical Center of Barcelona with your local expert guide. Barcelona’s early city center, which was surrounded by walls during the Roman Empire, makes up what today is known as the Gothic Quarter. Narrow streets, with quiet squares and attractive corners, are home to an abundant collection of Gothic buildings, both civil and religious. The construction of the cathedral began during the Romanesque period but was finally completed during the Gothic period, which is the dominant style. You will also visit the former major synagogue of Barcelona that has been recently restored. The Picasso Museum displays the most important and exhaustive collection of the works of art from Pablo Picasso's youth and period of training. Stroll around El Born (La Ribera), a district that is like a small village within the city, fashionable but very authentic. Violin makers, glass-makers and designers make their home here. At night, clubs come to life with 20-somethings. This is an off-the-beaten track area of Barcelona worth knowing.

Although not the safest or cleanest part of the city, the Raval district is also worth a visit. The area is vibrant, historic, authentic and full of personality.  It is a lively, multi-cultural neighborhood with a huge variety of tempting cafes, restaurants and bars.  The area has also become fashionable being host to a wide variety of art studios, galleries and trendy bookshops, not to mention the imposing MACBA (museum of modern art). Afternoon at leisure. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Hotel: Hotel Bagués
Room:
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 Mon, Apr 30 -- BARCELONA
Breakfast at hotel. Departure transfer from hotel to airport for flight back to the USA.

	NH PALACIO TEPA The 85-room hotel elegantly features singular details reflecting the hotel's 18th century Spanish architecture, with recent renovations that add modern convenience to historical splendor. Ideal for leisure travelers, the rooms include luxury amenities such as iPod speakers, Wi-Fi, and gym access.
	HOTEL ALMA VILLAPANÉS PALACE Each of the 50 stylish rooms has its own character, combining the original architectural features with state-of-the-art technology. The restaurant offers exquisite Andalusian fare, whereas the bar pays homage to the wines and tapas of Seville.
	HOTEL PALACIO SANTA PAULA The hotel has 75 bedrooms fully equipped with everything our guests might require for a pleasant stay in one of the best five star hotels in the city of Granada.
	HOTEL BAGUES (BARCELONA EXTension) The hotel has 31 luxury rooms, most with views of Les Rambles or the famous Carme Street, each displaying an exclusive piece of Masriera jewelery. Rooms decorated with top-quality materials, including walls and wardrobes paneled with Madagascar ebony, gold leaf accents and Rimadesio doors.

Rates

SAVE $300 PER PERSON BOOK & PAY BY FEBRUARY 19th
main program 2012	double	single
10+ participants	$5895 $5595 until 2/19	$7295 $6995 until 2/19
6-9 participants	$7395	$8795
barcelona extension 2012
6-9 participants	$2750 $2450 until 2/19	$3545 $3245 until 2/19

PROGRAM INCLUDES:

• 3 nights at the Hotel NH Palacio de Tepa in Madrid.

• 2 nights at the Hotel Alma Palacio Villapanés in Seville.

• 2 nights at the Hotel Palacio Santa Paula in Granada.

• 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners.

• Comprehensive sightseeing program as described in the itinerary.

• Entrance fees to all sites included on the sightseeing tours.

• Coda Tour Manager on minimum participation of 6.

• Pre-departure assistance and information.

PROGRAM DOES NOT INCLUDE:
International airfare; Domestic airfare; Trip Cancellation & Interruption insurance (highly recommended); Meals not specifically indicated in the itinerary; Drinks with meals; Gratuities to guides & drivers

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS
Spain is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S. citizens may enter Spain for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. You need sufficient funds and a return airline ticket.

SHOTS
No specific shots are required or recommended for this trip.

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE
Delta, Iberia, Air France, United, Lufthansa, American, British Airways are among airlines that can be used for this trip. We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to try to use Frequent Flyer Miles for free tickets or upgrades or the American Express Platinum card 2-4-1 program.

MINIMUMS
The trip is guaranteed on a minimum of 6 participants. A Coda Tour Manager accompanies the tour on a minimum of 6 participants.