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Day 1

New York/Madrid

Today we leave the U.S. en route to Spain.

Overnight onboard.

Day 2

Madrid

We arrive in Madrid, the capital city of Spain where we will me met and transferred to the city.

We’ll enjoy a half day city tour by bus including the Porta del Sol, translated as the Gate to the Sun which is part of a 15th century wall that surrounded the city, as well as the fountain at the Plaza de Cibeles, the Palacio de Comunicaciones, which is a 19th century neoclassical palace that serves as Madrid’s main post office, the Palacio de Oriente, and the stunning Palacio Real.

Afterwards we’ll check into the hotel and have some time to relax before our Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight, Madrid.

Day 3

Madrid

After breakfast we’ll enjoy a full day tour of the city.

The tour will include a visit to the Prado Museum, as well as the Plaza Mayor which was the main square built at the beginning of the 17th century.

After that we’ll lunch on our own in one of the Plaza’s many cafés.

Next we’ll travel to Barrio Lavapies, the old Juderia or Jewish quarter, which remains one of the most untouched neighborhoods.

We’ll also stop at the southeast corner of the Calle Cabeza and the Calle Lavapies, and visit the former Carcel de la Inquisición, which is a lumber warehouse once used as the Inquisition jail.

We will walk on the Calle de la Fe, or the Street of Faith, which was called the Street of the Synagogues before the expulsion of the Jews in 1492.

Then we’ll continue onto the Valle de los Caidos or the Valley of the Fallen which is a memorial to all those who died in the Spanish Civil War.

Tonight, wine and dine amongst the natives.

Overnight, Madrid.

Day 4

Madrid

After breakfast we will enjoy a half-day excursion to Toledo, a fascinating monumental city. It was the imperial capital and residence of the Moors, Jews, and Christians. Toledo is also known as an adopted town El Greco.

While there, we’ll tour the main gate of Toldedo Puerta de Basagra which leads us to the Plaza de Alfonso VI.

Then we’ll visit Toledo’s 2 synagogues, the Sinagoga des Transito, which is a 14th century structure financed by Samuel Levi, and the Church of Santa Maria La Blanca, which was formerly a Mudejar Synagogue built in the 13th century, converted to a church in the 16th century.

We’ll lunch at the main plaza before returning to Madrid.

The rest of the day will be at your leisure. Dinner will be at a local restaurant we’re we’ll enjoy Tapas, followed by a Flamenco show.

Overnight, Madrid.

Day 5

Madrid

Today, after breakfast, we will partake in a full day excursion to Avila, Segovia, and La Granja.

After departing Madrid, the first stop will be at the Palacio Real de la Granja, a baroque masterpiece complete with gardens, terraces, ornamental ponds, lakes, and fountains.

Afterwards we’ll continue onto Segovia, where we’ll view the Roman Aqueduct that stretches 3000ft from the Old town to slopes of the Sierra Guardarrama.

Then we’ll visit the Gothic Cathedral and the Museum of Segovia before moving onto the Alcazar. We’ll return then to the Plaza Mayor to lunch on our own before moving onto Avila, a town known for its medieval walls and 88 towers.

We’ll enjoy a short walking tour of this city before returning to Madrid.

Again, dinner will be on your own.

Overnight, Madrid.

Day 6

Madrid / Barcelona

After breakfast we’re going to take a train from Madrid to Barcelona.

Upon arrival we will enjoy a panoramic overview of the Eixample, which is Barcelona’s celebrated Art Nouveau District, the Cassa Batllo, which is the most unique building conceived by Gaudi, and the Casa Mila, known also as la Pedrera, with its fantastic roof of mosaic chimneys.

Then we’ll see the magnificent yet unfinished cathedral of Sagrada Familia, also conceived by Gaudi, started at the turn of the century.

Then we’ll travel far from the coast to the Parc Guell, where we can view the magnificent sprawling complex of towers, galleries, pavilions, and decorative landscaping. From the top one can view all of Barcelona and out to the Mediterranean Sea.

After we return, we’ll check into the hotel before going to services at the synagogue.

There we’ll enjoy a nice Shabbat Dinner before returning to our hotel for overnight.

Day 7

Barcelona

After breakfast enjoy a full day at your leisure!

Overnight, Barcelona.

Day 8

Barcelona

After breakfast we’ll be taking a full day tour of Barcelona.

We’ll visit the Gothic Quarter that dates from the 14th century.

Then we’ll walk through the old winding streets, pass to the Ribera Quarter and visit the Muséo Picasso, which is located in an exquisite 15th century mansion.

Afterwards, we’ll continue onto the Palau de la Musica Catalana, a unique modernist structure lavishly adorned with polychrome elements.

Next we’ll visit the Olympic Village and the Olympic Port where we’ll break for lunch.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue onto Montjuc to visit the Olympic Stadium and the park where there are many museums and attractions.

Overnight, Barcelona.

Day 9

Barcelona

After breakfast, we’ll be partaking in a full day tour to Gerona and Figueres. Gerona is the hometown of Moses Ben Nachman, also known as Nachmanides or Ramban (1194-1270), the foremost halakhist of his age. Much of the El Call, or Jewish Quarter where he lived, has been restored to its medieval appearance.

Next we’ll explore the Moorish Baths, the Cathedral, and the Archeological Avenue that runs below the walls of the Old City and offers picturesque views from its watchtowers.

Afterwards, we’ll visit the Centro Bonastrucca Porta, home of the Catalan Museum of the Jewish Culture and tour two homes in Gerona’s Seven Doors of Jewry Tour, which is part of a project delving into the ongoing discoveries of Gerona’s Jewish past.

After having lunch on our own, we’ll continue onto Figueras and the Dali Museum, which is one of the most visited in all of Spain, built on the remains of the former Figueras theater.

This evening, we’ll return to Barcelona for a Farewell Dinner and overnight.

Day 10

Barcelona / US

This morning after breakfast we transfer to the airport for our return flight home.