12 day get-away, 10 day land package

Itinerary

Day 01 - Depart for Spain

Day 02 - Madrid
When you arrive to cosmopolitan Madrid, Spain's regal capital, you'll be greeted and driven to your centrally located hotel in the district of Salamanca, one of the most exclusive areas in the city. After you've rested for a few hours, enjoy a panoramic tour of this metropolis originally named Maherib by the Moors.

This evening our guide will welcome you and join you for dinner in the heart of Chueca the fast growing gay district. Afterwards, he'll introduce you to the hot spots of the gay district.

Day 03 - Madrid
Spend the day becoming acquainted with both regal and old Madrid. Start with a comprehensive visit of El Prado Museum, which houses a renowned and impressive art collection of classical Spanish masters. Your guide will take you through a retrospective of these masters, who influenced the art movement in Europe. Then continue to the Royal Palace and its majestic gardens, across from Madrid's Opera House. After the tour return to your hotel to rest. Afternoon on your own. Tonight return to your favorite spots in Chueca, a city within a city that never sleeps.

Day 04 - Madrid
This afternoon continue your walking tour of Madrid's historic quarter by the Plaza Mayor, embellished and made famous by the Spanish painter, Diego de Velazquez. Join the Madrilenos in the traditional ritual of eating tapas by the historic theater district. Evening on your own.

Day 05 - Cordoba
Enjoy your ride on the comfortable AVE fast train en route to lively Cordoba. Witness the rich legacy left by Roman, Moorish and Jewish communities of a former Golden Age which are evident everywhere. This afternoon visit the magnificent La Mezquita. This impressive former Mosque houses over 425 alabaster marble arches.

Follow with a walk through the narrow streets of the former Jewish Quarter with its historic houses, thriving shops and lively cafes. Afterwards, continue your tour of this beautiful city with a visit to the Alcazar the Moorish Palace and Gardens and wander through the maze of beautiful Andalucian patios and narrow streets. Tonight get swept by the art and sounds of flamenco.

Day 06 - Sevilla
Today you leave for lively and gorgeous Sevilla, the heart and pulse of Andalucia. After you've settled in your lovely accommodations, take a panoramic tour of this vibrant city and visit its main sites of interest, such as the magnificent Royal Gardens, the Spanish Pavilion built for the International fair in 1920 and the Cathedral of Sevilla. This will be followed by a visit to the Patio de los Naranjos, a unique Moorish garden lined with orange trees over 600 years old. This evening join the group for a lovely dinner wher you'll savor the local specialties, followed by a night out in Sevilla's gay district.

Day 07 - Sevilla
Today visit the Alcazar, a Moorish magnificent Palace originally built by the Moors in the 8th century and later expanded during the 14th century by King Peter the Cruel. It's presently used by the Spanish Monarchy as a residence when in Sevilla, and for special government functions. Have lunch in one the nearby Haciendas and Cortijos. Delight in the regional cuisine by having lunch a la Sevillana in one of the nearby typical Haciendas and Cortijos. Spend the afternoon learning how the local toreadores are chosen for the national corridas de toros. Rest of the afternoon on your own. Tonight return to the gay "pink district" for another night out.

Day 08 - Ronda - Granada
Today travel to the romantic white town of Ronda perched on the cliff. A favorite at one time, of writer Ernest Hemmingway. After you've settled in your lovely hotel. Start your tour of this unique town by visiting the famed bullfight ring, the oldest in Spain and the Taurino (bullfighters) Museum. Partake on a delicious lunch continue your walking tour of Ronda. Visit the historic Roman and Moorish bridges, which offer breathtaking scenic views.

After lunch, depart for romantic Granada, where illustrious Moorish and Jewish minds once lived. Once in Granada enjoy a walking tour of the medieval historic quarter, and visit the Cathedral where the 15th century Catholic King and Queen, Fernando and Isabel, are buried.

Day 09 - Granada - Torremolinos
Today tour the magnificent Alhambra and Generalife Gardens. Continue with the Renaissance Palace where King Carlos V, once resided. After a leisurely lunch head on south to La Costa del Sol, a favorite destination of the Spanish and international gay and lesbian traveler.

Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner and then immerse yourself in the fabulous night life that both Malaga's and Torremolinos' gay district have to offer.

Day 10/11 - Malaga/Torremolinos
Spend the next few days becoming acquainted with Malaga by the Sea and the happening beach resort town of Torremolinos. In the morning enjoy the lovely beaches found along the coastline and in the afternoon tour this former Roman and Moorish city which houses one of the oldest and largest ports in Spain. You'll visit the Alcazaba, the former Moorish Palace, Malaga's magnificent City Hall, the ancient Roman theater, the beautiful Cathedral and La Plaza de la Merced where Picasso was born.

Take time to walk through Malaga or do some last minute shopping. This evening night say farewell to La Costa del Sol when you join the group for a goodbye dinner.

Day 12 - Return home via Madrid
Today you will be driven to Malaga's International Airport for your connecting flight (via Madrid) back home.