Private Madrid & Southern Spain

Welcome to Madrid, the Spanish capital! You will be collected at the airport and transferred to our hotel, where the evening is at leisure.

This morning, take a panoramic tour of Madrid, beginning with the city’s medieval roots. You pass the site of the former Arab fortress and continue into the Barrio de la Morería, an area known for its historic streets and traditional taverns. From here, you explore Hapsburg Madrid, shaped during the reign of Philip II, with its Renaissance and Baroque architecture around Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Plaza de la Villa.

You then see the Madrid of the Bourbons, influenced by the urban planning of Charles III, including the Royal Palace, the Cibeles and Neptune fountains, and the Puerta de Alcalá. Your route also takes in 19th-century highlights such as the elegant Plaza de Oriente and the exterior of the Prado Museum. To complete the picture of the city, you continue through contemporary Madrid, travelling along Gran Vía and the Paseo de la Castellana, and passing the Salamanca neighbourhood, Parque del Oeste, the city’s commercial and financial districts, and the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The afternoon is at your leisure before returning to the hotel for the night.

Madrid - Merida - Cordoba. After breakfast, say farewell to Madrid and head south. Before reaching Cordoba, you visit Mérida, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved Roman ruins, including the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre. Explore its rich historical heritage before continuing to Cordoba, once the capital of the Caliphate. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Cordoba - Seville. This morning, embark on a tour of Cordoba's Mosque (entrance included), as well as taking a stroll through the winding streets of the Jewish Quarter, accompanied by your expert local guide. In the afternoon, continue your journey towards Seville, the capital of Andalusia.

Today you explore Seville on a guided tour. Entrance to the city's cathedral, the second largest in the Catholic world, is included. You also visit the Santa Cruz Quarter, where the famous opera 'Carmen' is largely set, also known for the myth of Jon Juan. Wander through Maria Luisa Park and the picturesque Plaza Espana. After your tour, the afternoon is free for you to further explore Seville at your own pace. There's an optional Flamenco show this evening.

Seville - Ronda - Costa del Sol. After breakfast at the hotel, you drive south, passing a series of typical villages on your way to Ronda. On arrival, you have free time to explore this historic town of Celtic origin and take in its striking views over the valley and surrounding mountains. You then continue to the Costa del Sol, one of Spain’s most modern and internationally recognised coastal regions. The afternoon is at your leisure.

Costa del Sol - Granada. After breakfast, you depart for Granada, the final stronghold of the Moorish kingdoms until 1492. On arrival, visit the world-renowned Alhambra and its adjoining Generalife Gardens, whose beauty has inspired many writers, including Washington Irving in his Tales of the Alhambra.

The evening is at leisure in Granada, or you may choose to join an optional Flamenco Zambra show.

Granada - Toledo - Madrid. Leaving Granada, you drive north towards Castilla to reach the impressive imperial city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by the River Tagus and rising sharply above the plain, Toledo is known for its unique blend of Christian, Moorish, and Jewish heritage. Often described as a living summary of Spanish art, history, and spirituality, the entire city is considered a National Monument.

You take a short guided tour of the historic old town, walking through its narrow streets to appreciate its remarkable past. Afterwards, continue to Madrid.

Enjoy a final breakfast in the hotel before your tour comes to an end. There is an included transfer to the airport.