Spain is more than bullfights, flamenco dancers and crowded beaches.  Its tremendous history is reflected in its prehistoric cave paintings, Moorish palaces, crumbling castles, Roman ruins, Gothic and Renaissance cathedrals as well as some very distinctive modern architecture.  Its regions differ vastly from one another but are held together by a national passion for drama, contrast and a noisy, live-for-today hedonism. If there is one thing all Spaniards love, it is to eat, drink and be merry, such as enjoying tapas over fine wine in Madrid or Barcelona.  A day hardly goes by without one town or another celebrating a fiesta.

BARCELONA

Sun-kissed and lapped by the Mediterranean, Barcelona is the capital and most populous city of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain. It is located on the Mediterranean coast with multiple beaches, as well as dozens of botanical and urban parks. Nature lovers will not need to travel far to be able to hike through the hills that are part of the coastal mountain range and the Catalan Pyrenees.  Take a walk through Montjuic Park, visit the 1992 Olympic Stadium, or enjoy the Greek Theatre. The Palau de la Musica Catalan – the Palace of Catalan Music – is a stunning music hall, also close by, and was recently inaugurated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A ramble through the Barri Gòtic to La Catedral reveals the Gothic legacies of Barcelona’s medieval past. In the neighborhood of l’Eixample, see architect Antoni Gaudí's hallucinatory spectacles Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. Gaudi's best known work is the immense church of the Sagrada Família, which has been under construction since 1882. The city's famous museums, Museu Picasso, Fundació Joan Miró and Fundació Antoni Tàpies, pay homage to other artists who've left their imprint here.  Pedestrian streets in the old districts, green spaces, and a splendid waterfront filled with modern structures all reflect the city's aim of integration.  A magnet for architecture buffs, culinary fans and night owls, it is a pleasure for all the senses.

Le Meridien Barcelona – Enjoy a four-night stay including daily buffet breakfast for (2) in the restaurant Cent Onze. Valid one year from date of purchase, subject to availability. Ideally situated on the famous Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s iconic boulevard of leisure and entertainment, Le Méridien Barcelona is located in the heart of the city. The hotel is within walking distance of the main Barcelona attractions: just two blocks away from the Boquería market and Liceo Opera House, across the road from the Gothic Quarter, a short walk from the luxury shops at the Paseo de Gracia and Gaudi buildings and only ten minutes from the harbour.

Le Méridien Barcelona is often referred to as “the star's hotel”, as many world-famous personalities have crossed the threshold, including Pavarotti, Bruce Springsteen, Zubin Mehta, the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Rostropovich and many more. As fitting of such clientele, the hotel offers limousine service and a multilingual staff to attend to every need. Guests also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi access in all public areas.

Blackout dates:  August 29-September 1, 2009; February 14–18, 2010.

MADRID

No city on earth is more alive than Madrid, a beguiling place whose sheer energy carries a simple message: this is one city that really knows how to live. Madrid’s world-known draws are many: astonishing art galleries, relentless nightlife, its transformation into Spain’s premier style city, an exceptional live music scene, a feast of fine restaurants and tapas bars, and a population that’s mastered the art of living the good life.

A cosmopolitan city, headquarters for the Spanish Parliament and the home of the Spanish Royal Family, Madrid is a city of great monuments. The city has 73 museums that cover all fields of human knowledge. Of these, the most important are the Prado Museum, one of the world's greatest art galleries, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum with more than 800 paintings, sculptures and tapestries, and the Reina Sofía National Art Centre.

If there is one thing, however, that characterizes Madrid, it is the deep, contagious passion for life reflected in its friendly, welcoming people. Madrid boasts concerts, exhibitions, ballets, select theatre productions, and the latest cinematographic releases. You can sample a wide variety of the finest Spanish and international cuisine or be enchanted by its bars and taverns. These are just some of Madrid's leisure alternatives, alongside tempting shopping in the most traditional establishments and world-famous outlets stocking the finest international brands.

The Westin Palace Madrid – Enjoy a three-night stay including daily buffet breakfast for (2) in the restaurant La Rotonda.  Valid one year from date of purchase, subject to availability.

Built at the direction of King Alfonso XIII in 1912, The Westin Palace Madrid was recently restored to its original splendor. Set near the Prado, notable museums, and historic monuments, it was ranked as the #1 hotel in Spain in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2008 Gold List.  The magnificent building, highlighted by an enormous stained glass dome, has long been a center of Spanish society. Among the many amenities are two restaurants and a newly renovated fitness center overlooking the city.

RAIL

Enjoy first class one-way rail transportation for (2) from Barcelona to Madrid, or vice versa, aboard Spain’s national railway.  Valid one year from date of issue.

AIRFARE 

This package includes round-trip coach class service for (2) from any destination in the 48 contiguous United States or Canada into Barcelona and departure from Madrid, Spain, or vice versa, subject to availability. A minimum of 30 days advance booking is required.

Any airport departure taxes, fees or fuel surcharges (if charged) are the responsibility of the purchaser. Ground transportation is not included in this package, unless specified.

Reservations are subject to availability. Certificates cannot be replaced if lost, stolen or destroyed.  All packages have a no refund policy.  Suggested retail value is calculated using tariff air rates and rack room rates.