Itinerary:
Day 1: Barcelona – Zaragoza – Madrid
Leave central Barcelona by comfortable coach and travel through Lerida to Zaragoza to begin your 6-day tour of Spain. Have free time to see top Zaragoza sites such as the Basilica del Pilar, La Seo Cathedral and the Aljaferia Palace. Have lunch at a local restaurant (own expense) before continuing to Madrid. Enjoy a panoramic view of Madrid as you enter the beautiful city. Have free time for dinner (own expense) and explore more of the city on your own.
Accommodation: Tourist Class: Mayorazgo o Florida Norte and First Class: Courtyard Marriot Madrid Princesa o Catalonia Gran Via
Day 2: Madrid – Córdoba – Seville (B, D)
After breakfast at your hotel, relax on the drive along the land of Don Quixote to Cordoba. Visit Cordoba's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Jewish Quarter (Juderia), part of Cordoba's historic center. Your guide will lead you through its medieval streets, show you the gorgeous synagogue, and tell you about Cordoba’s Jewish history.
After a break for lunch (own expense), head to the most famous landmark of the city – the Great Mosque of Cordoba. Look inside and admire the forest of columns and red and white arches. Then, board the coach for the drive to Seville, where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner (included) and spend one night.
Accommodation: Catalonia Santa Justa (standard) or Meliá Lebreros (superior) in Seville
Day 3: Seville (B, D)
Have breakfast at your hotel before spending the day in Seville, the capital of the Andalusia region and the cultural center of southern Spain. Go on a sightseeing tour and see Seville’s top attractions such as the Cathedral of St Mary, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. Then, take a guided walking tour and visit the Santa Cruz quarter, the former Jewish quarter with winding alleys and picturesque lime-washed houses. See the famous Alcazar, Seville’s magnificent royal palace and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After a short lunch break (own expense), continue your tour around the Alcazar and to the beautiful Maria Luisa Park, home to the great Plaza de España. You’ll have the rest of the day to discover more of the city at your leisure. After dinner at a local restaurant (included), you have the option to go on a Flamenco tour to see a performance of Spain’s traditional Flamenco dance (own expense).
Accommodation: Catalonia Santa Justa (standard) or Meliá Lebreros (superior) in Seville
Day 4: Seville – Granada (B, D)
Start the day with breakfast and leave Seville behind to continue to Granada. Enjoy a guided tour of the Alhambra Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guide will tell you the history behind the beautiful architecture and will point out the beautiful Moorish features. After a short break for lunch (own expense), visit the sumptuous adjacent Generalife Gardens, featuring interestingly shaped trees, gorgeous flowers, and stunning fountains, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
After dinner (included), you have the option to go on a gypsy night tour (own expense) to the Albaizyn quarter (the old Arabic quarter) with your guide. Or, simply discover more of Granada on your own and check out the local nightlife.
Accommodation: 3-star Los Angeles or 4-star Melia Granada in Granada
Day 5: Granada – Valencia (B)
After breakfast at your hotel, continue your tour to Valencia. When you arrive, enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour on the way to your hotel, and see the impressive City of Arts and Sciences.
After lunch (own expense), join an optional walking tour (own expense) around Valencia's old quarter and visit the Silk Exchange and the Fallas Museum. For dinner (own expense), your guide will recommend the best local restaurants that offer paella, the traditional meat or seafood rice dish for which Valencia is famous.
Accommodation: Tourist Class & First Class: Nh Las Artes
Day 6: Valencia –Barcelona (B)
Have breakfast at your hotel and then enjoy free time to discover more of the enchanting corners of Valencia. At your leisure and expense, sunbathe at the beach; immerse yourself in Spanish history and culture at one of the various museums; or see sharks, dolphins, and jellyfish at L'Oceanogràfic.
You can also choose to go on a guided sightseeing tour (additional cost). In the early afternoon, depart Valencia for Barcelona, where your 6-day tour will end.
Note that hotels are subject to change.