Spanish Explorer - Journeys of Distinction Light

9-DAY SPANISH ENLIGHTENED TOUR

Spain’s diverse cities are waiting to capture your imagination with their ancient history, rich culture and fiery spirit.

So much is included in the price

• Return flights to and from the UK with Iberia Airlines including all UK taxes
• Experience modern Spain, on a high speed AVE train from Madrid to Cordoba, and historic Spain in its key southern cities, with a trip to the magnificent Alhambra and Generalife in Granada.
• Sightseeing as specified with transfers and entrance fees included
• Local guides who’ll share their knowledge of the country, its history and culture
• Free time to explore independently
• 8 breakfasts
• Quality hotels throughout

Extend Your Holiday
Once the travel bug bites you, it’s hard to return to normal life; but you can always put it off for a bit longer by booking an extension to give yourself a few more days’ holiday and a wealth of different experiences.

Granada extension

Days 1 & 2 Granada
Wander through the old Albayzin District, catch a Zambra Gitano performance or soak up some Spanish sunshine.

Day 3 Granada to Heathrow
Transfer for your flight to Heathrow via Madrid.
Meals: 2 breakfasts
Hotel: 2 nights Carmen

From £120 per person.

Tour itinerary

Day 1 Depart Heathrow
Once your flight from Heathrow lands in Madrid, you’ll be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel.
Meals: In-flight
Hotel: Gavinet

Day 2 Madrid
You have a free day to explore the many highlights of the capital, including Plaza de Cibeles, Plaza de Colón, Puerta de Alcalá and the Palacio Real. This evening, we’ve arranged an optional excursion to a local restaurant for a Spanish cookery lesson.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Gavinet

Day 3 Madrid - Toledo - Madrid
Today we've included a visit to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage town. Once the capital, Toledo is one of the oldest cities in Europe. The tour takes in some magnificent architecture from the different epochs and cultures, including Arabic, Jewish and Catholic, such as the Primate Cathedral, the St. Tome Church which features El Greco’s masterpiece ‘The Burial of Lord Orgaz’ and San Juan de Los Reyes Church. You’ll also see wonderful examples of Toledo’s famous handicraft, “Damasquinado”, which features precious metals encrusted on steel.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Gavinet

Day 4 Madrid to Cordoba
After breakfast, you’ll board the AVE high speed train to Cordoba, which is an ultra modern, ultra comfortable train travelling at speeds of up to 310 km per hour. Once you arrive, you’ll have free time to look around Cordoba which was the former capital of the Omeya Califat during the Arab Domination. You’ll see the wonderful Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral), the colourful patios in the Jewish Quarter with their whitewashed walls, wrought iron detail and pretty plants, and the Alcázar de los Reyes; one of the most significant palaces in Spain.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Maimonides

Day 5 Cordoba to Seville
Explore independently this morning, before travelling to Seville in the afternoon, where you’ll have chance to wander the old Jewish Quarter of Santa Cruz, with its characteristic Patios, decorated with plants and flowers.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Petit Palace Canalejas.

Day 6 Seville
Explore at your own pace, but we recommend you visit Plaza de España, Plaza de America and the gardens of Maria Luisa Park. Don’t miss the cathedral where you can climb up the minaret La Giralda for tremendous views over the city. This evening, as an optional extra, you can visit a traditional flamenco show.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Petit Palace Canalejas

Day 7 Seville to Granada
After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Granada, stopping en-route at the village of Antequera.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Carmen

Day 8 Granada
On today’s half day tour, you’ll visit the Alhambra, an ancient Arabian fortress, and the nearby Generalife gardens. The Alhambra is one of the most visited monuments in the world and you’ll see the most important halls including the Patio de los Arrayanes (Myrtle Courtyard) and the Patio de los Leones (Lion Courtyard).
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Carmen.

Day 9 Depart Granada
You have free time this morning before transferring to the airport for your return flight via Madrid.
Meals: Breakfast, In-flight