The Magic of Spain 8 Days

🍊 Morning at Santa Catarina Market

In the morning we head to the stalls of Santa Catarina Market, a huge trove of local produce beneath a colourful, undulating roof. Hang out with the locals as they select the best ingredients to transform into big weekend family meals.

🏛️ Architectural Highlights

The city is famous for its architecture, from its impressive gothic main cathedral to houses, concert halls, palaces, and basilicas designed in the unique Catalan Modernista style.

The master of this movement was Antonio Gaudi, whose eccentric creations are dotted all over the city:

• Visit Gaudi’s masterpiece, the La Sagrada Familia – a must-see modern cathedral that Gaudi worked on for decades. Construction continues to this day.
• Explore the Gaudi House Museum inside Parc Guell, home to colourful sculptures, including a long mosaic-covered bench overlooking the city.
• Take in the beauty of Gaudi Park.

🌆 Free Time

The remainder of the late afternoon and evening is at your leisure.

🚄 Train to Madrid

Today take the train to Madrid (approximately 2.5 hours). On arrival, enjoy a picnic lunch in Madrid, Spain’s central capital, known for its elegant boulevards and expansive, manicured parks.

🎨 Art & Culture

Madrid is renowned for its rich repositories of European art, including:

• The Prado Museum – works by Goya, Velázquez, and other Spanish masters
• The heart of old Hapsburg Madrid – the portico-lined Plaza Mayor
• The Royal Palace and Armoury – displaying historic weaponry

🛍️ Free Afternoon

This stylish, cosmopolitan city is famous for its world-class restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Enjoy your free afternoon exploring these highlights. Sports fans: if you’re lucky enough to be here on match day, don a white t-shirt and head to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium to watch the mighty Real Madrid.

🌙 Nightlife

In the evening, head out to Chueca, Plaza Dos de Mayo, or Plaza Santa Ana, where the pulse of the city will lead you from bar to bar for an unforgettable night out.

Overnight in Madrid.

🎨 Discovering Madrid

Today we spend most of the day discovering Madrid. We start with a walk along the Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) for an expansive history of Western art. Discover modern Spanish masters, including Picasso and Dali, in the Museo Reina Sofia’s 20th-century collection.

🍽️ San Miguel Market

Next, we head to the San Miguel Market to view fabulous local delicacies. Perhaps dine here for a casual lunch and enjoy superb coffee.

📚 Las Letras Quarter (Literary Quarter)

We then take a casual stroll exploring the narrow streets of the Las Letras Quarter. This neighbourhood features:

• Narrow, pedestrian-friendly streets and pleasant squares such as Plaza de Santa Ana
• Historic homes where famous writers like Lope de Vega, Quevedo, Góngora, and Cervantes once lived and wrote
• Street cobbles inscribed with quotes and texts from these literary icons
• A rich mix of traditional shops (cobblers, silversmiths, lute-makers) and modern avant-garde venues

You’ll also find numerous restaurants and pavement cafes where you can enjoy the gastronomy of Madrid and the popular Spanish custom of ‘going out for tapas’.

🚗 City Drive

A drive by Madrid’s famous monuments and soccer stadium completes our day of sightseeing.

🌙 Evening

Enjoy an evening at leisure.

🚍 Transfer to Granada

This morning you will be transferred to Granada – a 4-hour leisurely drive by coach.

Overnight in Granada.

🏘️ Explore the City

Take a walk around the old Arab quarter of the Albaicin, a labyrinth of crooked alleys, fountains, plazas, and whitewashed houses. Visit the Alcaiceria (old silk market area) and observe the craftworks on sale, including ceramics, marquetry, and leather goods.

If you’re feeling energetic:

• Climb the steep streets up to the Mirador de San Nicolas for sunset views over the famous Alhambra
• Check out the historic Renaissance Catedral and Capilla Real
• Visit the city’s extensive Science Park

Granada is the kind of city where you can leave your guidebook behind and trust your intuition. Discovering the narrow streets of Albaicin and the white-walled house gardens of the Realejo Quarter may lead your adventurous spirit to hidden gems.

💃 Evening Experience

In the evening, perhaps head to one of the small flamenco taverns around the city and see how the art form here differs from Seville’s version.

Optional excursion: Catch a local flamenco show with dinner, uniquely performed in an intimate cave setting.

🏰 Visit to Alhambra Palace

This morning, we will visit Granada’s impressive Alhambra Palace, set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Discover this 11th-century marvel with its dominating red fortress towers, sumptuous palace decor, mix of architectural styles, and magnificent gardens.

An entrance ticket is included in the trip and grants you access to the Nasrid Palace and the Gardens. Audio guides in multiple languages are available on the day for EUR 4.

The Alhambra was first built by the Moors as a fortress during the Muslim rule of Spain. Walking through the compound’s luxurious rooms and gardens offers insight into the decadent lifestyle of the Moorish kings.

The Alhambra is made up of three parts:

• Alcazaba – the 11th-century Muslim wing, featuring spectacular views from its towers
• Palacio Nazaries – the centre of the complex
• Generalife – the summer palace of the sultans

Afternoon is at leisure.

🚗 Transfer to Seville

This morning, proceed to Seville to discover this amazing city.

⛪ Cathedral & La Giralda

Upon arrival, check out the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. Climb the cathedral’s adjoining Moorish tower, known as La Giralda. While you might have to line up, it’s well worth it for the panoramic views over the city.

🏰 Visit the Alcazar

Visit the magnificent Alcazar, a complex of palaces used by Moorish and Christian rulers through the ages. Wander through the fragrant gardens and admire the Moorish and Mudejar architecture.

🎭 Cultural Experiences

If you feel like exploring more culture, consider:

• The Museum of Fine Arts
• The Archaeological Museum
• The Real Maestranza Bullring for insight into the Spanish tradition of bull fighting

🍽️ Tapas Time

As Seville is the tapas capital of Spain, be sure to sample some tasty treats in one of the city’s many tapas bars.

Overnight in Seville.