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Spain is more than bullfights, flamenco dancers and crowded beaches.  Its tremendous history is reflected in its prehistoric cave paintings, Moorish palaces, crumbling castles, Roman ruins, Gothic and Renaissance cathedrals as well as some very distinctive modern architecture.  Its regions differ vastly from one another but are held together by a national passion for drama, contrast and a noisy, live-for-today hedonism. If there is one thing all Spaniards love, it is to eat, drink and be merry, such as enjoying tapas over fine wine in Madrid or Barcelona.  A day hardly goes by without one town or another celebrating a fiesta.

BARCELONA

Sun-kissed and lapped by the Mediterranean, Barcelona is the capital and most populous city of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain. It is located on the Mediterranean coast with multiple beaches, as well as dozens of botanical and urban parks. Nature lovers will not need to travel far to be able to hike through the hills that are part of the coastal mountain range and the Catalan Pyrenees.  Take a walk through Montjuic Park, visit the 1992 Olympic Stadium, or enjoy the Greek Theatre. The Palau de la Musica Catalan – the Palace of Catalan Music – is a stunning music hall, also close by, and was recently inaugurated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A ramble through the Barri Gòtic to La Catedral reveals the Gothic legacies of Barcelona’s medieval past. In the neighborhood of l’Eixample, see architect Antoni Gaudí's hallucinatory spectacles Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. Gaudi's best known work is the immense church of the Sagrada Família, which has been under construction since 1882. The city's famous museums, Museu Picasso, Fundació Joan Miró and Fundació Antoni Tàpies, pay homage to other artists who've left their imprint here.  Pedestrian streets in the old districts, green spaces, and a splendid waterfront filled with modern structures all reflect the city's aim of integration.  A magnet for architecture buffs, culinary fans and night owls, it is a pleasure for all the senses.

W Barcelona – Enjoy a four-night stay in a “Fabulous” double room including daily buffet breakfast for (2) in one of Europe's most stylish cities. Conceptualized by the renowned Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill, the 26-story silvered-glass beachfront hotel is a modernist masterpiece of avant-garde architecture anchoring the port's Nova Bocana. Enjoy direct beach access from the hotel to Playa Sant Sebastiá, site of the 1992 Olympic Water Sports competitions. Sprawling more than one kilometer long, the beach is accessible via a dedicated entrance as Beach Ambassadors make sure you have everything for R&R, from umbrellas, chaise lounges and towels, to gourmet food and beverage service.

Revel in the hotel’s world-class restaurants, sleek Eclipse rooftop bar, vibrant W Living Room, cool WET® pool and sun-soaked terrace, decadent Bliss® Spa and state-of-the-art SWEAT® Fitness Center with sea views. The spacious guest rooms supersede all lofty expectations with an open floor plan, accented with sparkling floor-length mirrors. Enjoy the elevated signature W beds with plush pillow-top mattress, feather duvet, and 350-thread count linens. You'll look forward to waking up to a rainforest shower and Bliss® Spa bath amenities.

Valid one year from date of purchase, subject to availability. Blackout dates: February 13-17, 2011; May 20-21, 2011; September 21-29, 2011.

MADRID

No city on earth is more alive than Madrid, a beguiling place whose sheer energy carries a simple message: this is one city that really knows how to live. Madrid’s world-known draws are many: astonishing art galleries, relentless nightlife, its transformation into Spain’s premier style city, an exceptional live music scene, a feast of fine restaurants and tapas bars, and a population that’s mastered the art of living the good life.

A cosmopolitan city, headquarters for the Spanish Parliament and the home of the Spanish Royal Family, Madrid is a city of great monuments. The city has 73 museums that cover all fields of human knowledge. Of these, the most important are the Prado Museum, one of the world's greatest art galleries, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum with more than 800 paintings, sculptures and tapestries, and the Reina Sofía National Art Centre.

If there is one thing, however, that characterizes Madrid, it is the deep, contagious passion for life reflected in its friendly, welcoming people. Madrid boasts concerts, exhibitions, ballets, select theatre productions, and the latest cinematographic releases. You can sample a wide variety of the finest Spanish and international cuisine or be enchanted by its bars and taverns. These are just some of Madrid's leisure alternatives, alongside tempting shopping in the most traditional establishments and world-famous outlets stocking the finest international brands.

The Westin Palace Madrid – Enjoy a three-night stay including daily buffet breakfast for (2) in the restaurant La Rotonda. Built at the direction of King Alfonso XIII in 1912, The Westin Palace Madrid was recently restored to its original splendor. Set near the Prado, notable museums, and historic monuments, it was ranked as the #1 hotel in Spain in Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List.  The magnificent building, highlighted by an enormous stained glass dome, has long been a center of Spanish society. Among the many amenities are two restaurants and a newly renovated fitness center overlooking the city.

Valid one year from date of purchase, subject to availability. Blackout dates: August 16-21, 2011.

RAIL

Enjoy first class one-way rail transportation for (2) from Barcelona to Madrid, or vice versa, aboard Spain’s national railway.  Valid one year from date of purchase.

AIRFARE 

This package includes round-trip coach class service for (2) from any destination in the 48 contiguous United States or Canada into Barcelona and departure from Madrid, Spain, or vice versa, subject to availability. A minimum of 30 days advance booking is required. The following blackout dates apply:

2011: Jan 1-4; Dec 16-31. 2012: TBD

Any airport departure taxes, fees or fuel surcharges (if charged) are the responsibility of the purchaser. Ground transportation is not included in this package, unless specified.

Reservations are subject to availability. Certificates cannot be replaced if lost, stolen or destroyed.  All packages have a no refund policy.  Suggested retail value is calculated using tariff air rates and rack room rates.

Item Special Note

30-45 day wait on package