Grand Tour of Spain

Grand Tour of Spain

Spain has so much to offer any visitor – from bustling and cosmopolitan cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, to the Moorish charms of Córdoba and the flamenco capital of Seville, perhaps the most Spanish city of all. Here in the land of tapas, Rioja, sherry and flamenco, life is packed with passion and colour and always lived to the full.

Holiday highlights
• Bustling Barcelona
• Moorish city of Córdoba
• Vibrant Madrid
• Sea Side Splendour of San Sebastian

Optional excursions
• Barcelona by night
• Flamenco night
• Seville, home of flamenco
• Guided walking tour of Toledo
• Pamplona

Holiday itinerary
Day 1 UK to Nemours A trip on the Dover to Calais ferry and then south into central France to our overnight hotel in Nemours.
Day 2 Nemours to Carcassonne A drive to the south of France and the perfectly preserved walled medieval city of Carcassonne for our overnight stay. (B,D)
Day 3 Carcassonne to Barcelona Driving over the Spanish border and down the coast we spend two nights at the Hotel Solvasa in Barcelona. (B,D)
Day 4 Barcelona This world-famous cosmopolitan city is a lively and exciting place. With its unusual Gaudi architecture that is its trademark, the city is full of things to do and sights to see, including Las Ramblas, packed with shops, bars and restaurants; Montjuic, the mountain overlooking the city where the 1992 Olympics took place; and Camp Nou, home to Barcelona FC. A guided city tour is included. (B,D)
Day 5 Barcelona to Valencia A drive along the coast for an overnight stay in the city of Valencia, full of ancient winding streets, a 13th century cathedral, the Basilica of the Virgin and World Heritage Site Silk Exchange. (B,D)
Day 6 Valencia to Córdoba We drive across Spain to the Moorish city of
Córdoba for three nights at the Hotel Las Adelfas. Must-see sights include the great Arab mosque known as the Mezquita, with its gothic cathedral inside, as well as the city’s Jewish quarter, crammed with its network of bustling streets. You’ll have free time to explore further the many sights of Spain’s Moorish centre. (B,D)
Day 7 Granada Join the included excursion to Granada and a guided tour of its great Arabian palace, Alhambra. The spectacular ‘Red Castle’ is the only medieval Arab palace in existence and rightly regarded as one of the Wonders of the
World. (B,D)
Day 8 Córdoba Relax and explore the city at leisure, or join our optional excursion to the wonderful city of Seville, where you can explore the many sights and sounds on offer. (B,D)
Day 9 Córdoba to Madrid A drive across the Sierra Morena, firstly to the delightful city of Toledo, then on to Spain’s capital city for two nights at the Hotel Prago. (B,D)
Day 10 Madrid An included guided city tour takes you to some of this magnificent city’s best sights, including the 17th century Plaza Mayor that houses outdoor cafes, concerts and festivals beneath its beautifully muralled balconies, the Royal Palace and the Prado that is home to the world’s greatest collection of Spanish art. Free time in the afternoon allows you to explore further. (B,D)
Day 11 Madrid to Salamanca Today we head to the old western city of Salamanca, considered to be one of the most spectacular Renaissance cities in Europe, for a night at the Hotel Regio. (B,D)
Day 12 Salamanca to San Sebastian We head north via Burgos to the coastal city of San Sebastian, for two nights at the Hotel Costa Vasca. (B,D)
Day 13 San Sebastian This popular Basque resort in the Bay of Biscay is set amongst beautiful scenery, has golden sandy beaches, internationally renowned cuisine and blends cosmopolitan style with an old-world ambience brilliantly. (B,D)
Day 14 San Sebastian to La Rochelle Driving back into France and north along the coast we reach La Rochelle, an attractive and unspoilt seaside resort, for a night at our 3* standard hotel. (B,D)
Day 15 La Rochelle to Paris Heading further north we spend the afternoon in the wonderful French capital and city of romance, with its many iconic sights and vibrant atmosphere. We overnight in the city at our 3* standard hotel. (B,D)
Day 16 Paris to UK After breakfast we head north for our ferry crossing from Calais to Dover, then home. (B)
B,D: Breakfast & dinner