Ms. Nichols's Madrid & Southern Spain

Life in Madrid is centered around talking, toasting and tapas-eating. In a walk through this crowded and social city, your Tour Director will help you get to know the lay of the land. Then stroll over to the Puerta del Sol, the bustling city center. Next, you'll relax at the Plaza Mayor, a grand square where every sort of human drama has taken place—trials of faith, public burnings of heretics, royal marriages, the canonization of saints, and countless balls and bullfights. End at the Plaza de España for a stop at an outdoor café.

Explore the Puerta del Sol, one of Madrid's busiest and most historic squares. While here we will view the Kilometre Zero marker, from which all distances in Spain are measured, and Madrid’s symbol, the Madrono.

Spend time in the Plaza Mayor, Madrid's most famous square. Throughout its long history the square has hosted markets, bullfights, soccer games, public executions, and the Spanish Inquisition. It is now ringed by shops and cafés and is often filled with artists and musicians.

The Plaza de España is a popular place to gather in Central Madrid. It features a large monument to Miguel de Cervante, author of Don Quixote.

Walk to Toledo Cathedral, considered one of the greatest Gothic structures in Spain. The cathedral actually reflects several architectural styles and features many art treasures, including: the Transparente, a Last Supper in alabaster, El Greco's Twelve Apostoles, and works by Juan de Borgona. The Treasure Room features a 500-pound, 15th Century gilded monstrance, allegedly made with gold brought back from the New World by Colombus. It is still carried through the streets of Toledo during the feast of Corpus Christi.

Visit The Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca, the oldest intact synagogue building in Europe. As it was constructed by the Christian Kingdom of Castile and designed by Islamic architects for Jewish use, it is considered a symbol of cooperation among the three religions.

Toledo is famous for its traditional crafts, especially sword-making. Find out more at a local Toledo sword factory.

Granada sits on three gentle hills, which are dwarfed on a clear day by the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Atop one of these hills sits the imposing but delicate Alhambra palace. Golden pink hues give this sprawling renaissance gateway an otherworldly aura. One of the best rewards of climbing up to see it is the view of the city mixed in with orchards, tobacco fields and poplar groves. Please note the guided tour will include entrance to the gardens and halls surrounding the palace but entrance to the main palace building may not be accessible at all times due to limited availability.

Enjoy a hands-on experience as an introduction into the world of Spanish cooking. Prepare a traditional paella with direction from local chefs. After all the preparation, the food is taken to a private dining room where we will taste each other's creations.

Charming white-washed houses and ochre-colored palaces with ornate façades. Jasmine-covered balconies and luxuriant parks. Jean Cocteau listed Seville (along with Peking and Venice) as one of the three most magical cities in the world. Santa Teresa proclaimed its beauty was the work of the devil. Decide for yourself as you stroll the streets with your Tour Director.

Enjoy Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville's historical center and former Jewish quarter, made of narrow streets and whitewashed houses with flower-covered patios and ironbound windows.

Bullfighting is an important aspect of Spanish culture. Get the chance to visit an actual bullring and learn about the history of this Spanish art form.

Originating from gypsy music and dance in Southern Spain, flamenco dancing has become a Spanish institution. Dancers use intricate footwork and elaborate arm gestures to convey the mood of the music, which can range from lamentation to celebration.

Stop at Córdoba to visit one of Spain’s most impressive monuments, the Moorish Mezquita, which dates from the 8th to the 10th centuries. Walk through narrow white-washed alleys, passing tile covered patios, dotted with vibrant colored flowers. Don’t miss the beautiful back quarters.

The Mezquita of Cordoba is a breathtaking monument, showcasing a stunning blend of Moorish and Christian architecture. Its forest of columns and horseshoe arches create a mesmerizing visual effect, while the intricate mosaics and gold-adorned mihrab add to its allure. This unique fusion of styles, dating back to the 8th to 10th centuries, reflects the rich and complex history of Cordoba.

Walk through Barcelona to see examples of Antoni Gaudí’s curving and twisting architecture and his use of brightly colored tiles, the walking tour includes a visit to Gaudi's masterpiece, la Sagrada Familia.

This breathtaking church, said to be the master-work of architect Antoni Gaudí, has been under construction since 1882 and is not expected to be completed until 2026! Despite its unfinished state, the church has 18 spindle-shaped towers that soar above the church itself, making for a striking addition to Barcelona’s skyline and more than worth the visit.

This magnificent building is the epitome of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí’s fantastical style. See how he uses twisted pillars, curved archways and warped metal balconies to create a totally unique design all his own.

Relax on the white sandy beaches, walk down the bustling boardwalk, or stop at a tapas bar for a snack in Barcelona’s La Barceloneta neighborhood.

Built to represent the different architectural styles from regions around Spain, the Spanish Village is a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. As well as regional architecture, the village also focuses on handmade art and features a craft fair for visitors to meet the artisans and pick up some traditional souvenirs.

Follow in the footsteps of Antoní Gaudi and participate in a mosaic art workshop! Supervised by your teacher in an art studio, try your hand at creating mosaic and work with the most precious ceramic and glass including some from the catalan region. For any Gaudi or future Gaudi fans, this is a must! (supplies provided)

Paella is a Valencian rice dish with ancient roots that originated in its modern form in the mid-19th century near Albufera lagoon on the east coast of Spain.