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Latin Vibes and Lush Gardens Abound in Madrid and Barcelona, Spain (Europe) for Seven Days & Six Nights for Two, Including a Flight Between Madrid and Barcelona, Round Trip Airport Transfers, a Tour of Madrid Parks and Gardens, and a Tour of Barcelona Parks and Gardens (Land Only)

A trip to Spain is sure to make a lasting impression on you, with its fascinating history, iconic landmarks, amazing architecture, comida deliciosa, the nightlife, the siestas, and breathtaking views! You'll get to stay in two of Spain's most beloved cities, the classic traditions of Madrid and charming sophistication of Barcelona, vastly different yet equally mesmerizing. Tour guides will help you make the most of the two cities' famous gardens and parks, navigating you through the tranquility of Madrid's Buen Retiro Park and the modernism of Gaudi in Barcelona's Guell Park.

In the lively, beguiling city of Madrid, seek refuge in the Hotel Orfila, a 19th-century small palace. Built in 1885 as the private residence of an aristocratic family, the hotel's garden became famous in the early 20th century for the plays that were staged there, and it was then restored in the 1990s and became a luxury hotel. But the spirit of the building has been tirelessly conserved, with the recovery of period furniture, high ceilings, balconies, bay windows and sloped ceilings, while at the same time complimented by the comforts of the 21st century. As you walk around the hotel, you'll find period portraits of the latter kings of the Hapsburg dynasty and of the early Bourbon kings; the crown jewel is a picture of King Ferdinand VII painted by Vicente López, who has several pictures on display at the Prado Museum.

One of the highlights of your stay in Madrid will be visits to the famous Buen Retiro Park, (translated as the park of the pleasant retreat), and the Botanical Gardens of Madrid. An English-speaking tour guide will take you around the 350 acres of Buen Retiro Park, filled with gorgeous sculptures, marble monuments, landscaped lawns and galleries, all centered around a massive, yet peaceful, lake. You'll see madrilenos and tourists alike strolling in and out of the gardens, reading newspapers in the shade, enjoying boat rides, and enjoying the tranquil ambiance.

A short flight brings you to the coastal city of Barcelona, home of Catalonia, Picasso, Gothic architecture and modern wonders. You'll stay in the Gothic quarter at the Hotel Neri Relaix and Chateaux, a historic hotel that boasts the preservation of the eras that precede it, and sophisticated comforts of the 21st century. Along with its exclusive reputation, this hotel also boasts an ideal location, putting you within a few minutes walk of Placa Sant Felip Neri, Gran Teatre del Liceu, Contemporary Art Museum (MACBA), Las Ramblas, Boqueria Market, Palau de la Música Catalana, and several other landmarks and sights!

The best way to enjoy Barcelona's Mediterranean climate is to go outside - and what better place to soak up the sun than in Barcelona's parks and gardens! Your English-speaking driver will guide you through Park Guell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Botanical Gardens of Barcelona at Montjuic. Park Guell was initially designed by Antoni Gaudi to be a housing community for Barcelona's aristocracy, but the fresh air and beautiful views didn't draw any buyers, so Gaudi purchased one of the homes; today it houses a collection of furniture and objects of his design, and is known as the Gaudi House Museum. A walk through the park will take you past modernist works, stunning sculptures, and colorful mosaic tiles that reflect the inspiration Gaudi found in natural shapes. The Botanical Garden of Barcelona, established in 1999, offers a different walk for each season of the year, and showcases vegetation from five regions of the world with a Mediterranean climate. It's a constantly evolving space, and the museum's eventual goal is to increase its display of 1,350 species to 4,000!

Your trip for two includes:
• 3 Nights at the Hotel Neri in Barcelona
• 3 Nights at Hotel Orfila in Madrid
• Daily complimentary breakfast
• All room-related taxes (including VAT)
• Arrival Transfer from Barajas Airport in Madrid to hotel
• Departure transfer from hotel to Madrid Barajas Airport
• Flight from Madrid to Barcelona
• Arrival transfer from Barcelona El Prat Airport to hotel
• Departure transfer from hotel to Barcelona El Prat Airport
• Half-day tour of Madrid Parks and Gardens in a sedan with an English speaking driver/guide, including entrance fees
• Half-day tour of Barcelona Parks and Gardens in a sedan with an English speaking driver/guide, including entrance fees
• Free concierge reservation service

Item Special Note

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Travel package is non-refundable and subject to availability. Certificates/gift cards cannot be replaced. Passport required for travel outside the U.S. Valid through 3/31/2017. Local city taxes are the responsibility of the traveler and are required to be paid directly to hotel. Hotel may be substituted with equal or similar accommodations. A minimum 30 day advance reservation is required.