Classic Spain

Welcome to Madrid, the sassy Spanish capital known for its elegant boulevards and expansive parks. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting in the evening. After the meeting, you may choose to explore the local cuisine with some tapas and Rioja, or head to the Gran Via hotspots to dance the night away with your new friends.

Today, we travel by bus to Granada, a city packed with Moorish architecture, great tapas bars, and natural beauty. Explore the old Arab quarter of the Albaicin, the 'Alcaiceria' (old silk market area), and if you're feeling energetic, climb the steep streets up to the Mirador de San Nicolas for sunset views over the famous Alhambra.

Today, we visit Granada's impressive Alhambra Palace. Discover this 11th-century marvel with its red fortress towers, palace decor, architectural styles, and magnificent gardens set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. After your visit, delve deeper into Granada's Moorish Albaicin quarter and traditional tea houses. The view from this area across to the Alhambra Palace is not to be missed.

We leave Granada behind and travel to the Andalucian hills and the whitewashed town of Ronda. Explore the town's highlights, including the spectacular Puente Nuevo, one of the most photographed structures in the country. Wander the old Moorish town on one side, home to many historic buildings, and the newer El Mercadillo on the other side. In the evening, find a spot to enjoy a scenic sunset.

Take a walk through Los Molinos, the beautiful valley surrounding Ronda. You can head down into El Tajo, the gorge that separates the old and new town, and get a view of the bridge and town from below. The rest of the day is free to explore town. Visit the Museum of Bandits for an entertaining insight into their history, or check out the prize-winning wineries and beautiful national parks that surround the town.

Today, we travel southwest to Tarifa, a laid-back beach town endowed with spectacular rocky scenery, a sea fortress, a lighthouse, and plenty of character. The afternoon is free to relax. Perhaps catch a bus to the 10-kilometer-long sands of Playa de Los Lances, a haven for kite surfers, or hole up at a beach bar on Playa de Valdevaqueros. In the evening, why not grab some dinner in town and join in Tarifa's vibrant nightlife.

Today, you have plenty of optional activities to choose from. Perhaps head out on a whale and dolphin watching expedition on the Iberian Peninsula. Alternatively, take a day trip to Northern Africa and the town of Tangier in Morocco, just 45 minutes away by ferry. Another interesting option is a day tour across the border to the British territory of Gibraltar, home to the famous Rock of Gibraltar.

Travel to the vibrant city of Seville. Sevillians are well known for their wit and sparkle, and the city itself is striking for its vitality and flamboyance. Seville is also famous for its oranges, tapas, and flamenco, all three of which are ingrained in the fabric of the city and its proud people. As the rest of the day is free for you to explore, why not go and experience it all in person. Barrio Santa Cruz, with its multicultural history, is a great place to start.

Today is a free day to discover Seville. Checking out the world's largest Gothic cathedral is an absolute must. Visit the magnificent Alcazar, a complex of palaces used by Moorish and Christian rulers through the ages. Wander through the fragrant gardens and examine the Moorish and Mudejar architecture. In the evening, catch a local flamenco performance with the group. Charged with emotion and drama, this powerful, fiery show is a real highlight.

Continue to Cordoba by train. Discover the mesh of Muslim, Jewish and Christian cultures in the architecture and cuisine of this southern city. Visit the famous Mezquita, with its golden arches and intricate columns, once the third largest mosque in the world and one of the most beautiful. The evening is free to sample more delicious Spanish cuisine.

Take a train and head east to the coastal town of Valencia. Known for being the Spanish gateway to the Mediterranean, Valencia has a large port, beautiful beaches, restaurants and a beach promenade along the waterfront. The Old Town is set back from the seafront though, and in the centre you will find the beautiful monuments and historical buildings. This evening perhaps head out to bar-hop and eat tapas in the Ciutat Vella (old town).

Hop on a bike today and pedal along Turia Park all the way to the iconic city of Art and Science. After cycling, why not visit the 13th-century cathedral, which houses what's claimed to be the Holy Grail, and climb the 207 steps of the Miguelete tower for the best views of the city. To try the paella that Valencia is famous for (rabbit and chicken), do as the locals do and head to the restaurant area of Las Arenas for a hearty and reasonably priced lunch.

Today take the train up the coast to Barcelona. Barcelona's quirky character and fabulous Catalan cuisine mixes seamlessly with a groundbreaking art scene, Gothic architecture, superb dining and a non-stop nightlife. In the afternoon, there are plenty of options to keep you busy. Wander the labyrinthine streets of the old Gothic Quarter and navigate your way through the throngs of tourists along La Rambla, Barcelona's famous tree-lined boulevard. Maybe grab a fresh juice at the colourful La Boqueria market while you're there.

Join your leader on an orientation walk around Barcelona today. See some of the city's main sights, including a visit to Antonio Gaudi's incredible La Sagrada Familia Cathedral. The architect worked on this hugely ambitious project for decades until his death, and it remains in constant construction. Along with the Camp Nou football stadium, it is possibly the city's most iconic landmark.

Today is free for you to enjoy as you please. Set out to discover Barcelona in more detail, perhaps exploring some of the other barrios (neighbourhoods) like Montjuic or strolling in Eixample for a spot of shopping. Otherwise, pull up a towel and laze on Barceloneta beach. In the evening, catch up with your group at another briefing, where some new travellers may be joining you! Spend some time acquainting (or reacquainting) yourself with your group, perhaps heading to a tapas bar this evening.

Leave Barcelona behind and travel by train to Pamplona, the heartland of the Basque country. Upon arrival into Pamplona head out on an orientation walk and get acquainted with this well-preserved fortified medieval town. Pamplona, named after its founder, Pompey the Great, has served for centuries as both a military stronghold and an important point on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail. It's also world famous as the home of the annual San Fermin, a weeklong festival that features the running of the bulls.

Today, take a bus to the stunning seaside city of San Sebastian – a jewel of the Basque country and a place obsessed with food. With its family-friendly beaches and vibrant old city, San Sebastian is a fantastic place to stroll along the promenade, shop, or just to soak up the sun. When you arrive, get an overview of the most central beach, La Concha, with an included cable car journey to Monte Igueldo.

You'll have a full day to explore San Sebastian, giving you plenty of time to catch the 1-hour local bus to Bilbao, if you'd like. If you do decide to venture to Bilbao, the world-famous and architecturally sublime Guggenheim Museum is a must visit. If you have enough time in the afternoon, the San Telmo Museum displays history, art and photography of the Basque country. In the evening, it might be a good idea to enjoy another night of delicious food. San Sebastian is home to some of the world's best restaurants, most experimental chefs and a distinct food culture, so be sure to get your fix tonight.

Take the short journey by public bus to the prized vineyards of the Rioja wine region and Logrono. The city is rich in history and traditions, preserved since the Middle Ages. It also boasts one of the most distinguished culinary traditions in the county, home to some of the best tapas bars in the whole of Spain, all crammed into its small medieval centre. This evening, head out on an included 'txikiteo' of pintxos: a Basque-style tapas crawl that will fill your senses (and stomach) with the unique tastes of the region.

Logrono is central to Spain's wine industry, and their tradition of winemaking dates back to the first Phoenician settlers back in the 11th century BC. Today you'll head out on an included winery visit to enjoy sampling wines made from the indigenous grapes of La Rioja, Garnacha, Tempranillo, Viura and Malvasia at a local bodega. Visit the wine museum (season depending) to learn more about this region's famous tipple. If the weather is on your side, stroll through enchanting vineyards and learn what goes on behind the scenes.

Journey on the bus or train to Madrid this morning, which should take between 4 and 5 hours. On arrival, after checking in your hotel, set off for an orientation walk with your group leader. There is plenty to do and see in Madrid and you'll have time to explore at your own pace. Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) gives a great panoramic perspective of western art history. Perhaps wander through the pristine gardens of Real Jardin Botanico and then delve deeper into the art of the city at Museo Reina Sofia and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza.

With no activities planned for the final day, you're able to depart the accommodation at any time. As there's limited time for sightseeing in Madrid, it's recommended that you make arrangements to stay an extra couple of days to see all you can in the city.