Spanish Wonder - 9 days, 1 country and 9 cities

Day 1 | Welcome to Madrid

The lively capital of Spain is our launchpad to a memorable encounter with one of Europe's most soulful destinations. Relax in the lush surrounds of Buen 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 a Welcome Dinner.

Meals:  Dinner

Hotel : NH Collection Eurobuilding / Melia Castilla 

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Day 2 | Explore Vibrant Toledo

We head to Toledo, the former capital of Spain, where we join a Local Specialist for a walking tour of this city that dates back to Roman times. We'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'. We'll also visit the synagogue, before returning to Madrid where we’ll admire the Royal Palace and Cibeles Fountain with our Local Specialist. Spend the evening on your own, or delve into the sights and flavours of Spain's capital with an Optional Experience. 

Meals:  Breakfast

Hotel : Ayre Gran Colón / Melia Castilla

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• Dinner and Discovery in Downtown Madrid  - Join us this evening as we scratch beneath the surface of some lesserknown aspects of Madrid's city centre. Then, we'll settle in for dinner, along with musical entertainment and finish up with a spin around some of the wonderful squares and fountains of magical Madrid.
  Adult: 68.00 EUR

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Day 3 | Journey to Córdoba and on to Seville

Journeying south through La Mancha, we arrive in Córdoba, once a significant Moorish capital. Join a Local Specialist to visit the Mosque of the Caliphs and learn about centuries of Moorish rule and its influence on the culture and architecture of the region. We travel to flamboyant Seville, our home for the next two nights. This evening, we Connect With Locals, joining the Morillo family for a Be My Guest experience at their olive oil farm, where you’ll learn how oil is produced from their 6,000 trees and sample some of their produce.

Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel : Occidental Sevilla Viapol, Seville/Hotel Zenit, Seville

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Day 4 | Discover Seville’s Sights 

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

Meals:  Breakfast

Hotel : Occidental Sevilla Viapol, Seville/Hotel Zenit, Seville 

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• The Moorish Alcázar and Plaza América  - Today, with our Local Specialist, we'll visit the elegant 14th-century Moorish Alcazar, set in its own beautiful gardens. The gardens were used as the setting for the Water Gardens of Dorne in the Game Of Thrones series. We'll also journey to the famous exhibition site of Plaza América - a must for any visitor to Seville.
  Adult: 52.00 EUR
  * This optional involves reservation and entrance pre-payments. Cancellation will incur a 50% cancellation fee.

In Seville, your Travel Director will offer you either two different Optional Experiences where you will enjoy a flamenco show and tapas dinner respectively, or a single Optional Experience that combines a flamenco show and dinner. Please see details below:

• Discover The Origin Of Tapas & Evening In Old Seville  - Join us for a dinner of mouth-watering tapas-style specialties. You’ll get the chance to taste different flavours and wines and dine like a local in the charming old quarter of Seville.
  Adult: 60.00 EUR
• Flamenco: Experience the Best Show in Town  - Discover the passion, rhythm and magic of an Andalusian flamenco show with us this evening. We've organised tickets to the best show in town, where you’ll experience 90 minutes of memorable entertainment with an included drink.
  Adult: 44.00 EUR
• Flamenco, the Best Show in Town With a Three-Course Dinner  - This evening you’ll discover the magic, rhythm and passion of flamenco, while being served a three-course dinner of Andalusian specialties with drinks included. We've organised tickets to the best show in town. You won't soon forget this incredibly memorable ninety-minute experience.
  Adult: 74.00 EUR

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Day 5 | Onwards to Granada

Multicultural Granada takes centre stage today, as we 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.

Meals:  Breakfast

Hotel : Hotel Catalonia, Granada/Hotel Occidental, Granada

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• Albaicín and the Royal Chapel  - With our Local Specialist, we'll enjoy a leisurely walking tour through the Albaicín UNESCO World Heritage Site – a maze of narrow streets and Moorish splendour. You'll explore the Catholic Monarchs' tombs and some of their treasures at the Royal Chapel, and wander through the picturesque Alcaicería quarter.
  Adult: 43.00 EUR

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Day 6 | Admire Iconic Architecture in Guadix and on to Valencia

and on to Valencia This morning, we journey via the Mora Pass to Guadix in the northern foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. We’ll see the whitewashed troglodyte dwellings lodged into the ochre-coloured cliffs of the surrounding area, then travel to Valencia, where we’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 largescale urban recreation centre for culture and science. Enjoy organic horchata, the celebrated drink of Valencia, during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This evening, dine at your hotel, and perhaps take to the vibrant streets of the Old Quarter.

Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel : Silken Puerta

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• Valencia’s Golden Age, a Leisurely Walking Tour  - Valencia has a well-preserved medieval centre which our Local Specialist will bring alive as they take us back to the city's heyday, from Roman and Gothic times into the Golden Age, when Valencia was Spain’s most important city. We'll take a leisurely stroll through the medieval streets and also visit Lonja, an exquisite late gothic building, UNESCO-listed since 1996.
  Adult: 34.00 EUR

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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 Familia, see the upscale boutiques and Gaudi creations on the Passeig de Gracia and pay tribute to Christopher Colombus at the monument that bears his name.

Meals:  Breakfast

Hotel:  U232/Barceló Sants

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability:

• Barcelona Evening with Montjuïc & Olympic Drive  - We'll enjoy the beauty of Barcelona as the day ends, including a drive up to Montjuïc hill with our Local Specialist to experience an incredible panorama over the city with its impressive harbor. Later, we've included free time for dinner in a Catalan restaurant with your newfound friends.
  Adult: 31.00 EUR
• Olympic Barcelona with Calatalan Dinner  - Take a scenic drive up to Montjuic for sweeping views over buzzing Barcelona and a glimpse of the buildings used during the 1992 Olympics. Afterwards, indulge in a delicious Catalonian style dinner complemented by drinks and good company.
  Adult: 72.00 EUR

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Day 8 | Uncover Gaudí's Barcelona

Explore centuries of history, contemporary culture and exquisite art and architecture on your day at leisure. Ramble down the 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, we celebrate a memorable journey through Spain with our newfound friends and Travel Director at a Farewell Dinner.

Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel:  U232 Hotel / Barcelo Sants Barcelona

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

• Mystical Montserrat  - Today, with our Local Specialist, take a drive to the enchanting and mystical mountain of Montserrat, with its breathtaking views and spectacular scenery. While there, visit the Benedictine monastery to view the famed Black Madonna. At the daily farmer's market, perhaps sample and purchase their homemade cheeses, honeys, and other local specialties.
  Adult: 56.00 EUR
  *This optional experience involves reservation and entrance pre-payments. Cancellation will incur a 50% cancellation fee

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Day 9 | Farewell Spain

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

Meals:  Breakfast