Madrid to Andalucia & Barcelona - 10 days

Upon arrival in Madrid, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore Madrid at your own pace.

Please Note: This is a bi-lingual, large group coach tour, where a majority of travellers may be Spanish speaking. If this is the case, then English may be the second language. For groups of 12 or more the tour is escorted by a bilingual (Spanish & English speaking) tour leader/escort. They will provide explanations about the itinerary, coordinate accommodation services, and ensure the smooth running of the tour, making your trip an enjoyable experience. When the group size is less than 12, this service may be provided by the driver. There will be experienced bi-lingual local guides for included city sightseeing.

This morning, after breakfast, we’ll embark on a captivating panoramic city tour through Madrid, tracing the city’s rich history from its medieval roots. Our journey begins with a glimpse of the Arab fortress and a stroll through the charming Barrio de la Morería, a district steeped in history, where ancient buildings and traditional taverns evoke a sense of timelessness.

We’ll then explore the Hapsburg district, with its Renaissance and Baroque treasures, including the iconic Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Plaza de la Villa, all shaped by the reign of Philip II. Continuing our exploration, we’ll encounter the grandeur of Madrid under the Bourbons, marveling at the Royal Palace, the impressive Cibeles and Neptune Fountains, and the elegant Puerta de Alcalá, masterpieces of urban design crafted by Charles III.

We’ll pause to admire 19th-century landmarks such as the refined Plaza de Oriente and the world-renowned Prado Museum before venturing into the heart of modern Madrid. Here, we’ll discover bustling avenues like Gran Vía, Paseo de la Castellana, and the Salamanca district, alongside the city's commercial and financial hubs, not forgetting the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The afternoon is yours to explore Madrid at your own pace.

Please note: The tour escort service is not available during your stay in Madrid, but local guides will lead the guided city tours. As well as if the panoramic tour of Madrid cannot operate, it will be replaced with the Madrid Hop-on Hop-off Bus or a walking tour of the Hapsburg Quarter

Madrid - Cordoba - Seville. Today, we set off on a journey through the enchanting landscape of La Mancha, the land immortalised by Don Quixote, as we pass the picturesque site of Puerto Lápice, steeped in literary history. We then make our way through the dramatic natural border of “Despeñaperros,” a gateway into the captivating region of Andalusia, where the echoes of a glorious past resonate in every corner.

As we arrive in Córdoba, we are welcomed by the awe-inspiring beauty of its Mosque, a testament to centuries of rich history. We will then wander through the narrow, meandering streets of the Jewish Quarter, where the quiet charm of its ancient buildings offers a sense of serenity and reflection. In the afternoon, after a scenic two-hour drive, we reach the vibrant city of Seville

Today, we begin our day with a morning panoramic city tour, starting with the magnificent Cathedral, the second largest in the Catholic world after St. Peter’s in Rome. We continue to the Santa Cruz quarter, a charming setting known as the backdrop for Carmen and the birthplace of the legendary myth of Don Juan.

Our tour also takes us through the tranquil Maria Luisa Park and the stunning Plaza de España. In the afternoon, you have time at your leisure to uncover exclusive views and savour the unique flavours of this vibrant, sunlit city.

Seville - Granada. After breakfast, we journey east along the Caliphate Road, taking us into the heart of Andalusia. As we travel, we are treated to breathtaking views of endless olive groves stretching across the landscape, a serene prelude to our arrival in Granada. This city, the last stronghold of the Moorish Kingdoms until 1492, is steeped in history and monumental beauty.

Our exploration begins with a visit to the world-renowned Alhambra complex and the enchanting Generalife Gardens. These iconic sites, with their captivating sounds and sights, have inspired countless authors, including Washington Irving, whose Tales of the Alhambra immortalised their magic. In the evening, you may choose to enjoy an optional Flamenco Zambra show, an unforgettable celebration of Andalusian culture.

Please note: If Alhambra and Generalife tickets are unavailable, alternative compensation will be provided at our discretion.

Granada - Valencia. Today, after breakfast, we depart eastwards to arrive in Valencia, one of the main capitals of the Mediterranean coast, home to the modern City of Arts and Sciences complex, which includes six buildings: the Hemispheric, Umbracle, Science Museum, Oceanogràfic, Palau de les Arts, and Ágora. Valencia is also the birthplace of the internationally renowned "Paella."

Valencia - Barcelona. Today, we begin with a morning city tour of this vibrant city, driving through the old town to see its most prominent buildings. We’ll then pass the old riverbed of the Turia to reach the avant-garde "Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias," where we can admire the iconic exteriors of its six buildings.

In the early afternoon, we depart northwards along the Mediterranean coast to Catalunya, via Tarragona, the Roman Tarraco, before arriving in Barcelona, the principal Mediterranean city and home to the famous architect Gaudí, a symbol of Catalonian modernism.

This morning, we set off on a captivating city tour of Barcelona, famed worldwide for the 1992 Olympic Games. As we drive through the lively streets, we marvel at Gaudí's stunning modernist buildings, including the iconic La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, both recognised as World Heritage sites. We then make our way to Montjuic Park, where breathtaking views of the city unfold before us, along with the Olympic Ring and the monument to Columbus. In the afternoon, we’re free to explore the city further, immersing ourselves in its vibrant atmosphere and indulging in its renowned, diverse cuisine.

Barcelona - Zaragoza - Madrid. This morning, we depart southwest, travelling through a region rich in industrial and agricultural heritage. As we arrive in Zaragoza, the capital of Aragón, we’re greeted by the sight of the Ebro River, the largest in the Iberian Peninsula. Known as Cesar Augusta in Roman times, Zaragoza’s historic significance comes to life as we explore its beautiful Baroque architecture, including the majestic Basilica-Temple of Our Lady Pilar. After some free time to take in the sights, we continue our journey towards Madrid.

Tuck into a final breakfast in the hotel before our tour comes to an end. There is an included transfer to the airport.