From Madrid to Seville A Spanish Odyssey
This 12 day journey starts in Madrid and winds north through Leon and Oviedo to the Picos de Europa, with Covadonga’s basilica and Santillana del Mar’s medieval lanes, plus the Altamira Cave Museum. Expect coastal views in Santander and bold design in Bilbao – think Guggenheim – before tasting La Rioja’s wine heritage and uncovering Zaragoza and Poblet Abbey. In Barcelona you’ll explore Gaudi icons and the waterfront, then follow the Mediterranean via Peniscola and Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences. Continue through Alicante and Guadix’s cave houses to Granada for the Alhambra. Finish via Nerja’s cliffs, Malaga and Ronda’s gorge to Seville – cathedral, river cruise and optional flamenco.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
12 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
MadridEnds
SevilleMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Spain that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Country
SpainPassengers
$2,205.75
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPlaces You'll See
Madrid
León
Oviedo
Covadonga
Santillana del Mar
Santander
Bilbao
Foronda Service Area
La Rioja
Zaragoza
Poblet
Barcelona
Peniscola
Valencia
Alicante
Caravaca de la Cruz
Granada
Malaga
Marbella
Ronda
Seville
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Madrid
On arrival in Madrid, we’ll transfer you to your hotel – the rest of the day is free for you to relax or take a gentle stroll nearby. In the afternoon, please check the information boards at hotel reception for details about the start of your tour, including meeting point and timings.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.
Day 2 - Madrid - Leon - Oviedo
We leave Madrid early and cross Castile y León, stopping in Tordesillas to hear about its history and enjoy a coffee in the main square. We continue to León, where you’ll have time for lunch and to see the magnificent Gothic cathedral in this key city on the Camino de Santiago. In the afternoon we cross the Cantabrian Range into Asturias, reaching Oviedo in the evening. We include a 1.5‑hour city tour with a local guide – scheduled either this evening or tomorrow morning – taking in the 9th‑century cathedral, the Congress Palace of Oviedo, the Campoamor Theatre and Calle de la Rúa. We also include a traditional Asturian dinner in a typical cider house. Please note – depending on the number of travellers between Madrid and León, this sector may operate by train, in which case we do not stop in Tordesillas.
Day 3 - Oviedo - Covadonga - Santillana del Mar - Santander
We leave Oviedo for the Picos de Europa, beginning with a visit to the Basilica of Covadonga. We then follow the Cantabrian coast to Santillana del Mar, known for its intact medieval quarter, and visit the nearby Altamira Cave Museum – tickets are included. Later, we continue to Santander, the region’s capital, where we join an included panoramic tour with a local guide to explore this elegant coastal city and its views of both mountains and beaches.
Day 4 - Santander - Bilbao - Foronda Service Area - La Rioja - Zaragoza
After breakfast, we take a guided tour of Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country and the region’s main economic and cultural centre. A highlight is the Guggenheim Museum – famous for its striking architecture. You’ll then have free time to stroll around the area or visit the museum if you wish.We continue to La Rioja, renowned for its exceptional wines, and visit the Wine Culture Museum in Briones to explore the age‑old craft of winemaking. We arrive in Zaragoza in the evening.
Day 5 - Zaragoza - Poblet - Barcelona
We begin with a morning panoramic tour of Zaragoza led by a local guide. We’ll visit the Cathedral–Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, learn about Goya and see some of his works, and continue to the Roman theatre and a Renaissance palace. We then take a stroll by the Aljafería Palace.After lunch, we head into Catalonia to visit Poblet Abbey – a stunning walled monastery and one of the best‑preserved medieval monasteries in the world, with tickets included. We continue to Barcelona, arriving in the evening.
Day 6 - Barcelona
In the morning, we take a panoramic tour of Barcelona, a Mediterranean city celebrated for Gaudí and its modernist architecture, its lively Ramblas and the legacy of the World Expositions and Olympic Games. We finish at Maremagnum – a waterfront leisure and dining complex beside Columbus Square – where you can stroll through this lively area by the sea. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore as you wish. We return to the hotel at the end of the day.
Day 7 - Barcelona - Peniscola - Valencia
We travel south along the Mediterranean coast, stopping in Peniscola – a medieval walled town fringed by beaches – where you’ll have time for a stroll. We continue to Valencia, arriving around lunchtime. In the afternoon we join a guided city tour with a local expert to discover this historic port, where monuments from different eras sit alongside the modern City of Arts and Sciences. After the tour you’ll have free time to explore as you wish. We end the day with an included traditional local dinner.
Day 8 - Valencia - Alicante - Guadix - Granada
We continue through the gentle landscapes of the Valencian Community and pause in Alicante, a Mediterranean city of golden beaches and a characterful historic quarter, with the Castle of Santa Bárbara as its standout landmark. You’ll have free time for a stroll. We then travel across the drier scenery of Murcia and stop en route for lunch. Crossing into Andalusia, our first visit is to Guadix, known for its inhabited cave houses; its historic centre brings together a Renaissance cathedral, traditional neighbourhoods and views of the Sierra Nevada. We continue to Granada, arriving in the late afternoon – dinner included.
Day 9 - Granada
We spend a full day in Granada. If your tour includes tickets, we explore the Alhambra Palace and the Generalife Gardens – masterpieces from the Arab era. In the afternoon, you have free time to continue discovering the city – perhaps visit the cathedral, which houses the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs. Very important note – visitor numbers for the Alhambra are strictly regulated. Tickets are issued when your tour reservation is confirmed, and it is essential that your full name and passport or ID number are provided accurately at the time of booking. Ticket costs are not refundable in case of cancellation. In the rare event the Alhambra visit is not possible, we will instead tour the Royal Alcázar of Seville, which offers similar historical and architectural significance.
Day 10 - Granada - Nerja - Malaga - Ronda - Seville
We depart Granada and leave the Sierra Nevada behind, then follow the Mediterranean along the Tropical Coast – a shoreline with a mild year round microclimate where guavas, mangoes and avocados thrive, and where sugar cane was once cultivated. We stop in Nerja, a charming seaside town set above impressive cliffs, before continuing to Málaga, capital of the Costa del Sol. Here you’ll have time for lunch and a stroll through the historic centre. This afternoon we head into the Andalusian sierras to reach Ronda – a striking white town split by a dramatic gorge – and then continue to Seville, arriving in the late afternoon. Dinner is included at the hotel.
Day 11 - Seville
This morning we explore Seville on a guided city tour, taking in Seville Cathedral with its Giralda bell tower, the banks of the Guadalquivir, and the characterful neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana. After the tour we unwind on an included boat cruise along the Guadalquivir – a relaxing way to enjoy panoramic views of the city from the water. In the evening, you can choose to attend a flamenco tablao.
Day 12 - Seville
After breakfast in Seville, we conclude the journey – we hope you leave with lasting memories of your time in Spain.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Seville
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Madrid
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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