Best of Southern Spain

Your trip to Spain begins with an overnight transatlantic flight to Madrid.

Welcome to Madrid, where your trip of a lifetime begins! If you purchased airline tickets through YMT Vacations, a friendly representative will welcome you at the airport and transport you to the hotel. Enjoy the evening at your leisure. Later, join us for a welcome dinner at the hotel. Get acquainted with your fellow travelers and learn about the exciting days ahead. (D)

Today, we will take you on a panoramic tour of Madrid that includes photo stops at many of the city’s most historic and iconic sights. See Plaza de España, Plaza de Colon and Plaza de la Independencia, as well as Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, and Retiro Park, plus the upscale Salamanca neighborhood. The evening will be at your leisure to enjoy a delicious meal and the many museums, cafes and pristine parks of this cultural hotspot. (B)

On the way from Madrid to Seville, travel to Córdoba in the history-rich region of Andalusia. Enjoy a walking tour of Córdoba’s Jewish quarter, Calleja de las Flores, or flower street, and La Mezquita, an eighth century mosque turned into a Catholic Cathedral. Tour the breathtaking Mosque Cathedral, known as one of Europe’s greatest works of Islamic architecture. You will be entranced by the detailed Moorish archways that line the prayer hall made of rich jasper, onyx, and marble. (B, D)

Meet your guide in the charming city of Seville this morning! Spend the day on a panoramic tour of Andalusia’s capital where Gothic architecture, medieval history, and Arabian culture combine to create a truly unique setting. From the comfort of your coach, see Plaza de España, the Gothic Seville Cathedral, and the medieval Alcázar de Seville castle complex. You’ll also take a short walking tour of Santa Cruz, Seville’s medieval Jewish quarter. Spend the evening at your leisure or join us on one of our unforgettable optional add-on excursions. (B)

Enjoy the day at leisure, and explore this fantastic and vibrant city, or consider joining one of our full-day optional add-on excursions. (B)

This morning you’ll take a scenic drive from Seville to Granada, where you will enjoy a walking tour. See Granada’s Royal Chapel, the old silk market, and Corral de Carbón, as well as the picturesque Plaza Bib-Rambla, a gorgeous city square that buzzes with energy. If you wish to reserve tickets to the famous Alhambra complex in Granada, you will have free time in the mid to late afternoon to visit (please make sure to book in advance, and check with us for exact timings). In the evening, enjoy a delicious meal at your hotel in Granada. (B, D)

Take a scenic journey to Valencia, with a lovely stop in Alicante for lunch on your own. Alicante is a perfect little beach town, and its fresh seafood is not to be missed. Look up to Mount Benacantil to see the sand-colored remains of Santa Bárbara Castle, the imposing fortress that protected Alicante in the ninth century. Spend the evening in Valencia, where you can relax or find an outdoor cafe that serves paella right here in the town where the famous dish was created! (B)

Start your day with breakfast and a tour of Valencia. This former Roman colony is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Spain due to its appealing combination of culture and history. Your panoramic tour includes Plaza de Toros, Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, and the L’Oceanogràfic aquarium. Take a walking tour of Old Town, and of the towering Cathedral of Valencia. Continue to Barcelona, your home for the next two nights. (B)

Today, you’ll explore Barcelona. The seaside city boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, fabulous food, and terrific shopping. Take a city tour where you will see Montjuic, Sagrada Familia (entrance included), and Passeig De Gracia, a major avenue lined with buildings designed by the famous Antoni Gaudí. You’ll also visit Port Olympic and the Arc de Triomf. Your night ends with a farewell dinner. (B, D)