DAY 1: Overnight Flight
Depart for Europe.

DAY 2: Madrid
¡Bienvenidos a España! Spain's modern and cosmopolitan capital greets you today. Transfer to your hotel, then enjoy an orientation tour with your tour manager. Tonight join us for a welcome reception followed by dinner. (D)

DAY 3: Madrid
This morning you are invited to visit a private garden belonging to one of Spain's oldest noble families. Your host has requested that their name not be printed. This afternoon a local guide will show you around the Thyssen- Bornemisza Museum. A vast private collection that ranges from medieval frescoes to Pop art, the museum has become one of Madrid's major attractions. (B,D)

DAY 4: Madrid
Experience medieval Spain in the ancient Spanish capital of Toledo this morning. A local guide shows you the towering Cathedral, which is considered one of the finest Gothic buildings in Spain. It is difficult to appreciate from the outside, as the narrow streets of Toledo do not allow any sense of perspective, but its vast size is immediately apparent once you enter. A myriad of side chapels house great works of art and the famed monstrance, which is carried through the streets to celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi. Continue to the Church of Santo Tomé, which houses El Greco's masterpiece, the Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Also visit the Mudéjar-style Medieval Synagogue, which shows the influence of both the Muslim and Jewish cultures on Toledo. Today lunch is included rather than dinner. After lunch, visit two private gardens. The first is at the Palacio de Galiana, which overlooks the River Tagus and is built on the ruins of a Moorish Palace. The second is in the grounds of a ruined 15th century Monastery. Return to Madrid for a free evening. (B,L)

DAY 5: Madrid
This morning take an excursion to El Escorial for a guided tour. Built for King Philip II, the sprawling complex houses libraries, a vast church and the burial vault for the kings and queens of Spain. Although built as a royal palace, most rooms are very austere. Philip spent his final years in a small, cell-like room overlooking the main altar, so he could observe the Masses being held there. Next we visit the Patio de los Evangelistas, set in the cloisters of the monastery, and the Monk's Garden. We continue to the two casita gardens built for children of the royal family. After an included lunch, return to Madrid for a visit to the Royal Botanical Garden. Founded in the 18th century to classify newly discovered species, the Royal Botanical Garden has evolved into an educational center. The recently added Exhibition Greenhouse is divided into three modules — tropical, arid and sub-tropical plants. Enjoy a free evening to explore Madrid on your own. (B,L)

DAY 6: Madrid
The day starts with a drive to La Granja de San Ildefonso for a tour of the palace and gardens. Built in the style of Versailles on the orders of King Philip V, the gardens are a superb example of 18th century formal design. The slope of the site allows the 26 monumental fountains to be fed naturally and all the original pipe work is still in place. After your visit enjoy lunch in nearby Segovia before visiting a private garden with a spectacular view of the Alcázar. Return to Madrid for a free evening. (B,L)

DAY 7: Seville
Take the high speed AVE train from Madrid to Córdoba, then enjoy a guided tour of the city's famous Moorish Mezquita a building so vast that it was possible to build a church inside it after the expulsion of the Moors. Continue on to the gardens of the Alcázar, which combine Moorish and Andalucian styles, with palms, citrus, and cypresses. The all-important water features were fed by an aqueduct from the nearby mountains. Next visit the Palace of Viana which has been called a "museum of patios" as it encompasses fourteen courtyards, which were the cornerstone of gardening in the hot, arid environment. After your visit to Córdoba, drive along the lush Guadalquivir River, the only navigable river in Spain, to Seville for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

DAY 8: Seville
A morning guided walking tour of Seville shows you the highlights of this historic city, including the Alcázar gardens. The earliest parts date back to the time of the Christian reconquest and King Pedro Iand are built in the Mudejar style. Additions were made in the Renaissance and even in the 20th century, but the overall harmony remains, in part because the environment dictates a certain approach. After free time for lunch, drive to Arboreto de El Carambolo which was created to protect the water supply for the city. On a site of 10 acres, plantings of medicinal and culinary herbs are added to a wide variety of trees. Continue on for a visit of an unnamed private garden. Then visit Casa de Pilatos, with surprisingly lush gardens, decorated in part with Roman artifacts. Return to your hotel for dinner. (B,D)

DAY 9: Seville
Today take an excursion to the town of Jerez de la Frontera, for an explanation of the production of sherry and a tasting. The combination of a chalky soil and climatic factors make the region perfect for the production of the varietials of grape used in the production of sherry. You will learn about the solera method of aging and blending the sherry to ensure consistency and quality. Return to Seville for dinner. (B,D)

DAY 10: Granada
Our journey in Andalucia continues as we drive to Granada. Our visit today is to the gardens and fountains at Carmen de los Martires. Adjacent to the Alhambra, the gardens offer a wide range of styles, with ornamental ponds, fountains, grottoes and statuary. After the visit, check-in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day for relaxation or to further explore the city. (B,D)

DAY 11: Granada
Today's guided sightseeing tour focuses on the Alhambra Palace, one of the greatest accomplishments of Islamic art and architecture, and the beautiful Generalife Gardens. Within the palace see further examples of the ways that patios were used to provide calm and respite from the hot climate. The Patio de los Leones is one of the finest. The gardens that you see today were largely restored during the 20th century, and are actually almost two feet above the level of the original medieval garden. However, the design was followed carefully in restoration and the gardens are regarded as a very accurate representation of an Andalucian garden of the age. Spend the rest of the day exploring Granada at your leisure. (B,D)

DAY 12: Costa del Sol
Drive through mountain towns with spectacular coastal views to the Costa del Sol. Visit Mijas, one of the pueblos blancos where you will see artisans weaving, making pottery and baskets. The narrow streets and whitewashed houses contrast with the deep blue sky to make the village one of the most picturesque in Spain. Mijas is also known for its famous burro-taxis — donkeys rented for transportation. Continue on to the Costa del Sol, and the glamorous beaches of the Mediterranean. (B,D)

DAY 13: Costa del Sol
Today visit two gardens in the surroundings of Malaga. First, enjoy the gardens of La Concepcion. Started by an English aristocratic family in the 19th century, the gardens have subsequently passed to the city of Malaga, which has further developed the site to add an educational mission to that of preservation of the original gardens. The gardens are in the romantic style, plus a broad arboretum which features close to 100 different species of palm. Continue your visits with the gardens of El Retiro. These combine English, French and Spanish style gardens with a bird sanctuary, and were only recently re-opened after a major renovation. They are regarded as some of the finest gardens in Spain. Return to your hotel, then enjoy a special farewell dinner accented by local specialties. (B,D)

DAY 14: Departure
Depart for the USA. (B)