Day 1 : Welcome to 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 El Retiro Park, shop up a storm on Gran Vía or people-watch over coffee and churros with chocolate in the Puerta del Sol. This evening, join your fellow travellers and Travel Director for an orientation drive followed by dinner.
Accommodation : Rafael Atocha
Day 2 : Explore Vibrant Toledo Dive Into Culture
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.
Accommodation : NH Collection Eurobuilding, VOCO Madrid Retiro
Day 3 : Journey to Córdoba and on to Seville Connect with Locals
Journeying south through La Mancha, we arrive in Córdoba, once a significant Moorish capital. 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. This evening, we Connect With Locals, joining the Morillo family for a Be My Guest experience at their olive oil farm, where you’ll learn how oil is produced from their 6,000 trees and sample some of their produce.
Accommodation : Exe Sevilla Macarena, Zenit
Day 4 : Discover Seville’s Sights
This morning, meet our Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Seville. View the symbolic Giralda Bell Tower, and see the Moorish-inspired Maria Luisa Park, with its tiled fountains, pavilions and ponds. Marvel at the ornate tomb of Christopher Columbus in the cathedral, then take a walk through the former Jewish Quarter. In the evening, consider an Optional Experience to see, hear and feel the mysterious and ineffable charm of a traditional flamenco show.
Accommodation : Occidental Viapol, Zenit
Day 5 : Onwards to Granada
Multicultural Granada takes centre stage today, as you visit the magnificent Alhambra in the company of a Local Specialist. 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.
Accommodation : Occidental, Catalonia
Day 6 : Admire Iconic Architecture in Guadix and on to Valencia
This morning, journey via the Mora Pass to Guadix in the northern foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. You’ll see the whitewashed troglodyte dwellings lodged into the ochre-coloured cliffs of the surrounding area, then travel to Valencia, where you’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 large scale urban recreation centre for culture and science. Enjoy organic horchata, the celebrated drink of Valencia, during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This evening, you will dine at your hotel.
Accommodation : Silken Puerta
Day 7 : Off to Coastal Peñíscola and Barcelona
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'. We then continue along the Costa Dorada to Barcelona with its whimsical Gaudi architecture. Join a Local Specialist to admire the exterior of the unfinished Sagrada Família, see the upscale boutiques and Gaudi creations on the Passeig de Gràcia, and pay tribute to Christopher Columbus at the monument that bears his name.
Accommodation : U232, Barceló Sants
Day 8 : Uncover Gaudí's Barcelona
Explore centuries of history, contemporary culture and exquisite art and architecture on your day at leisure. Ramble down Las Ramblas, or join an Optional Experience 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 over dinner with our newfound friends and Travel Director.
Accommodation : U232, Barceló Sants
Day 9 : Farewell Spain
For now it's a fond adiós to Spain at the end of a memorable holiday. Your coach returns to Madrid today. 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.