Your Itinerary
Welcome to Barcelona, one of the world's most stylish and cosmopolitan cities, on the cutting edge of architecture, food, fashion, style and music. The city is arguably most famous for the renowned architecture of the genius and eccentric Antoni Gaudí, and significant art collections of the famed Picasso and Miró. Here, the locals ooze a friendly and laid-back charm, welcoming you in with an enthusiasm that’s reflected in the city’s lively streets. The main tree-lined pedestrian mall, Las Ramblas, runs all the way from the quayside through the heart of the city and will lead you to the Gothic Quarter. Dotted with bars and terraces, Barcelona is home to a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of opportunities to indulge in its iconic tapas and sangria!
We don’t want you to miss out on a single moment of this sizzling small group tour, so we recommend that you arrive at your hotel by 6.00pm.
This evening, say hola to your fellow travellers and Tour Director as we meet for welcome drinks at the hotel.
After breakfast, we’ll begin exploring the sights of Barcelona, seeing the contrast of old and new as we drive through town and step inside Antoni Gaudí's iconic masterpiece, the La Sagrada Familia (Holy Family Church). This sky-scraping basilica, an enduring symbol of Barcelona, stands as a testament to Gaudí's visionary genius and remains an unfinished work in progress, captivating visitors with its intricate facades and towering spires.
Our exploration of Gaudí's distinctive architecture continues as we marvel at the whimsical exteriors of Casa Batlló and Casa Milà along Passeig de Gràcia, one of Barcelona’s largest avenues. We also pass by Barcelona’s monumental Bull Ring and the city park, Parc de la Ciutadella, featuring the old triumphal arch of Barcelona.
We continue our sightseeing through the famous Vila Olímpica neighbourhood and Port Olímpic marina, created as a hub for athletes of the 1992 Summer Olypmic Games, before continuing to the Montjuïc Mountain to take a scenic picture of the city.
The afternoon is at leisure before tonight’s group welcome dinner at a local restaurant just a short walk from our hotel. Art lovers might like to visit the Picasso Museum which exhibits works from his ‘Blue’ and ‘Pink’ periods. Our Tour Director can help with directions.
Today we will enjoy a morning tour of Barcelona, starting with a visit to Park Güell. Declared an artistic monument and World Heritage-listed site by UNESCO, the park is a canvas of Gaudí's signature modernism style epitomised by curved lines, vivid colours and a seamless blend of nature and architecture. See the mosaic ‘El Drac’ dragon fountain and the intricately tiled Serpentine Bench.
We then drive down to the oldest part of the city and see the Gothic Quarter, former Roman village, and heart of Medieval Barcelona. We also explore the Cathedral Square and its lovely surrounding streets lined with beautiful handicraft shops, quaint local restaurants and buildings as old as the 14th century. We’ll walk to Saint James Square, the political heart of the city, before ending our tour at Catalunya Square.
The afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace.
Optional Excursion
Montserrat is a mountain top monastery in Catalonia, Spain. This incredible rocky formation is a sacred place for the Catalan people. Includes entrance to Basilica and return cable car for breathtaking views up to the Monastery and with any luck you can also hear the singing of the boys choir (weekdays around 13.00 and Sundays around 12.00, the boys choir does not sing every day as they frequently travel and perform in other churches). 4hrs – From Euro 87pp. This price is based on a minimum of 10 guests. If there are less than 10, please speak with your Tour Director about other options.
Day 5 - Barcelona - Valencia
After a hearty breakfast, we farewell the bustle of Barcelona and settle into the coach for a scenic drive to our next destination.
We’ll make a stop to stretch our legs in the picturesque town of Pensacola. Here, we’ll have some time to grab some lunch, wander through the charming cobblestone streets and take a photo of the gorgeous citadel. Standing prominent on the horizon is the Castillo de Peñíscola, built by the Knights Templar. This imposing stone castle stands guard over the city, overlooking a deep aqua-green sea that laps against a long stretch of white sandy shores.
In the early evening, we’ll arrive in the coastal town of Valencia, Spain’s third largest city. Considered one of the most lively and friendly cities in Spain, Valencia is also famously known as the birthplace of paella. Once checked into our hotel, enjoy the freedom of exploring the city at leisure. Stroll through lush gardens or marvel at the mix of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture, the epitome of which is the city’s Cathedral, and you’ll get a taste for why the city is referred to as a living museum.
Waking in beautiful Valencia, our sightseeing this morning will take us through the city’s historical centre. Accompanied by a local guide, we’ll see the gothic-style Cathedral which houses art from the Spanish Renaissance and is home to the Cathedral of the Holy Chalice. Next, we’ll wander through Puerta del Real, the main entrance to Valencia’s royal gardens. Then it’s on to Puerta de la Trinidad, an ancient gateway dating back to the 14th century and offering a glimpse into the city’s medieval defences. We’ll also visit the Serranos Towers, one of the twelve gates that formed part of the ancient, fortified wall protecting the city.
Enjoying a walk through the streets of Barrio del Carmen, we make our way to the Lonja de la Seda, Valencia’s 15th century stock exchange. Located in the heart of the city, we’ll enter the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Silk Exchange building to marvel at its well-preserved gothic architecture.
The afternoon is for you to explore at your leisure. Valencia is the home of paella, so why not dive into a plate of this mouth-watering dish while you’re here? Traditionally eaten at midday, Paella Valenciana (with chicken/rabbit) or Paella de Marisco (with fish/seafood) are the most popular local variations.
Day 7 - Valencia - Granada
Relax into the comfort of the coach this morning as we make our way through some beautiful scenery. Make sure you’re looking out the window as we pass by the famous tourist centre of Alicante, a pretty mediterranean port nestled within dramatic mountain peaks. We’ll also make our way past the ancient Moorish city of Murcia.
In the late afternoon, we arrive in Granada. Located in the eastern part of the Andalucia region with a spectacular backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada has long inspired the spirit of romance among its inhabitants and visitors. With its relaxed bohemian vibe and rich Moorish influences, the city boasts some breathtaking landscapes and steep, narrow streets where one could easily loose themselves within the numerous hidden nooks. Upon our arrival, our guide will take us on a tour of this beautiful area.
Special Experience
Taste traditional Spanish tapas, enjoying a range of delicious bite-sized savoury dishes, richly seasoned with local spices.
Tonight, we’ll dive into a feast of traditional and spectacularly spiced tapas. Typically served as small savoury dishes, indulging in this Spanish cuisine invites a culture of sharing and socialising. Some of the classic dishes include seafood, cured meats, croquettes, fried potatoes and empanadas.
Today, we’ll enter the famous Alhambra Palace complex, a Moorish citadel dating back to 13th century Nasrid dynasty and named because of its reddish coloured walls (it translates to ‘Red Castle’ in Arabic). Comprising of the Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba, the Palace of Charles V and the Bath of the Mosque, it is one of Spain's most famous attractions.
Throughout its long history, the palace has served multiple purposes. Used as a fortress during the 9th century, it then became a Royal residence during the 13th century, where many buildings were added to the complex including a Mosque (later the site was turned into the current Church of St Mary), public baths and patios. When the Catholic Monarch Charles V took over, he ordered the demolition of part of the complex to rebuild the palace with an Emperor's chamber and Queen's dressing room. The palace was abandoned during the 18th century and sadly part of the fortress was destroyed. Restoration of the palace began in the 19th century and is still maintained today.
Just a short stroll from the main buildings, you will wander through its manicured Generalife Gardens, the tranquil summer gardens of the Kings of Granada. We’ll also walk through Granada’s old town to see the outside of the Royal Chapel, where King Ferdinand and Queen Elizabeth are buried.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Day 9 - Granada - Ronda - Carmona
Today we will make our way to the small village of Ronda. Perched above the Tajo del Ronda, a deep, narrow gorge that plunges 150-metres into the valley, the town’s location is truly breathtaking. Its old town has been declared a Property of Cultural Interest as Celts, Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs all inhabited these lands, which were reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs.
Take in the incredible vistas as we enjoy a guided walk through town with our Tour Director. Gaze around the soaring 66-metre diameter of the bullring and marvel at the depths of the El Tajo de Ronda Gorge, before wandering through the old town full of shopping and restaurants.
We then continue to Carmona, an elegant town, full of artistic heritage. At various times occupied by the Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs, each has left a deep impression, making this a fascinating place to explore. Upon arriving, we’ll check in to our hotel before enjoying the evening at leisure. Looking out across the city’s skyline, you’ll see the slender spires of the Santa Maria Priory and San Pedro churches, encased by whitewashed houses framed with butterscotch-coloured roofs.
Day 10 - Carmona – Seville – Carmona
We enjoy a day trip to vibrant Seville today, the birthplace of tapas, capital of Andalucia and Spain's fourth largest city. Seville is very much a modern city, yet it has retained the strong influence of its past. This is most prominent in the old town where you feel as though you have stepped back in time to an old Spanish village. Once called ‘Hispalis’ by the Romans and ‘Ishbiliya’ by the Muslims, Seville's Roman and Muslim past is still evident in its architecture and traditions today.
Our city highlights tour begins at the impressive Plaza España, characterised by its iconic semi-circular lake, twin towers and benches depicting the 48 provinces of Spain in ceramic tiles. We’ll visit the Royal Alcázar, a string of royal palaces built by the Catholic Kings during the 14th century which, today, is home to the Spanish Royal Family. Our next stop is the Cathedral of Santa Maria – the biggest in Spain and the site where Christopher Columbus is buried. We end our tour with a walk through the historical Jewish section of Santa Cruz.
This afternoon is at leisure for you to discover the delights of this beautiful city before we make our way back to Carmona.
Day 11 - Carmona – Arcos de la Frontera – Jerez de la Frontera – Carmona
Today we will travel the ‘Route of the white villages’ where our first stop will be Arcos de la Frontera. Villages in this mountainous area were part of the war-like border between the Christian and Muslim kingdoms for more than three centuries and are filled with brilliant white houses with narrow streets and small squares. We’ll follow our Tour Director as they lead us through a guided orientation tour of the lofty town.
Special Experience
Sherry is the most famous Spanish wine in the world and we’ll stop for a tasting at a rustic cellar in the village of Jerez de la Frontera.
Spanish sherry is a fortified wine that originates from the wine-growing region of Jerez (Jerez even translates to ‘sherry’ in Spanish!) With ancient wine-making roots dating back to Roman times, indulge in a tasting of this delicious, aged delicacy in a local cellar nestled in Jerez de la Frontera’s rolling hills.
Apart from its sherry, the region is also famous for flamenco music and the 11th century Moorish fortress of Alcázar de Jerez. We enjoy a tour of this stunning, historic city before making our way back to Carmona.
Day 12 - Carmona – Córdoba – Madrid
After indulging in breakfast, we make tracks for another city home to the Andalucia region, Córdoba, lying at the foot of the Sierra Morena Mountain range. With a rich history influenced by various empires, Córdoba’s historic UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre is home to a fascinating blend of architecture. On a guided tour of the city, we’ll see the unique artistry of the Mezquita Mosque, otherwise known as the Cathedral of Córdoba. As one of the most important monuments in the Western Islamic world, it evokes the ‘Omeya’ style, as well as elements of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. We also walk the streets of Barrio de la Judería, which is known for its interesting interior patios and magnificent churches.
Enjoy some free time to explore for lunch before we transfer to the train station to board the AVE high-speed train. Reaching up to speeds of 350 km/h, we’ll travel through the Spanish countryside to the grand city of Madrid, the capital of the Spanish Empire and once the richest and most powerful city on Earth. Today, its palaces, museums and concerts are among the best in the world.
Today is dedicated to exploring the lively city of Madrid, with a guided tour this morning. Our journey will take us past the well-known avenues of Gran Via and Castellana and famous squares such as Plaza de España, Atocha, Neptuno, Cibeles, Puerta de Alcalá, Colon and walking through Oriente, Mayor and Puerta del Sol.
Our sightseeing continues through the beautiful green spaces of Parque del Oeste, known for its elaborate rose garden, and El Retiro Park, home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Glass Palace. We’ll also see Madrid's Las Ventas bullring, the largest in Spain, and the Santiago Bernabeu soccer stadium, a must-visit for football fanáticos. Wrapping up the tour with a visit to the Mercado de San Miguel, here we will experience the local culture of the region through its cuisine, delighting in the scents, sights and flavours of this historic market.
The afternoon is free for you to wander at leisure. You may wish to sit back and relax at a café and be entranced by Madrid's energy as you people-watch, view eclectic architecture along the Gran Via, or savour traditional tapas and fresh pastries in Puerta Del Sol.
Day 14 - Madrid – Toledo – Madrid
Today we take a day trip to the historic town of Toledo. Surrounded almost entirely by the river El Tajo, it became the capital for the Visigoth Kingdom during the 6th century. Known as the ‘City of Three Cultures’, much of its heritage stems from three different religious sects living together: Christians, Moorish and Jewish. During the 16th century, King Charles I even made Toledo the capital of the Spanish Empire.
El Greco, a master painter from the 17th century known for his expressionistic style, also lived in Toledo and his work can be seen within churches and monasteries around the city. During our exploration, we’ll see the Cathedral and go inside the beautiful Santo Tome Church, to see one of El Greco’s famous paintings. We’ll then have some free time to further explore the city before returning to Madrid.
Special Experience
This evening participate in a cooking class, learning traditional methods and discovering the delights of typical Spanish cuisine. We’ll leave with a new repertoire of delicious recipes to take home.
Cuisine is a cornerstone of Spanish culture, where the local flavours are a soulful blend of diverse ingredients and cultural influences. We’ll take part in a delectable cooking class, learning the secrets of traditional dishes from different regions, before enjoying our delicious creations for dinner!
Today, we farewell the vibrant energy of Madrid and make our way to the charming northern Spanish town of Burgos. Rich in history and heritage, the town once heralded as the capital of the Castile and Leon region of Spain.
We’ll enjoy a tour of the area, seeing one of its most spectacular highlights, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cathedral of Santa Maria. The Cathedral is an important pilgrimage site on the Camino de Santiago, a network of ancient paths across Europe that holds religious and spiritual significance. Prominently situated on a terrace at the foot of the castle hill, it is one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Spain and we will have time to stop and take in its stunning exterior. Since Burgos is known for its hearty cuisine, we’ll also enjoy some free time for lunch.
Returning to the coach, we continue our journey to Bilbao, where we will check into our hotel for the evening. Bilbao is the Basque country’s largest city with a delightful mix of traditional charm and modernity. Here, the old town coexists with some of the region’s most striking architecture which we’ll have the pleasure of exploring tomorrow!
Waking in the urban hub of Bilbao, we begin today’s sightseeing from the top of Mount Artxanda with spectacular views over the city. On the way down, we cross the ‘Ensanche’ of the city and head towards the old quarter, a pedestrian area with more than 700 years of history, where one can visit Santiago’s Cathedral or the ‘Plaza Nueva’.
After some free time for lunch, we will explore Frank Gehry’s world-famous Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of contemporary art. Here, the building’s incredible warped exterior is just as fascinating as what we’ll discover inside, with the museum housing one of the largest art collections in the world. The Guggenheim Foundation was founded in 1937 by Solomon R Guggenheim and is dedicated to encouraging the appreciation and understanding of art and architecture, primarily of the modern and contemporary periods. We’ll have the opportunity to wander the museum at leisure and marvel at the pieces on display.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore. Why not cruise the Nervión River by boat, to snake through the city and watch the afternoon sun catch the curves of the Guggenheim Museum’s elaborate facade.
Day 17 - Bilbao – San Sebastian – Bilbao
After breakfast, we make our way to the coastal city of San Sebastián for a full day excursion. First, we will ride a cable car to the top of Igueldo Mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views over Santa Clara Island, Mount Ulia and La Concha Bay.
We then cross the golden sands of La Concha and Ondarreta beaches, where we can admire the striking ‘Comb of the Wind’ sculptures by the Basque artist Eduardo Chillida adorning the coastline. Continuing into the heart of the city, we’ll visit the Old Quarter, the river Urumea and Mount Urgull, a tree-laden hill that rises at one end of La Concha Bay and once stood as a military fortress in the 12th century. We also see San Vicente’s church, Museum of San Telmo, the old Dominic convent and the 18th century Baroque Basilica of Santa Maria.
Special Experience
Taste txakoli, the Basque Country’s famous dry white wine which pairs perfectly with a side of flavoursome pintxos.
Txakoli is a refreshing, slightly sparkling, dry white wine, produced across the Basque Country. We’ll enjoy a special gastronomy tasting of this delicious drop, accompanied by a side of pintxos. Similar to tapas, pintxos are tasty snacks often served on a toothpick.
The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Day 18 - Bilbao – Guernica – Vitoria – La Rioja
Our journey takes us to the small town of Guernica this morning, located in the province of Biscay. Just outside Bilbao, this town is infamous for the devastating aerial bombings committed by Nazis during the Spanish Civil War in 1937. These events inspired Pablo Picasso to create his famous painting ‘Guernica’, depicting the tragedies of war, that is now displayed at the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid. We’ll visit the Peace Museum and its poignant collection showcasing how Guernica has represented democracy, freedom, human rights and peace.
We then travel to Vitoria and enjoy an orientation walk with our Tour Director through its well-preserved, medieval streets and plazas. Founded in the 12th century, we’ll wander through charming streets and past historic buildings for a glimpse into the town’s medieval, renaissance and neoclassical roots. We’ll stop briefly to find some lunch before heading south to Logroño, in the northern region of La Rioja.
La Rioja is a beautiful wine region in Northern Spain characterised by its scenic patchwork of vineyard-covered hills, medieval villages and famous wineries. Upon arrival in Logroño, we’ll check in to our hotel before being introduced to the city by our Tour Director.
We’re in for a real treat for our taste buds today, as we explore some of the incredible wineries dotted throughout the beautiful rolling valleys of La Rioja’s prestigious wine region.
Special Experience
Spend the day exploring some of the 500 wineries that make up the unique La Rioja wine region, characterised by its ochre earth and abundance of sunshine.
We’ll visit the town of Haro, a city filled with a vibrant culture that’s renowned internationally for producing excellent wines. Delve into its fascinating history that dates back to the 19th century, when Haro played a key role in the export of Rioja wines. In 1852, the Bordeaux vineyards of France suffered the effects of mildew, causing a decade of scarce vintages. Wine Maison’s sought out several other regions in Spain to make up for the lost supply. Haro subsequently experienced a pivotal period of growth, due to this influx of wine trading and the opening of a new train station connecting the city to the Port of Bilbao.
We also have a special opportunity to visit a local family winery, where we’ll enjoy a traditional wine tasting and delicious lunch.
Tonight, the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Day 20 - La Rioja - Zaragoza - Barcelona
Leaving our hotel after an early breakfast, we make our way to Zaragoza, home to over 2,000 years of history. Joining our Tour Director, we’ll embark on an insightful stroll through the city’s traces of Iberian, Roman, Muslim, Jewish and Christian cultural influences.
As we make our way into the heart of the city, we will visit one of the most spectacular cathedrals of Europe, the cathedral of Nuestra Señora del Pilar (Our Lady of the Pillar). Looming large on the banks of the River Ebro, this extravagant Baroque-style cathedral has a fascinating and storied past. The structure survived three bombs dropped during the turbulent Spanish Civil War in 1936, miraculously without exploding. These deactivated explosives now rest inside the Basilica's walls, serving as a testament to its resilience and divine protection.
Enjoy some free time to explore and have lunch before transferring to Zaragoza’s train station. Here, we’ll board the AVE high-speed train and settle in for a swift ride through the countryside, arriving back to Barcelona in the early evening.
Tonight, we’ll toast to some of the favourite moments of our Spanish adventure as we indulge in a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 21 - Depart Barcelona
It’s time to say adios to your fellow travellers and sun-drenched Spain, as our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We hope you leave with wonderful memories of this vibrant corner of the world.
Day 22 - Arrive Australia
Day 22 - Arrive Australia
