The lively capital of Spain is our launchpad to a memorable encounter with one of Europe’s most soulful destinations. Relax in the lush surrounds of Buen Retiro Park, shop up a storm on Gran Vía or people-watch over coffee and churros con chocolate in the Puerta del Sol. This evening, join your fellow travellers and Travel Director for an orientation drive to see some of the city’s most iconic sights, followed by a Welcome Reception.
We head to Toledo, the former capital of Spain, where we join a Local Specialist for a walking tour of this city that dates back to Roman times. We’ll visit a traditional factory and Dive Into Culture, witnessing the age-old inlaid-steel craft, before seeing one of El Greco’s most famous paintings in the Church of Santo Tomé – ‘The Burial of the Count of Orgaz’. We’ll also visit the synagogue, before returning to Madrid where we’ll admire the Royal Palace and Cibeles Fountain with our Local Specialist. Spend the evening on your own, or delve into the sights and flavours of Spain’s capital with an Optional Experience.
Overnight stay: Madrid
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Journeying south through La Mancha, we arrive in Córdoba, once a significant Moorish capital. We visit the Mosque of the Caliphs and learn about centuries of Moorish rule and its influence on the culture and architecture of the region. We travel to flamboyant Seville, our home for the next two nights. This evening, we connect With Locals, where you’ll learn how oil is produced from their 6,000 trees and get to sample some of their produce.
Overnight stay: Seville
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
This morning, we take a sightseeing tour of Seville. View the symbolic Giralda Bell Tower, see the Moorish-inspired Maria Luisa Park, with its tiled fountains, pavilions and ponds, and walk through the imposing Plaza de España. Marvel at the ornate tomb of Christopher Columbus in the cathedral, then take a walk through the former Jewish Quarter.
Overnight stay: Seville
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Multicultural Granada takes centre stage today, as we visit the magnificent Alhambra. An exquisite example of Moorish architecture, the Alhambra complex was built towards the end of Islamic rule in Spain. Wander through the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the royal Summer Palace, once linked to the other palaces by a covered walkway across the ravine.
Overnight stay: Granada
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
This morning, we journey to Guadix in the northern foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. We’ll see the whitewashed troglodyte dwellings lodged into the ochre-coloured cliffs of the surrounding area, then travel to Valencia, where we’ll see the Bullring and admire the medieval architecture of the Quart and Serranos towers. Embrace the city’s spirit of innovation and stop to view the City of Arts and Sciences, a largescale urban recreation centre for culture and science. This evening, dine at your hotel, and perhaps take to the vibrant streets of the Old Quarter.
Overnight stay: Valencia
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Head north, along the coast through the Levant region, and stop at Peñíscola, the ‘City in the Sea’. View the ancient castle of the ‘Spanish Pope’, built by the Knights Templar and used in the film, ‘El Cid’. Then, journey along the Costa Dorada to Barcelona with its whimsical Gaudí architecture. Today we also visit the unfinished La Sagrada Família then explore the Plaça de Catalunya and pay tribute to Christopher Columbus at the monument that bears his name. Enjoy a free evening to spend as you wish. Ramble through El Born for delicious tapas or consider visiting a Catalan-style restaurant for a delicious dinner of local specialities.
Overnight stay: Barcelona
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Explore centuries of history, contemporary culture and exquisite art and architecture on your day at leisure. Stroll the elegant Passeig de Gràcia Avenue, ramble down the Ramblas, or you can visit to the monastery perched atop the mountain of Montserrat to see the mystical Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia. This evening, we celebrate a memorable journey through Spain.
Overnight stay: Barcelona
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Your trip will come to an end today after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around 12 noon and you will be free to leave at any time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Spain.
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