Spanish Explorer

9-Day 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 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

Want to Extend Your Holiday?

Relax on the Spanish coast from £155pp

If you’d like to make the most of your time, why not take our extension to the Spanish Coast? On departure day, you’ll accompany your group to Malaga airport, and continue for extra nights relaxation in the sun.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Depart London Gatwick

Once your flight lands in the Spanish capital, Madrid, you’ll be met by your local guide and transferred to the Hotel Gavinet for 3 nights.

Day 2 Madrid

You have a free day to explore the city’s many highlights, including Plaza de Cibeles, Plaza de Colón, Puerta de Alcalá and the Palacio Real. For this evening, you can pre-book an extra optional excursion to a local restaurant for a Spanish cookery lesson.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 3 Madrid – Toledo – Madrid

Today we've included a full day 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 the church of San Juan de los Reyes. You’ll also see wonderful examples of Toledo’s famous handicraft, “Damasquinado”, which features precious metals encrusted on steel.

Meals: Breakfast.

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. Your home for 1 night is the Hotel Maimónides, set down a typical alleyway of the Jewish Quarter . 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, the colourful patios 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.

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. Your 2 night stay is in the Monte Triana.

Meals: Breakfast.

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.

Day 7 Seville to Granada

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Granada, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, stopping en-route at the village of Antequera. Your hotel for the next 2 nights is the Hotel Carmen, well located and complete with roof top pool.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 8 Granada

On today’s half day tour, you’ll walk through Granada (30 minutes) to 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). Exploring the nooks and crannies and discovering the treasures from the height of the Alhambra’s glory days is an unforgettable experience.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 9 Depart Granada

You’ll transfer today to Malaga airport for your return flight. Alternatively you may choose to extend you stay with extra nights in Malaga.

Meals: Breakfast.