Continuing to the heart of Andalucía, you'll stop en route in Córdoba, one of the great medieval centers of learning and finance, where you'll visit the Mezquita and relax over lunch and a glass of wine, before returning to your bus in time for a mid-afternoon siesta. In the late afternoon, you'll arrive at the Molino del Conde, formerly a mill, now converted into a country farm house. You'll stay here three nights with a local couple preparing your meals, 4:00 am 4,000 meter swims with uncle Kevin, a day trip to visit the Alhambra in Granada, and possible excursion to local distilleries, olive farms, and the Caminito del Rey.

This morning after breakfast, and café con leche, you'll continue north for a single night stay in Toledo, the city of three cultures, so called for the influence of Christians, Muslims, and Jews. After dropping your bags at your hotel, you'll be free for the afternoon to visit the Monastery of San Juan, Primada Cathedral, the Mosque of Christ the Light, to spend the afternoon making swords with a local craftsmen, or to enjoy this beautiful medieval city with a relaxing lunch and afternoon stroll.

Departing after breakfast, you'll continue to Spain's capital where you'll drop your bags at the hotel before meeting your local guide for a tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid, a symbol of Spanish monarchy and empire with its 3, 418 rooms. This evening you'll regroup for dinner followed by a classical guitar concert. 

Your second day in Madrid will give you space to explore. For those keen to see Goya, Valázquez, and El Greco, you'll have a chance this morning to visit the Prado before regrouping to explore the neighborhoods of Sol, Plaza Mayor, and dive into the Madrid of the locals with a tapas pub crawl ending with chocolate dipped churros.

After breakfast in the hotel, you'll leave the hustle and bustle city life behind for three glorious days in Rioja wine country. Slowing down to the tempo of Spanish countryside life, these days will turn the focus from history to enjoying each other's company with visits to local wineries, electric bike excursions, and time spent hiking (or driving) between the monasteries, towns, and former castles along the camino de Santiago.

Traveling north to Basque country, the final leg of your journey will conclude in San Sebastian where, after dropping your bags at the hotel, you'll meet your local guide for a walking tour of Donostia, as locals call their city, exploring the port, the old city, and the stunning Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro. This evening, you'll regroup for a tapas tour of the culinary heart of Basque country. 

Weather permitting, your last full day together will be spent on the sea before returning for a final celebration with Txakoli wine, oysters, and the Basque terroir.

Your nephews will help to organize transfers and next steps wherever your journey leads.