The Best of Southern Spain

Arrival at Madrid Barajas Airport, you will be welcomed by your local driver-guide for your transfer to the hotel. Overnight in central Madrid.

Enjoy a full day to explore this bustling capital. In the morning, discover visit the famous Royal Palace, which is the largest functioning royal palace and the largest by floor area in Europe. After lunch, pass through Plaza Mayor and get your art fix at the Prado Museum before taking a leisurely stroll in the picturesque El Retiro park to absorb the local atmosphere. Overnight in central Madrid.

Journey south to Granada. Upon arrival in Granada enjoy a guided city tour before you have free time to explore the city at your leisure. Overnight in central Granada.

Enjoy a fully guided visit to the architectural masterpiece, the Alhambra, a fortified palace complex and certified UNESCO world heritage site that started life as a walled citadel before going on to become the opulent seat of Granada’s Nasrid emirs. In the late afternoon, you will let off steam with an experience at the Arabian Baths of Al Andalus, composed of a dip in three baths of different temperatures followed by a 15-minute massage.

Discover the Prehistoric Caves of Nerja, these famous limestone caves are 4km long and feature the world’s longest and largest stalactite. Arrive in Malaga, famous for its Malagueta beach, Plaza de Toros square and Malaga Cathedral. Included is a visit to the Alcazaba, a fortress that in Arabic means citadel. Built on the side of Mount Gibralfaro, the citadel was built in the 10th century on the ruins of a Roman bastion. Afterwards you visit the Museum of the master painter Picasso, housed in a stunning 16th-century palace filled with some of the greatest works of the 20th century. Get to know the art of Picasso, with over 200 original works. Overnight in central Malaga.

Drive to Mijas to explore this charming little village with its whitewashed houses with lime, nestled in the side of the mountain. Then proceed to Ronda, located on the high gorges of El Tajo, Ronda offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views in Spain. Visit of the city which has a rich history of ancient rock painting, stone bridges and 14th century ruins. Return to Malaga for overnight.

Journey along the beautiful Costa del Sol, then stop to explore the British outpost of Gibraltar, where the highlight is the Apes Den of the Barbary Macaque Monkeys that are normally found in Northern Africa. Finally, on the route to Cadiz, make a photo stop at Tarifa, the southernmost point in Spain. Get to Playa de La Caleta for sundown, right in the old town of Cadiz, to watch the sun dip gently into the Atlantic, as the small fishing boats are painted gold by its final rays. Overnight in central Cadiz.

Explore all 3000 years of the history of Cadiz, including the Mercado Central de Abastos, Spain’s oldest covered market, originally built in 1838. Depart northwards to Jerez de la Frontera where you will see the “How the Andalucian Horses Dance” show at the Fundación Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre (Show time at 12pm. Open March to July: Tuesday and Thursday, August and September: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, October to December: Tuesday and Thursday. On other days guests will see horses training). Of course, a visit to Jerez would not be complete without a tasting of Sherry, a fortified wine, only made in the surrounding area. On your arrival in Seville, visit a flamenco dance school where you will witness emotions come to life in a flamenco performance. Overnight in central Seville.

Spend a full day enjoying this city and its Moorish influence. Explore the district of Santa Cruz, including entry to the world's largest Gothic cathedral, registered in 1987 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In the afternoon visit the Alcázar palace, a beautiful medieval Islamic palace showcasing a unique fusion of Spanish Christian and Moorish architecture, followed by a walk around the magnificent Plaza de España. In the evening, you will enjoy an evening tapas tour in the local area. Overnight in central Seville.

In the late morning, drive northeast to Cordoba. Go for a stroll through the historic Jewish quarter and visit the iconic Mezquita de Cordoba (mosque). See the famous Roman bridge built in the 1st century BC that spans the Río Guadalquivir. Overnight in central Cordoba.

After breakfast on your penultimate day, drive northwards towards Madrid and make a stop in the historic town of Toledo, famous since Roman days for its high-quality steel. Dramatically sited atop a gorge overlooking the Río Tajo, it was known as the ‘city of three cultures’ in the Middle Ages, a place where – legend has it – Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities peacefully coexisted. Overnight in central Madrid.

Take your return transfer to Madrid Barajas Airport for your flight back to your home city.