Your Itinerary
Welcome to Madrid!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Masterpieces in Madrid
This morning your guided sightseeing tour takes you to the Latina District to see the Plaza de España, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, Calle Alcala, and Paseo de Castellana. Visit the world-famous Prado Museum for further glimpses into Spanish culture and history through its art collection. Enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure to explore more of this captivating city. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE The Prado Museum houses one of the world’s largest art collections, including its amazing assortment of masterpieces by historic artists like Velasquez, Goya, and El Greco. The famous museum also displays the works of renowned European masters, including Rubens and Rembrandt, along with a stunning collection of Greco-Roman statues.
MADRID–SEGOVIA–BURGOS–VITORIA
Spanish Treasures
Depart Madrid and drive to the historic town of Segovia, enjoy an orientation and free time to browse and see the incredible Roman Aqueduct. Continue to Burgos, one of the main stops of the Camino de Santiago, and join an orientation walk to see the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria. Arrive in Vitoria late afternoon and take a stroll around this medieval Basque city. (B,D) 255 mi / 410 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE The Cathedral of Santa Maria is a wonderful example of the flamboyant Gothic- style which gives her an unmistakable profile. This revered stop along the Camino de Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route is also the final resting place of the legendary Castilian folk-hero El Cid.
VITORIA–BILBAO–SAN SEBASTIAN–PAMPLONA
Spend Your Day Your Way in Bilbao
Explore more of Bilbao with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
Bold Visions in Bilbao
Discover Frank Gehry's awe-inspiring architecture and iconic artworks with a guided visit to the Guggenheim Museum, featuring a stunning collection of contemporary and modern art, including Jeff Koon's "Puppy" sculpture, the largest flower sculpture in the world.
Old Town Traditions and Tasting
Discover the historic landmarks of Bilbao's Casco Viejo (Old Town) on a guided walk through the charming alleyways of the historic center. Do as the locals do with an authentic taste of traditional pintxos (Basque tapas).
Later, continue to the beautiful coastal city of San Sebastian, for free time to browse and lunch. Arrive at the charismatic city of Pamplona and take an [LF] orientation walk through the Calle Estafeta, followed by a Rioja wine-pairing dinner at Basaburua restaurant. (B,D) 165 mi / 265 km
PAMPLONA–SARAGOSSA–BARCELONA
Going for Baroque in Aragon
Visit Saragossa and enjoy an orientation walk which includes the stunning Plaza of Our Lady of the Pillar. Continue to Barcelona and enjoy some leisure time this evening to get acquainted with this flamboyant city. (B) 317 mi / 510 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITION Loved for its folklore, fantastic food, and fascinating landmarks such as the Basílica del Pilar, Saragossa delights with brilliant Baroque architecture that have earned the capital of Spain's Aragon region the designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Gaudí’s Masterpiece
This morning, follow your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour to see the Columbus Monument, Plaza de Cataluña, and Passeig de Gràcia. The highlight of the tour is a visit to the Sagrada Familia Basilica. Continue the tour with a drive to Montjuïc Hill for panoramic views of the city and harbor. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CUTURAL GEM The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia stands in Barcelona as a monument to the Holy Family and a testament to the masterwork of Antoni Gaudí. Built on the reliance of donations since the first stone was laid more than 130 years ago, the iconic church remains an unfinished masterpiece and the world’s longest-running construction project – slated for completion in 2026 on the 100th anniversary of the architect’s death.
Vibrant Views of Valencia
This morning, depart Barcelona and follow the coastal route south to Valencia. Meet your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour that features a panoramic drive to see the Torres de Serranos and Plaza de Toros, a photo stop at the City of Arts and Sciences, plus a walking tour of Old Valencia. Later visit a Horchateria to try the traditional Valencian horchata drink. (B,D)236 mi / 380 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE Marvel at the architecture of La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (The City of Arts and Sciences) in Valencia. This gleaming, ultra-modern complex is the largest of its kind in Europe, with its strikingly futuristic design mirroring the surrounding water park, and a stunning symbol of the Spanish city, which houses a planetarium, an oceanarium, and an interactive museum.
Grand Granada
Today sit back and relax for a scenic drive toward the mountains and into Andalusia, passing the cave dwellings of Guadix and Purullena, some of which are still inhabited. Arrive in Granada this afternoon and enjoy some free time getting acquainted with this captivating city, shaped by its blend of cultural influences. Later, enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 329 mi / 530 kmENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE in Granada to take in the Renaissance architecture and unmistakable Moorish influence mixed with modern style in Granada, one of eastern Andalusia’s most fascinating cities. Poised at the foot of the magnificent Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada lies between the Darro and Genil rivers with a wealth of grand Islamic architecture, endless tapas, cold beer, and lively streets.
Splendid Spain
One of Granada’s most iconic landmarks is the Alhambra Complex, an Islamic architectural masterpiece. Today visit the breathtaking complex with your Local Guide and discover what makes it so special. Later, continue to the Costa del Sol, one of Spain’s most famous seaside rivieras and enjoy some leisure time to browse, try local specialties, or take a walk on the beach. (B) 137 mi / 220 kmNOTE:Day 9 Alhambra complex: Entrance to Nasrid Palace is not guaranteedTOUR HIGHLIGHTARCHITECTURAL GEMS Granada’s Alhambra Complex stands as one of the largest ancient aristocratic sites of Western Muslim culture. Its leafy lanes and streams enhance the grand water gardens of Generalife at the once summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid rulers.
COSTA DEL SOL. EXCURSION TO MÁLAGA
Spend Your Day Your Way in Málaga
Explore more of Málaga with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
Picasso's Malaga
It is said that Picasso could draw before he could talk! Connect the dots of the master artist's life in Málaga on a Picasso-themed walking tour. Hear the stories of his early life and influences, and see locations connected to his life, including his birthplace. Admire other landmarks of the city along your route as well.
Magnificent Málaga
Life's more than a beach in Málaga; this Andalusian city on the shores of the Mediterranean swells with deep history and dramatic architecture. From Gothic to Baroque to Renaissance marvels, feast your eyes on Málaga's City Hall, Cathedral, and palatial fortress of Alcazaba before strolling on the Calle Larios for a visit to Plaza de la Merced. Magnífico!
Enjoy free time this evening to explore more. (B)22 mi / 35 km
COSTA DEL SOL–GIBRALTAR–SEVILLE
La Plaza de Toros
This morning, leave Spain briefly behind as you cross the border into Gibraltar. Join your Local Guide on an explorative sightseeing tour, see Europa Point with the iconic lighthouse and visit the impressive St. Michael’s Cave. Continue to Seville and delve into the local history and tradition with a [LF] guided visit of the famous Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla, the royal bull ring. (B,D) 180 mi / 290 kmLOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Step into the ring of Spanish history and heritage, the Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla (Royal Bullring), where over the centuries matadors have confronted bulls in a show of pageantry and pride.
The Squares of Seville
This morning, discover what makes Seville so special! Start with a visit to the Plaza de España, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Then, join your Local Guide for a fascinating sightseeing tour comprising a panoramic drive, a visit to the Casa de Pilatos, and a stroll through the charming Santa Cruz Quarter. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT Walk through Seville’s picturesque Plaza de España, originally built for Seville's Ibero-American Expo at the 1929 World's Fair, the 540,000-square-foot plaza features a sprawling mosaic patio – an architectural tour de force. Explore the historic Santa Cruz quarter in a magical maze of tapas, flamenco, and cafés.
Treasures of Cordoba
This morning, visit the magnificent city of Cordoba and follow your Local Guide on a walking tour to see the Jewish Quarter, the Roman Bridge, and the remains of the Alcazar. The tour highlight is a visit of the Mosque of the Caliphs, one of the Twelve Treasures of Spain. Enjoy some free time to browse the narrow streets before continuing on a scenic drive back to Madrid. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 336 mi / 540 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE The Mosque of Córdoba (Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba in Spanish) today is a Catholic but was originally a mosque built for Muslim prayer by Abd ar-Rahman I in the 8th century. The mosque’s architecture is rich in dazzling detail, with over 800 granite and marble pillars supporting its beautiful brick and stone arches - a major focal point in the mosque along with the soaring bell tower – the tallest structure in the city.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
