SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Madrid

Fly from London to Madrid, where you have most of the day to explore the city with its many attractive plazaa and museums. You spend one night at the Hospes Puerta de Alcala in the city centre. We include a combined ticket which allows you one entry to the permanent exhibitions of the Museo del Prado, Museo Thyssen and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia.

Day 2: Madrid to Granada by train

Leaving Madrid at 09.00 hrs, travel by train to Granada, nestled at the edge of the mountains of the Sierra Nevada, arriving around 13.30 hrs. Spend two nights in the Hospes Palacio de los Patos in Granada.

Granada is one of Spain’s most fascinating cities. The Sierra Nevada and its wooded slopes form a beautiful backdrop, but the Alhambra Palace is the key attraction. Originally constructed as a 9th century fortress, it has been changed and added to over successive centuries, expanding the complex to include palaces, churches and mosques. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 3: In Granada

A shared tour of the Alhambra is included today, with visits to the Royal Palaces, Gardens and Carlos V’s Palace. You have the rest of the day at leisure to explore Granada, perhaps strolling around its Old Quarter and trying the selection of tapas, that are served free with drinks in Granada. An authentic Andalusian flamenco show is included this evening.

Day 4: Granada to Cordoba by train

Leave Granada at 09.00 hrs and take the train to Cordoba, arriving just over two hours later. Cordoba is set on the Guadalquivir River in the heart of rural Andalucia. Spend two nights here at the Hospes Palacio del Bailio. The city has beautiful winding lanes, many historical attractions, restaurants and nightlife. From mid-April to mid-June the city is full of flowers, when local residents open their gardens to the public for the Fiesta de los Patios.

Day 5: In Cordoba

Today entrance tickets are included to Cordoba’s mosque – the largest Islamic structure in Western Europe and a UNESCO protected site. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Cordoba.

In the evening a romantic “Caliphal” dinner is included - served in the intimate ambiance of the Senzone restaurant. Starters include a selection of tapas & the main course consists of a tasting menu of typical Andalusian dishes. Dessert, coffee and mineral water are included, but not wine and other alcoholic beverages.

Day 6: Cordoba to Seville by train

Travel by high speed train today from Cordoba, leaving mid-morning and arriving in Seville 45 minutes later. You spend two nights here at the Hospes Las Casas del Rey de Baeza.

Seville is the capital of Andalucia and Spain’s fourth largest city. The centre is a maze of narrow lanes and hidden plazas. Key attractions are its art and architecture which includes Roman, Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque influences. Flamenco music and dance are at the heart of this city and it is not uncommon to hear people clapping the rhythm as you walk down the street, but even more popular are the Sevillanas – the city’s own musical heritage.

Day 7: In Seville

A two and a half hour shared guided tour of Seville is included today, visiting the main sights of the Barrio de Santa Cruz. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Seville, during which you can look around the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, climb up the Giralda Tower to see a panoramic view of the entire city, and visit Triana – the city’s historic gypsy quarter on the other side of the river. An introductory presentation on Iberian ham and ham cutting is also included.

Day 8: Seville to London

Fly from Seville back to London. It is also possible to travel to and from the UK by train, if preferred.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. This price includes standard class rail travel. First-class rail travel is not available to/from Granada. When there is building work affecting rail services, a bus leg between the stations of Antequera Santa Ana and Granada is substituted.

Flights from London are also included, with regional departures on request.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information, including full directions and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your trip.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.