Spanish Escape

Overview

Discover the history, culture and fiery passions of Spain on this nine-day off-season tour of its major cities, which takes place during the less-crowded months. Explore the Moorish legacy of Seville and Granada; see Gaudí’s imposing Gothic-Modernist masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia Basilica; and see the former tobacco factory that featured in Bizet’s operatic love letter to Spain, ‘Carmen’. You’ll have time to take in a flamenco show and wander around the serene water gardens of the royal summer residence near the Alhambra, the Palacio de Generalife.

UK - Madrid, Spain

Travel to Madrid where you will be transferred to your hotel.

Welcome to Madrid! At 6 pm, meet your tour director and travelling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Madrid

The capital since 1561, Madrid today is a strikingly modern city, the showcase of a country resolutely turned towards the future. Your local guide takes you to the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de España with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, elegant Calle Alcala, and Paseo de Castellana. Then, the highlight: a visit to the palatial Prado Museum with its priceless art treasures. To make the most of your stay, appealing optional excursions are available.

Madrid - Cordoba - Seville

A scenic drive through the arid landscapes of Don Quixote’s La Mancha brings you to Cordoba, for an orientation walk through the winding, stone-paved streets of the medieval city. Then, continue to Seville, the vibrant, festive capital of Andalusia.

Seville

Meet your local guide, and hear about the city’s role in Roman times, its conquest by the Moors in 712 AD, and its contribution to the discovery of the New World. Admire Maria Luisa Park, the Golden Tower on the Guadalquivir River, and the university that was once the tobacco factory of Carmen fame. Also, visit the magnificent Casa de Pilatos, a mixture of Moorish and Roman architecture with a splendid collection of Roman sculptures. Then, stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming Santa Cruz Quarter. An optional extended guided visit to the cathedral is also available. Tonight, for a truly Andalusian night out, reserve a seat at our optional Flamenco show.

Seville - Granada

Sightseeing with a local guide features Granada’s main attraction: the Alhambra Complex (please note that entrance to the Nasrid palace is not guaranteed). The mighty yet graceful citadel was planned by 13th-century Moorish ruler Al Ahamar. A fantasy of “lace in stone” surrounded by arabesque gardens and fountains, it affords superb views of the Old Quarter and Sacromonte, a mountain occupied by Gypsy cave dwellers. Also, amble through the magnificent Water Gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence.

Granada - Valencia

Cross the Mora Pass to see troglodyte cave dwellings hollowed out of the soft tufa stone, near Purullena and Guadix, on your way to Valencia—a former royal capital. During your orientation drive, Valencia’s Roman, Moorish, and Spanish history come alive. Admire the magnificent La Seo Cathedral and enjoy time on your own to discover the Old Town.

Valencia - Barcelona

Follow the coast to Barcelona, Spain’s second-largest city and host of the Olympic Games in 1992.

Barcelona

Sightseeing with a local guide features the Columbus Monument, Plaza de Cataluna, and Paseo de Gràcia. Visit Gaudì’s masterpiece, the spectacular Sagrada Familia Basilica, followed by a panoramic view of the city and harbour from Montjuïc Hill. This afternoon, an optional excursion to Montserrat can be arranged, and this evening, enjoy a flavourful farewell dinner with Sangria at a local restaurant to bid adios to your travelling companions.

Barcelona - UK

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.

Transfer from your hotel to the airport for your return flight to the UK.