A Grand Tour of Spain

From Andalusia to Madrid and Barcelona.

Please note that this is a "suggested" private group tour itinerary, which can be changed to suit your interests. The tour price will depend on the number of participants, travel dates, type of hotels, etc.

This "Best of Spain" itinerary covers the most frequently visited regions of the Iberian Peninsula. It starts on the sunny Costa del Sol, in Málaga, with a detour to British-controlled Gibraltar. Next on the tour route is Granada with the Alhambra, the world-famous medieval citadel and Moorish palace with its magnificent Generalife Gardens. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is an absolute "must-see" on this itinerary.

Next, in Córdoba, the largest city in Spain and Christendom in the year 1000, you can view the very unusual architecture of La Mezquita, an eight-acre combination mosque and Baroque cathedral that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In Seville, you will discover the heart of Andalusia with its Plaza de España (the grounds of the Latin American Exhibition of 1929), the famous Maestranza Bullring, the old city neighborhood of Triana, and a new Museum of Flamenco. In the old historical center, another UNESCO World Heritage Site is ready for your discovery. The most important places to see are:

• The Reales Alcázares, a palace in the style called "mudéjar" (a combination of Moorish and Gothic styles), which has served as a royal residence since the 14th century and is still used by current King of Spain, Juan Carlos.
• The Gothic cathedral built on the foundations of a mosque, the reminders of which are made strikingly obvious by the combination minaret/tower of La Giralda.

In Jerez de la Frontera, near Cádiz, you will enjoy locally-produced sherry wine and tour the "white village" of Arcos de la Frontera.

On to Madrid. Must-sees in this bustling modern capital city include: the world-famous Prado museum, featuring works of art by El Greco, Goya, Velásquez, Rubens and many others; the Reina Sofía Museum of Modern Art, with works by Miró, Dalí and Picasso; and the private collections of the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Not to forget the lavishly decorated Royal Palace, the traditional Plaza Mayor and much more.

Segovia is an easy day trip from Madrid. Stop at the Roman aqueduct. Built around 50 B.C., this imposing structure is the symbol of the city and a perfect example of the most brilliant ancient architecture in Spain. The Alcázar fortress, a former royal residence, has a coffered ceiling dating back to the 15th century. The Gothic cathedral, built in the 16th century, contains the "El Santo Entierro" by Juan de Juni and a beautiful collection of tapestries.

Vibrant Barcelona awaits you at the end of this magical journey. All the different sites you can visit on this tour are of unique cultural interest, but one of the most notable is "La Sagrada Familia," a modern cathedral with a blend of Gothic, modern and futuristic architecture like no other in the world (and yet another UNESCO World Heritage site). It is the masterpiece of famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and the signature building of Barcelona, one of the high points of this itinerary.

This tour route touches on many parts of Spanish history and captures the essence of the various cultures that influenced the heritage of Spain: Andalusia's deep south, traditional Madrid and modern Barcelona.

There are many more possibilities on this tour route: Málaga, Granada, Gibraltar, Toledo, etc. Let us know where and when you want to go. We will create a custom program that fits your interests and requirements.

    

Places on this route we have personally visited: Málaga, Gibraltar, Jerez de la Frontera, Arcos de la Frontera, Seville, Córdoba, Granada, Madrid, Segovia, Toledo and Barcelona. See pictures from our trips:

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