Madrid & Southern Spain 2027

Once you have arrived in Madrid, you will be transferred to your accommodation to settle in before your adventure begins.

That evening, our tour leader brings the group together for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant - a great opportunity to sample genuine Spanish flavours and start getting acquainted with your fellow travellers.

This morning, a local guide takes us deeper into Madrid's story, leading us through the medieval lanes of Barrio de la Moreria and the refined Habsburg Quarter, arriving at Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa, both steeped in the city's earliest history.

From here, we move into the grand Bourbon era streets, passing the striking Royal Palace, the elegant Cibeles and Neptune Fountains, and the landmark Puerta de Alcala. The tour then shifts gears entirely, showing off Madrid's contemporary flair along buzzing Gran Via, the upscale Salamanca district, and the sweeping Paseo de la Castellana, home to the world-renowned Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. Wander its characterful neighbourhoods, browse a museum, treat yourself to some shopping, or settle into a café and soak up the city's energy.

Please note: If the panoramic tour of Madrid cannot be operated due to technical reasons, it will be replaced, at the Tour Operator's discretion, by a 1-day Madrid Hop-on Hop-off Bus ticket or a walking tour

Madrid - Merida - Cordoba. This morning, we travel south across the landscapes of Extremadura to Merida, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Spain's most significant archaeological sites. More than 2,000 years since its Roman founding, the city still holds an extraordinary legacy, its Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre standing as reminders of the empire's former grandeur.

From here we press on to Cordoba, once the great capital of the Caliphate of Al Andalus. Centuries of overlapping Roman, Islamic, Jewish and Christian influence have given the city a timeless character and deep cultural richness, the perfect introduction to what tomorrow has in store.

Córdoba - Seville. Today brings a fascinating tour of Cordoba's Mosque, regarded as one of the world's great masterpieces of Islamic architecture. Its soaring arches and elaborately decorated interior speak to the city's illustrious past. Nearby, we also take in other charming corners of the city as we stroll the narrow, winding lanes of the Jewish Quarter, a peaceful, restorative wander through the old town.

In the afternoon, we set off for Seville.

This morning, a local guide leads us through Seville, the Andalusian capital, which stretches out along the Guadalquivir River, the lifeblood of the city, where history and the golden light of Andalusia meet at every turn. Medieval towers and elegant domes shape the skyline, topped by the unmistakable outlines of the Giralda and the Cathedral.

We wander the lush greenery of Maria Luisa Park and the show stopping Plaza de Espana, arguably Seville's most cinematic corner, before losing ourselves in the winding lanes and quiet squares of the Santa Cruz Quarter, just a taste of what makes this one of Spain's most captivating cities.

The afternoon is yours to keep discovering this city of light, whether that means wandering further afield or pausing at a café along the way.

Seville- Jerez - Ronda. Our route today takes us south through a string of Andalusian villages to Jerez de la Frontera, a city defined by its world-class sherry, proud equestrian tradition and the soulful rhythm of flamenco. Grand squares, elegant palaces and centuries-old churches line its historic centre, where wandering the streets reveals plenty of authentic local character.

From here we continue to Ronda, one of Andalusia's most striking and storied towns, set dramatically above the deep El Tajo gorge and linked by the famous Puente Nuevo bridge. Whitewashed houses and atmospheric streets tell the story of centuries of Roman, Moorish and Christian rule, and the town's dramatic scenery makes for a genuinely memorable stop.

The rest of the day is free for you to further explore Ronda, perhaps taking in the views from a clifftop viewpoint or wandering its atmospheric old town.

Ronda - Malaga - Granada. We head to Malaga this morning, where there's time to explore the city's historical and cultural attractions. Its many corners reflect centuries of history, from Roman times, visible in its grand theatre, through to the Moorish era, seen in the Alcazaba and the Castle of Gibralfaro.

We then travel on to Granada, nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada between the Darro and Genil rivers. One of Andalusia's true gems, the city pairs its legendary Alhambra with a wealth of Renaissance architecture.

Granada - Madrid. This morning, a local guide leads us through the world famous Alhambra (entrance included) and the adjoining Generalife Gardens. Widely regarded as Granada's crowning treasure and among Spain's most iconic sites, this sprawling palace and fortress complex showcases the very best of Moorish architecture. Its elegant courtyards, intricate detailing and lush gardens open onto sweeping views across the city and the Sierra Nevada.

Afterwards, we travel back to Madrid, rounding off the day with an included Farewell Dinner alongside the friends you've made along the way.

After a final breakfast, you will be transferred to Madrid Airport in time for your departure flight.