Day 1: Madrid
Hola! Welcome to Madrid! This vibrant Spanish capital is celebrated for its elegant boulevards and beautifully landscaped parks, all pulsating with energy. Your journey begins with a welcome meeting at either 6 or 7 pm, depending on common area availability. After the meeting, you can opt for dinner or immerse yourself in local culture with some tapas and Rioja, or dance the night away at Gran Via hotspots with your new friends.
Day 2: Granada
Today, take a bus to Granada (approximately 5 hours). Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada is renowned for its stunning Moorish architecture, lively tapas bars, and natural beauty. Explore the old Arab quarter of Albaicin, a maze of narrow alleys, fountains, and whitewashed homes, or visit the 'Alcaiceria' (old silk market) to browse local crafts like ceramics and leather goods. For breathtaking sunset views over the Alhambra, hike up to the Mirador de San Nicolas. If time allows, check out the historic Renaissance Cathedral and Capilla Real. Granada is a place to explore intuitively, guided by your instincts (and your leader, of course).
Day 3: Granada
Today, visit the magnificent Alhambra Palace, with your entrance ticket included in the trip. Discover this 11th-century wonder, featuring striking red fortress towers, ornate palace decor, and stunning gardens against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Make sure to allocate enough time to explore the three main parts: the Alcazaba, the Palacio Nazaries, and Generalife. After your visit, ask your leader to take you deeper into Granada’s Moorish Albaicin quarter and enjoy the views of the Alhambra from this charming area. In the evening, consider meeting up with the group for dinner.
Day 4: Ronda
Depart Granada and travel by train and private transport to the picturesque town of Ronda, nestled in the Andalusian hills. Famous for its breathtaking scenery of green forests and white limestone mountains, Ronda is the birthplace of bullfighting in Spain and was favoured by literary figures like Hemingway and Orson Welles. The highlight is the stunning Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), which spans a 100-meter gorge. Stroll through the old Moorish town, admire historic buildings, and visit the well-preserved Arab Baths and the iconic Plaza de Toros. In the evening, find a spot to catch a scenic sunset—Ronda offers plenty of options.
Day 5: Ronda
Enjoy a leisurely walk through Los Molinos, the beautiful valley surrounding Ronda. Venture down to El Tajo gorge for a stunning view of the town and its bridge from below. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Visit the Plaza de Toros, one of Spain's oldest bullfighting rings, and the adjacent Bullfighting Museum. The gardens nearby provide panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, rich with history. Alternatively, check out the Museum of Bandits for an entertaining look into local lore, or explore the award-winning wineries and national parks that encircle the town.
Day 6: Tarifa
Travel southwest to Tarifa along the stunning coastline. This laid-back beach town, facing both the Mediterranean and North Africa, will be your home for the next two nights. Spend the afternoon relaxing—catch a bus to the 10-kilometer stretch of Playa de Los Lances, a haven for kite surfers, or unwind at a beach bar on Playa de Valdevaqueros. A stroll along the promenade, past fresh seafood restaurants and the old castle, is a perfect way to soak up the area's charm. In the evening, explore Tarifa's vibrant nightlife and enjoy dinner in town.
Day 7: Costa De La Luz / Tarifa
Today offers a range of optional activities. You might embark on a whale and dolphin watching expedition, as this unique location allows for sightings of seven species of marine life. Alternatively, consider a day trip to Tangier, Morocco, just a 45-minute ferry ride away, to explore its historic medina and kasbah. Another option is a visit to Gibraltar, where you can ride a cable car to the famous rock's summit, explore caves, and enjoy the blend of British and Spanish cultures.
Day 8: Seville
Travel to the vibrant city of Seville, known for its charm and vivacity. Famous for its oranges, tapas, and flamenco, Seville invites you to explore its lively streets. With the rest of the day free, consider starting in Barrio Santa Cruz, a historic area designed to escape the Andalusian heat. Alternatively, check out San Jacinto in the Triana quarter to discover its adventurous food scene.
Day 9: Seville
Enjoy a free day in Seville, making sure to visit the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and climb the adjoining Moorish tower, La Giralda, for breathtaking city views. Explore the magnificent Alcazar, a palatial complex with stunning gardens and architecture, also known as a filming location for *Game of Thrones*. For art lovers, the Museum of Fine Arts or the Archaeological Museum are excellent choices. As Seville is the tapas capital, don’t miss out on tasting some local dishes. In the evening, gather with the group for a passionate flamenco performance, a true highlight of your trip.
Day 10: Cordoba
Continue by train to Cordoba, where you can discover a rich tapestry of Muslim, Jewish, and Christian influences in its architecture and cuisine. Visit the iconic Mezquita, once the world’s third-largest mosque and now a Roman Catholic cathedral. If time allows, wander through the old quarter's charming cobbled streets, uncovering hidden squares and cafes. In the evening, indulge in Cordoba's culinary specialties like salmorejo (a cold tomato soup) and rabo de toro (oxtail stew).
Day 11: Valencia
Take a train to Valencia, the gateway to the Mediterranean. This coastal city boasts beautiful beaches, bustling markets, and a mix of old and new architecture. Spend your time exploring the vibrant Old Town and its historical landmarks. In the evening, consider bar-hopping and sampling tapas in the lively Ciutat Vella (old town).
Day 12: Valencia
Hop on a bike and ride along Turia Park to the iconic City of Arts and Sciences. After cycling, visit the 13th-century cathedral, rumored to house the Holy Grail, and climb the Miguelete tower for stunning views. Explore the quirky Museum of the Fallas, dedicated to Valencia's famous fire festival, or the Museo de Bellas Artes, home to Spain's second-largest art collection. Don’t miss the chance to relax on Playa de la Malvarrosa and savour the local paella for lunch. Tonight, consider heading to Ruzafa, one of the city's trendiest neighbourhoods.
Day 13: Barcelona
Take a train up the coast to Barcelona (approximately 3.5 hours). Known for its quirky character and exceptional Catalan cuisine, Barcelona offers Gothic architecture, vibrant nightlife, and an impressive art scene. Spend your afternoon exploring the Gothic Quarter or the bustling La Rambla, and don’t forget to stop at the colorful La Boqueria market. Consider visiting the Picasso Museum or the National Art Museum of Catalonia. For breathtaking views, take a funicular to Montjuic or Tibidabo. This evening, treat yourself to dinner in the trendy neighbourhood of El Born.
Day 14: Barcelona
Join your leader for an orientation walk around Barcelona today. Visit iconic sights, including Gaudi's magnificent La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, still under construction after decades. Explore other architectural wonders like Casa Batlo and Guell Palace. For a deeper understanding of Gaudi's work, visit the Gaudi House Museum in Parc Guell. As your day winds down, enjoy a sip of red wine from a porro, a traditional Spanish pitcher.
Day 15: Barcelona
Your Spanish adventure concludes this morning. There are no scheduled activities, so you’re free to depart the accommodation after check-out. If you'd like to extend your stay in Barcelona, our reservations team can assist with accommodation arrangements (subject to availability).
