The Flamenco
" El cante", "el baile," and "la guitarria." Combine the three into one romantic tour de force, and you have the essence of the flamenco…the song, the dance and the guitar. The flamenco's roots began in southern Spain as a 17th-century art form created by Andalusian gypsies.
Similar to the blues that originated in America's Deep South, the "cante," or song, was a way for the gypsies to express their sorrow and repression. They sang their lyrics in the dark mines where they worked, using verse to help ease each other's personal grief. As the 18th-century approached, the gypsies gained more legal rights and many were able to purchase musical instruments. Soon the "guitarria," or guitar, was added to their repertoire. The "baile," or dance, quickly followed - and like any great art form, the flamenco took off. Soon performances in more mainstream venues like local cafes and dance halls combined with old-fashioned commercialism to make the flamenco the national dance of Spain.

Spain's Classics
Departing September 14, 2008
10 Days, 14 Meals

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Day 2: Arrive Madrid, Spain
Welcome to Madrid, Spain’s capital and largest city! Madrid was founded in 1561 and has since served as Spain’s geographic and spiritual heart. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner. (D)

Day 3: Madrid - Prado Museum - Toledo - Madrid
During a locally guided tour of Madrid’s historic center, see the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, where events have been held since the 17th century. Today, locals gather for shopping or breaks in one of the many cafes. A guided tour of the Prado Museum, open since 1819, provides you with an historical and cultural perspective of this magnificent museum that boasts the world's finest collection of art by masters such as Velazquez and Goya. ?This afternoon travel to Toledo, the capital of medieval Spain until 1560. A comprehensive tour highlights the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the 14th century synagogue of El Transito, a testament to Toledo’s Jewish heritage.? Also stop in the Church of Santo Tome to view El Greco’s masterpiece painting, The Burial of Count Orgaz. (B)

Day 4: Madrid - Cordoba - Seville
Today, travel to the extraordinary Moorish city of Cordoba. Embark on a walking tour of the Mezquita, a magnificent mosque, built by the Moors in the 8th century, which was converted into the city’s cathedral in the 16th century. The mosque is an architectural marvel, with double-tiered arches supported by 850 pillars of marble, alabaster and stone. Continue your exploration of Cordoba in the city's well-preserved and historical old Jewish Quarter. Later, transfer to Seville, considered Spain’s “cultural capital.” (B, D)

Day 5: Seville
Today you will see Columbus’ tomb, the ornate cathedral, and Giralda Bell Tower, formerly a minaret which, when built, was the tallest tower in the world. Enjoy a walking tour of the quaint old Santa Cruz Quarter with its bright flowers, white-washed buildings and winding streets; then continue on to Plaza D’Espana and the beautiful Maria Luisa Park, one of the loveliest in all of Europe. ?A local flamenco dancer joins you for a typical “tapas lunch” featuring small portions of hot and cold specialties; here you learn about the history, culture and artistry of flamenco.? This evening, take your reserved seats for an authentic flamenco show featuring Seville's top performers. (B, L)

Day 6: Seville - Granada
Travel along the peaceful Sierra Nevada, or “snowy range,” to Granada, the last great capital of the Moors in Spain before it fell to the Catholic monarchs in 1492. ?Join a local expert for a tour of the world-famous Alhambra, an immense hilltop palace/complex.? Also tour the Generalife, meaning “garden of the architect,” where the grounds are beautifully designed with waterfalls, walkways, courtyards and smaller secret gardens. (B, D)

Day 7: Granada - Valencia
Today you travel through Spain's amazing landscape viewing rolling hills dotted with picturesque olive groves while en route to the Mediterranean coast. Arrive in the city of Valencia, a treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture, surrounded by citrus groves and known for its vibrant nightlife which only begins after midnight. (B, D)

Day 8: Valencia - Barcelona
Enjoy a city sightseeing tour of Valencia where you will view the highlights of this historical city, such as the ornate 14th century Serranos Tower and imposing 15th century Quart Tower. You'll also see the bustling central market, one of the largest in Europe, housing thousands of stalls and a true representation of colorful Spanish life, and the Gothic Cathedral, where construction began in 1262 on the site of an ancient mosque. Your trip to Valencia would not be complete without a stop at Lonja, the old Silk Exchange, recognized by UNESCO as one of the most beautiful buildings of European civil Gothic architecture. Continue north along the coast to Barcelona. (B)

Day 9: Barcelona
Get an in-depth look at Barcelona, Catalonia's capital and one of the most vibrant and lively cities in Spain! Your locally guided tour showcases Las Ramblas Boulevard, the most famous in Barcelona, dotted with bird and flower stalls. Also see Columbus Monument, Parc Montjuic, Antonio Gaudi’s “La Sagrada Familia,” which is still under construction, Parc Guell and the unconventional Casa Mila building. This afternoon continue to explore colorful Barcelona on your own or take part in an optional tour to the quaint mountain village of Montserrat with its unique stone formations. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a lovely trip to Spain! (B, D)

Day 10: Barcelona - Tour Ends
You return home eager to share vivid memories of a spectacularly beautiful land with an old, rich and diverse cultural heritage. (B)

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