Itinerary for Spain Study Tour

TWU School of Management Study Tour to Madrid, Spain

October 10-18, 2012

Itinerary

Oct. 10 - Board your overnight flight.  American Airlines from DFW or Houston Intercontinental

Oct. 11 - Arrive in Madrid, Spain

Arrive in Madrid, meet your Tour director and transfer to the hotel, Hotel GH Princesa.  Later, look forward to a welcome Dinner and Flamenco Show at a local Restaurant.

Oct. 12 – Madrid sightseeing

The capital since 1561, Madrid today is a strikingly modern city, the showcase of a country resolutely turned towards the future.  Your local guide takes you to the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de España with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, elegant Calle Alcala, and Paseo de Castellana. Then the highlight: a visit to the palatial Prado Museum with its priceless art treasures.  This afternoon is at leisure

Oct. 13 – Madrid – Excursion to Toledo

Toledo, spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River.  Your walking tour with a local guide features the Moorish bridge and visits to an early Synagogue, the 13^th century gothic Cathedral, and the Church of Santo Tomé with one of El Greco’s most famous paintings.  Time to visit a Damascene steel workshop before returning to Madrid.

Oct. 14 – Madrid - Excursion to Segovia and Avila

A day in beautiful Castile.  Cross the rugged Sierra de Guadarrama on the way to Segovia, famous for the 2,000 year-old Roman Aqueduct. Next, enjoy a walk through the walled town of Avila, where St. Theresa founded the Order of Camelites. After your visit return to Madrid.

Oct. 15 – Madrid – At leisure

Business meetings today will be arranged by the School of Management.  The motorcoach will be available for ½ day to transfer the group to and from local meetings.

Oct. 16 – Madrid – At leisure

Today is at leisure for independent sightseeing or additional meetings planned by the School of Management.

Oct. 17.  – Madrid - Excursion to El Escorial

This morning visit El Escorial, a Renaissance style quadrangular complex of white-grey stone, which houses the Mausoleum of the Spanish monarchs and is listed as Unesco World Heritage Site.  Built under the order of King Phillip II, it is considered the eighth wonder of the world.  Your local guide will escort you through the complex. On return to Madrid, you’ll visit a local vineyard and enjoy Spanish wine tasting.   Tonight  dine Spanish-style at one of Madrid’s favorite restaurants. Drinks included.  After dinner drive through the capital’s boulevards and by beautiful fountains for a final look at the city.

Oct. 18. Transfer to the Airport for your return to the US

Itinerary is subject to change.