Grand Tour of Spain - 11 Days

Welcome to Madrid. Upon arrival at the airport, we will transfer you to your hotel, where you will have some free time before the tour begins. Please check the information boards at reception for details about the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. In the evening, we provide a transfer to Plaza Mayor and La Latina, Madrid’s most famous neighbourhood for nightlife and tapas. You may choose to dine at a restaurant of your preference, with options including Indian, Chinese, Spanish and Middle Eastern cuisines. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour.

We begin the day with a comprehensive tour of central Madrid, taking in key sights such as Paseo del Prado, the impressive Cibeles and Neptuno fountains, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón, and the historic Plaza Mayor. Afterwards, we visit Retiro Park, a peaceful green space in the heart of the city, where we see the lake and the elegant Palacio de Cristal. Included in today’s programme is admission to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid, one of the world’s most renowned football clubs. The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish, with a transfer back to the hotel provided in the evening.

In the morning, we depart Madrid and travel through the Castile region towards Aragón. Our first stop is Zaragoza, where we admire the impressive Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a significant Baroque church and important pilgrimage site. We then continue to Poblet Abbey, one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in Europe, where admission is included. In the evening, we arrive in Barcelona to conclude the day’s journey.

In the morning, we’ll take a panoramic tour of Barcelona, one of Europe’s most captivating cities. Set on the Mediterranean coast, the city is famed for Gaudí’s modernist architecture, its bustling Ramblas, and landmarks from the World Expositions and Olympic Games. The tour concludes at Maremagnum, a vibrant leisure and dining complex by the sea near Columbus Square, where you can enjoy a relaxed stroll. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. We’ll return to the hotel at the end of the day.

We travel south along the Mediterranean coast, stopping in Peñíscola, a charming medieval walled town surrounded by stunning beaches. You’ll have some time to explore the narrow streets at your leisure. Continuing on, we arrive in Valencia around midday. In the afternoon, a local guide will take us on a tour of this historic port city, which boasts over 2,000 years of history. We’ll see a variety of monuments reflecting different eras, alongside the striking modern architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences. After the tour, you’ll have free time to discover the city further before enjoying a traditional local dinner included this evening.

We continue through the scenic Valencian Community to Alicante, a Mediterranean city known for its golden beaches and vibrant historic quarter. Here, we have some free time to explore and admire the imposing Castle of Santa Bárbara. Our journey then takes us through the arid landscapes of the Murcia region, with a stop en route for lunch. Entering Andalusia, we visit Guadix, renowned for its unique cave dwellings still inhabited today. The town’s historic centre features a Renaissance cathedral alongside traditional neighbourhoods, all framed by views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. We then proceed to Granada, arriving in the late afternoon, where a dinner is included.

Today is yours to explore Granada, a city steeped in history and known for its atmospheric streets and stunning architecture. The iconic Alhambra dominates the skyline, though please note that admission is not included in your tour. If you wish to visit, we recommend booking tickets in advance through the official website. You can also book our "Grand Tour of Spain & Alhambra - 11 days" tour, which includes entrance.

You may also want to visit Granada Cathedral, which houses the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs, or wander the Albaicín quarter, where narrow cobbled streets and traditional houses offer breathtaking views of the Alhambra from the Mirador de San Nicolás. Take your time to soak up the unique character of this Andalusian gem.

Today we leave the Sierra Nevada behind and follow the Mediterranean coast along the so-called Tropical Coast, known for its mild climate that supports the cultivation of tropical fruits such as guavas, mangoes and avocados, as well as former sugar cane plantations. We stop in Nerja, a charming seaside town set against impressive cliffs, before continuing to Málaga, the vibrant capital of the Costa del Sol, where you’ll have time for lunch and a stroll around the historic centre. Afterwards, we travel inland into the Andalusian sierras to Ronda, a striking white town famed for its dramatic gorge that divides the city. We end the day in Seville, arriving in the late afternoon, with dinner included at the hotel.

In the morning, we explore Seville on a city tour, visiting highlights such as the cathedral with its iconic Giralda tower, the scenic banks of the Guadalquivir River, and the lively neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana. Following the tour, we enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the Guadalquivir, taking in panoramic views of the city from the water. In the evening, you have the option to attend a traditional flamenco tablao for an authentic cultural experience.

We depart Seville, travelling along the Guadalquivir Valley to Córdoba, once the capital of the Islamic Caliphate of Córdoba. With our local guide, we visit the remarkable Mosque–Cathedral, included in your tour, before exploring the atmospheric Jewish Quarter, known for its narrow streets and colourful patios—key features of the city’s charm. After lunch, we head into Castilian territory, stopping at Consuegra to see the dozen giant windmills that stand beside the castle, overlooking the vast La Mancha plain. We visit the Rucio Mill before continuing to Madrid, where the day concludes.

After breakfast, our journey concludes, leaving you with lasting memories of your experience.