Best of Spain Itinerary

Arrive in cosmopolitan Madrid, Spain's art and culture capital. Inspect art inside the legendary Museo del Prado, seek out a bargain in the narrow streets around Puerta del Sol or snack on tapas in Plaza Mayor. Perhaps experience old-world Spain on a day trip to the medieval city of Toledo, join the Madrilenos in Malasana for a glass or two of sherry or head to the Gran Via hotspots to dance the night away.

Discover the mesh of Muslim, Jewish and Christian cultures in the architecture and cuisine of the southern city of Cordoba. Visit the Mezquita, with its golden arches and intricate columns, and then perhaps stroll through a labyrinth of cobbled laneways in the old quarter, discovering open squares and quirky cafes.

Visit Seville and be swept up in the emotions of a fiery flamenco performance. See the world's largest Gothic cathedral and its imposing Moorish tower or enjoy the tranquil gardens in the Parque de Maria Luisa. Revel in the city known as the tapas capital of Spain, where restaurant windows are full of tasty morsels. In the evening, take a wander through lively El Centro.

Travel to Costa de la Luz and enjoy an optional day tour across the border to the British territory of Gibraltar, home to the famous Rock of Gibraltar, or go one step further to Tangier in Morocco. In free time, relax on the beaches of Tarifa, perhaps taking the opportunity to go whale watching off the coast.

Leave the Andalucian hills and journey to Ronda, a whitewashed town split in half by a deep chasm and joined by the amazing Puente Nuevo. Perhaps toil down the hand-hewn stairs of La Mina to the river below or learn about secret smuggler hideouts at the Bandits Museum.

Explore the Arab quarter of Albayzin, a maze of alleyways with sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada. For the best view of Granada at sunset, head to the Mirador de San Nicolas at the very top of the city's steep streets. Visit the exceptional Alhambra fortress.

Travel further north to Valencia, Spain's third-largest city. Why not do as the locals do and start the day with a breakfast of tortillas or churros at the morning market. Then, visit Valencia's cathedral, which reputedly houses the Holy Grail, and spend free time wandering through lush parks and gardens or go museum-hopping.

Arrive in vibrant Barcelona and make a stop at Gaudi's eccentric La Sagrada Familia. Then, squeeze in a spot of shopping, soak up the relaxed vibe in Las Ramblas or visit the Picasso Museum before saying hasta luego to wonderful Spain.