Andalucia Mediterranean Barcelona Exploration - 7 Days

Meet the group at 8:30 in the morning at the designated point (please check your documentation for exact hotel departure details). We then travel south through the plains of La Mancha, famously linked to Don Quixote. After a brief stop in Puerto Lápice, we cross the natural border of Despeñaperros and enter Andalusia, a region rich in historical heritage. Upon arrival in Córdoba, we explore the remarkable mosque and other key sites, followed by a leisurely walk through the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon, we continue with a short two-hour drive to Seville, where we stay overnight.

After breakfast, we set off on a panoramic tour of Seville. You will admire the exterior of the city’s cathedral – the second largest Catholic cathedral after St Peter’s in Rome – before exploring the atmospheric Santa Cruz quarter, a neighbourhood rich in literary and cultural history. We then visit Maria Luisa Park and the impressive Plaza de España. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, offering the chance to discover unique viewpoints or sample the vibrant flavours of this lively city. Overnight in Seville.

After breakfast, we drive east along the historic Caliphate Road into the heart of Andalusia. En route, you will see vast olive groves stretching towards Granada, a city renowned for its remarkable monuments and as the last stronghold of the Moorish kingdoms until 1492. Upon arrival, we visit the famous Generalife Gardens, celebrated for their beauty and inspiration to writers such as Washington Irving in his Tales of the Alhambra. We spend the night in Granada.

After breakfast, we set off towards the Mediterranean coast. Passing through Murcia, the fertile capital of the Segura region, we continue north via Alicante, the second largest city in Valencia. Upon arrival in Valencia, step off the coach to begin exploring this vibrant Mediterranean city, renowned as the birthplace of the world-famous paella. You may wish to seek out a local restaurant to savour this iconic dish during your stay. Overnight in Valencia.

After breakfast, we begin with a morning tour of Valencia, driving through the historic old city and admiring its most notable landmarks. You will see the former riverbed of the Turia and visit the striking City of Arts and Sciences complex, taking in the distinctive exteriors of its six buildings. In the early afternoon, we depart northwards along the Mediterranean coast towards Catalonia. En route, we pass through Tarragona, once the Roman city of Tarraco. We then arrive in Barcelona, renowned as the home of Antoni Gaudí, whose work defines Catalan modernism. Overnight in Barcelona.

After breakfast, we set off on a morning tour of Barcelona, a city renowned for hosting the 1992 Olympic Games. We will drive along its main avenues, admiring the striking modernist architecture, including Gaudi’s masterpieces such as La Pedrera and Casa Milà—both UNESCO World Heritage sites. The tour continues to Montjuïc Park, offering panoramic views of the city and harbour, as well as visits to the Olympic Ring, the Columbus monument, and the Olympic Port. The afternoon is yours to explore Barcelona at your own pace, enjoying its diverse attractions and vibrant culinary scene. Overnight in Barcelona.

After breakfast, we travel southwest through a region of industry and agriculture, stopping in Zaragoza—the capital of Aragon—situated on the banks of the Ebro River, the longest on the Iberian Peninsula. Known as Caesar Augusta in Roman times, Zaragoza boasts a rich history reflected in its architecture and culture. You will have some free time to explore the striking Baroque Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar before we continue on to Madrid, where the tour concludes. Breakfast is included.