Overview
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the joining hotel. If arriving early, head out and explore the city. Madrid has it all; history, architecture, museums, galleries, beautiful parks, and wild nightlife. The capital's most exciting street is the Gran Vía, but be sure to visit the Plaza Mayor – the true heart of Madrid. Enjoy a coffee in one of the plaza’s many cafés and watch the world go by. After the group meeting, opt to head out for a meal at a local restaurant with the group.
If you want more time to explore the city, we recommend booking pre-nights in Madrid. 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 Prado Museum.
- Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group: Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader 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.
Spend the morning exploring Madrid, the quintessential heart of Spain, on a National Geographic Expedition Leader-led orientation walk. Explore the treasure trove of cultural riches, elegant plazas, and centuries old squares, as you walk in the footsteps of days gone by. Finish this walk at a local market and enjoy delicious samples of Spanish gastronomy. Enjoy free time this afternoon to admire the world-renowned artworks at the Museo del Prado, relax at a café, or experience the city’s legendary nightlife. Other options for exploring the city include the Palacio Real, Real Jardin Botánico or Escorial. Experience more nightlife at the Plaza del Dos de Mayo, in the area known as Malasaña. Taste some sangria and dance to the latest music.
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 Prado Museum.
- Free Time: Opt to visit the Museo del Prado, the Gran Vía or Plaza Mayor.
- Local Food Market Tour: Experience Madrid’s vibrant culture and cosmopolitan spirit on this immersive, National Geographic Expedition Leader-led market tour. Savour the diverse flavours that define Spanish cuisine while discovering what makes life here so special.
- Real Jardín Botánico Visit: Recover from an art overdose with a visit to the beautiful Real Jardin Botánico, a large botanical garden near the Prado Museum.
- El Retiro Park: Known as the "green heart" of Madrid, a walk through these beautiful grounds will make you feel one with nature when looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Keep an eye out for stunning landmarks like the Peurto de Alcala and de Cibeles along the way.
- Royal Palace (Palacio Real) Visit: See 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.
- Museo Nacional Del Prado Visit: Take 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: Enjoy 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.
Drive south to the ancient walled city of Toledo, perched on a rocky headland overlooking the Tagus River. Join a local historian on a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site filled with churches, synagogues, mosques, and plazas. Explore the old quarter and glimpse the soaring tower of the city’s 13th-century cathedral, a masterpiece of high Gothic architecture. Continue on to Córdoba, a beguiling Andalusian town steeped in history. As the capital of Al-Andalus (Muslim Spain) until its fall in 1236, Córdoba was once the largest city in Europe known for its mosques, palaces, and libraries. Head out tonight to sample some local food. Try the thick, hearty stew called "caldereta de cordero" or cool off with "ajo blanco," a hearty white gazpacho soup.
- Historic City of Toledo visit: With a local historian, we explore the World Heritage city of Toledo and the old quarter, which is considered an open-air museum. Known as the “city of three cultures,” Toledo conserves its artistic and cultural heritage behind its walls, featuring historic churches, palaces, fortresses, mosques, and synagogues.
- The Cathedral Bell Tower: Visit the top of the Bell Tower in Cordoba. This tower has played an important role on the history of this city. It stands at 54 metres and is the tallest building in the city, which means impressive views await those who chose this adventure. The tower is open 9:30-13:00 and again from 16:00-18:30. Entrances occur every half hour.
- Tower of the Calahorra Museum: Visit the Tower of La Calahorra south of the Roman bridge and at the far end from the city centre. The tower is a fortified gate which was built by the Moors. Explore the fortress and revel in the deep history of its architecture. It is open from 10:00-14:00 and again from 16:30-20:30. (4-5 EUR per person)
In the morning, join a guided tour of Córdoba and discover its medieval centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, or Mezquita, where a 13th-century Catholic cathedral stands in the center of a former Moorish mosque that dates to the 8th century. Afterwards, stroll the historic Jewish quarter’s maze of winding lanes and traditional whitewashed houses. In the afternoon, transfer to Granada and set out on a National Geographic Expedition Leader led orientation walk of this alluring Andalusian city.
- 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.
- 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.
Spend today immersed in the majesty of the Alhambra, a pinnacle of Moorish architecture in Europe. This fortress and palace built by 13th-century Nasrid sultans crowns a hilltop overlooking Granada. On a guided tour of this extraordinary World Heritage site, marvel at the intricate stuccowork, elegant archways, and intimate courtyards bursting with blooms. Later, explore on your own time as you amble through the old Moorish quarter, the Albayzín, and enjoy views of the Alhambra glowing in the twilight. After visiting the Alhambra, opt to wander through the whitewashed historic quarter of the Albaicin, with its narrow lanes and fantastic views. This is a great place to go to catch the sunset. In the evening, opt for a night on the town. The city 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: Free time to explore with the option to take a bike tour or visit the cathedral.
- Realejo of Granada (Old Jewish Quarter): Take a stroll around the colourful streets of Realajo - the historic Jewish neighbourhood of Granada. Sit down to a delicious tapas meal at one of the many restaurants or enjoy a glass of wine at a local bar. Keep an eye out for the stunning 16th century architecture of the Palace of La Casa de los Tiros.
- Church of San Juan de Díos: If you find yourself walking through a cathedral adorned with golden glittering embellishments at every corner, you are likely visiting the Basílica San Juan de Díos. Climb the stairs behind the alter to visit the site of the saint's remains.
- Flamenco Show: Sit down to dinner and enjoy a traditional flamenco performance. Be swept away by the flamenco's passion, fire, and grit! (20-60 EUR per person)
- Granada Cathedral (Cathedral of the Incarnation) Visit: Be 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 Hammam Visit: Relax in one of the many hammam baths around town. Ranging in services depending on the establishment, some offer massages and serve mint tea, but all have amazing architecture and are a perfect place to soak and unwind. (30-55 EUR per person)
- 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.
Journey to Seville, one of Spain’s most colourful and beautiful cities, with a walking tour of Ronda on the way. Upon arrival in Seville, set out on a National Geographic Expedition Leader led orientation walk and choose to climb the cathedral Giralda’s bell tower or visit Casa Pilatos, a prototypical Andalusian palace that combines Italian Renaissance and Spanish Mudéjar architectural styles. Get a glimpse of traditional gypsy culture by opting to witness a soulful performance of flamenco dance.
- Santa Cruz Quarter Visit: Visit 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.
- Orientation With National Geographic Expedition Leader: Enjoy a brief walk with your National Geographic Expedition Leader. 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: Start wandering around this charismatic city.
- Casa de Pilatos: Take 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. (10-12 EUR per person)
- La Giralda Visit: Climb 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.
Enjoy some free time to follow your impulses in Seville. Lose yourself among the winding alleys, flower-draped patios, and picturesque squares of the charming Santa Cruz quarter. Opt to visit the ornate Mudéjar palace and gardens of Real Alcázar de Sevilla, a World Heritage site and former filming location for Game of Thrones. Here, in the birthplace of flamenco, take a private dance class in a professional studio. This evening, put your new moves to practice as you experience the city’s upbeat nightlife on your own. Have a chance to savour some tapas at the city's many bars and cafés.
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: Take in all this great city has to offer.
- Flamenco Dancing Experience: As the birthplace of flamenco, Spain is the perfect place to learn some new steps. Flamenco is one of the most recognizable elements of Spanish culture and incorporates three key elements: guitar, song and dance. Embrace the culture as we visit a studio to enjoy a private lesson from a professional dancer – the perfect introduction for when you head out later that evening.
- Casa de Pilatos: Take 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. (10-12 EUR per person)
- Alcázar Palace Visit: Explore 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.
- La Giralda Visit: Climb 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.
Depart at any time.
We recommend staying a few extra nights to better explore Seville at your leisure.
Trip Inclusions
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Toledo.
- Explore the Alhambra (one of the greatest achievements in Moorish architecture).
- Enjoy a private Flamenco lesson.
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Historic City of Toledo visit, Toledo
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Flamenco Dancing Experience, Seville
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
- Your Foodie Moment: Local Food Market Tour, Madrid
- Explore Cordoba including the Mezquita (mosque) and the medieval Jewish quarter
- Granada orientation walk including a guided visit of the Alhambra
- Guided tour of Ronda
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Private vehicle, walking
- National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout, local guide
- Hotels – 7 nts
- 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
These small group tours combine meaningful cultural experiences with upgraded comfort and expert insight. Many itineraries include visits to community projects supported by G Adventures or National Geographic, offering a chance to connect with people and places in a more impactful way.
With more inclusions than other travel styles, character-filled accommodations and exclusive pre-trip reading to set the scene, these adventures are ideal for travellers who want to explore thoughtfully and return inspired.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
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. 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. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and 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.
Similar Tours
8 Days Sarria Santiago de Compostela
Operated By: G Adventures
7 Days Angra do Heroísmo Ponta Delgada
Operated By: G Adventures
8 Days Porto Lisbon
Operated By: G Adventures
