Embark on a journey of cultural discovery and historical exploration as you visit some of the most magnificent cities of Spain. From the charming streets of Madrid and the breathtaking Alhambra Palace in Granada, to the vibrant cities of Seville and Bacerlona, you will experience the rich history, art, and cuisine of these two countries. With visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Evora, Cordoba, and Toledo, this tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into the cultural and architectural treasures of the Iberian Peninsula. Get ready to be enchanted by the Mediterranean beauty of the Costa del Sol and Ronda, and to immerse yourself in the rich history of ancient civilizations. Come and join us for an unforgettable 9-day adventure through the best of Spain.
Is this
trip right for you?
This 16-day tour is designed for those who love to be active. Our small group will be visiting many exciting destinations each day, so be prepared to walk during guided tours. Please note that the tours may involve walking on cobblestone streets, uneven surfaces, stairs, steps. This is a limited-size group experience.
Day 1: North America to Madrid
Depart to Madrid, Spain.
Day 2: Arrive in Madrid
Upon your arrival, pick up and transfer to your hotel. Please, check the informative posters placed at the hotel reception area which have all the information about the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travelers. In the evening, you may take the transfers to the Egyptian Debod Temple, Plaza de España and Gran Via; a vibrant district where you can dine at your preferred restaurant: Indian, Chinese, Spanish and Middle Eastern are some of the options available.
Day 3: Madrid
This morning, tour through the heart of Madrid, encompassing iconic landmarks like the Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, the Gate of Alcalá, Plaza de Colón, and Plaza Mayor. Following this, we'll explore Retiro Park, a tranquil oasis nestled within the city center, where highlights include the serene lake and the majestic Glass Palace. Then visit to Las Ventas Bullring, renowned worldwide for its significance in the bullfighting tradition. Here, we'll delve into the rich history of "corridas" at the Bullfighting Museum. The rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Madrid.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 4: Madrid - Granada
This morning, traversing the picturesque landscapes of La Mancha. Our first stop is in PUERTO LAPICE, a charming 'manchego' village steeped in the spirit of Don Quixote. Then, enter Andalusia through Despeñaperros, to the enchanting city of GRANADA. In the afternoon, explore the majestic Alhambra Palace and its exquisite Generalife gardens, boasting architectural splendor from Arabian times. In the evening, visit the Albaicín district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can savor dinner amidst the labyrinthine streets of this mesmerizing Medieval Moorish enclave. Overnight in Granada.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Granada - Malaga - Marbella - Ronda - Seville
Departing from Granada, transfer to the sun-kissed shores of the Costa del Sol, with our first destination being MALAGA. Here, we'll immerse ourselves in its historic city center, marveling at architectural gems like the cathedral and delving into the artistic legacy of Picasso at the renowned museum bearing his name. Continuing our coastal odyssey, we'll follow the scenic motorway, offering breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean. Our next stop is the glamorous enclave of PUERTO BANUS in Marbella, famously known as the playground of Europe's elite. In the afternoon, our exploration takes us through winding hills until we arrive at the captivating "white town" of RONDA, characterized by its dramatic gorge that splits the town in two. From there, our journey progresses onward to SEVILLE, where we anticipate arrival by late afternoon, ready to uncover the charms of this historic city. Overnight in Seville.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Seville
This morning, take a tour of Seville, showcasing its highlights including the majestic Cathedral with its iconic Giralda (bell tower), the tranquil banks of the Guadalquivir River, the charming neighborhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana, and the breathtaking Plaza de España. Following this insightful exploration, we'll embark on a delightful boat trip along the Guadalquivir River, offering panoramic views of the cityscape from the water. Subsequently, you'll have ample free time to explore Seville at your own pace. In the afternoon, we'll venture into the historic city center area, particularly Calle Alfonso XII, where a plethora of dining options await, catering to various tastes and preferences. Overnight in Seville.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Seville - Saragossa - Poblet - Montserrat - Barcelona
This morning, transfer to the train station to take a comfortable high-speed train to Zaragoza. Upon arrival in ZARAGOZA you will join the group and have free time to visit this impressive Pilar Basilica and enjoy the city center. We continue to the Monastery of Poblet, surrounded by its walls in a beautiful site that is one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in the world (entrance included). We then proceed to the Monastery of Montserrat where you will go up the mountain on a rack train to see its fantastic scenery. Following this we will continue to BARCELONA, arriving in the late afternoon.
Note: In some cases, depending on the timetable of the rack railway, the ascent to Montserrat can be done in our coach. From November to March, due to the shorter duration of the days, we will neither be ascending nor stopping in Montserrat.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 8: Barcelona
Today we will explore Barcelona, an impressive city right on the Medi¬terranean Sea. Starting by an informative city tour with a local expert (note: If the group has fewer than fifteen people, explanations can be given by our guide.) We will also visit the city’s historic central area with its Gothic neighborhood dating back to the Middle Ages. We will visit the area where the Olympic Games took place. We will also get the chance to see La Sagrada Familia Basilica, the masterpiece designed by the architect Gaudí.Following this, we include the entry ticket to visit ‘Poble Espanyol’ (meaning ‘Spanish Village’). This open-air architectural museum is situated in one of the most emblematic areas of Barcelona. Enjoy the Spanish craftsmanship and discover the architectural styles, traditions and folklore of the different regions that make up Spain. You will then have some free time to explore the city at your own leisure.In the evening, we include transportation and will attend the show of The Magic Fountain of Montjuïch, with its combination of lights, colors, water and music. You will have time to dine in this area. Note: in case of having the transfer to the Magic Fountain a day that for maintenance or any other reason the show is not performed, the night transfer will be given to the Maremagnum, avant-garde leisure center with restaurants by the sea and to the Plaza Colón. return to the hotel in the late evening.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 9: Barcelona - North America
After breakfast, check-out and transfer to the airport.
