Compare Discover Moorish Spain by G Adventures vs Madrid & the Spectacular South by Great Value Vacations
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Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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Duration | 8 days | 9 days |
Price From | $ 2,349 | $ 1,705 |
Price Per Day | $ 294 | $ 189 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | NA |
Activities |
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Meals Included | 7 breakfasts | N/A |
Description |
Andalucia exudes history and romance, from its grand plazas and iconic architecture to soulful traditions and evocative alleyways. Experience the spirit of southern Spain on a captivating voyage through five alluring cities. Explore Madrid’s famed museums, join a local historian along the cobblestoned streets of El Greco’s Toledo, and take a flamenco lesson in Granada. Along the way, glimpse the region’s Moorish legacy amid a string of spectacular UNESCO World Heritage sites. |
Indulge in tapas, enjoy flamenco, and experience the soul of Spain, all while visiting some of the country's most mesmerizing cities on this 8-night getaway! You'll start in the capital city of Madrid, where bustling squares, picturesque parks, and museums worth getting lost in await. After picking up your rental car, you'll make your way south for the heart of your adventure. Explore fairy-tale palaces, historic neighborhoods blended with modern design, and cities with remnants of its Moorish past still intact. |
Day 1 Madrid
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.
Day 2 Madrid
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. Return to Madrid and enjoy free time 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.
Day 3 Madrid/Córdoba
Take the high-speed train 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. Discover the medieval centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and 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. This evening, opt to savour the city’s distinctive gastronomy—a mélange of Roman, Moorish, Christian, and Jewish traditions.
Córdoba’s gastronomy features cuisine steeped in Roman, Moorish, Christian, and Jewish traditions. 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.
Day 4 Córdoba/Granada
Arrive in Granada and set out on a CEO led orientation walk of this alluring Andalusian city. 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.
Opt to visit the Granada Cathedral of the Incarnation or the Royal Chapel before your Flamenco class.
Day 5 Granada
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 least 60 days prior to departure in order to guarantee your guided tour of the Alhambra. See "Important notes" under Tour Details for more information.
Day 6 Granada/Seville
Journey to Seville, one of Spain’s most colourful and beautiful cities. Set out on a CEO 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.
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.
Day 7 Seville
Enjoy a full day of 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.
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.
Day 8 Seville
Depart at any time.
We recommend staying a few extra nights to better explore Seville at your leisure.
Day 1 Welcome to Madrid!
Arrive in Madrid airport and enjoy a transfer to your accommodation. Once you've checked in and settled down, head out for a night on the town! Start your Spanish adventure off by indulging in the flavors of Spain at a tapas bar. La Latina is a bustling neighborhood known for its overabundance of tapas bars and cocktail lounges.
Day 2 Madrid
Start the day off with a visit to the Royal Palace, the largest royal palace in Western Europe, then continue onto the Madrid Cathedral. Take a break (and do some people watching) at the Plaza Mayor square, then take the perfect photo in front of the old city gate. You can even get a taste of ancient Egypt at the Templo de Debot. In the evening, head to the city's most vibrant square, Puerta de Sol. The streets will be alive with lights, street performers, and locals heading to their favorite tapas bars for a snack before starting the evening's festivities.
Day 3 Madrid
Pay a visit to Madrid's famous Museum Triangle today, a crossroads where three important art museums await exploration! Explore the Prado Museum, home to one of the finest collections of European art and home to works from Goya, Velazquez, El Greco, Rubens, Hieronymus Bosch, and more! Or for a sample of surrealism, visit the Reina Sofia Art Center, showcasing more than 300 modern works by Dali, Miro, and Picasso among others. You'll then want to wind down at Retiro Park; be sure to stop by the stunning crystal palace in the middle! End your time in Madrid on a sweet note by treating yourself to a serving of the city's most iconic dessert: chocolate con churros!
Day 4 Madrid - Cordoba
Pick up your rental car then make your way to historic Cordoba, a 1,000 year old city that blends history with modern design. In Cordoba you should stroll through the historic quarter to discover the great Mosque-Cathedral, a symbol of the city which reflects both its importance during medieval times, as well as the Arab presence in the Iberian Peninsula. From there, visit the Synagogue – the only one that still stands in the city, and a symbol of the three cultures – Christians, Arabs and Jews - that lived together for centuries.
Day 5 Cordoba - Granada
Make your way southeast to Granada, whose Moorish past can be felt at every street, square, and major landmark; it was the last city to be reconquered by Catholic Monarchs in 1492.
Day 6 Granada
Start your day off with a visit to the Alhambra, a fairy-tale palace that lives atop a hill. Then, head back to the center of the city to continue your day of exploring; pay a visit to the breathtaking Granada Cathedral, enjoy a bite at the nearby Bib Rambla plaza, then pick up some souvenirs at the bustling Alcaiceria bazaar!
Day 7 Granada - Malaga
Drive southwest today to Malaga, a port city sprinkled with remnants of its Moorish Past. Experience true Spanish culture at the Mercado Central de Atarazanas, then end your day with an unforgettable view of Malaga from Castillo de Gibralfaro.
Day 8 Malaga
After breakfast, head to the historic city-center to start your last full day of sightseeing! Ascend upon the Gothic Málaga Cathedral, then experience the breathtaking architecture at Spain's best-preserved Moorish fortress, the Alcazaba. For your last night in Spain, why not head to Anigua Casa de Guadia, Malaga's oldest tavern; sip on some locally-made wines and say "cheers!" to a great trip!
Day 9 Depart Spain
Make your way to the airport in accordance with your departure flight; be sure to leave enough time to drop off your rental car at the rental area.