Your itinerary
Day 1: UK - Madrid.
Fly to Madrid where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
(D)
Day 2: Madrid - Aranjuez - Cuenca - Valencia.
We start the day by driving to nearby Aranjuez in the Castilian Plain, where you stop for a visit of the Royal Palace, the original of which goes back to the 14th Century. Although burnt down twice in 1727 and 1728 it was splendidly rebuilt and became a favourite residence of Spanish royalty. We continue south-east for to the magnificently located old town of Cuenca, standing high above the Rivers Júcar and Huecar and famous for its 'hanging houses', suspended precariously over the Huecar ravine. Overnight in Valencia.
(B)
(D)
Day 3: Valencia.
This morning we get acquainted with Spain's third largest city, Valencia. You'll enjoy a drive along its wide avenues lined with fig and palm trees. Enjoy the beauty of the old quarter with the narrow streets and fine Gothic houses. There will be time to do some shopping or more sightseeing and of course, the option of joining a sightseeing excursion.
(B)
Day 4: Valencia - Peniscola - Barcelona.
The day starts with a drive to the nearby Castellon area, where you'll see Peniscola Castle, first built by the Templars in the 14th Century and conjuring up scenes of medieval times. We continue through orange groves along the coast road past the Catalonian hilltop town of Tarragona to the region's lively and elegant capital, Barcelona, for a two-night stay.
(B)
Day 5: Barcelona. Included sightseeing.
Called the 'Great Enchantress' by poet Maragall, this vibrant, cosmopolitan city is the pride of Catalonia, full of charm and steeped in history. Our included sightseeing tour with local guide will include a drive around Montjuic Hill to see the Olympic Stadium and a great panoramic view of the port and city. The sightseeing continues to the city centre to Plaza Catalunya and Paeso de Gracia to admire the greatness and eccentricity of Gaudi's architectural masterpieces in the houses 'Battlo' and 'Mila' and the Sagrada Familia (entrance fees not included).
(B)
(D)
Day 6: Barcelona - Zaragoza - Pamplona.
We travel through the glorious countryside of Catalonia north west to Zaragoza on the banks of the River Ebro, where you'll have time to visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Pilar. We then continue north through fertile valleys, through the Rioja wine-growing region to the Basque Country, and the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Navarra, Pamplona, for an overnight stay.
(B)
Day 7: Pamplona - Bilbao - Burgos.
Our first stop today is in the heart of the Basque country for a visit to the Sanctuary of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. We continue to the Basque Country's largest city, Bilbao, where there's an opportunity for an optional visit to the Guggenheim Museum, jewel of contemporary architecture, packed with many fine examples of modern art. We then travel to Burgos in the ruggedly beautiful Castille-Leon region for an overnight stay.
(B)
(D)
Day 8: Burgos - Segovia - Avila - Salamanca.
We head south-east from the Basque country into Castille, enjoying some grand vistas as we travel to the edge of the Sierra de Guadarrama, a green oasis in the Castillian plain. We stop off in Segovia, a magnificently sited city perched on a rock formation at an altitude of 1000m, famous for its splendid cathedral, the medieval Alcazar palace and an impressive Roman aqueduct. Next we drive westward to Avila and then to Salamanca, one of Spain's greatest artistic and historical cities, for an overnight stay. Relax with an early evening drink in the city's elegant Plaza Mayor square.
(B)
(D)
Day 9: Salamanca - Seville.
Today we cross the mighty Tagus River and the Guadiana enjoying more Spanish landscapes before reaching the Andalucian capital, Seville, for a two-night stay.
(B)
(D)
Day 10: Seville.
The wonderful Andalucian city of Seville is the epitome of Spain: fiery flamenco, Moorish splendour, fragrant gardens, elegant plazas and more. The morning is yours to do as you please - perhaps join an optional city sightseeing tour to see many of Seville's highlights.
(B)
Day 11: Seville - Jerez - Ronda - Granada.
Today we head first into the sherry country of the Jerez region for a sherry-tasting stop. Then it's on past typical, quaint white-washed Andalucian villages to the town of Ronda, famous for the ravine which literally cuts it in two. Later we arrive for an overnight stay in the city of Granada, spectacularly set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains.
(B)
(D)
Day 12: Granada (included guided tour of the Alhambra) - Cordoba.
Granada was the Arabs most treasured city, and they still mourn its loss in their prayers. Included is a visit with local guide to the glorious Alhambra, surrounded by magnificent gardens and fountains, it affords superb views of the Old Quarter and Sacromonte. In the afternoon, there's more stunning scenery on the agenda as we travel to Cordoba, the 'Athens of the West', for an overnight stay.
(B)
(D)
Day 13: Cordoba - Madrid.
Cordoba is perhaps Spain's most Moorish city, with its grand 8th century Mezquita mosque, one of Islam's greatest pieces of architecture outside the Arab world. Included is a visit to this amazing landmark, now a cathedral. We then head into the heart of La Mancha, famed for its castles and windmills and the setting for Cervantes' famous novel, Don Quixote. We arrive in the Spanish capital, Madrid, in time to enjoy a relaxed evening.
(B)
Day 14: Madrid. Included sightseeing.
This morning, the optional trip to Toledo is most rewarding. The splendid setting of this old walled city was made famous in El Greco's paintings. Later join the included Madrid city sightseeing, Spain's regal capital and the highest in Europe, offers a wonderful mix of ancient and modern attractions including the famous Prado, one of the world's most impressive museums and galleries.
(B)
Day 15: Madrid - UK.
Transfer to Madrid airport for your flight to the UK.
(B)
Hotels On Tour
Madrid: Abba Madrid (4*); Valencia: Catalonia Excelsior (4*); Barcelona: Catalonia Aragon (3*); Pamplona: Maisonnave (3*); Burgos: Abba or Corona de Castilla (4*); Salamanca: Catalonia Salamanca Plaza (4*); Seville: Don Paco (3*); Granada: Don Juan (3*); Cordoba: Selu (3*); Madrid: Praga (4*).
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