Highlights of Southern Spain

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Spain. Your adventure begins in Madrid, the central capital known for its boulevards and expansive, manicured parks. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your group and local leader. If you arrive early, maybe walk along the Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) or visit Museo Reina Sofia and learn about Picasso and Dali. Tonight, maybe head out to dinner and get to know your fellow travellers.

Take a bus to Granada today. Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada is packed with Moorish architecture, great tapas bars and natural beauty. Take a walk around the old Arab quarter of the Albaicin – a labyrinth of crooked alleys, fountains, plazas and whitewashed houses – or the Alcaiceria (old silk market area) to see the craftworks on sale. If you're feeling energetic, climb the steep streets up to the Mirador de San Nicolas for sunset views over the famous Alhambra. If you have time, perhaps check out the historic Renaissance Cathedral and Capilla Real.

Today, visit Granada's Alhambra Palace on a guided tour. Wander the dominating red fortress towers of this 11th-century complex set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The palace is made up of the Alcazaba – the 11th century Muslim wing, which has great views from the towers – and the Palacio Nazaries and Generalife, the summer palace of the sultans. After, maybe head deeper into Granada’s Moorish Albaicin quarter and check out some of the traditional tea houses. Tonight, maybe meet up again with the group for dinner.

Travel to the vibrant city of Seville, known for its oranges, tapas and flamenco. This morning, set off on a walking tour through Seville with your leader. Explore narrow streets, hidden squares filled with orange trees and flower-adorned patios and learn about the city’s history. Then, if you'd like, visit the Alcazar of Seville on an optional tour – a grand royal palace. Known as one of the most beautiful in Europe, the Spanish Royal Family still use the Alcazar as their residence!

This morning is free for you to explore Seville at your own pace. Maybe visit the Giralda Tower or the famous Seville Cathedral – one of Europe’s largest cathedrals and home to Christopher Columbus’ elevated tomb. Tonight, watch a local flamenco show at Casa del la Memoria – a traditional Spanish style of dance with roots in Seville. Charged with emotion and drama, this powerful, fiery show is a real highlight.

Today, you’ll travel by train from Seville to Barcelona. After arriving in the Catalan capital, join your group for a leader-led orientation walk through a city known for its delicious Catalan cuisine and Gothic architecture. Then, explore at your own pace. You might check out the Neo-Gothic mansion of Güell Palace, visit the wave-inspired Casa Batlló, or explore the Gaudí House Museum in Parc Güell, where you can see colourful sculptures, including a long mosaic-covered bench overlooking the city.

This morning, visit the Basolica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia (Sagrada Familia) – the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world. The architect worked on this hugely ambitious project for decades until his death, and it remains in constant construction. Along with the Camp Nou football stadium, it is possibly the city's most iconic landmark. Then, join a guided tour this afternoon and indulge in traditional Catalan tapas. Walk along the buzzing street life, listen to stories of the past and everyday life in Barcelona, Catalonia and Spain and enjoy popular tapas like pa amb tomaquet (bread with tomato) or patas braves (fried potatoes), accompanied by a glass of local vermouth – a great way to celebrate the final night of your trip.

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay in Barcelona, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.