Historic Cities of Spain

Your vacation starts as you arrive in Madrid and meet our Tour Manager at our hotel. We are then taken on a guided sightseeing tour, by coach and on foot, and introduced to Madrid's main sights, historical buildings and the city's vast green park, 'El Retiro'. These beautiful gardens were originally built for Spain's royal family in the 1500s, but the park is now a public space used by local residents of all ages and visitors to the city.

Our tour takes us past the magnificent Palacio Real, or Royal Palace, still used for official state functions and filled with impressive paintings, sculptures and antiques. This evening you are free to dine independently, and there are many enticing places to eat - from fashionable cafés serving tapas to more traditional establishments.

Today is yours to explore at your own pace. Although Madrid is the EU's second-largest city, its streets are easy to navigate thanks to its grid system. A short walk away is Puerta del Sol in the heart of the city, and three of Madrid's world-class art galleries - the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Prado, which is a treasure chest of Spanish masters including Diego Velázquez and Francisco Goya, and the Reina Sofía museum that has an impressive collection of 20th-century art.

You could walk along the wide boulevard of the Paseo del Prado to discover the famous Prado gallery, or one of the city's other great museums. El Retiro is a peaceful contrast to the lively streets - the park is like an oasis at the heart of the city.

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This morning we travel by First Class rail into Andalucía in Seville, for a two-night stay. After checking in and some free time to find lunch independently, this afternoon we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the city, by coach and on foot. We are taken through the city's historic Santa Cruz district, before entering Seville's impressive Gothic cathedral in the center of the Old Town. The largest Gothic building in Europe, the cathedral was built on the site of a mosque. Look out for the cathedral's medieval stained glass windows, and the Patio de los Naranjos, a peaceful area which is part of the original mosque.

After our tour, you are at leisure for the rest of the afternoon. You could stroll along the river to see the Torre del Oro, which was once a military watchtower and medieval prison. The golden tower is next to the Guadalquivir River and late afternoon or early evening is a special time to view it, as the tower glows as the sun's rays stretch across the river. We meet up with our group again this evening to dine at a restaurant close to our hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today is a chance to continue sightseeing at your own pace. Many of the city's landmarks are within easy walking distance. You could visit the grand monument, Plaza de España, an area of colorful tiled arches, ornate fountains and alcoves, created for the 1929 'Fair of the Americas'.

Another way to spend half a day is to visit the Real Alcázar, or Royal Palace, whose interiors are a combination of Moorish, Mujedar and Christian architecture with elaborate patios and geometric tiles. For art enthusiasts, Seville's Fine Art Museum, or Museo de Bellas Artes, is one of Spain's top art museums. Another emblematic site of Seville is the Triana Bridge, also known as Isabel II Bridge. There are also several flamenco venues in the Old Town with shows usually starting late in the evening - booking ahead is advised. Seville is known as the birthplace of tapas and there are many bars and restaurants where you can indulge in the celebrated dish independently this evening.

• Breakfast

We travel by coach to the station in Seville, where we board a train to the Moorish city of Granada where we stay for two nights. The city is dominated by the Alhambra. This palace and fortress complex is one of the world's most important and well-preserved examples of Moorish architecture, set against the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

We begin our explorations with a sightseeing tour, visiting the Albaicín Quarter. Once the Moorish quarters of the city, the area is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site which retains the narrow winding streets of its medieval past. After our tour, you are at leisure to continue exploring at your own pace. In the older streets, you will find Moroccan-style tea gardens, bohemian bars and craft shops. A must-visit area is the Mirador de San Nicolas. This wide terraced area has fantastic views up to the Alhambra - a popular spot to see flamenco players or artists and craftspeople selling their work. This evening you are free to dine independently.

• Breakfast

This morning we visit the breathtaking UNESCO-listed Alhambra itself. Once the residence of the Moorish leaders of Granada, this spectacular palace complex sits on a plateau overlooking the city, with the fairytale Sierra Nevada mountains as its backdrop. The Alhambra is listed as a World Heritage site for its outstanding aesthetic value as the world's only preserved palatine city of the Islamic period and the best example of its architecture.

We walk through the series of outstanding palaces with intricate carved wooden ceilings, colorful mosaics and astonishing plasterwork. We also enter the beautiful 14th-century Generalife, once a summer palace and country estate of the sultans. Afterwards, we are transferred back to our hotel with time to relax before dinner. This evening, we visit a traditional restaurant for an authentic Andalucían dinner, with views of the illuminated Alhambra.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we travel by coach to Córdoba. The third of Spain's great Moorish cities it was once the largest metropolis in Western Europe and another remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site. Arriving around lunchtime, we check into our hotel for the night. After time to settle in and find some lunch independently, we are taken on a guided tour of this beautiful city.

Entering the Old Town area, we cross the Roman Bridge, passing the 14th-century Calahorra Tower, before continuing to the Mezquita, considered to be one of the greatest remaining works of Islamic architecture in the world. Originally a mosque, it has been transformed over the centuries since Andalucia was reclaimed by the Spanish crown. Today, its interior includes dozens of chapels and several Christian icons.

Next, we explore the narrow streets of Córdoba's historic Jewish Quarter. We see its ancient synagogue, a statue of the Jewish philosopher and astronomer Maimonides, hidden stone patios, and other relics from this significant period in the city's history. This evening we have dinner at a local restaurant.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we travel by First Class high-speed rail to the Catalan capital of Barcelona. Arriving in the afternoon, we check into our hotel for two nights. We then set out on a guided tour of Barcelona, by coach and on foot. We see the astounding exterior of the Sagrada Familia, walk along the tree-lined boulevard of Las Ramblas and end our tour in the Gothic Quarter, signposted as Barri Gòtic. If you would like to explore the interior of Sagrada Familia, you could choose to do this independently with free time later.

The rest of the day is free to enjoy the city. It's impossible to visit Barcelona and not fall under the spell of renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. Our hotel on Passeig de Gràcia, in the Modernist district, places you near his masterpieces Casa Milà and Casa Batlló. You could visit Park Güell, with its colourful mosaic sculptures and stunning city views. You could also enter the Sagrada Familia, where it's possible to take a lift to the top. This evening you are free to dine independently.

• Breakfast

Today you're free to continue exploring Barcelona. The city's main attractions are easy to reach on foot, but you could also use the city's efficient metro system. In the Gothic Quarter, you could visit the impressive Picasso Museum with its many drawings from the artist's early work. For a relaxing experience, the city's botanical gardens provide a peaceful retreat.

There are several neighborhoods dotted along Barcelona's coast, some previously fishing villages such as El Poble Sec, which can be reached by metro. There you'll find well-kept beaches, seafront cafés and restaurants, and may enjoy a swim in the sea. Another area of the city to visit is the expansive park on a hill above the city, where you'll find the Montjüic Castle. Or you could visit the Boqueria market, just off the Ramblas, and indulge in tapas. This evening we meet up with our group and Tour Manager for a final farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Our grand tour of Spain reaches its end after breakfast. On your return journey, reflect on the highlights of this memorable vacation. We explored Madrid's historical landmarks, Seville's Gothic cathedral and Alhambra's palaces. Cordoba's Mezquita and Barcelona's architectural marvels completed our journey, enriched by time at leisure in each city.

• Breakfast