Essential Spain Tour from Madrid - Superior Class Hotels

Depart from the established hotels in Madrid. Travel across La Mancha, the legendary land of Don Quixote, passing through the picturesque village of Puerto Lápice. Continue through the natural gateway of Despeñaperros to enter Andalusia, a region rich in culture and steeped in the grandeur of its historic past. Arrive in Córdoba for a visit to its magnificent Mosque and other landmarks, followed by a walk through the narrow, winding streets of the Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon, drive two-hours to Seville. Overnight stay at Catalonia Santa Justa hotel or similar. (B)

Morning city tour including a visit to the Cathedral - the second largest in the Catholic world after St. Peter’s in Rome, the charming Santa Cruz Quarter, known as the setting for Carmen and the birthplace of the Don Juan legend, as well as María Luisa Park and the stunning Plaza de España. Afternoon at leisure. Enjoy your overnight stay at Catalonia Santa Justa hotel or similar. (B)

Drive east along the Caliphate Road into the heart of Andalusia, passing endless stretches of olive groves on the way to Granada and its magnificent monumental landscape, the last stronghold of the Moorish Kingdoms until 1492. Visit the world-renowned Alhambra complex and the beautiful Generalife Gardens, whose sights and sounds have inspired many writers, including Washington Irving in his Tales of the Alhambra. Spend the night at Sabica hotel or similar. (B)

Depart eastward to Valencia, a major Mediterranean coastal city. Explore its modern City of Arts and Sciences complex. Overnight accommodation at NH Las Artes hotel or similar. (B)

Morning city tour of Valencia, including a drive through the historic center to see its most prominent buildings. In the early afternoon, depart north along the Mediterranean coast toward Catalonia, passing Tarragona, the ancient Roman Tarraco. Arrive in Barcelona, the principal Mediterranean city and birthplace of the famous architect Gaudí. Overnight at Catalonia Barcelona 505 / Evenia Rocafort hotel or similar. (B)

Morning city tour of Barcelona, internationally renowned for hosting the 1992 Olympic Games. Drive along its main avenues to admire impressive Modernist buildings by Gaudí, including La Pedrera (Casa Milà) and Casa Batlló, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit Montjuïc Park, the Olympic Ring, and the Columbus Monument. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Catalonia Barcelona 505 / Evenia Rocafort hotel or similar. (B)

Depart for Zaragoza, the capital of Aragón, situated on the banks of the Ebro River. Known as Caesar Augusta during the Roman era, Zaragoza has played a significant role in Spanish history. Enjoy free time to admire the impressive Baroque architecture of the Basilica-Temple of Our Lady of the Pillar. Continue to Madrid and check in at the hotel (not included). (B)