Overview
Travel inland to Granada, situated at the foot of the mighty Sierra Nevada and the confluence of four rivers. Experience the Moorish influence, old-style tapas bars, exotic tearooms of the Albazyn quarter, and historical sites in this university city. You’ll relish a guided tour of the magnificent Alhambra Complex*, built by Moorish kings in 889 AD. More stunning architecture awaits in Cordoba—including the whitewashed houses of the Jewish quarter and the Moorish and Renaissance architecture of the Mezquita. Your introduction to the Andalusian capital of Seville includes a guided city tour, to see its majestic cathedral, Alcazar palace, and Plaza de España. Complete the journey through Cáceres and Salamanca to Madrid. This comprehensive, value-minded tour of Spain is a wealth of experiences in beauty, landscapes, arts, and rich cultural traditions to treasure.
Itinerary
Check into your hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions. (D)
The first visit of the day is Segovia, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its soaring Roman aqueduct and breathtaking fairytale fortress. Travelling through Castille and Leon, we reach the Ribera del Duero area, which follows the course of the Douro River and is noted for producing some of Spain's finest wines. Get a taste at a local wine cellar, then continue to Burgos, known for its landmark cathedral. Today's Distance: 155 mi/ 250 km (B/D)
The day is dedicated to discovering the Basque Countries as we visit the city of Bilbao, known for the Guggenheim museum, and San Sebastian, with its beautiful sandy beach. On to Pamplona, famous for San FermIn's festival, featuring the running of the bulls. Today's Distance: 217 mi/ 350 km (B)
Vistas of the Rioja winegrowing region greet you this morning as you travel towards Saragossa on the banks of the Ebro River. Here, visit the Baroque-style Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Pillar before arriving in Barcelona, Catalonia's lively capital. Today's Distance: 311 mi/ 500 km (B)
This morning's sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a drive around Montjuic to see the Olympic Stadium and to marvel at the incredible panoramic views of the port and city. On to Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia to admire the greatness and eccentricity of Gaudi's architectural masterpieces. (B)
Travel along the Costa Dorada today and on to the Costa del Azahar (Orange Blossom Coast) to arrive in Valencia, birthplace of paella! Combining striking modern architecture with ArtNouveau-style buildings and the Old Town, Valencia is one of the most innovative Spanish cities enjoying a very high quality of life. Today's Distance: 217 mi/ 350 km (B).
Spectacular scenery unfolds as you travel inland towards Granada, beautifully situated at the foot of the mighty Sierra Nevada and at the confluence of four rivers. Granada is a compelling city where Moorish influence, old-style tapas bars, and historical sites coexist with a young population of university students, graffiti, and exotic tea houses in the Albazyn quarter. Today's Distance: 303 mi/ 487 km (B/D)
Today, your Local Guide will bring to life the world-famous Alhambra complex*. Built by Moorish kings in 889 AD, this magnificent hilltop palace-fortress features lavish gardens, and is the epitome of architectural beauty. (B) *Alhambra complex: Entrance to Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed
Visit Cordoba, known for the whitewashed houses of the Jewish quarter, but, above all, for its magnificent 8th-century Mezquita, a mosque inside which a cathedral was built following the Reconquista. Admire its splendid giant arches, domed shrine of Byzantine mosaics and the 856 jasper, onyx, marble, and granite pillars. Continue your journey through picturesque Andalusia, on to vibrant, festive Seville! Tonight, a chance to join an exciting optional Flamenco show to immerse yourself in the local culture. Today's Distance: 199 mi/ 320 km (B/D)
An included city tour reveals the best of this vibrant Andalusian capital today: see the majestic cathedral; beautiful La Giralda minaret tower, a symbol of Seville; the Real Alcazar palace with its extravagant Moorish architecture; and the landmark Plaza de Espana, built for the Ibero-American Expo in 1929. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)
Stop in medieval, walled Caceres, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic, and Italian Renaissance styles. Later, cross the Tagus River and the Guadarrama mountains to arrive in Salamanca. Here you will walk through centuries of history, art, and knowledge and appreciate the unique Spanish Baroque beauty of Plaza Mayor, heart of the city and one of the most extraordinary public squares in the country. Today's Distance: 289 mi/ 465 km (B)
Just like Salamanca, Avila is also listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its imposing city walls, monumental gates, 88 watchtowers, and 2,500-plus turrets. Visit this city, the essence of Castille and the epitome of old Spain. Upon arrival in Madrid, enjoy a guided tour of the city, discovering its royal elegance and its vibrancy. You'll appreciate the abundance of museums and cultural livelihood. Today's Distance: 134 mi/ 215 km (B)
Spend the day at leisure to explore the city at your own pace or to join one of our optional excursions or activities. (B)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 13 Breakfasts
- 4 Dinners
- Madrid Praga (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Burgos Corona de Castilla (First-Class)
- Pamplona Albret (First-Class)
- Barcelona Sercotel Porta Barcelona (First-Class)
- Valencia Port Feria Valencia (First-Class)
- Granada Don Juan (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Seville Don Paco (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Salamanca Catalonia Plaza Mayor Salamanca (First-Class)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Entrance to the Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed
- (2024) March 30 - Easter Departure
Enjoy inside visits to Europe's the must-see sites with a great mix of included excursions, free time and affordable value. Read more
Cosmos build free time into every one of their holidays, so you can eat, shop, and explore the way you want. Read more
Cosmos' easy going, fun-filled and multilingual Tour Directors and Local Guides love exploring as much as you do. Read more
Trip Reviews (15) View All Most Recent 'Sensational Spain' Reviews
Some of the highlights were Cuenca, Café Iruna in Pamplona, the gardens of the Alhambra Complex in Granada, unbelievable cathedrals in all major cities and towns, and the enormous extent of the olive groves. Optional tours to Montserrat and Toledo were very worthwhile. Also enjoyed the Flamenco Show in Seville. If I had to find a negative, it might be that a couple of the meals were just average, and breakfast in one hotel was quite basic.
I travelled during the last three weeks of May and the weather was very pleasant - sunny with temperatures in the low to mid-twenties and only one day of rain. The service provided by Hannah at Global Journeys was as helpful and efficient as it has been in the past. (Ed. This trip has changed this season, so this review refers to a slightly different itinerary.)
We had a wonderful group, wide age group and everyone mixed well. No-one caused delays by being late. I found booking online with Global Journeys great and will certainly use them again. Overall a worry free holiday! (Ed. This trip has changed this season, so this review refers to a slightly different itinerary.)
Yvonne at Global Journeys to the end of our journey - the trip was faultless.
Brochure
Cosmos Worldwide (2023-24)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Cosmos. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Cosmos. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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