Itinerary
- Day 1
Departure
You're heading to Spain for a cultural adventure that'll take you through the country's most interesting regions and cities. This trip covers a lot of ground, from Madrid down through Andalusia and then up to the Mediterranean coast and Barcelona.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (H10 Puerta de Alcala)
- Day 2
Madrid
You'll arrive in Madrid, and since arrival times differ for everyone, the day is yours to explore the capital at your own pace. Walk around neighborhoods that interest you, grab lunch wherever looks good. Later this evening you'll meet up with your group for a welcome dinner to kick things off.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner with fellow travelers)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (H10 Puerta de Alcala)
Included Activities
- Welcome dinner with fellow travelers
Optional Activities
- Independent exploration of Madrid
- Day 3
Madrid
A local guide will lead you through Madrid's historic center, hitting Plaza Mayor and other key spots in the old city. After that you'll head to the Prado Museum to see works by Velázquez, Goya, and other Spanish masters. If you're interested, there's an optional dinner with traditional entertainment available this evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (H10 Palacio Colomera)
Included Activities
- Locally guided walking tour of Madrid's historic center
- Visit to Plaza Mayor
- Entrance to Prado Museum with exploration of masterpiece collection
Optional Activities
- Optional night out in Madrid with dinner and traditional entertainment (metro and walking access to restaurant)
Landmarks/POIs Plaza Mayor Prado Museum - Day 4
Madrid to Córdoba
Take the AVE high-speed train down to Córdoba, a former Moorish capital with centuries of history. After you arrive and have lunch, there's free time to wander around before a walking tour of the old town. You'll visit La Mezquita, an 8th-century mosque that's now a cathedral, and can choose either a guided look at the Jewish Quarter or the famous patios. Dinner at a local restaurant wraps up the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at a local restaurant)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (H10 Palacio Colomera)
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Córdoba's historic old town
- Visit to La Mezquita (UNESCO) - 8th-century mosque converted cathedral
- Dinner at a local restaurant
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Córdoba's Jewish Quarter
- Tour of Córdoba's vibrant patios
Landmarks/POIs La Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba) - Day 5
Córdoba to Seville to Córdoba
Head toward Seville with a stop at a family-owned olive grove where you'll learn how they work and taste their oils. In Seville itself, a local expert walks you through the historic center to see the Cathedral, a UNESCO site and the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. You'll stroll through Santa Cruz, with its white buildings and tight streets, then return to Córdoba for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation
- Hotel (NH Collection Granada Victoria)
Included Activities
- Visit to award-winning family-owned olive grove with olive oil tasting
- Guided tour of Seville's historic center
- Visit to Seville Cathedral (UNESCO) - world's largest Gothic cathedral
- Exploration of Santa Cruz Quarter
Landmarks/POIs Seville Cathedral Santa Cruz Quarter - Day 6
Córdoba to Granada
Travel to Granada, the last major Moorish city in Spain. Once you arrive, take some time to get a feel for the historic center on your own. Then a local guide takes you through the Alhambra, the UNESCO complex of palaces, buildings, and gardens that's one of Spain's most significant sites. This evening you'll watch a traditional flamenco performance and have light dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Light dinner with traditional flamenco show)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (AC Hotel by Marriott)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Alhambra (UNESCO) - Islamic architecture complex
- Traditional flamenco show with light dinner
Landmarks/POIs Alhambra - Day 7
Granada to Valencia
The drive takes you through Spanish countryside with olive and orange groves lining the roads. You'll stop in Murcia, known as Europe's orchard, then continue to Valencia, Spain's third largest city. The evening includes a panoramic drive along the seafront and past the City of Arts and Sciences.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (AC Hotel by Marriott)
Included Activities
- Panoramic drive of Valencia with views of seafront, promenades, and City of Arts and Sciences
Optional Activities
- Time in the charming city of Murcia
Landmarks/POIs City of Arts and Sciences - Day 8
Valencia
Explore Valencia's old town on foot with a local expert, seeing the ornate towers and the central market where locals actually shop for food. From there you'll head to Albufera, a freshwater lake that's an important wetland. You'll have paella for lunch here, since the dish actually originated in this area. Back in Valencia you'll have free time to check out whatever caught your eye.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Paella lunch at Albufera)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (H10 Casanova)
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Valencia's old town
- Visit to central market
- Journey to Albufera freshwater lake
- Paella lunch at Albufera
Optional Activities
- Independent exploration of Valencia
Landmarks/POIs Albufera - Day 9
Valencia to Barcelona
Travel to Barcelona and begin exploring the city on foot. A walking tour takes you through the main boulevards and down Las Ramblas, the famous tree-lined promenade. You'll also walk through the Gothic Quarter with its narrow medieval streets and old architecture.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (H10 Casanova)
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Barcelona's captivating boulevards
- Stroll along Las Ramblas promenade
- Exploration of Gothic Quarter
Landmarks/POIs Las Ramblas Gothic Quarter - Day 10
Barcelona
The morning is free, so you can explore Barcelona however you want. There's an optional trip to Montserrat, a mountain village outside the city if you're interested. In the afternoon a local expert leads a panoramic tour highlighting the city's main attractions, ending at La Sagrada Familia, the cathedral Gaudí designed with its distinctive spiral columns and forest-like interior.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Panoramic tour of Barcelona with local expert
- Visit to La Sagrada Familia (UNESCO) - Gaudí's masterpiece
Optional Activities
- Optional morning excursion to mountain village of Montserrat
- Independent exploration of Barcelona during leisure time
Landmarks/POIs La Sagrada Familia - Day 11
Departure
You'll head home today with memories of Spain's landscapes and cultural sites, or if you've booked an extension, you can continue on to the Spanish Riviera coast for more time in the region.
Optional Activities
- Spanish Riviera post-trip extension
