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Historic Cities of Spain

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20252026
11 days From £3,399 £3,299 per person
4.4 stars(60 reviews)
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Explore the cities and sights of Spain, on a grand tour that embraces the diverse culture and unique history of the country

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Save £100pp on Europe & British Isles 2025 holidays, when you book by 31st May 2025.

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Mobility Rating 3

2025 Tour code: ASG25

About the tour

Discover the rich and diverse cultural heritage and artistry of Spain. On a journey through iconic cities, we travel from the capital of Madrid, into Moorish Andalucía and Barcelona.

We explore Granada's Alhambra, palaces and gardens, Seville's historic cathedral and Córdoba's Mezquita. On a sightseeing tour we see Barcelona's Sagrada Familia cathedral, Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece, from the outside. Along with expertly guided excursions, enjoy leisure time to delve deeper into each city's treasures on this 10-night holiday.

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Unforgettable Experiences

Discovering Alhambra and Granada’s preserved Arabic Quarter
Discovering Alhambra and Granada’s preserved Arabic Quarter
Enjoy guided tours of these two impressive areas that form the medieval part of Granada, set beneath the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Exploring Barcelona
Exploring Barcelona
Wander Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and see the outside of the Sagrada Familia - Gaudí’s extraordinary creation with an expert guide before time at leisure.
Touring Madrid
Touring Madrid
Explore the city, seeing its Royal Palace, artistic treasures and beautiful parks on a guided sightseeing tour of the Spanish capital.
Taking in Seville
Taking in Seville
Discover the Andalucían capital on a guided tour including its impressive cathedral and the grand monument of the Plaza de España.
Visiting the Mezquita of Córdoba
Visiting the Mezquita of Córdoba
Experience this mosque-cathedral and walk through the atmospheric cobbled streets of the Jewish Quarter.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in the resort of Biarritz, France

Your holiday starts at London St Pancras with a welcome from the Tour Manager. We join the Eurostar to Paris, then continue our journey by First Class rail to France's coastal resort town of Biarritz for the night. Arriving in the evening, we check into our hotel before dinner at a local restaurant on the 'Grand Plage' - the main beach of the sweeping bay, overlooking the sea.

Includes
  • Eurostar Light Meal
  • Dinner
Day 2 – Welcome to Madrid

This morning we're transferred by coach to the railway station at Irun for a First-Class journey by high-speed rail to Madrid. Arriving in the afternoon, we check into our hotel for two nights.

The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. Although Madrid is the EU's second-largest city, its streets are easy to navigate thanks to its grid system. A short walk away is Puerta del Sol in the heart of the city, and three of Madrid's world-class art galleries - the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Prado, which is a treasure chest of Spanish masters including Diego Velázquez and Francisco Goya, and the Reina Sofía museum that has an impressive collection of 20th-century art.

Tonight you are free to dine independently, and Madrid offers many enticing places to eat - from fashionable cafés serving a range of mouthwatering tapas to more traditional establishments offering specialities such as paella and cured jamon.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 3 – Exploring historic Madrid

This morning we are taken on a guided sightseeing tour, by coach and on foot, and introduced to Madrid's main sights, historical buildings and the city's vast green park, 'El Retiro'. These beautiful gardens were originally built for Spain's royal family in the 1500s, but the park is now a public space used by local residents of all ages and visitors to the city.

Our tour takes us past the magnificent Palacio Real, or Royal Palace, still used for official state functions and filled with impressive paintings, sculptures and antiques.

With an afternoon at leisure you could walk along the wide boulevard of El Paseo del Prado to discover the famous Prado gallery, or visit one of the city's other great museums nearby. El Retiro is a peaceful contrast to Madrid's lively streets, providing an oasis at the heart of the city for locals and tourists alike. The park has a boating lake and around that area you're likely to come across street entertainers - from mime to puppet shows and folk musicians to Mexican Mariachi bands.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 - Arrival in Seville, guided tour and dinner

This morning we travel by First Class rail into Andalucía in Seville, for a two-night stay. After checking in and some free time to find lunch independently, this afternoon we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the city, by coach and on foot. We are taken through the city's historic Santa Cruz district, before entering Seville's impressive Gothic cathedral in the centre of the Old Town. The largest Gothic building in Europe, the cathedral was built on the site of a mosque. Look out for the cathedral's medieval stained glass windows, and the Patio de los Naranjos, a peaceful area which is part of the original mosque.

After our tour, you are at leisure for the rest of the afternoon. You could stroll along the river to see the Torre del Oro, which was once a military watchtower and medieval prison. The golden tower is next to the Guadalquivir River and late afternoon or early evening is a special time to view it, as the tower glows as the sun's rays stretch across the river. We meet up with our group again this evening to dine at a restaurant close to our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – A free day in Seville

Today is a chance to continue sightseeing at your own pace. Many of the city's landmarks are within easy walking distance. You could visit the grand monument, Plaza de España, an area of colourful tiled arches, ornate fountains and alcoves, created for the 1929 'Fair of the Americas'.

Another way to spend half a day is to visit the Real Alcázar, or Royal Palace, whose interiors are a combination of Moorish, Mujedar and Christian architecture with elaborate patios and geometric tiles. For art enthusiasts, Seville's Fine Art Museum, or Museo de Bellas Artes, is one of Spain's top art museums. Another emblematic site of Seville is the Triana Bridge, also known as Isabel II Bridge. There are also several flamenco venues in the Old Town with shows usually starting late in the evening - booking ahead is advised. Seville is known as the birthplace of tapas and there are many bars and restaurants where you can indulge in the celebrated dish independently this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 6 - Exploring Granada’s Moorish Quarter - the Albaicín

We travel by coach to the station in Seville, where we board a train to the Moorish city of Granada where we stay for two nights. The city is dominated by the Alhambra. This palace and fortress complex is one of the world's most important and well-preserved examples of Moorish architecture, set against the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

We begin our explorations with a sightseeing tour, visiting the Albaicín Quarter. Once the Moorish quarters of the city, the area is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site which retains the narrow winding streets of its medieval past. After our tour, you are at leisure to continue exploring at your own pace. In the older streets, you will find Moroccan-style tea gardens, bohemian bars and craft shops. A must-visit area is the Mirador de San Nicolas. This wide terraced area has fantastic views up to the Alhambra - a popular spot to see flamenco players or artists and craftspeople selling their work. This evening you are free to dine independently.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 7 - Granada’s Alhambra on a guided tour

This morning we visit the breathtaking UNESCO-listed Alhambra itself. Once the residence of the Moorish leaders of Granada, this spectacular palace complex sits on a plateau overlooking the city, with the fairytale Sierra Nevada mountains as its backdrop. The Alhambra is listed as a World Heritage site for its outstanding aesthetic value as the world's only preserved palatine city of the Islamic period and the best example of its architecture.

We walk through the series of outstanding palaces with intricate carved wooden ceilings, colourful mosaics and astonishing plasterwork. We also enter the beautiful 14th-century Generalife, once a summer palace and country estate of the sultans. Afterwards, we are transferred back to our hotel with time to relax before dinner. This evening, we visit a traditional restaurant for an authentic Andalucían dinner, with views of the illuminated Alhambra.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - A guided tour of Córdoba and La Mezquita

After breakfast, we travel by coach to Córdoba. The third of Spain's great Moorish cities it was once the largest metropolis in Western Europe and another remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site. Arriving around lunchtime, we check into our hotel for the night. After time to settle in and find some lunch independently, we are taken on a guided tour of this beautiful city.

Entering the Old Town area, we cross the Roman Bridge, passing the 14th-century Calahorra Tower, before continuing to the Mezquita, considered to be one of the greatest remaining works of Islamic architecture in the world. Originally a mosque, it has been transformed over the centuries since Andalucia was reclaimed by the Spanish crown. Today, its interior includes dozens of chapels and several Christian icons.

Next, we explore the narrow streets of Córdoba's historic Jewish Quarter. We see its ancient synagogue, a statue of the Jewish philosopher and astronomer Maimonides, hidden stone patios, and other relics from this significant period in the city's history. This evening is free to dine independently.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 9 - Arrival in Barcelona

This morning, we travel by First Class high-speed rail to the Catalan capital of Barcelona. Arriving in the afternoon, we check into our hotel for two nights.

The rest of the day is free to enjoy the city. It's impossible to visit Barcelona and not fall under the spell of renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. Our hotel on Passeig de Gràcia, in the Modernist district, places you near his masterpieces Casa Milà and Casa Batlló. While some of the city's main attractions are easy to reach on foot, you could also use the city's efficient metro system to head further afield.

In the Gothic Quarter, you could visit the impressive Picasso Museum with its many drawings from the artist's early work. For a relaxing experience, the city's botanical gardens provide a peaceful retreat. You could visit Park Güell, with its colourful mosaic sculptures and stunning city views. You could also enter the Sagrada Familia, where it's possible to take a lift to the top. This evening you are free to dine independently.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 10 - Sightseeing in Barcelona

A guided tour of Barcelona by coach and on foot awaits after breakfast. We see the astounding exterior of the Sagrada Familia, walk along the tree-lined boulevard of Las Ramblas and end our tour among the attractive and labyrinthine alleys of the Gothic Quarter, signposted as Barri Gòtic.

If you would like to explore the interior of Sagrada Familia, you could choose to do this independently with free time this afternoon. Elsewhere, there are several neighbourhoods dotted along Barcelona's coast, including former fishing villages such as El Poble Sec, which can be reached by metro. Alternatively, the 18th-century residential area of Barceloneta exudes Catalan coastal charm, with leafy squares surrounded by bustling bodegas. Another area of the city to visit is the expansive park on a hill above the city, where you'll find the Montjüic Castle. Or you could visit the Boqueria market, just off the Ramblas, and indulge in tapas.

This evening, we head to an authentic 17th-century Catalan farmhouse for a fantastic dinner of exquisite, traditional dishes in a private room - the ideal way to conclude our holiday.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 - Homeward bound

Our grand tour of Spain reaches its end today as we board our First Class train to Paris. There we join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras. On our return journey, reflect on the highlights of this memorable holiday. We explored Madrid's historical landmarks, Seville's Gothic cathedral and Alhambra's palaces. Cordoba's Mezquita and Barcelona's architectural marvels completed our journey, enriched by time at leisure in each city.

Includes
  • Breakfast
  • Eurostat Light Meal

Additional information

Please note

Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.

Classic collection

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Hotel Catalonia Gracia

Hotel Catalonia Gracia, Barcelona

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Hotel Plaza Biarritz Plage - Handwritten Collection, Biarritz

Hotel Plaza Biarritz Plage - Handwritten Collection, Biarritz

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Hotel Hesperia Cordoba

Hotel Hesperia Cordoba, Cordoba

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Palacio de Santa Ines, Granada

Palacio de Santa Ines, Granada

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Hotel Catalonia Gran Via, Madrid

Hotel Catalonia Gran Via, Madrid

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Casa Romana Hotel Boutique

Casa Romana Hotel Boutique, Seville

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Trains

AVE
Eurostar
TGV

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Upgrades

London Hotels
UK rail connections

Reviews

4.4 stars4.4 / 5 · 60 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (34)
  2. 4 stars
    (20)
  3. 3 stars
    (3)
  4. 2 stars
    (1)
  5. 1 star
    (2)

C Howard

5 stars

Submitted 15 Oct 2024

Excellent holiday, though an extra night in some of the cities (Seville/ Barcelona) might have made it less tiring. Great hotels & dinners.

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Roy Jackson

5 stars

Submitted 11 Oct 2024

A lovely tour which allows viewing of the most historically important cities of Spain.

Collected by Trustpilot

Ann

5 stars

Submitted 10 Oct 2024

Thoughtfully planned and well organised.

Collected by Trustpilot

Jane Johnson

5 stars

Submitted 03 Oct 2024

It was great to visit places we had known through our reading and study. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing, learning and adding to our understanding of history. It was well organised with valued free time. Hotels were great, especially in Seville and Granada which both had wonderful character.

Collected by Trustpilot

John

5 stars

Submitted 11 Jun 2024

Fantastic tour around some of the great Spanish cities and seeing their spectacular historic buildings.

Collected by Trustpilot

Malcolm

5 stars

Submitted 05 Jun 2024

Five historic cities in 12 days. Amazing places. And an excellent tour manager.

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Malcolm, Thank you for your review. That is wonderful to hear! Sophie
1 comment

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