Best of Southern Spain
8 days, Madrid to Barcelona
Itinerary Notes
Due to regulations for Alhambra's ticketing system, your passport information must be provided to G Adventures at the time of booking, at least 60 days prior to departure in order to guarantee your guided tour of the Alhambra. See "Important notes" under Tour Details for more information. Visits to the Alhambra may vary and take place on Day 3 or 4, depending on ticket availability, special events or holidays in Spain.
For Christmas and New Year's departures: Your itinerary over these holiday periods may include some variations depending on holiday closures. Alternative arrangements will be provided.
Itinerary
Day 1Madrid
Arrive any time.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
Reina Sofia Museum
12EUR per personThe Reina Sofia is Spain's national museum of 20th-century art, and currently boasts an art collection of over 21,000 works.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
13EUR per personThe Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum displays an overview of art from the 13th century to the late 20th century.
Museo Nacional Del Prado Visit
15EUR per personTake in some culture with a trip to the Museo del Prado, one of the greatest art galleries in the world, and a definite highlight of any Madrid trip. Be inspired by its collections and exhibitions: the museum's main emphasis is 15th to 19th century Spanish, Flemish, and Italian art, but there is plenty of Goya and a wealth of paintings by Diego Velázquez.
Plaza Mayor Visit
FreeEnjoy some spectacular people watching with a visit to the Plaza Mayor, the true heart of the city. Enjoy a coffee in one of the plaza’s many cafes and watch the world go by.
Royal Palace (Palacio Real) Visit
12EUR per personSee how kings and queens live, with a visit to the Palacio Real, the official (and uninhabited) palace of the King of Spain. Wander the rooms to take in some of the most elaborately decorated and furnished rooms you'll ever see.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hotel Europa (or similar)
Day 2Madrid
Take a brief orientation walk with your CEO, then enjoy a full day to explore this bustling capital. Discover Plaza Mayor or opt to visit the famous Royal Palace. Indulge in delicious Spanish tapas or get your art fix at the Prado Museum.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Free Time
Lively, passionate Madrid is a treasure trove of art and architecture, with its royal palaces and works by masters including Goya, Picasso, and Dalí. Be sure to take in some tapas. Madrid is one of the richest culinary capitals of Europe, and showcases food from all over Spain.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Royal Palace (Palacio Real) Visit
12EUR per personSee how kings and queens live, with a visit to the Palacio Real, the official (and uninhabited) palace of the King of Spain. Wander the rooms to take in some of the most elaborately decorated and furnished rooms you'll ever see.
Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
13EUR per personThe Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum displays an overview of art from the 13th century to the late 20th century.
Reina Sofia Museum
12EUR per personThe Reina Sofia is Spain's national museum of 20th-century art, and currently boasts an art collection of over 21,000 works.
Museo Nacional Del Prado Visit
15EUR per personTake in some culture with a trip to the Museo del Prado, one of the greatest art galleries in the world, and a definite highlight of any Madrid trip. Be inspired by its collections and exhibitions: the museum's main emphasis is 15th to 19th century Spanish, Flemish, and Italian art, but there is plenty of Goya and a wealth of paintings by Diego Velázquez.
Plaza Mayor Visit
FreeEnjoy some spectacular people watching with a visit to the Plaza Mayor, the true heart of the city. Enjoy a coffee in one of the plaza’s many cafes and watch the world go by.
Accommodation
Hotel Europa (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Madrid/Granada
Journey south to Granada. Upon arrival enjoy an orientation walk. Wander through the whitewashed historic quarter of the Albaicin; with its narrow lanes and fantastic views, it's a great place to watch the sunset.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Albaicín (El Albayzín) Visit
Wander through the historic quarter of the Albaicin. Try to head there for sunset. With its narrow lanes and fantastic views back to the Alhambra, visitors are rewarded with a spectacular colour-washed skyline when the sun goes down.
Accommodation
Hotel Casa Palacio Pilar del Toro (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Granada
Enjoy a guided visit to the architectural masterpiece, the Alhambra. In the evening, opt to go for a stroll and check out the local tapas and wine bars.
After visiting the Alhambra, opt to take a wander through this historic city. In the evening, opt for a night on the town. Granada is filled with trendy tapas bars and has a lively music scene.
Due to regulations for Alhambra's ticketing system, your passport information must be provided to G Adventures at the time of booking in order to guarantee your guided tour of the Alhambra. See "Important notes" under Tour Details for more information.
Alhambra visit
Enjoy a guided visit of the Alhambra, one of the greatest accomplishments of Islamic art and architecture. Learn about Granada’s reign as one of the region’s most regal cities during the Muslim rule of Spain, which is captured in time within the Alhambra.
Free Time
Wander this charming city and sample their famous tapas.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Albaicín (El Albayzín) Visit
FreeWander through the historic quarter of the Albaicin. Try to head there for sunset. With its narrow lanes and fantastic views back to the Alhambra, visitors are rewarded with a spectacular colour-washed skyline when the sun goes down.
Granada Cathedral (Cathedral of the Incarnation) Visit
5EUR per personBe taken by the beauty of one of the largest cathedrals in Spain on this visit to the Cathedral of Granada. Tour its beautiful facades and interiors that house a grand altar and numerous chapels. Built by Queen Isabella, it is a masterpiece of Spanish-Renaissance style.
Granada City Center and Tapas Gourmet Tour
Explore Granada beyond the Alhambra on a guided walking tour of its historic city centre, where centuries of Moorish influence, incredible architecture and a lively university town await visitors today. Immerse yourself further in Andalusian culture by enjoying some tapas (light bar snacks and appetizers) at bars where the locals hang out. Sample local fare and the region's excellent wine - this is one of the world's gastronomic capitals for a reason!
Accommodation
Hotel Casa Palacio Pilar del Toro (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Granada/Cordoba/Seville
Travel to Seville via picturesque Cordoba. Go for a stroll through the historic Jewish quarter and visit the iconic Mezquita de Cordoba (mosque). In the early evening, continue towards Seville and end your day with free time to get to know the city.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Jewish Quarter (Juderia) Visit
Wander among narrow winding lanes, traditional houses, and charming cafés in Cordoba's historic medieval Jewish quarter. Discover one of Spain’s three remaining synagogues.
Mezquita de Córdoba (Mosque) Visit
Be amazed by the diverse and stunning architecture of Córdoba's most famous monument, the extraordinary Mezquita. Built as a mosque in 785 by the Moors, the Mezquita was converted in the 16th century by the remarkable addition of a Christian cathedral inserted into the centre of the building.
Accommodation
Cool Sevilla Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Seville
Spend a day enjoying this city and its Moorish influence. Opt to explore the district of Santa Cruz, the Alcázar palace or the world's largest Gothic cathedral. In the early evening, end your day with a dramatic flamenco performance.
Take the time to see all this great city has to offer. Opt to explore the interiors and gardens of the Alcázar, a magnificent palace dating from Moorish times, or the true heart of Seville, the Santa Cruz quarter— a charming area with winding alleys, picturesque lime-washed houses, flowery patios, and small squares.
Seville is home to the world’s largest gothic cathedral — climb the adjoining tower for great views of the city. Other attractions include the Museo Arqueológico, the Casa de Pilates and the Parque de María Luisa, which has a maze of paths, garden beds, pretty little patios, fountains, and shaded lawns.
Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to the Alcázar of Seville.
Free Time
With heaps to see and do, get exploring.
Flamenco Show
Enjoy a flamenco performance in the city known for the energetic dance. Be swept away by the flamenco's passion, fire, and grit!
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Santa Cruz Quarter Visit
FreeVisit the true heart of Seville, the Santa Cruz quarter. A charming area with winding alleys, picturesque lime-washed houses, flowery patios, and small squares, you can wander, shop, or just soak in the neighbourhood's quaint atmosphere while enjoying a refreshing drink (sangria, perhaps) at one of the local restaurants.
La Giralda Visit
9EUR per personClimb the tower known as La Giralda, adjacent to the world's largest Gothic cathedral, for spectacular views and a walk among historic walls. The 76m (249 ft) Giralda was constructed by the Moors as a mosque between 1184 and 1197. In 1568, after the reconquest, Christians fit the minaret with its bell tower.
The Golden Tower (Torre del Oro)
3EUR per personDating to 1220, the Golden Tower is the last major building constructed by Seville's historic Muslim population.
Casa de Pilatos
10-12EUR per personTake a visit to marvel at one of the grandest mansions in Seville. The home is still inhabited by the Medinaceli family, but remains open to visitor tours during operating hours.
Santa Paula Convent
2EUR per personTake a visit to this beautiful historic convent. Established in 1475, this convent is still home to the Jerónimas nuns. Infrequent tours in Spanish are run here, but visitors are welcome to the modest museum displaying 16th-18th century ecclesiastical art and sculpture.
Alcázar Palace Visit
13.50EUR per personExplore the wonderful interiors and gardens of the Alcázar, a royal palace that was originally a Moorish fort. Arrive during the evening in the summer months (until mid-September) and enjoy a series of concerts in the beautiful setting of the Reales Alcázares.
Accommodation
Cool Sevilla Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Seville/Barcelona
Hop on the train and get comfortable on the journey north to Barcelona. Take an orientation walk, including visits to the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. In the evening participate in a G Adventures supported paella cooking class, followed by a group dinner to round out the day.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Orientation Walk
Enjoy an orientation walk along Las Ramblas and stop at the famous Boqueria market.
Your G for Good Moment: Mescladis Paella Cooking Class and Dinner
Mescladis - Catalan for "Mixed Space" - is a migrant training kitchen and cafe in the heart of Barcelona featuring a unique feel that fuses old Catalan favourites and migrants' home recipes. With the help of migrant students, learn how to make paella with the resident chef, accompanied by a discussion that promotes social reflection - with the kitchen and food at the centre of it all. Then enjoy the fruits of your labour!
Accommodation
Hotel AA Viladomat Barcelona (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 8Barcelona
Depart at any time.
We highly recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this lively city has to offer. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking accommodations in Barcelona after your tour ends.
Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Montjuïc Visit
5EUR per personClimb to the top of Montjuïc hill for fantastic city views and a visit to a 17th-century fortress, once used as a prison and execution site.
La Barceloneta Visit
FreeTake a stroll on the boardwalk in the neighbourhood of La Barceloneta, an area known for its beaches and waterfront walkway. Visit local restaurants and nightclubs or check out the monuments while there.
Casa Batlló
25-30EUR per personDeemed the crowning architectural work of Antoni Gaudí, Casa Batlló is a must-visit on anyone's trip to Barcelona.
La Sagrada Família Visit
17-37EUR per personVisit Gaudí’s most famous life work, the cathedral of La Sagrada Familia, an inspiring, yet, bizarre testament to the artist’s unique vision.
Las Ramblas Visit
See and be seen on Las Ramblas, a large tree-lined pedestrian boulevard perfect for people watching and window shopping that ends at the harbourfront facing the Mediterranean Sea.
Parque Güell Visit
10EUR per personGet away from it all with a visit to the imaginative Parque Guell. The fantastical works of Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) are scattered throughout Barcelona, a grouping of these including Parque Guell, Casa Mila, and the Crypt of La Sagrada Familia were established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Stroll the tree-lined paths and admire Gaudi’s creative genius at play.