Day 1 - London to Madrid by First Class rail
We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar and travel
to Paris in Standard Premier Class, with a light meal and drinks
served on board. After crossing Paris by coach, we join the
Francisco de Goya overnight hotel train to Madrid.
(E)
Days 2-3 - Exploring Madrid
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)
Day 4 - To Seville and a guided sightseeing tour
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, Seville boasts as many as 1,000 tapas bars serving
almost every conceivable type of tapas. 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
enjoy a tour of the city, including the beautiful and historic
Santa Cruz area and the gothic cathedral dominated by the Giralda
tower. (B,D)
Day 5 - Jerez and the horses of Andalucia
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)
Day 6 - Seville to Granada by Standard Class rail
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 Alhambra, 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 a joy
to explore. 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,L)
Days 7-8 - Excursion to the Alhambra
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. 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)
Day 9 - Granada to Cordoba by First Class rail
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)
Day 10 - Guided sightseeing tour of Cordoba
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)
Day 11 - To Barcelona
This morning we join the high-speed AVE service direct
to Barcelona, arriving in the early afternoon. The rest of the
afternoon is at leisure to explore this vibrant city. We stay at
the Tryp Apolo, our base for two nights.
(B,D)
If you are returning by air, you will transfer to Malaga
airport for your flight to London this morning.
(B)
Day 12 - A sightseeing tour of Barcelona
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)
Day 13 - To Paris and London
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 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
Return by air option
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.
