MADRID
There is no shortage of things to see in this capital city. Your excursion will include visits to: The Museo del Prado: One of the premier museums in the world, which houses works of art from Spanish and European painters from the 12th through the 18th centuries. Palacio Real: This beautiful palace is considered by many to be one of the finest in Europe. The Botanical Gardens: Contains over 30,000 different species of trees and plants from all over the world. Puerta Del Sol and the Plaza Mayor: These two places will help you capture the spirit of "old" Madrid.

EL ESCORIAL
Located in the small town of San Lorenzo del El Escorial, this 16th century complex built by King Felipe II is a sight to behold. More than just a royal palace, it is a massive monument containing not only the King's residence, but a ornamented church, world renowned library, a monastery, and a royal mausoleum, which holds most of Spain's Kings and Queens.

AVILA
Located northwest of Madrid, the ancient city of Avila is situated high above the Rio Adaja Valley. This beautiful city is surrounded by magnificent walls, which were built in the 11th century to help fortify the city from destructive aggressors. Sights will include two wonderful Romanesque and Gothic churches.

LA GRANJA
Located just 7 miles from Segovia, this city was a favorite summer escape for the Kings of Castilla. It is the site of another Palacio Real, which contains valuable works of art and is surrounded by acres of beautiful cool gardens, spectacular fountains and statues.

SEGOVIA
Resting on the slopes of the Guadarrama Mountains, this ancient city lies in the center of the most castle-rich part of Spain. The Alcázar is where Isabella the Catholic was proclaimed Queen of Castilla in 1474. The Tower of San Lorenzo, also found in Segovia, is one of the finest examples of the Mudejar influence in this region. Here you can also see the awe-inspiring Roman Aqueduct, which was built between the first and second centuries and still carried water well into the twentieth century. The narrow, winding streets of this hilly city must be covered on foot in order to view the many Romanesque churches and 15th-century palaces along the way.

TOLEDO
Declared a national landmark, this is the city that inspired El Greco in the 16th century. Since then, it has remained largely unchanged in its blending of Arabic, Jewish, Christian, and Visigothic elements. Toledo is famous for its outstanding Cathedral, which houses many of El Greco's paintings, along with many other art treasures. Toledo is also famous for its steel products: the intricately decorated swords from Toledo, which once armed soldiers throughout Europe, now adorn homes around the world. Toledo was the first capital of Spain.

SALAMANCA
Salamanca, the famous capital of Castilla y Leon, is located on the right bank of the Tormes River. Since 1218, when the University of Salamanca was founded, the city has been known as a center for intellectuals, students, and curious travelers. It is a city full of picturesque courtyards and aesthetic splendor. In the center of the city, located short walking distances from each other, are the oldest university in Spain, the Old Cathedral which houses the works of artists from the 12th to 16th centuries, and the Plaza Mayor, one of Spain's most beautiful meeting spots. After you visit Salamanca you will understand why the great Spanish poet Unamuno paid homage to this city.

SANTANDER
A beautiful beach town, you would never know that a fire destroyed the city in 1941. The incredible beaches and "Barrio Pesquero" should not be missed. If time permits, the Museo de Bellas Artes should also be visited.

GRANADA
This city is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It's crowning glory, the Alhambra, is a massive fortress and complex of palaces occupying the crown of a hill overlooking the lower part of the city. Along with the Alhambra, there are a number of sites to visit while in Granada: the Cathedral, the Church of San Juan de Dios, the Monastery of San Jerónimo, La Cartuja, as well as several museums.

SEVILLA
This wonderful Spanish city, known as the "City of Reflections," rests along the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Sevilla was home to the 1992 World's Fair, and enjoys many new open-air auditoriums and parks as a result. Other sights include Europe's largest Gothic Cathedral, which contains the remains of Christopher Columbus, and the Alcázar, a beautiful 14th Century Mudejar palace (the oldest royal residence in Europe, which is still in use today).

CORDOBA
Once the flourishing capital of Andaluz (Muslim Spain), Córdoba was the richest and most populated city of Europe between the 8th and 10th Centuries. The 1200 year old Mezquita is one of the largest, oldest, and most beautiful mosques in the world. Other sights in Córdoba include a 2000-year old Roman Bridge, several Synagogues, and the Museo Taurino y de Arte Cordobés (a fabulous bullfighting museum).

*Please note that not all of the above cities will be visited by all programs in Spain. Check with your ASA representative to find out exactly which cities your program will be visiting.