WORLD YOUTH DAY 2011 – MADRID, AUGUST 15-21

MADRID SIGHTSEEING -

This morning we see the highlights of Madrid, capital of Spain, including the Gran Via Plaza de España, the Viaduct, Plaza Major, the Bull Ring, Independence and Cibeles Squares, the University, and the Paseo de la Castellana. We will have time to visit the famous Prado Museum. Overnight at our hotel and dinner is on our own. $44 per person.

AVILA/VALLEY OF THE FALLEN -

We begin our day with a drive to Avila, the birthplace of St. Teresa of Jesus, (1515 - 1582), one of the Church's greatest and most influential mystics.  Avila has the most complete and oldest walled city. Here we will also visit the Cathedral and the Convent of the Incarnation, where St. Teresa lived for three decades and St. John of the Cross, her spiritual director and confessor lived for the last two years of her life. We will celebrate Mass here. Lunch included in Avila. Later we return to Madrid, which will take us past el Escorial and a brief stop at the Valley of the Fallen a spectacular monument to the dead of the Spanish Civil War.  Overnight at our hotel and dinner is on our own. $126 per person.

TOLEDO -

Our full day excursion today takes us south to Toledo where St. John of the Cross spent much of his life and the Middle Age Christian, Jewish and Moorish cultures co - existed for many years.  Among other sites, we will see the imperial residence Alcazar, the 13th century Synagogue and the Gothic Cathedral where we will celebrate Mass. Lunch included  We return to Madrid for overnight at our hotel and dinner is on our own. $76 per person.

FLAMENCO AND SPANISH DANCING AT THE TORRES BERMEJAS –

Tonight we enjoy an evening of Flamenco dance at the famous Torres Bermejas Night Club and experience the exciting night life of Madrid. The Madrid cultural and artistic legacy is the result of centuries of captivating history and Flamenco is a genuine Spanish art and a genuine southern Spanish art form. It is an intimate and passionate art form that has to be experienced by anyone who visits Spain. $80 per person.

NOTE:  THIS OPTION CAN BE COMBINED WITH MOST OTHER OPTIONS FOR THIS DAY.  ALSO NOTE THAT THE LEGAL DRINKING AGE OF 18 IS RARELY ENFORCED AND THUS IT IS UP THE GROUP LEADERS TO ENFORCE DRINKING RESTRICTIONS.

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