Travel

Item Description

Discover Dynamic Culture, History and Landmarks with Your Favorite People in Spain (Europe) for Two Nights at the H10 Puerta de Alcala in Madrid for Four, Two Nights at H10 Corregidor in Seville, Two Nights at Suites Gran Via in Cordoba and Two Nights at H10 Universitat Hotel in Barcelona, Including Train and Air Transfers Between Cities, an Art Triangle Walking Tour in Madrid, Walking Tour and River Cruise in Seville, Tour of Cordoba, Tour of Alhambra, Ceramic Tile Painting Tour, Gaudi Monument Tour and a Gourmet Visit to La Boqueria Market (Land Only)

Spain's dynamic metropolises, breathtaking landscapes and cultural offerings are second to none, and each celebrated site is worthy of its own visit! Fortunately, with this itinerary you'll see five of Spain's beloved cities, from the vibrant neighborhoods and world-renowned art institutions of the capital city of Madrid, to the romantic allure, pastel-colored plazas and flamenco dancing of the beautiful Andalusian city of Seville. The old town section of Cordoba is what Spanish dreams are made of, Granada's Arabic influence differentiates this destination from the rest of the country, and Barcelona remains the Catalonian cultural capital of Spain, with Gaudi's whimsical architecture, centuries-old neighborhoods and museums showcasing masterpieces.

If you love all things European art, this tour of the famed Golden Triangle of Art is a must when you're in Madrid! The city is a haven for art and culture lovers, with dozens of world-class museums, galleries, theatres and libraries, and the Golden Triangle of Art includes three world-class art museums, the iconic Prado Museum, Reina Sofía Art Centre and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. From the works of Velázquez to Picasso, each of these stunning landmarks houses some of the world's best collections of Spanish and European art. The H10 Puerta de Alcalá is located near El Retiro Park, in Madrid's exclusive Salamanca district, which houses the best boutiques and is the financial nerve centre of the city. The hotel features the impressive El Cielo de Alcalá Terrace with plunge pool and panoramic views of the city. The comfortable rooms at the H10 Puerta de Alcalá are soundproofed and stand out for their elegant design with large windows and wooden floors, and are equipped with all the amenities you could need for a comfortable stay.

Explore Seville with your expert private guide, and see the best of this beautiful city with one of the largest historical centres in Europe. Visit places of beauty and interest focusing on both a historical perspective and life in the city today. Discover the most emblematic streets and monuments of Seville like the Tower of Gold, which was formerly a watchtower and defensive barrier on the river Guadalquivir, and Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. You'll also see the General Archive of the Indies, the Alcázar, which was originally a Moorish fort and the oldest Royal Palace still in use in Europe, as well as Barrio de Santa Cruz, formerly the Jewish quarter and the most picturesque and delightful district of the city, with narrow winding cobbled streets and whitewashed houses. After the tour ends, enjoy a shared river cruise, which will coast along the Guadalquivir, where you will enjoy the beauty of the views of the city. On board you can see first hand the untouched sides of the Golden Tower, the famous Betis street, the Bullring, Triana bridge and the more modern bridges and the Pavilions, built during the 1992 Exposition. While in town, you'll stay at the H10 Corregidor Boutique Hotel. Set in central Seville, and built around a characteristic Andalusian patio with a fountain, this charming boutique hotel puts you close to the city's main attractions.

Córdoba is one of Andalucia's most fascinating cities. Home to the largest old town in Spain and the only city in the world to have four UNESCO-protected sites, Córdoba is a must-visit for any traveller. Enjoy an inspiring private walking tour with your expert local guide and explore the impressive cultural and monumental patrimony of the city. Not many places in the world can say they have been the capital of Hispania Ulterior (Further Spain) under the Roman Empire, and capital of the Umayyad Caliphate. The UNESCO organization recognized the universal importance of Cordoba's historic legacy, and extended the title of World Heritage Site not only to the Mosque-Cathedral, but also to all the streets and buildings around it. Explore the flower-lined streets of the Jewish Quarter and discover main sights like the Medieval Synagogue, the Castle of the Christian Monarchs and the unique Mosque-Cathedral.

Spend the next few days soaking up the compelling energy of Granada, known for the allure of the Alhambra, which ranks among the world's finest examples of Islamic art with carved cedar-wood, infrequent stucco work, and gorgeous mosaics. Learn all about this UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its palaces and gardens, that became the residence of royalty and the court of Granada in the middle of the 13th century. On a rocky hill, on the banks of the River Darro, protected by mountains and amongst the eldest quarter in the city, the Alhambra rises up like an imposing castle with distinctive reddish stone in its ramparts that prevent the outside world from seeing the delicate beauty enclosed within. While in Granada, you'll also participate in a ceramic tile painting class with a professional artist, a tradition that dates back to Moorish times. Under the guidance of your instructor, hone your technique, glaze your tiles, then wait for them to be delivered to your hotel the next day! Spend two nights at the four-star Suites Gran Via 44, where you'll find comfort as well as a prime location near attractions such as Granada Cathedral, Triunfo Gardens and San Jeronimo Monastery.

Travel in comfort with a private driver and guide as you discover the fascinating world of modernist architect Antoni Gaudí on a private tour in Barcelona. Your guide will reveal Gaudi's extraordinary achievements as you learn about Gaudi and his iconic architectural style, which have redefined and transformed the landscape of Barcelona. No less than seven of his works have been listed as World Heritage sites by UNESCO, including the immortal Sagrada Familia, a monumental masterpiece of Gaudi's architecture still under construction over 100 years after building commenced. Immerse yourself in the aromas and flavors of Barcelona at La Boqueria market, famous for offering the quality and diverse products from all over the world! Since 1836, La Boqueria market has been the beating heart of Barcelona, and every day, more than 200 traders roll up their blinds to offer the choicest local and international gastronomic products. Stroll around the stalls selling fruits and vegetables, fish and meat, and taste the local products! Set in the heart of Barcelona, next to Plaça Catalunya and very close to the Gothic Quarter, the H10 Universitat offers full amenities for your stay in Barcelona. The recently refurbished hotel features comfortable rooms and a terrace on the top floor overlooking the city center. You'll have stylish, contemporary design, modern art, and state-of-the-art amenities at your disposal, along with easy access to many of the city's unique landmarks, thanks to a central location.

You trip for four includes:r family
2 nights accommodations at H10 Puerta de Alcala in Madrid in two double rooms with views
2 nights accommodations at H10 Corregidor in Seville in two double rooms with patio views
2 nights accommodation at Suites Gran Via 44 in Granada in two standard suites

2 nights accommodations at H10 Universitat hotel Barcelona in two executive double rooms
Breakfast daily
Arrival and departure airport and rail station transfers
Private half-day Art Triangle tour, including museum entrance tickets to Reina Sofia, Prado and Churros tasting
Private half-day walking tour and River cruise, including entrance tickets to Cathedral, Giralda and Alcazar and cruise tickets
First class rail transfer from Madrid rail station to Seville rail station
Private transfers from Seville to Granada with a tour to Cordoba en route, including English guide, entrance fee to Cordoba's Mosque Cathedral
Private half-day Alhambra tour in Granada, including English speaking guide, entrance fees to Alhambra
Private half-day ceramic tile painting tour, including English speaking professional artist and roundtrip transportation to meeting location
Private half-day Gaudi monumental tour
Gourmet visit of Boqueria market, including private guide and food/ drink tastings
All room-related taxes (including VAT)

Item Special Note

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Travel package is non-refundable and subject to availability. Certificates/gift cards cannot be replaced. Passport required for travel outside the U.S. Tours run on specific days of the week and at specific times. Hotel may be substituted with equal or similar accommodations. Local city taxes are the responsibility of the passenger and required to be paid directly to hotel. A minimum 45 day advance reservation is required. Please email us at auction@stmaryhs.org to find out deadline to travel.