Experience Spain’s rich and vibrant history through its elegant and intricate monumental architecture. Immerse yourself in the relaxed lifestyle and lively culture by indulging in the local festivities, sampling delectable cuisine, and interacting with friendly locals.
Best Time to Travel: Late spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) are ideal times to visit Spain.
Average Temperatures
Arrive at Madrid Airport and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, allowing time to relax and unwind.
After breakfast, embark on the following tour:
Madrid/Toledo City Sightseeing Tour
Savour panoramic views as you traverse the grand thoroughfares of Calle Mayor and Gran Via. Experience the lively ambience of Plaza de España and admire the iconic Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas bullring.
You’ll have opportunities to disembark for photos at Puerta de Alcalá and Puerta del Sol, as well as to explore the university district of Moncloa. After a stop for lunch (at your own expense), board the bus for an hour-long drive to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, enjoy a walking tour that includes the historic Alcazar and the stunning Toledo Cathedral. Marvel at the architectural wonders of Toledo City Hall, the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, and the Church of St. Tomé, home to the renowned painting ‘Burial of the Count of Orgaz.’ On your return to the hotel, visit a traditional shop to explore Toledo’s exquisite handicrafts, including Damasquino metalwork.
Destination Nugget: Towards the end of the Renaissance, Toledo was renowned as a leading hub for sword making.
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the railway station to catch your train to Seville. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, embark on the following tour:
Seville Cathedral and Royal Alcazar – Skip-the-Line Tickets
Standard visiting hours are 10 AM for the Alcazar and 1 PM for the Cathedral (with afternoon visits on Sundays). Enjoy skip-the-line access to the Cathedral, the largest Gothic building in the world, and the stunning Alcazar, a highlight of Seville’s architecture. Spend the night at your hotel.
Destination Nugget: For much of the Middle Ages, Spain had been under Muslim rule, and Seville was the capital of Muslim Spain.
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport. Upon arrival in Granada, check in to your hotel and enjoy a day of relaxation.
After breakfast, embark on the following tour:
Alhambra Entrance Ticket and Audio Guide
Experience Granada with an Alhambra admission package that includes a comprehensive audio guide. The audio guide features over 5 hours of narration with a 48-hour validity, offering specially prepared commentaries on four fascinating routes presented by the city’s official chronicler: 17th century, Muslim (including Alhambra), Landscape, and Baroque. You’ll have access to the complex’s palaces and the beautiful Generalife Gardens.
Destination Nugget: The name Alhambra comes from the fortress’s Arabic name al-Qalʻat al-Ḥamrā which means “Red Fortress”. The fortress got its name due to the red clay, rich in iron oxide used in its construction.
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport. Upon arrival in Barcelona, check in to your hotel and enjoy a leisurely day.
Travel to Montjuïc, a well-known hill where the 1992 Olympic Games were held, for stunning city views. Next, visit the Catalunya National Art Museum, followed by Plaça Espanya and the modernist architecture of Eixample. On your way to Sagrada Familia, pass Paseig De Gracia, renowned for its designer boutiques and home to two remarkable buildings by Antonio Gaudí: La Pedrera and Casa Batlló.
Skip the line at La Sagrada Familia, where you will receive a thorough guided tour of its magnificent exterior before exploring its beautiful interior. Continue to the Gothic Quarter, the oldest part of Barcelona, to stroll through its narrow medieval streets. Conclude with visits to the Royal Palace and the Jewish Quarter, before seeing the 2000-year-old Roman Temple of Augustus, which is part of the medieval Barcelona Cathedral.
Destination Nugget: Antonio Gaudi, the man who built La Sagrada Familia is actually buried on its premises.
Visit Santa Maria de Montserrat, a famous monastery near Barcelona. Enjoy a scenic ride on a cogwheel train and admire the breathtaking views of the stunning landscapes surrounding Barcelona. Following this, explore the Royal Basilica of Montserrat and the Benedictine Abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat. Here, you will see “La Moreneta” (The Black Madonna), a 12th-century carving of Our Lady of Montserrat. Don’t miss the chance to sample four local liquors at the gift shop. Your visit to Montserrat includes all transportation in an air-conditioned coach and entrance fees. Return to your hotel in Montserrat for the night.
Destination Nugget: Contrary to the popular idea that “La Moreneta” (The Black Madonna) depicts an African Virgin Mary, the face of the statue has gradually blackened over time.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your departure back home.
Experiences