Spain

8 Days / 7 Nights — Merida, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Toledo

Go ahead, have a fling at Flamenco. Guitars, castanets, shimmering veils, flashing eyes and a fusillade of heel tapping. It's all part of the grand escapade.

DAY 1 — Madrid, Merida

After taking delivery of your car, travel westward through the picturesque villages of the Extremadura to the ancient Roman outpost of Merida, founded in 25 A.D. The Parador, one of Spain's first luxury hotels, was built as a convent in the 16th century. Lodging: Parador de Merida

DAY 2 — Seville

Your morning's destination is in the very heart of Andalusia'Seville, where you will soon discover a world of winding streets, flower-laden patios, gardens, fountains and wrought-iron gates. Since 1928 the Alfonso XIII has maintained its luxurious reputation. Lodging: Hotel Alfonso XIII

DAY 3 — Seville

Your day is free to explore this fascinating city. Highlights may include the Bull Ring, Alcazar Palace and the enormous cathedral with its Giralda Tower. Lodging: Hotel Alfonso XIII

DAY 4 — Cordoba

The morning leads through the Andalusian countryside to Cordoba. Narrow, winding streets, tiny squares and low, whitewashed houses with beautiful patios give the town a Moorish character. Cordoba's Parador is located in a quiet, hilly site with its rooms and balconies facing this former 8th century Moorish capital. Lodging: Parador la Arruzafa

Traveling with our chauffeur was one of the most authentic vacation experiences of our lives. we met people and did things we never would have done on our own.

DAY 5 — Granada

Following breakfast, you'll drive to another famous, ancient Moorish capital: Granada. It's famous for the magnificent Alhambra. The Parador is a former convent dating from the 16th century. There are gardens, fountains, and a portion of the chapel where Queen Isabella was buried in 1516. Lodging: Parador San Francisco

DAY 6 — Granada

Your highlight is a visit to The Alhambra, a series of palaces begun in 1238 and added to by subsequent Arab rulers. The Generalife consists of exotic, beautiful gardens and the fountains of the Moorish kings. Here you will also find an Italian Renaissance villa with its terraces, grottos and carefully trimmed hedges. Lodging: Parador San Francisco

DAY 7 — Toledo

On the way to Toledo the following day, windmills begin to dot the landscape, indicating your entrance into Don Quixote's country of La Mancha. Toledo's narrow streets and numerous blind alleys evoke a historic charm. The architecture of the Christian and Jewish periods is well represented by the many churches and synagogues. Lodging: Parador de Toledo

DAY 8 — Madrid

Your last day begins with a leisurely morning to further explore this living outdoor museum before making the short journey back to Madrid, where your Andalusia venture ends, and your the memories of sunny Spain begin.

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