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Jewels of Andalusia & Madrid - 11 nights/ 12 days

Jewels of Andalusia & Madrid - 11 nights/ 12 days

Prices from 3980 EUROS PER PERSON

MAP OF THIS ITINERARY

Trip Overview:

Andalusia is the land of olive groves and rolling hills of almond blossom, flamenco dancers and gypsy songs, bullfighting and fiestas. This fascinating region offers the visitor an incredible medley of sights, sounds, tastes and scents. The enduring influence of the Islamic culture (which ruled much of the Iberian Peninsula until the 12th century) ...

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Trip Summary:

CORDOBA (2 nights) - GRANADA (2 nights) - RONDA (2 nights) - SEVILLE (2 nights) - MADRID (3 nights) including TOLEDO daytrip ...

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Access:

Daily Departures.

Flying into Madrid International Airport. Departure from Madrid.

Totally Spain does not arrange flights so you have the flexibility to book the flights you prefer. We can recommend a travel agent with whom you can book your flights if required. Otherwise a website such as Skyscanner is very useful for checking up-to-date flight schedules and prices.

 

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Tour Itinerary

Madrid - Cordoba (by High Speed Train), Spain

Arrival in Madrid and transfer privately with your Totally Spain driver to Madrid train station for comfortable high speed train to Cordoba

You’ll be met on arrival in Cordoba by another of our private drivers and transferred to your centrally located 4 star Cordoba hotel.

Cordoba (population 300,000), one of Andalusia's eight provincial capitals, stands on the banks of the River Guadalquivir northeast of Seville.

The city was founded around 169 B.C. by the Roman praetor Claudius Marcelus and was the birthplace of Seneca. The city boomed under the Arabs and on the arrival of the Caliphate, became the most civilised and sophisticated city in 10th-century Europe.

During this century Cordoba had nearly 1,000 mosques, 600 public baths and street lighting (700 years before either London or Paris). Cordoba´s sophistication attracted numerous intellectuals, scholars, poets, doctors and philosophers. Later the city was conquered by the Christians and this equally important legacy can still be seen today.

 

The rest of the day is at leisure.

 

Activities & Services Included today

  • Private transfer from Madrid Airport to Madrid train station
  • High speed train from Madrid to Cordoba - Tourist class
  • Private transfer from Cordoba train station to your Cordoba hotel
  • 4 star hotel accommodation in a standard room. Upgrade options available on request

Cordoba, Spain

Today following breakfast meet your expert local Cordoba guide at your hotel and spend the morning exploring the city that was the great Moorish capital of Al Andalus. A walk around the old Jewish quarter gives the sensation that little has changed since the 10th century. Visit the Mosque-Cathedral or Mezquita which is without doubt one of the most famous constructions in all of Andalusia and is one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world. The original Mosque was built between 786 and 788 by Abd ar-Rahman, but over the centuries, many additions and extensions have been made. Following the Christian conquest it was consecrated as a Cathedral in 1236.

Visit the Synagogue built in 1314, a beautiful Mudejar building nearly perfectly preserved and the only synagogue in Spain from that time not to have been turned into a Christian building. See Almodovar gate or ‘Gate of the Jews’ as it is known locally and the monument to the great Jewish doctor and philosopher, Maimonides. Also see beautiful courtyard patios for which Cordoba is so famous.

Later is at your leisure to enjoy lunch and we recommend a walk to the Roman bridge across the Guadalquivir river. You may wish to visit the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos (Fortress of the Christian Monarchs) a Mudejar palace from 14th century with a beautiful Moorish garden complex and the Viana Palace.

 

 

Activities & Services Included today

  • Private Half-Day Walking tour in Cordoba with expert, English speaking guide
  • Pre-Booked Entrance tickets for the Mosque-Cathedral
  • 4 star hotel accommodation in a standard room. Upgrade available on request


Meals Included today

  • Full Buffet Breakfast

Cordoba - Granada (by high speed train), Spain

Today you'll be transferred to Cordoba train station to take the high speed train to Granada.

Your private driver in Granada will be waiting for you at the train station to take you to your centrally located 4 star Granada hotel. 

This afternoon. you’ll be met by your expert private Granada guide at your hotel for your private tour of the Old Quarter. You’ll visit the cathedral and the Royal Chapel where your guide will give you an overview of the history of the cathedral and point out the lead coffins of the Catholic Monarchs, Fernando and Isabella, who re-conquered and unified Spain in 1492.

You’ll walk through the Albaicin – the old Moorish quarter that has hardly changed since the 15th century. The view of the Alhambra from the Plaza San Nicolas is stunning. You’ll continue on to the area of Sacramonte and see its mysterious cave-houses and more.

 

Activities & Services Included today

  • Private transfer from your Cordoba hotel to Cordoba train station
  • High speed train from Cordoba to Granada - Tourist class
  • Transfer from Granada train station to your Granada hotel
  • Private Half-Day Walking tour in Granada with expert, English speaking guide
  • Pre-Booked Entrance tickets for the Cathedral
  • Pre-Booked Entrance tickets for the Royal Tombs
  • 4 star hotel accommodation in a standard room. Upgrade options available on request

Meals Included today

  • Full Buffet Breakfast

Granada, Spain

Today, following breakfast, meet your expert guide for an indepth private guided visit of the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens.

This complex of palaces built around courtyards of flowering trees, pools and fountains is often hailed as the most exciting, sensual and romantic of all European monuments. It’s beauty shows the brilliance and spirit of the Moorish culture in Andalusia at a time when the rest of Europe was only just beginning to emerge from the Dark Ages. You will also tour the Generalife - the Summer palace and gardens of the Sultans. It is one of the oldest surviving Moorish gardens. Prepare to be wowed by the water features and courtyards.

This afternoon is at leisure to relax and enjoy Granada.  Perhaps go for lunch at a ‘Carmen’ (a traditional Granada house with a large garden of vines and fruit trees) with stunning views of the Alhambra in the Albaicin or maybe enjoy refreshments in the open air with some of Granada’s legendary tapas.

 

Activities & Services Included today

  • Private Half-Day Walking tour of the Alhambra Palace & Gardens with expert, English speaking guide
  • Pre-Booked Entrance tickets for the Alhambra Palace & Gardens
  • 4 star hotel accommodation in a standard room. Upgrade options available on request


Meals Included today

  • Full Buffet Breakfast

Granada - Ronda (private transfer by car), Spain

Today continue to Ronda. Your Totally Spain private driver will meet you at your hotel after breakfast and transfer you safely, in a little over 2 hours, to your 4 star Ronda hotel.

Ronda is one of the most spectacularly located towns in Andalusia, and sits on a massive rocky outcrop. It is also one of the gateways to the Pueblos Blancos (White Villages). The Puente Nuevo or New Bridge, an impressive 18th century construction over the steep El Tajo Gorge (nearly 100 m deep) joins old Ronda with new Ronda.

Ronda is considered the spiritual home of bullfighting having one of the country’s oldest bullrings, inaugurated in 1785. Other highlights include the old town with its lovely old palaces of which the Mondragon Palace (now a museum) stands out. It was rebuilt during the Reconquista but still preserves its Moorish essence.

Today, you’ll spend a relaxing day exploring the old town which Ernest Hemingway called the most romantic in Spain.

 

Activities & Services Included today

  • Private transfer from Granada Hotel to your Ronda Hotel (direct)
  • 4 star hotel accommodation in a standard room. Upgrade options available on request


Meals Included today

  • Full Buffet Breakfast

Ronda, Spain

Today, after breakfast, you'll meet your expert local Ronda guide. Discover firsthand the beauty of Ronda on this private walking tour. Explore the city's most iconic monuments and sights like the Arab baths, Old Town Hall, and one of Spain's oldest bullrings.

This afternoon is at leisure to relax and enjoy Ronda.

 

 

 

 

 

Activities & Services Included today

  • Private Half-Day Walking tour in Ronda with expert, English speaking guide
  • Pre-Booked Entrance tickets for the Maestranza bullring
  • 4 star hotel accommodation in a standard room.


Meals Included today

  • Full Buffet Breakfast

Ronda - Seville (private transfer by car), Spain

Your Totally Spain private driver will meet you at your hotel after breakfast and transfer you safely, in a little over 2 hours, to Seville and your 4 star Seville hotel.

Seville is the capital of Andalusia and one of Europe’s sunniest cities – hence the orange trees growing everywhere. The combination of Moorish, Mudejar, Renaissance and Baroque architecture through the city centre’s compact maze of narrow streets really is a sensory overload by day or by night. The entire city comes to a standstill for the Feria and Easter week when its love of tradition and sense of community is celebrated 24x7. For the rest of the year, it’s a perfect place to unwind, explore and of course, eat! You’ll find the same influences you see in the architecture has also trickled through to the food. Don’t be surprised to see film crews around. The Games of Thrones series has been filmed here recently and the city is attracting a lot of attention from a new fan base.

On arrival enjoy free time for lunch near your hotel where you can enjoy some of Andalusia’s delicious fish dishes, fresh vegetables and its world-class olive oils.

This afternoon, your expert local Seville guide will meet you at your hotel to show you Seville’s Barrio Santa Cruz (the old Jewish quarter). You’ll see at the cathedral from 1506 that houses the remains of Christopher Columbus. Standing on the site of a great mosque, the structure features mudejar, gothic, renaissance, baroque and neo-classical styles, as well as the old minaret of the Arab mosque. It’s a wonderful space to visit – make sure to climb the ramps to the Giralda Tower that offers outstanding views over the city. Take a moment to enjoy the sublime Patio de Los Naranjos (Courtyard of the Orange Trees) beside the cathedral.

You'll also visit the Alcazar, the site of the marriage between Carlos V and Isabel of Portugal in 1526. Its two beautiful outdoor courtyards are spectacular and indoors the tapestries and furniture are superb.

 

 

Activities & Services Included today

  • Private transfer from Ronda Hotel to your Sevilla Hotel (direct)
  • Private Half-Day Walking tour in Sevilla with expert, English speaking guide
  • Pre-Booked Entrance tickets for the Alcazar
  • Pre-Booked Entrance tickets for the Cathedral
  • 4 star hotel accommodation in a standard room. Upgrade options available on request


Meals Included today

  • Full Buffet Breakfast

Seville, Spain

More and more people are learning that Spain is a top culinary destination —not just the home of the famous paella, Spanish omelette and gazpacho.  Spain now boasts some of the world’s best and most renowned chefs and restaurants, along with a great variety of styles. 

Today you'll enjoy a fun Cooking Class and discover the delights of Spanish & Andalusian cuisine.

This small group activity includes a visit to the Triana Food Market, where you will learn about locally grown products and participate in the selection of some ingredients that will be used later in the class. You will also meet some of the vendors, who have been there for generations. 

During the class, guests have the chance to get involved in the preparation of a 4 course menu, directed by an English speaking professionally trained chef. Classes are designed for both novice and experienced cooks that will be able to learn and develop new techniques and skills.

After the class, dine on what has been cooked, accompanied by wine. The activity takes roughly 4 hours (including eating time)

This afternoon enjoy time at leisure for personal exploration or perhaps even a siesta!

This evening, you’ll attend a lively flamenco performance.

 

 

Activities & Services Included today

  • Small Group Cooking class with a local chef including tuition, market visit, dining and drinks. 
  • Pre-Booked evening Flamenco show (1 hour duration)
  • 4 star hotel accommodation in a standard room.

 

Meals Included today

  • Full Buffet Breakfast
  • Lunch

 

Seville - Madrid (by High Speed Train), Spain

Today after breakfast you will be transferred to Seville train station to take the high speed train to Madrid. A Totally Spain driver will meet you on arrival and transfer you to your centrally located 4 star Madrid hotel.

The remainder of the day is at leisure.  Your pre-booked entrance ticket to the Prado Museum could be used this afternoon if you wish or tomorrow.

 

Madrid stands at the very centre of Spain –geographically, culturally and politically. Madrid capital not only offers the culture and good times of a sophisticated, modern city but it also retains the charm and elegance of its early years. The power and glory of Madrid is reflected in its parks, plazas, boulevards and in the pride and panache of today’s Madrilenos. For all its international veneer, however, the city remains thoroughly Spanish, and Old Madrid has been designed on a human scale rather than a monumental scale.

Among the splendid attractions of Madrid are the Prado Museum; home to masterworks of Goya, Velazquez and El Greco: the 19th century Villahermosa Palace now the Thyssen-Bornemizsa Museum; the Reina Sofia Art Centre showcasing more than 300 modern works by Dali, Miro &  Picasso among others; the 18th century Royal Palace on the lovely Plaza de Oriente; the bustling Puerta del Sol with its many shops, restaurants and tapas bars; Rastro Market on Sundays one of the oldest outdoor markets in Europe; and Retiro Park for strolling while admiring local artists and buskers.

 

Activities & Services Included today

  • Private transfer from your Sevilla hotel to Sevilla train station
  • High speed train from Sevilla to Madrid - Tourist class
  • Private transfer from Madrid train station to your Madrid hotel
  • 4 star hotel accommodation in a standard room. Upgrade options available on request


Meals Included today

  • Full Buffet Breakfast

Madrid, Spain

After breakfast you’ll be met at your hotel by your expert local Madrid guide who will take you on an private tour of the historic city centre. You’ll enjoy visiting such places as the principal streets and squares including the Plaza del Sol, Plaza Santa, Plaza Mayor as well as the Mercado San Miguel, one of Madrid’s famous food markets.  Remember this tour can be tweaked if you have other special interests. You only need to let your Totally Spain representative know this.

You will continue with your guide to Plaza de la Villa and the Plaza del Oriente. Visit the Royal Palace that stands on the site of an old alcazar fortress and a former Moorish castle. The current building was completed in 1764. With 3,418 rooms there’s something to represent every style (and every monarch) since its construction.

This afternoon visit the Prado Museum at your leisure as we have included pre-booked tickets for you that avoid lining-up.  The museum is a wonderful space dating back to 1785 that now houses art from the 12th to the 19th century including large permanent collections by Goya, Velazquez, El Greco, Bosch, Titian, Van Dyck and Rembrandt.

This evening you’ll take part in a guided small group tapas tour with all food & drinks included. It’s a great way to experience Madrid’s most interesting and authentic bars and restaurants without the research or guesswork. Your guide will recommend the wines and other drinks to try and will order speciality tapas at each bar or tavern. Your guide will talk about the history of tapas, the types of tapas served in Madrid and elsewhere in Spain and will also give you a history of the neighbourhood you are visiting as well.


Activities & Services Included today

  • Private Half-Day Walking tour in Madrid with expert, English speaking guide
  • Pre-Booked Entrance tickets for the Royal Palace
  • Pre-Booked Entrance tickets for the Prado Museum (open date & entry time plus skip-the-line)
  • Guided Gastronomic walking tour with a small group. Includes delicious tapas and drinks (10 people maximum)
  • 4 star hotel accommodation in a standard room. Upgrade available on request

Meals Included today

  • Full Buffet Breakfast
  • Tapas style dinner

Daytrip to Toledo, Spain

Today your destination is Toledo. You'll be transferred from your hotel to Madrid train station to board the high speed train to Toledo.  Upon arrival you’ll meet our expert local guide who will first take you by taxi to the Cigarrales area for some magnificent panoramic views of Toledo city over the Tagus River.

The city of Toledo is the capital of the province of the same name, and is also the capital of the Autonomous Community called Castilla-La Mancha. The city is located at 529 metres above sea level, in the Castillian meseta (plateau), practically in the centre of the Iberian peninsula. and just 70 kilometers (43 miles) south of Madrid.  The monumental city centre sits atop a craggy rock, which is almost entirely encircled by the Tagus river.  UNESCO declared Toledo a World Heritage city in recognition of its uniqueness and its past as a host to Christian, Islamic and Hebrew culture which the splendid architecture of the city still relects - being almost impossible to walk its streets without stumbling on a Gothic or Mudejar church, an ancient mosque, a Romanesque or Visigothic structure, a former synagogue or a Renaissance palace.

Your guide will lead you on a walking tour exploring the old city while you learn about the three cultures that lived side by side during the Middles Ages and see the most important sights in Toledo including Zocodover Square, Alcazar of Toledo, Santo Tome Church,Transito Synagogue, Santa Maria La Blanca and cathedral (entrance included).

Free time for lunch and sightseeing at your leisure before returning to Madrid by high speed train where you will be met by your driver and transferred back to your hotel.

 

Activities & Services Included today

  • Private transfer from Madrid Hotel to Madrid train station
  • High speed train from Madrid to Toledo - Tourist class
  • Private Half-Day Walking tour in Toledo with expert, English speaking guide
  • Private transfer from Toledo train station to the city center with panoramic views along the way
  • Pre-booked entrance tickets to the cathedral.
  • High speed train from Toledo to Madrid - Tourist class
  • Private transfer from Madrid train station to your Madrid hotel
  • 4 star hotel accommodation in a standard room. Upgrade available on request
     

Meals Included today

  • Full Buffet Breakfast

Departure,

After breakfast you’ll be collected at your hotel by a private driver who will transfer you to Madrid International Airport for your departure.

 

Activities & Services Included today

  • Private transfer from your Madrid hotel to Madrid Airport

Meals Included today

  • Full Buffet Breakfast

Please remember that this tour can also be done in reverse starting in Madrid and finishing in Barcelona.  It can also be used as a template for a custom trip should you wish to modify, add or subtract days to suit your schedule.

 

 

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What's included

Accommodation (based on 2 people sharing)

  • 11 nights accommodation in quality 4-star hotels in a standard room. Upgrade options available on request.

Meals

  • Full Buffet breakfast daily
  • Tapas style dinner in Madrid. All food and drink included.

Transport

  • All private transfers from airport / stations as indicated above
  • Five tickets for the Local buses in Granada
  • High Speed Trains (tourist class – upgrades available on request)
    Madrid to Cordoba
    Cordoba to Granada
    Seville to Madrid
    Madrid to Toledo (roundtrip)

Private Guided Tours

  • Private Walking tour in Cordoba with expert English speaking guide
  • Private Walking tour in Granada with expert English speaking guide
  • Private Walking tour of the Alhambra Palace & Gardens with expert English speaking guide
  • Private Walking tour in Ronda with expert English speaking guide
  • Private Walking tour in Seville with expert English speaking guide
  • Private Walking tour in Madrid with expert English speaking guide 
  • Private Walking tour in Toledo with expert English speaking guide

Pre-Booked Entrance Tickets

  • Cordoba – Mosque-Cathedral 
  • Granada – Alhambra Palace, Cathedral & Royal Tombs
  • Ronda – Maestranza bullring
  • Seville – Alcazar & Cathedral
  • Madrid – Royal Palace & Prado Museum

Group Guided Tours

  • Gastronomic guided tour with a small group in Madrid. All food and drink included.

Special Highlights

  • Cooking class in Seville with a small group (4 hrs approx)
  • Flamenco show in Seville (1 hr duration)

Other

  • Comprehensive personalized trip documentation including local maps, guides and tourist information
  • Totally Spain's specialist trip planning service and support
  • Spanish Government tax


NOT INCLUDED
Flights, Personal Travel Insurance, Porterage (not commonly available in Spain), Tips, Meals, drinks or hotel extras other than those described above. Anything else not specified above.

 

 

 

 

 

Prices from

3980 EUROS PER PERSON

Customer Reviews

5th Trip with Totally Spain! Belen organize the perfect trip for us, starting in San Sebastian and working through Asturias, Basque Country, Cantabria Gipuzkoa and Madrid. This is the fifth trip I have arranged through Totally Spain and do...

Alexandra Lewin, Toronto, Canada
2023-11-05

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