Colors of Charming Spain

The first day will see you arrive at Madrid Airport, where, after the straightforward formality of immigration and customs, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. You can make use of the free time to immerse yourself in the delights of a truly exciting European capital city. For instance, there’s an early-evening ‘Illuminated Madrid’ experience that sees you driven through the buzzing, vibrant streets of the old city, concluding at the historically-impressive Plaza Mayor: an area that hosts authentic restaurants and taverns serving up mouth-watering “tapas”. You have the option to take advantage of this: a Premium Package that includes a Tapas Dinner tonight. From there, it’s up to you when you turn in for some shut-eye!

After a buffet breakfast, Day 2 begins with a guided sightseeing tour which will afford you the chance to see some of Madrid’s most memorable attractions. There’s the Puerta del Sol, the splendid fountains of Neptune and Cibeles, the stately Alcala Gate, the bustling Gran Via and the Plaza de España as well as the Plaza de Oriente. Free time is provided for you to source your choice of local lunch, or you can opt for the Premium Package which includes a lunch today. There is then the option of a tour in the afternoon that comes highly recommended: that of the Imperial former capital city, Toledo – you’ll be escorted through narrow cobbled streets, all the while soaking up the heady medieval atmosphere, and led to the impressive, Gothic interior of the cathedral. From there, you visit St. Tome Church, home of the El Greco masterpiece. There will be unique shopping opportunities for local artistry. Note that you’ll need the PREMIUM PACKAGE to includes this Tour to Toledo. It includes the return to Madrid for accommodation.

Day 3’s buffet breakfast is followed by departure through the region of Extremadura, a once-remote region considered home to many of the “conquistadors”. Then, upon arrival in historic Merida, there is free time for lunch (lunch is included in Premium Package). Next up will be a stop-off at an awe-inspiring Roman amphitheatre archeological site en route to Seville, where accommodation awaits.

Day 4’s breakfast is provided at the hotel, and the morning’s tour then explores the authentic charms and wonders of Seville. Spain’s third largest city hosts not only the Tower of Gold but the beautifully tranquil Maria Luisa Park – a wonderful space in which to lose yourself. There’s also the picturesque Santa Cruz Quarter and the huge cathedral with its impressive Giralda Tower. Free time is scheduled for your lunch, or there’s the option of lunch and a Guadalquivir river boat tour included in a PREMIUM PACKAGE. The afternoon is then designated as free time so that you may continue to explore or to shop. The evening presents the opportunity of a Flamenco show as part of the Premium Package (show and drinks included).

Day 5 sees a buffet breakfast, before departing for Cordoba, where the itinerary affords you the spectacle of the former Great Mosque, now an impressive cathedral. Lunchtime is given over to free time. From there, you travel to Granada, passing through thousands of acres of olive groves. The Premium Package includes dinner tonight. This will be hosted in the authentic and heady Albaicin quarter where you may be assured of an enchanting atmosphere where wine and music and local customs combine for an unforgettable experience The Premium Package includes this visit.

After a buffet breakfast on Day 6, a guided tour of the stunning Alhambra and the lush, beautiful Gardens of the Generalife awaits you. From there, you travel to the world-renowned Costa del Sol resort (Malaga), where accommodation is provided.

Day 7’s buffet breakfast is followed by a short visit to the city before leaving for the picturesque city of Ronda, which is nestled atop the mountains in a location steeped in both history and beauty. There is free time for lunch while in the city, or you can opt to have it provided in a PREMIUM PACKAGE. From Ronda, you return to Malaga for an afternoon of free time.

After a buffet breakfast on Day 8, you transfer to the rail station for a fast train (AVE) to Madrid – the train journey is included. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel.

After a buffet breakfast, you transfer to Malaga Airport in a timely fashion to check-in for your transatlantic flight, although there is also an option to book extra nights.