Join this memorable eight-day tour where you can learn about the history and experience the life, passion and beauty of Spain. During this fascinating tour you will discover the cultural richness of Andalusia, from the inspiring Phoenician era to the Roman, Muslim, Jewish and Christian periods while visiting fascinating World Heritage sites in Seville, Cordoba, Granada and Toledo.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Cordoba: Wander around Cordoba’s former Jewish district, explore the old town, and get closer to the spirit of this mediaeval marvel.
Granada: Enjoy a fascinating tour of the Albaicin Quarter. Admire its architecture, learn about its rich history, and let its mesmerising beauty dazzle you.
Seville: Discover the charming capital of Andalusia with a panoramic tour of the city. Admire its interesting architecture and learn all about its glorious past.
Toledo: The spirit of El Greco lives on in the ancient streets of this beautiful city with visits to the cathedral, historic churches and the mediaeval synagogue.
Day 1: ARRIVAL MADRID
Upon arrival at Madrid airport meet and greet and transfer to your hotel. Once you’re settled, you can spend the rest of the day at leisure by heading out to explore the streets of Madrid at your own pace.
Overnight in Madrid.
Day 2: MADRID
After breakfast at the hotel meet the guide for the Madrid panoramic city tour. Find the medieval origins of the city, like the Arabic fortress at the Barrio de la Morería, famous for its historical buildings. Drive through the courtesan district of the Hapsburgs characterized by Phillip II and its Renaissance and Baroque style buildings, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa; the Madrid of the Bourbons and the complex town planning schemes of Charles III, the Royal Palace, Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains and the Puerta de Alcalá. Admire the XIX century works such as Prado Museum. Contemporary Madrid with areas such as Gran Vía, Castellana, the district of Salamanca, Plaza Castilla, and Parque del Oeste, as well as commercial and financial areas of Modern Madrid, the emblematic Las Ventas Bullring and the Santiago Bernabéu Football Stadium. Afternoon and lunch free to continue exploring the wonders that the city has to offer on your own.
Overnight in Madrid.
Day 3: MADRID – CORDOBA – SEVILLA (550 Km - 5 hrs)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before driving along La Mancha, Don Quixote’s land. Cross through the natural border of “Despeñaperros” and get into Andalusia, a region for itself that shows an enormous heritage from a splendorous past until you reach Cordoba. Cordoba was the capital of the Moorish Caliphate of Al-Andalus during the height of its powers and glory, and nowhere is this wealth more evident than in the magnificent Great Mosque, which is now the Catholic cathedral. Together with the guide visit this monument and promenade by the Jewish quarter. In the afternoon, after a short drive of about two hours, arrival in Seville.
Overnight in Seville.
Day 4: SEVILLA
Breakfast at the hotel before stepping out into the streets of Seville, the capital of Andalusia and one of Spain’s most renowned cities for its authentic Spanish atmosphere and impressive architecture. Set eye upon all of Seville’s most important sites with a panoramic tour of the city. The tour includes a fun photo stop at the magical Maria Luisa Park, a large lush green space large enough to contain two impressive squares, both of which you will visit. The first one is Plaza de España, which boasts beautiful ornate tiles, elaborate redbrick towers, bridges and canals. The second square is the Plaza de America, which is flanked by a number of magnificent neo-Gothic and neo-Mudejar palaces. You will also have a guided tour of the Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its glorious Giralda bell tower, the most emblematic symbol of Seville. As well as the Barrio de Santa Cruz, its most picturesque old quarter, and the old Jewish quarter. It is a labyrinth of whitewashed alleyways, alleys, arches and courtyards, each with a story to tell.
Overnight in Sevilla.
Day 5: SEVILLA – GRANADA (260Km – 3hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel depart to Granada. Drive east through the route of the Caliphate to the heart of Andalusia observing an endless number of olive trees. On the arrival visit of the Alhambra Complex, the seat of the last Moorish emirs in Spain. For more than a thousand years, this ‘pearl set in emeralds’ has stood atop Sabika hill overlooking the city, gaining in importance during the Nasrid dynasty, which turned the original castle into the palace of today. Free lunch and the rest of the day at your disposal.
Overnight in Granada.
Day 6: GRANADA
Breakfast at the hotel and free day to enjoy the Nasrid capital. Granada is more than just Alhambra; the Muslim heritage runs through every corner of the city and mixes with Christian tradition, giving rise to a unique city.
Overnight in Granada.
Day 7: GRANADA – TOLEDO – MADRID (450Km – 4.5hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel drive northward, towards the sky of Castilla to the impressive Imperial city of Toledo surrounded by the Tagus River. Toledo, a World Heritage City, where the three cultures Christians, Moorish and Jewish, have lived together. Resume of Spanish art, history, and spirituality the whole town is a National Monument. Enjoy a short guided tour to discover the narrow streets and all the monuments in the city center before continuing to Madrid.
Overnight in Madrid.
Day 8: MADRID DEPARTURE
Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel before transferring to Madrid Airport for your departure flight.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Spain. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent in summer can be very useful during your stay.
