Premium Spain - 11 Days

Bienvenido! Welcome to Spain. When you arrive in Madrid, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure then officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6.30 pm. If you arrive early, you might like to visit the Museo del Prado and then wander the works of Picasso and Dali in the Museo Reina Sofia. After your meeting, join your local leader and small group for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant that showcases Madrid’s famous tapas.

This morning, get an in-depth look at Madrid as you join your leader for a tour of the city centre. You’ll visit Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace on a walk that brings the city’s history to life. After stopping to refuel at a local cafe, enjoy a free afternoon to relax or continue your explorations. You could wander along the along the Paseo del Arte, or Art Walk, for an expansive history of Western art. Start with the Museo del Prado, then discover modern Spanish masters, including Picasso and Dali, in the Museo Reina Sofia. Finish at the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, which displays eight centuries of European paintings.

This morning, travel from Madrid to Seville by train. The largest city in southern Spain, Seville is famous for its cultural vitality and architecture. When you arrive, check into your Feature Stay accommodation, Las Casas de la Juderia – a gorgeous, family-run boutique hotel housed in 27 Sevillian cottages connected by patios and corridors. The hotel celebrates its roots with its decor and antique furnishings and walking through the hotel's interior is like taking a stroll through centuries-old parts of the city. Its statues, columns and jugs all create the impression of a living museum. Look for personal touches throughout the hotel, like the hand-painted details in each room and the owner’s great-grandmother’s shawl hanging in reception. Tonight, join your group for a live flamenco show – a traditional Spanish style of dance with roots in Seville.

This morning, meet with a local expert on all things Seville and get to know the city during a walking tour. Explore narrow streets, hidden squares filled with orange trees and flower-adorned patios as your guide provides local insight into the history of the city. 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! The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. Maybe take an optional visit to the Giralda Tower and the famous Seville Cathedral – one of Europe’s largest cathedrals and home to Christopher Columbus’ elevated tomb.

Travel to Cordoba today, stopping in Ecija for a short tour and your Exclusive Experience, a private workshop visit. Step inside the studio of a master Andalusian sculptor – this studio is rarely open to the public! – and meet the artist as he shares insights into his career, creative philosophy and the meticulous techniques behind sacred sculpture. Observe a masterpiece in progress and learn the role religious imagery has in Andalusia’s Holy Week traditions. After, continue to Cordoba, where Muslim, Jewish and Christian influences are present in the architecture, culture and cuisine. Cordoba is also home to the Mezquita – a rare site that has served as both a mosque and a cathedral throughout the centuries. Discover this supreme example of Islamic architecture on a guided tour with your leader that continues outside the Mezquita and explores the charming quarters and hidden corners of Cordoba.

Depart Cordoba and travel to Granada. Along the way, you’ll visit an oil mill, where the passionate owner of this family-run business will walk you through the process of olive oil production. Taste some different variations of the result, along with a lunch that includes olives, olive marmalade, olive pate and wine. This evening, maybe head out to explore Granada’s drinking and dining scene with your group.

This morning, take an orientation walk of Granada with your leader. Learn the history of the city and discover Islamic architecture and Arab influences at every turn. Then, you’ll have some time for your own explorations – maybe head to a local teahouse to sample some Moorish pastries. In the afternoon, join an expert local guide for a tour of Alhambra and its perfectly manicured gardens. Dating back to the 11th century, Alhambra represents Muslim art in its final European stages. Tonight, join your group for dinner at a nearby restaurant. Return to the Alhambra after dark and explore the famed Nasrid Palaces with your local guide. By now, the crowds have dispersed and you’re free to explore the site in all its glory. Your guide will provide expert insight as you explore the dominating red fortress towers, opulent palace decor and multitude of architectural styles.

Depart Granada and travel to Valencia today. Along the way, you’ll visit Bodegas Carchelo winery in the Murcia region for a wine tasting and tapas. During your private guided visit, you’ll have the chance to try several carefully selected top-tier wines, complemented by artisanal cheeses, Iberian cured meats, handcrafted potato chips, traditional empanadillas and local Jumilla sweets. Then it’s on to Valencia, Spain’s third largest city. When you arrive, you’re free to explore the Old Town centre that dates back 2000 years. Discover the harmonious mix of Roman, Muslim and Christian influences in its buildings, monuments and gardens.

This morning, join a local guide for a tour of Valencia. Hear the stories behind historical sites like the Puertas de Serrano, town hall and cathedral, and visit the central market and Silk Exchange building. Along the way, stop to try horchata, an iconic drink from Valencia, and finish off with a lunch of the most famous Valencian dish – paella. The rest of the day is yours to explore Valencia at your own pace. You might like to visit the City of Arts and Science – a large and futuristic museum complex designed by Calatrava. Or, head out to a local cafe to enjoy the treats that Valencia has to offer.

After a leisurely breakfast, bid farewell to Valencia and hop on a train to Barcelona. The character and fabulous Catalan cuisine of this city mix seamlessly with a ground-breaking art scene, Gothic architecture, superb dining and non-stop nightlife, making it a city you won’t soon forget. Once you’ve checked into your accommodation, visit Antonio Gaudi’s incredible La Sagrada Familia Cathedral. The architect worked on this hugely ambitious project for decades until his death, and it remains in constant construction. Later, have dinner at a local restaurant with your group. Celebrate the final night of your trip as you dine on some of the region’s most delicious foods like olives, pickled garlic, lomo Iberico de Bellotta (pork loin), Catalan cheeses, olive oil and sweet desserts.

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay in Barcelona and delve deeper into this exciting city, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to arrange additional accommodation.