Grand Tour of Classical Spain

Day 1

We travel to Plymouth for our overnight cruise to Santander with Britanny Ferries - as well as comfortable en suite cabins, you'll also find entertainment, restaurants, bars and places to relax on board duiring your cruise to northern Spain..

Day 2

Following a relaxing day at sea, we will arrive in Spain this afternoon, travelling from Santander to the Hotel Eurostars (4*) in Toledo for three nights.

Day 3

Enjoy a day at leisure in Imperial Toledo. Home to medieval Arab, Jewish and Christian architecture and monuments, Toledo is known as the city of three cultures, making it one of Spain's most intriguing destinations. The ancient city walls and old town are just a twenty-minute walk from our hotel - lose yourself in the maze of old streets, which themselves are a world heritage site, or visit the towering Alcazar palace, found on the city's highest point. Another must-see attraction is the El Greco museum, the architect of the Spanish Renaissance and a forever resident of Toledo.

Day 4

Today's full-day excursion takes us to cosmopolitan Madrid starting with a guided tour of the capital, followed by an afternoon to explore this vibrant city at your own leisure. Enjoy the array of shopping opportunities along the Gran Vía or see the sights of the stunning Royal Palace, four hundred years of history at Plaza Mayor or the Prado, one of the world's first public art museums.

Day 5

We continue our onward journey through the heart of Spain, stopping at the gateway to Andalucia, the city of Jaén. Rich in history, you'll have time to explore the impressive highlights such as the magnificent cathedral, the ancient Arab Baths underneath Palacio de Villardompardo or the Provincial Museum to learn about the city's history. Later, we travel to Granada for a two-night stay at the Gran Hotel Luna de Granada (4*).

Day 6

A full day exploring the wonderful city of Granada. Nestling at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, with an unmistakably Moorish flavour, Granada is best known for the majestic Alhambra, one of the best-preserved palaces of the Islamic world. With your entrance and a guided tour included, you'll find lavish palace rooms, medieval fortifications, and stunning gardens. This afternoon, you're free to explore the city's old moorish quarter, with its maze of twisting streets which have remained unchanged for centuries and the colourful, quirky Sacromonte gypsy quarter, where balconies overspill with a kaleidoscope of colourful flowers.

Day 7

We head towards Cordoba, the ancient capital of Moorish Spain. The city is home to the Mezquita, one of the most beautiful and unique buildings in the world, with a history spanning eiight centuries, originally built as an Islamic Mosque but later converted into a Catholic cathedral. Another highlight includes the Roman-era architecture, whilst the 'city of flowers' is also home to magnificent squares, lively taverns and you may even be lucky enought to experience locals bursting into impromptu flamenco dancing. Later this afternoon, we continue to Seville for a three-night stay at Hotel Sevilla Macarena (4*).

Day 8

Considered by many to be Andalucia's most beautiful city and flamboyant flamenco capital, Seville is not to be missed! One must-see sight is the Alcázar Real de Sevilla, home to an eclectic collection of Islamic, Gothic and Castillian palaces and gardens. Other highlights include the awe-inspiring gothic cathedral and adjoining Giralda Tower, the iconic Plaza de España, the Torre del Oro on the banks of the river and the Maestranza bull ring, a Mecca for bullfighting worldwide. Why not break up the day by visiting the green oasis of Maria Luisa Park or sample traditional tapas in Barrio de Santa Cruz for an authentic taste of the real Spain?

Day 9

Enjoy another full day to explore beautiful Seville, or alternatively, why not join us on an included excursion to Ronda? Carved into the mountains and split in half by the canyon above the Río Guadalevín River, Ronda is the birthplace of modern Spanish bullfighting. The Puente Nuevo is Ronda's most famous attraction; this breathtaking stone bridge stands one hundred metres above the river below, connecting the town's markets, old town and Moorish quarters while also playing a dark role in the Spanish Civil War. Today it is a museum and provides an excellent point to capture photos of the spectacular surrounding view.

Day 10

After departing Seville, we begin our journey north with a visit en route to Avila, the highest provincial capital in Spain. Discover a spectacular World Heritage site, home to complete medieval city walls and a tranquil atmosphere. From here, we continue to Salamanca and our final hotel for two nights, the Abba Fonseca (4*).

Day 11

From our centrally located hotel, we enjoy a guided walking tour of beautiful Salamanca, yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site in the classical heart of Spain. Strolling around the cobbled streets of the historic quarter with it's famous Plaza Mayor considered to be one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe, means taking a walk through centuries of history and experiencing the wonder of landmarks such as its famous University, one of the oldest in Europe and and the city's two cathedrals with their characteristic golden stone, hence it is often referred to as 'the golden city of a thousand legends'.

Day 12

We end our Spanish adventure, travelling back to the port of Santander for an overnight cruise back to Plymouth.

Day 13

Arriving back in the UK this morning, we head back home.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner