Day : 1
Arrive Madrid (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Bienvenidos a Madrid. 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 napolitana con chocolate in Puerta del Sol. This evening join your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a fiery Welcome Reception, followed by an orientation drive to see some of the city's most iconic sights.
Day : 2
Toledo Excursion and Madrid Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
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 to gain a Cultural Insight into the age-old steel craft before seeing one of El Greco's most famous paintings - 'The Burial of Count Orgaz' - in the Church of Santo Tomé. We'll also visit the synagogue during our guided walk through Toledo's winding cobblestone lanes. We return to Madrid to admire the monument to Cervantes and Don Quixote at the Plaza de España and see Puerta del Sol, the city's hub with our Local Specialist. Spend your evening at leisure delving into the delicious flavours of Spain's tapas capital, or perhaps join your newfound friends for a traditional Spanish dinner.
Day : 3
Madrid – Córdoba – Seville (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Journeying south through La Mancha, we arrive in Córdoba, once a significant Moor settlement. Join a Local Specialist to 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. Consider an Optional Experience to see the colourful twirling skirts of a fiery flamenco or rub shoulders with the sevillanos in search of delicious tapeo and wine.
Day : 4
Seville Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
This morning we meet our Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Seville. View the symbolic Bell Tower of the Giralda, see the Moorish-inspired Maria Luisa Park with its tiled fountains, pavilions and ponds, and walk through the imposing Plaza de España. Marvel at Christopher Columbus' ornate tomb in the cathedral, then take a walk through the former Jewish Quarter. This evening, we join the Morillo family for a unique Be My Guest dinner at their olive oil mill where you learn how oil is produced from the 6,000 trees and get to sample some of their produce.
Day : 5
Seville – Granada
Number of Days : 1
Multicultural Granada takes centre stage today as we visit the magnificent pink-hued Alhambra Palace in the company of a Local Specialist. A fine example of Moorish architecture, the Alhambra was built during the 14th century towards the end of Islamic rule in Spain as a palace, citadel and the home of the Nasrid sultans. Wander through the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the royal Summer Palace, once linked to the Alhambra by a covered walkway across the ravine, and admire the intricate design and detail around every turn.
Day : 6
Granada – Guadix – Valencia
Number of Days : 1
This morning we journey via the Mora Pass to Guadix in the northern foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains where you will see the whitewashed troglodyte dwellings lodged into the ochre-coloured cliffs of the surrounding area. We travel to Valencia, where we will stay overnight to view the Bullring and admire the architecture of its medieval cathedral and the Serrano and Quart Towers. Embrace the city's spirit of innovation and stop to view the City of Arts and Sciences, a large-scale urban recreation centre for culture and science, designed by Santiago Calatrava. This evening dine at your hotel and take to the vibrant streets of the Old Quarter.
Day : 7
Valencia – Peñiscola – Barcelona Sightseeing (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Head north along the coast through the Levant region and stop at Peñiscola, the City in the Sea, to view the ancient castle of the 'Spanish Pope', built by the Knights Templar and used in the film, 'El Cid'. We meander along the Costa Dorada to beguiling Barcelona with its whimsical Gaudí architecture which we will have an opportunity to view in the unfinished La Sagrada Família Cathedral, which has been under construction since 1882. Stroll up Las Ramblas, see the Plaça de Catalunya and pay tribute to the great discoverer, Christopher Columbus with your Local Specialist. Take a trip up Montjuïc for panoramic views of this enchanting city. The evening is yours to embrace the charm of Barcelona. Ramble through El Born for delicious tapas or consider visiting a Catalan-style restaurant for a delicious dinner of local specialities.
Day : 8
Barcelona
Number of Days : 1
Explore centuries of history, contemporary culture and exquisite art and architecture on your day at leisure. Visit Gaudí's fairy-tale Park Güell, ramble through the enchanting Gothic Quarter or join an Optional Experience to the monastery perched atop Montserrat to see the mystical Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia. This evening, we celebrate a memorable journey through Spain with our newfound friends and Travel Director at a special Farewell Dinner with wine.
Day : 9
Depart Barcelona
Number of Days : 1
For now it's a sad adiós to Spain at the end of a memorable holiday. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply. Please note: Your coach returns to Madrid from Barcelona on Day 9. You are welcome to use this complimentary transfer. Drop-off in Madrid will be at the Trafalgar Madrid hotel and not at the airport. Arrival will be at approximately 6pm, depending on traffic conditions
