Andalucian Explorer 2012 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar and travel to Paris in Standard Premier Class, with a complimentary light meal and drinks served on board. After crossing Paris by coach, we join the Francisco de Goya overnight sleeper train for the journey to Madrid. (E)

Having travelled through the night, we arrive in Madrid this morning, where we enjoy a sightseeing tour. Following the tour, which takes place on foot and by coach, we have lunch in a typical restaurant on Madrid's Plaza Mayor. We then transfer to the Hotel Naçional, located close to the Prado Museum for two-nights. On Day 3 you are free to explore at your own pace. The 'Las Ventas' bull ring, with a diameter of 65 metres, and the Prado art gallery, are both well worth a visit. (Day 2-B,L; Day 3-B)

This morning we depart by high-speed AVE train for the journey south into Andalucia, to the fascinating city of Seville, an old port city set on the Guadalquivir River. The city played a key role in establishing and continuing trade with South America and remains one of Spain's most active river ports. Credited with inventing tapas, the city of Seville boasts as many as 1,000 tapas bars serving almost every conceivable type of food. Sevillians are known to move from bar to bar, enjoying a different small dish in each establishment they visit. On arrival in Seville we transfer to the Hotel Becquer, located in the heart of the city. This afternoon we embark on a sightseeing tour of the city, including the beautiful and historic Santa Cruz area and the gothic cathedral dominated by the Giralda tower, once the tallest tower in the world at 320 feet in height. (B,D)

This morning we travel by coach to Jerez, a town famous as the home of Sherry and for incredibly well trained Andalucian horses. Jerez is the authentic heart of Andalucia, with a beautiful Gothic cathedral and quiet, charming Old Town. We enjoy a spectacular Andalucian horse show at the Royal School of Equestrian Art, seeing some of the best trained horses in the world in action. Following lunch at a 'Venta Andaluza' restaurant, typical of the region, we visit a famous Sherry winery where we enjoy a tasting before some free time in Jerez. (B,L)

Today we travel by train to Granada, an enchanting city scattered over seven small hills at the confluence of two rivers. Charming, romantic Granada is dominated by the exquisite Allhambra, one of the most recognisable palaces in the world, bathed throughout the afternoon in a glorious warm pink-gold glow. The city is packed with Renaissance and Baroque architecture and the streets are lined with enticing tapas bars. On arrival in the city we head straight for one of the tapas bars for a tapas-tasting lunch together. This afternoon we begin our exploration of the city with a sightseeing tour, visiting the Albayzin area, which boasts fantastic views of the Alhambra and retains the narrow winding streets of its medieval past. We spend three nights at the Melia Granada Hotel. (B,D)

We continue our sightseeing today with a visit to Spain's most spectacular and iconic monument, the Alhambra, which was once the residence of the Muslim Kings of Granada. The Alhambra sits proudly on a plateau overlooking Granada, with the high Sierra Nevada as its backdrop. Within the Alhambra is the Palace of Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor, erected in 1527. We finish our tour at a traditional restaurant, where we enjoy lunch together. The rest of the day, and all of Day 8, is free to further explore the sights of Granada. For those feeling adventurous, you could go to the viewpoint at Mirador de San Nicolás, which offers breathtaking views over Granada. This evening we dine at a restaurant in the Albayzin Quarter with views of the beautifully illuminated Alhambra. (Day 7-B,L; Day 8-B,D)

Our journey today takes us on the Altaria train to Cordoba, a beautiful city with a relaxed atmosphere, where Christianity, Islam and Judaism have existed alongside each other for centuries, each providing contributions to Cordoba's rich architectural heritage. We spend two nights at the Hotel Hesperia Cordoba. This afternoon you are free to begin exploring Cordoba at leisure. This evening we dine together in the Taberna La Viuda. (B,D)

This morning we embark on a sightseeing tour of Cordoba, which in the 10th century was the largest city in Western Europe and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The labyrinth of narrow, winding alleys and pretty squares make Cordoba a delightful city to explore on foot. Crossing the Roman Bridge and passing the 14th century Calahorra Tower, we continue to the famous Mezquita (mosque). We then tour the Jewish Quarter with its narrow white washed streets and finish at the traditional Restaurant Almudaina for a typical Andalucian lunch. (B,L)

Our final day in Cordoba is free to explore at leisure. This afternoon we join the high-speed AVE service direct to Barcelona with our evening meal served on board. On arrival in Barcelona, we transfer to the Hotel Tryp Apolo, our base for two nights. (B,D)

This morning we take a sightseeing tour of Barcelona, including a visit to the beautiful Old Town, the Barri Gotic, and the tree-lined boulevard of Las Ramblas. The rest of your day is free to enjoy the city. The inimitable Gaudí architecture and medieval churches offer contrasts on every corner, with countless street performers, cafés and shops in between. (B,D)

We depart Barcelona this morning by train to Figueres where we join the high-speed TGV service to Paris. After crossing Paris by coach, we join the Eurostar, with a complimentary light meal and drinks served on board before our arrival into St Pancras International. (B,E)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday

We also offer the option to return to the UK by air, rather than by train. This version of our Andalucian Explorer tour is two days shorter and on Day 11 when the group leaves Cordoba for Barcelona, those selecting the return by air option will transfer to Malaga Airport for the return flight to London.

The return by air option is not available to book online, so if you are interested in flying back to London, please call one of our Tour Advisors who will be happy to help you.