Essence of Espana - 7 days

Madrid - Merida - Seville. We depart from the bus terminal at 7:45/8:00, heading toward the Extremadura region and arriving in Merida. Enjoy free time to explore the city's Roman amphitheatre and other UNESCO-listed sites. There's free time for lunch before we continue south to Andalucía, arriving in Seville, where dinner is included.

Please note: This tour is bi-lingual, and will be conducted in Spanish as well as in English.

Please note: If travelling prior to 27 March 2026, you will visit Caceres instead of Merida. All other arrangements remain the same.

Meeting Point: C. de Ferraz, 3, Moncloa - Aravaca, 28008 Madrid at 8:00.

Begin the day with breakfast, followed by a morning sightseeing tour that includes visits to Maria Luisa Park, Plaza de España, and the exteriors of the stunning Cathedral and its bell tower, the Giralda. We'll also explore the charming Santa Cruz neighbourhood, known for its streets, squares, and narrow alleys.

After the tour, the rest of the day is at leisure in Seville. If you choose, there's an optional river cruise on the Guadalquivir, offering panoramic views of the Gold Tower and Expo 92, or you can visit the Maestranza bullring. In the evening, as an optional activity, you can attend a flamenco show.

Seville - Cordoba. Enjoy breakfast before departing for Cordoba. Upon arrival, we'll begin our walking tour at Almodovar Gate, exploring the Jewish Quarter, and then visit the renowned Mosque-Cathedral. The afternoon will be free for leisure activities.

Cordoba - Ronda - Costa del Sol. We'll depart for the Route of the White Villages and Ronda. You'll have some free time to take in sweeping views from the Puente Nuevo bridge, explore the historic bullring, or stroll through the charming old town with its whitewashed buildings and quiet plazas. Then, we'll continue on to the Costa del Sol for the night. On most departures, we stay in the town of Torremolinos, though this is subject to change. Dinner is included.

Costa del Sol - Granada. After breakfast, we depart to Granada. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the stunning Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including access to the magnificent Generalife gardens.

You also have the option to visit the Sacromonte caves for a traditional flamenco show.

Please note: In the event that tickets to the Alhambra and Generalife are unavailable from the Patronato, an alternative tour of Granada will be arranged. This includes visits to the Palace of Carlos V, the Archaeological Museum, the Church of Santa María de la Alhambra, the Royal Chapel, and a stroll through the Alcaicería silk market and Cathedral Square.

Granada - Valencia. Start the day with breakfast before we journey through the varied landscapes of Andalusia and Murcia, passing the cave dwellings of Guadix, the historic town of Baza, and the mountain pass of Puerto Lumbreras. We then follow the Mediterranean coastline towards Valencia. After we've checked in to the hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to explore this coastal city.

Valencia - Barcelona. Enjoy a lie in this morning or some free time to head into Valencia and further explore. Mid-morning, we'll depart for Barcelona, where our services will conclude upon arrival.