Hola Espana: The Grand Spanish Journey

Arrival in Barcelona. Meet and greet at the airport with a “Europe Voyage” sign. Transfer to the hotel located in the Barcelona area and check-in. Free time to relax and explore the city at your leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. City sightseeing tour of Barcelona, during which you will discover the city’s most famous landmarks, including Passeig de Gràcia with its iconic Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, the Sagrada Família, Plaça de Catalunya, the Gothic Quarter, the Cathedral, La Rambla, Plaça de Sant Jaume, the City Hall, and the Royal Palace. You may also join the optional “Barcelona by Night” excursion, featuring a visit to Plaça d’Espanya, the spectacular Magic Fountain area, Montjuïc Hill, the historic bullring, Barcelona’s waterfront, and the Columbus Monument. At the end of the day, return to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Madrid. Along the way, you may join an optional excursion to Montserrat, one of Catalonia’s most famous and sacred destinations. Visit the 9th-century Benedictine monastery, discover the Black Madonna, La Moreneta, stroll along the mountain trails, and enjoy panoramic views from the observation points. A stop in Zaragoza is also planned, where you will have a short walk through the city’s historic center. The journey will then continue to Madrid. Late arrival in Madrid and overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Sightseeing tour of Madrid, during which you will discover the famous landmarks of Spain’s capital, including Columbus Square, Plaza de España, Recoletos and Castellana Boulevards, Paseo del Prado, Las Ventas Bullring, the Basilica of San Francisco el Grande, the Temple of Debod, and Atocha Railway Station. You will have free time to explore the city on your own or, if you wish, visit the Prado Museum. In the afternoon, those interested may attend an optional flamenco show, accompanied by dinner and a tasting of traditional Spanish tapas. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. The journey then continues towards Andalusia. If you wish, you may join an optional excursion to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage city spectacularly situated on a rocky hill above the Tagus River. In Toledo, you will take a walking tour through the historic center, where you will see the Cathedral, the Jewish Quarter, and enjoy picturesque panoramic views of the city. The journey will then continue through the vast landscapes of Castile-La Mancha to Córdoba, the historic “jewel” of Moorish Spain. Here, you may also join an optional excursion to see the exterior of the Mezquita-Cathedral, the Almodóvar Gate, Plaza de la Corredera, the Jewish Quarter, traditional Andalusian streets, and the city’s famous flower-filled courtyards. Overnight at a hotel in the Córdoba area.

Breakfast at the hotel. The morning is free for leisure. If you wish, you may join an optional excursion to Seville, the vibrant and colorful heart of Andalusia. During the excursion, you will stroll through the Santa Cruz Quarter, see the historic bullring, and walk along the banks of the Guadalquivir River. You may also visit Seville Cathedral and climb to the observation deck of the Giralda Tower to enjoy breathtaking views of the city. The program also includes a visit to the grounds of the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition, including Plaza de España, Plaza de América, and María Luisa Park. Afterwards, return to Córdoba. Overnight at a hotel in the Córdoba area.

Breakfast at the hotel. The journey continues to Granada, one of Spain’s most impressive and beautiful cities. If you wish, you may join an optional excursion to discover the city’s rich historical and cultural heritage. During the excursion, you will see the walls of the Alhambra, the Gate of Justice, the Palace of Charles V, and the Arab Baths. You will also stroll through the historic Albaicín Quarter and see Granada Cathedral, the Old Silk Market, the Royal Chapel, and the Madrasa of Granada. The excursion will end at Bib-Rambla Square. Afterwards, depart for the next destination and overnight at a hotel in the Murcia area.

Breakfast at the hotel. Then depart for Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city. Here, you will visit the modern and impressive City of Arts and Sciences, followed by a walk through the city’s historic center. During the sightseeing tour, you will see the Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda), the beautiful façade of the Central Market, and Valencia Cathedral. Valencia is also known as the birthplace of paella, allowing you to experience the authentic atmosphere of Spanish cuisine and Mediterranean culture. After the sightseeing tour, depart for Barcelona. Overnight at a hotel in the Barcelona area.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the end of the tour, a transfer to Barcelona Airport will be arranged for your return flight. Thus, your 9-day journey through Spain comes to an end — from Barcelona to Andalusia and Valencia.