Spanish Wonder End Barcelona

Day 1
Welcome to Madrid
The lively capital of Spain is your launchpad to a memorable encounter with one of Europe's most soulful destinations. Relax in the lush surrounds of El Retiro Park, shop up a storm on Gran Vía or people-watch over coffee and churros with chocolate in the Puerta del Sol. This evening, join your fellow travellers and Travel Director for an orientation drive followed by dinner.

Day 2
Explore Vibrant Toledo Dive Into Culture
Head to Toledo, the former capital of Spain, where you will join a Local Specialist for a walking tour of this city that dates back to Roman times. You'll visit a traditional factory and Dive into Culture, witnessing the age-old inlaid-steel craft, before seeing one of El Greco's most famous paintings in the Church of Santo Tomé – 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz'. You'll also visit the synagogue, before returning to Madrid to admire the exterior of the Royal Palace and Cibeles Fountain with your Local Specialist. Spend the evening on your own, or delve into the sights and flavours of Spain's capital with an Optional Experience.

Day 3
Journey to Córdoba and on to Seville Connect with Locals
Journey through the plains of La Mancha, a region made famous by the tale of Don Quixote, and arrive in Córdoba. With a Local Specialist, visit the Mosque of the Caliphs and explore the Jewish Quarter, uncovering stories of cultural exchange and architectural legacy. Continue to Seville, where you’ll stay for the next two nights. Join your hosts at a local olive oil farm for a Be My Guest experience. Learn how olives are grown and pressed, hear about life in the countryside and sample some of the oils produced on site.

Day 4
Discover Seville’s Sights
This morning, meet our Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Seville. View the symbolic Giralda Bell Tower, and see the Moorish-inspired Maria Luisa Park, with its tiled fountains, pavilions and ponds. Marvel at the ornate tomb of Christopher Columbus in the cathedral, then take a walk through the former Jewish Quarter. In the evening, consider an Optional Experience to see, hear and feel the mysterious and ineffable charm of a traditional flamenco show.

Day 5
Onwards to Granada
Multicultural Granada takes centre stage today, as you visit the magnificent Alhambra in the company of a Local Specialist. An exquisite example of Moorish architecture, the Alhambra complex was built towards the end of Islamic rule in Spain. Wander through the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the royal Summer Palace, once linked to the other palaces by a covered walkway across the ravine.

Day 6
Admire Iconic Architecture in Guadix and on to Valencia
This morning, journey via the Mora Pass to Guadix in the northern foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. You’ll see the whitewashed troglodyte dwellings lodged into the ochre-coloured cliffs of the surrounding area, then travel to Valencia, where you’ll see the Bullring and admire the medieval architecture of the Quart and Serranos towers. Embrace the city's spirit of innovation and stop to view the City of Arts and Sciences, a large scale urban recreation centre for culture and science. Enjoy organic horchata, the celebrated drink of Valencia, during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This evening, you will dine at your hotel.

Day 7
Off to Coastal Peñíscola and Barcelona
Head north, along the coast through the Levant region, and stop at Peñíscola, the 'City in the Sea'. View the ancient castle of the 'Spanish Pope', built by the Knights Templar and used in the film, 'El Cid'. We then continue along the Costa Dorada to Barcelona with its whimsical Gaudi architecture. Join a Local Specialist to admire the exterior of the unfinished Sagrada Família, see the upscale boutiques and Gaudi creations on the Passeig de Gràcia, and pay tribute to Christopher Columbus at the monument that bears his name.

Day 8
Uncover Gaudí's Barcelona
Explore centuries of history, contemporary culture and exquisite art and architecture on your day at leisure. Ramble down Las Ramblas or join an Optional Experience to the monastery perched atop the mountain of Montserrat to see the mystical Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia. This evening, celebrate a memorable journey through Spain over dinner with your newfound friends and Travel Director.

Day 9
Farewell Spain
Bid a fond adiós to Spain at the end of a memorable holiday.

Dining Summary
4 Dinner (D)
8 Breakfast (B)
Be My Guest
Seville: Spend time at a family-run olive oil farm and learn how olives are grown, harvested and pressed. As you explore the property, hear stories from your hosts and enjoy a tasting of their signature oils. A relaxed and flavourful glimpse into local life. Please note: Your Be My Guest experience may take place on Day 3 or Day 4 of the itinerary, subject to availability.
Dive into Culture
Toledo: The invincible swords of Toledo have defended cities for centuries. Visit an inlaid steel factory in Toledo to see local craftsmen forging the highest quality steel.
Iconic Experience
Madrid: Drive through central Madrid and see some of the city's famous features during an orientation with your Travel Director.
Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Specialist. Visit the Old Town, travelling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the Cibeles fountain and Royal Palace.
Toledo: Explore this magnificent ancient city with your Local Specialist and visit the Church of Santo Tomé to see an El Greco masterpiece.
Córdoba: Explore the incredible Mezquita with your Local Specialist. Admire the forest of horseshoe arches and learn how this building symbolises many of Córdoba's religious changes over the centuries.
Seville: Guided by your Local Specialist, see the Giralda Tower, former minaret of the Great Mosque and now the cathedral's belltower. Explore the narrow streets of the Santa Cruz Quarter and emerge by the great walls of the Alcazar.
Granada: Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. Explore with a Local Specialist keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.
Guadix: See the cave homes that embellish the hills around Guadix.
Valencia: See the ultra-modern Centre of Arts and Sciences and the historic bullring of Valencia during an orientation drive with your Travel Director.
Peñíscola: See the castle featured in the film 'El Cid'.
Barcelona: With your Local Specialist, see the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to take in some of the city's finest Modernist architecture. Journey past the beautiful façades of the Eixample district to see the exterior of Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
Valencia: Taste authentic Valencian horchata from a local vendor. This rich and flavourful nut-based drink loved by many is produced here using only locally sourced and natural ingredients, and respecting traditional methods of production. Alongside the local and organic production, they have been bringing the vibrant tradition of horchata back to its glory days, giving employment opportunities to people at risk of social exclusion. They have also built over 10 street carts from recycling materials, all working on solar energy and ice. Your visit supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Must-see Highlights
Explore Madrid, Toledo, Córdoba, Seville and Barcelona
Discover Valencia and Peñíscola
Visit an inlaid steel factory, the Synagogue and Santo Tomé in Toledo, Córdoba's Mosque of the Caliphs​, the Cathedral in Seville, Granada's Alhambra Palace
View the Royal Palace and Cibeles Fountain in Madrid, the cave homes of Guadix, the Serrano and Quart Towers and the City of Arts and Sciences complex in Valencia and La Sagrada Família exterior in Barcelona