Best of Southern Spain

Best of Southern Spain

Tours Starts: Madrid, Spain

Tours Ends: Barcelona, Spain

Day 1

Depart USA for Madrid

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

Day 2

Arrive in 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. The evening is yours to enjoy until guests are invited to sit down for a delicious dinner at the hotel. Get acquainted with your traveling companions and learn about the exciting days ahead. (D)

Silken Torre Garden or similar

Day 3

Madrid

Wake up in Madrid, the capital city of Spain. Today we will take you on a panoramic tour including photo stops at some of Madrid's most historic and iconic sights. See Plaza de España, Plaza de Colon, Plaza de la Independencia, Plaza Mayor, the Old City Center, Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, Retiro Park, and the upscale Salamanca neighborhood. Enjoy a walking tour of Toledo Old Town including admission to the stunning Toledo Cathedral; Toledo Cathedral is considered by many to be the greatest example of Gothic architecture in the world, and is just one of three 13th-century High Gothic cathedrals in all of Spain.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)

Silken Torre Garden or similar

Day 4

Madrid to Seville via Córdoba

One 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 8th century Mosque turned gorgeous 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. Continue to Seville for a relaxing evening on your own. (B)

AC Sevilla or similar

Day 5

Seville

Spend the day in stunning Seville 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 Segovia castle complex. 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 tours. (B)

AC Sevilla or similar

Day 6

Seville to Costa del Sol via Granada

Take a scenic drive down to Costa del Sol, Spain’s phenomenal “Sun Coast,” with a detour in Granada to explore this Moorish haven at the feet of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Your walking tour includes Granada’s Royal Chapel, old silk market, Corral de Carbón, and the picturesque Plaza Bib-Rambla—a gorgeous city square that buzzes with energy. Costa del Sol is one of the Mediterranean Sea’s most stunning stretches of coastline. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a long walk and delicious meal right on the water. (B, D)

Bahia hotels / Almuñecar or similar

Day 7

Costa del Sol to Valencia via Alicante

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 dating back to the 9th 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, D)

Eurostars Acteon or similar

Day 8

Valencia to Barcelona

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, L'Oceanogràfic Museum, port, and marina. 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)

H10 Itaca or similar

Day 9

Barcelona and Montserrat

Barcelona’s over 7,000 years of history functions as a unique backdrop for this thoroughly modern city. The city of Barcelona boasts 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, not to mention a long, sandy coastline, fabulous food, and terrific shopping. Take a city tour where you will see Montjuic, Sagrada Familia, Passeig De Gracia with Gaudí buildings, Port Olympic, and the Arc de Triomf. Finally take an included funicular ride up to the site of the Sanctuary of Montserrat Mountain, an 11th century Benedictine monastery hidden in the towering Montserrat range high above Catalonia. Your night ends with an included farewell dinner. (B, D)

H10 Itaca or similar

Day 10

Depart Barcelona for USA (B)

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tours vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights.