Highlights of Southern Spain - 8 Days

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Spain. Your adventure begins in Madrid, the central capital known for its boulevards and expansive, manicured parks. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your group and local leader. If you arrive early, maybe walk along the Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) or visit Museo Reina Sofia and learn about Picasso and Dali. Tonight, maybe head out to dinner and get to know your fellow travellers.

After breakfast, you’ll drive to the oldest city in the 'New World' – Granada. Featuring Moorish and Andalusian architecture, Granada is set on the banks of Lake Nicaragua and is surrounded by active volcanoes. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the leafy Parque Central and La Calzada – a busy pedestrian street with plenty of bars and restaurants. Learn the history of the city and discover Islamic architecture and Arab influences. Then, you’ll have some time for your own explorations – maybe head to a local teahouse to sample some Moorish pastries.

Today, visit Granada's Alhambra Palace on a guided tour. Wander the dominating red fortress towers of this 11th-century complex set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The palace is made up of the Alcazaba – the 11th century Muslim wing, which has great views from the towers – and the Palacio Nazaries and Generalife, the summer palace of the sultans. After, maybe head deeper into Granada’s Moorish Albaicin quarter and check out some of the traditional tea houses. Tonight, maybe meet up again with the group for dinner.

Travel to the vibrant city of Seville, known for its oranges, tapas and flamenco. This morning, set off on a walking tour through Seville with your leader. Explore narrow streets, hidden squares filled with orange trees and flower-adorned patios and learn about the city’s history. Then, visit the Alcazar of Seville – a grand royal palace. Known as one of the most beautiful in Europe, the Spanish Royal Family still use the Alcazar as their residence!

This morning is free for you to explore Seville at your own pace. Maybe visit the Giralda Tower or the famous Seville Cathedral – one of Europe’s largest cathedrals and home to Christopher Columbus’ elevated tomb. Tonight, watch a local flamenco show at Casa del la Memoria – a traditional Spanish style of dance with roots in Seville. Charged with emotion and drama, this powerful, fiery show is a real highlight.

Say good morning to Barcelona before heading out with your group on a leader-led orientation walk of the city – known for its delicious Catalan cuisine and Gothic architecture. Then, explore the city at your own pace. Maybe check out the Neo-Gothic mansion of Guell Palace, visit the wave-inspired structure of Casa Batlo, or explore the Gaudi House Museum inside Parc Guell and see colourful sculptures, including a long mosaic-covered bench overlooking the city.

This morning, visit the Basolica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia (Sagrada Familia) – the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world. The architect worked on this hugely ambitious project for decades until his death, and it remains in constant construction. Along with the Camp Nou football stadium, it is possibly the city's most iconic landmark. Then, join a guided tour this afternoon and indulge in traditional Catalan tapas. Walk along the buzzing street life, listen to stories of the past and everyday life in Barcelona, Catalonia and Spain and enjoy popular tapas like pa amb tomaquet (bread with tomato) or patas braves (fried potatoes), accompanied by a glass of local vermouth – a great way to celebrate the final night of your trip.

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay in Barcelona, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.