21. South & Mediterranean Coast

Departure from Madrid at 8am in the morning. We'll be heading to the region of Extremadura, where we first stop in Caceres - a beautiful medieval town founded by the Romans in 25 BC. Visiting this place is like travelling back in time, to the old medieval era. The streets climb and twist among hoary palaces and mansions. As you turn your head up, you can see the skyline decorated with gargoyles, spires, and gigantic storks’ nests. The fortress has been serving as defensive walls since the 16th century. You will have a good hour and a half there, so, please go ahead and check the main highlights, those are very close to each other and located in the city center:

• Plaza Mayor - town’s most-lively square. There are several must-see places located in Plaza Mayor. Climb up the steps from the Old Town and turn left. You will see the great Torre de Bujaco, or Bujaco Tower. At the top of the tower, you will be treated to a storks’ eye view of the Plaza Mayor. To climb the tower, you need to spend 2 euros.
• Next to Torre de Bujaco, at the top of the stone stairs, you will see Arco de La Estrella, (Star Archway). This archway serves as a traditional entrance to the Old Town. Built in the 18th century, this archway is considered to be the most important gate in Cáceres.
• The essential part of travelling to Cáceres is what lies inside the fortress. As you enter through Arco de la Estrella, several antique buildings greet you. If you walk left from the archway, you will find Palacio de Toledo-Moctezuma, built between the 14th and 15th centuries. Though you can only visit the palace from the outside, the front-facing architecture is worth seeing.
• Additionally, the small streets in the Old Town have different small shops selling local products, such as homemade pastries and sweets. Other local products definitely worth trying are goat cheese (Torta de Casar) and fig cake.

Continuation to Seville. Arrival, dinner and accommodation.

Hotel: AC Sevile Torneo.

Day 2. Seville

Breakfast in the hotel, followed by a proper city tour throughout Seville with a local guide, to admire this gorgious and also the largest city of Andalusia. With numerous sights and attractions, this city will never leave visitors stuck for choice. Main highlights of our tour:

• Plaza de España was built as a centerpiece for the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition. Described as one of Seville’s most impressive sights, this plaza (square) measures at 50,000 sq. meters. Only a twenty-minute walk from Seville Cathedral, this is one of Seville’s more popular locations and with a canal measuring 500 meters, the plaza is known as ''the Venice of Seville’’. It is a magnificent sight and a must see, with its colored ceramics and 48 tiled alcoves, each representing a different province of Spain. This place is not only popular with tourists and visitors as it has been used for the location of a number of films including Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars.
• Maria Luisa Park acted as the site of the Ibero-American Exhibition in 1929. Filled with orange trees, palm trees and flower beds, it is the perfect place to unwind. With a number of colorfully tiled benches and fountains erected in a Moorish style, this park brings a touch of the exotic to the city. It is surrounded by a number of historic sites and wonderful architectural buildings which allows visitors to indirectly appreciate the beauty of Seville.
• Seville’s Cathedral is one of the largest in the world. It stands at an enormous 126 meters long and 83 meters wide with a ceiling height of 37 meters. The classical exterior draws visitors into an equally impressive interior. For example, the main altarpiece, consists of 36 gilded panels, gently glimmering through the space. Globe-trotters can also pay their own homage to one of the world’s greatest travelers - the cathedral holds the sarcophagus of Christopher Columbus. A definite must-see.
• Barrio Santa Cruz - Seville’s most famous area and a former Jewish Quarter. Its unfeasibly narrow streets, white houses, secret squares and small churches creates an unforgettable atmosphere, just enjoy it.

After the city tour you will have the afternoon off to rest or explore more on your own.

• You can check out the inside of the Cathedral, or go to Metropol Parasol, also known as the ''Mushrooms of the Incarnation'', built just a few years ago - and now is one of Seville’s newest architectural ventures. It is the largest wooden structure in the world, and from the top of it you can have a truly spectacular view. The structure also hosts a museum, which houses Roman remains found during the beginning of construction.
• Another suggestion for your free time - to explore district of Triana - Seville’s former Gypsy quarter and one of the city’s most distinctive attractions. Its colourful, quaint streets are lined with old-style tapas bars, the walls of which are often plastered with faded bullfighting posters, photos of flamenco artists and weeping Virgin Marys. It is also known for its locally made ceramics, which adorn the walls of its old, whitewashed houses, and one of Seville’s best and most lively markets - the Mercado de Triana.

Dinner and a night in Seville.

Day 3. Sevilla - ​Córdoba (145 kms)

Breakfast in the hotel, then departure towards another Andalusian hot spot city - Cordoba. This place is truly one of the most beautiful old towns in Andalusia as well as one of Spain's most famous historical monuments. Here you will attend a proper tour through its historic center - a very charming place, with its patios and courtyards, decorated with pots of aromatic jasmine and geraniums and walk narrow, winding streets, lined with what must be some of the prettiest and most colorful houses in southern Spain. And of course, you will enter the Mosque-Cathedral: the greatest dual-identity monument in Spain.

• Mosque-Cathedral Originally there was a Roman temple on this site, but it was replaced by a Christian church during the Visigoth era. After the Moors captured Córdoba in 711, the church was split in two and used by both Christians and Muslims as a place of worship. But the reign of religious pluralism in Córdoba didn’t last long: in 784, on the orders of the Emir Abd al-Rahman, the church was destroyed and work on a great mosque began. Construction lasted for over two centuries and, when the building was completed in 987, Córdoba’s mosque was the largest in the Islamic kingdom, save only for that of Kaaba in Arabia. When the city was reclaimed by Christians in 1236, the mosque was converted into a church and in the 16th century Charles V added a great Renaissance nave right on top of the original Moorish structure. The mosque’s most-photographed aspect is its vast main hall, which is supported by over 850 double-arched columns. Sunlight and shadows create unusual effects as you wander among them, contemplating the multifaceted history of this great building.

Extending in a tangle of cobbled streets and squares to the north of the Mosque-Cathedral is Juderia - the city’s former Jewish quarter. This is a great area to stop for lunch, packed as it is with smart restaurants as well as superb no-frills tapas bars. Free time to have lunch and buy some souvenirs. 

Accommodation in the hotel, dinner and night in Cordoba. 

Hotel: EXE Ciudad de Cordoba. 

Day 4. ​Córdoba - Ronda - Costa del Sol (322 kms)

Breakfast. Transfer and a first stop in the beautiful town of Ronda. Steeped in dark myths and bullfighting folklore, whilst boasting one of the most extraordinary locations in Spain, it is no wonder that Ronda has become Andalusia’s third most visited place. With its world-famous New Bridge and bullring, as well as the hidden corners of the gorge on top of which it perches, Ronda will definetely not disappoint. In Ronda you will have a free time to explore the main highlights of this beautiful town.

• Puente Nuevo (the New Bridge) - one of southern Spain’s most famous attractions, Ronda's epic bridge, spans the 100m-deep El Tajo gorge, connecting El Mercadillo (The Little Market) - the newer part of town, with La Ciudad (The Town) - the old Moorish quarter. The bridge was completed in 1793, and it took some forty years and the lives of 50 construction workers to build.
• Puente Viejo (Old Bridge) - is the more notable of the two crossings that the gigantic Puente Nuevo was built to improve upon. Comprising a single stone archway, this early 17th-century structure is reached by strolling down through the beautiful Jardines de Cuenca (Cuenca’s Gardens), and from its center, there are some spectacular views of the countryside beyond Ronda.
• Bullring – simply the largest (by diameter!) bullfight ring in the world.
• Old and New Town - El Tajo canyon not only rendered necessary Ronda’s most iconic attraction, it also divided the town into two separate halves, each with its own style and atmosphere. La Ciudad (The Town) - is the original Moorish part and weaves around one central Street - Calle Armiñan, south of Puente Nuevo. On the northern cliffs of El Tajo is the more commercial part of town, known as El Mercadillo (The Little Market).

Later we'll continue to Costa del Sol. 

• Situated in the province of Málaga, in the south of Spain, Costa del Sol (or Coast of the Sun) is among the most popular tourist destinations in Spain. Having marvelous weather (with over 300 days of sun a year) ensures that Costa del Sol gets bombarded by tourists any time of the year. Coming to there means finding not only beautiful landscapes and scenery, but also outstanding beaches. Each town is rich in cultural heritage and tasty food. 

Arrival to Torremolinos - lovely coastal town with excellent beach, vibrant nightlife and very relaxed atmosphere. Dinner and accommodation. 

Hotel: Sol Principe.

Day 5. Costa del Sol - Granada (180km ~ 120 miles)

Breakfast, then transfer to Granada. Granada is a beautiful city, sitting right at the foot of the spectacular Sierra Nevada mountains. The popular favorite of the region of Andalusia, Granada has a rich history, fantastic range of sites to see, and a bustling nightlife. With Arab influences and Spanish charm, there is plenty of culture and history to explore here. Upon arrival you’ll have a guided tour to see the famous complex of La Alhambra, its Arabian palaces Nazaries, and its green and picturesque Generalife Gardens.

• Alhambra is definitely number one on the list of unmissable things to see in Granada, and the most visited sight in the whole Spain. The world-renowned Alhambra gets its name from the Arabic for ''Red Castle'', and has been poetically described as the place where the air is clear and the fresh water from the mountains reaches. Partly a palace, partly fort, the Alhambra is now a dedicated UNESCO World Heritage site and boasts spectacular medieval architecture which captivates its thousands of visitors. It tends to get quite crowded, given its magical nature, with around 6,000 visitors a day, but its beauty can be appreciated even in the busiest of moments.

The tour to Alhambra is already quite extensive and includes a good part of walking, so it’s your choice the rest of the day - to relax in the hotel or continue to explore the city of Granada on your own. Suggested places to visit on the second half of the day:

• Alcaicería - Best known as ''mini Morocco'', the Alcaicería is the home of the Great Bazaar of Granada. Consisting of a series of streets that are very much reminiscent of a Moroccan souk, this is not only another example of the rich Arab history of the city, but also very similar to Morocco itself. Selling everything from spices to henna, there are many little treasures to be found in these streets. Look out for traditional Arabic handicrafts such as fajalauza – traditional, beautifully painted ceramics – or the gorgeous granadino farolas – rounded lamps made from intricate stained glass.
• Albaicín - another UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of the city of Granada, Albaicín is a district of the city boasting narrow winding streets that have stood here since its medieval Moorish era. Often described as a different world inside Granada, the strong Muslim influence makes Albaicín somewhat of an open-air museum. After touring the narrow and characterful streets to experience the charm of the past, you can relax in one of its many bars and terraces and enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Alhambra.
• Granada’s Cathedral, located near the Plaza Nueva, was built on the site of a former mosque by Queen Isabella as a symbol of the Christian victory over the Moors. With parts of it decorated with beautiful intricate sculptures, there is much beauty and architecture to be admired. Complete with numerous chapels, each with their own character and artistic style, this iconic and historical building is definitely worth a visit.
• Try free tapas ''culture''. Tapas (an appetizer or snack in Spanish cuisine) is certainly one of the first things that comes to mind whenever Spain is mentioned, and Granada is probably the city most renowned for its popular tradition of free tapas. With the fantastic ''buy a drink, get free tapas'' phenomenon, this timely Spanish tradition is even more popular here. With countless numbers of bars and tapas restaurants, you’ll certainly be left with plenty of choice of where to get these tempting little snacks. Offering everything from gourmet and international tapas like sushi and caviar, to traditional Spanish jamón (dry-cured ham), you can’t leave Granada without experiencing this culinary delight.

Dinner and night in Granada. 

Hotel: Catalonia Granada.

Day 6. Granada - Valencia (498km ~ 309 miles)

Breakfast. Departure towards Valencia. On the way you will pass by the beautiful, small towns of Guadix, Baza and Puerto Lumbreras. Arrival in Valencia in the early evening. Accommodation in the hotel. 

Valencia is a third-largest city in Spain, and has a lot to offer: from world-class restaurants to stunning beaches, and from museums to buzzing nightlife. Here's our list of suggestions for your free time:

• City of Arts and Sciences - if modern architecture is more your thing, Valencia is also home to this famous complex of futuristic buildings, mostly the work of famous architect Santiago Calatrava. The Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is a must-see during any visit to Valencia. Relax in the green gardens and serene outdoor spaces of the complex, take some photos and choose your favorite of the buildings.
• Torres de Serranos - where Valencia’s Old City gives way to the Turia Gardens, that’s where you’ll find the impressive Torres de Serranos. A former gateway through the long-demolished ancient city wall - la Muralla Cristiana (‘’the Christian wall’) - these historic towers can be explored and make a great vantage point for photos.
• La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Market) - Valencia’s medieval silk market was built to show off Valencia’s wealth at the time of the booming silk trade. Today it is one of the city’s main historical attractions, and is famously one of very few non-religious examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. You can explore the lavishly decorated rooms, including the main hall, with its soaring columns that represent palms reaching for the sky in paradise. Silk Market is deservedly a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Valencia Cathedral - another of the city’s most famous sights, the Cathedral de Santa Maria de Valencia tops the list for most visitors, along with the pretty Plaza de la Virgen square outside. Check out the incredible Gothic architecture inside and out, and don’t forget to go hunting for the Holy Grail, rumored by some to be located here.
• You may want to try a Spanish dish of paella - it's famous in the whole Spain, but originated precisely from Valencia. 

Day 7. Valencia - Barcelona (355km ~ 220 miles)

After breakfast you'll have a few hours to scroll thru Valencia on your own. List of our recommendations:

• Head for thebeach - it’s no secret that Valencia is home to miles and miles of pristine golden sands. There’s plenty of space to soak up the sun at one of the two (connected) Blue Flag beaches, Playa de la Malvarrosa and Playa de las Arenas. In summer, many beach bars open up alongside, creating a fun atmosphere.
• The Central Market - whether you’re a foodie or not, this art nouveau building in the city’s Old Town never fails to impress. Wander through hundreds of fresh food stalls beneath the market’s ceramic tiles and its stunning high-dome centerpiece to get a real taste of local life. Every day from Monday to Saturday the market is packed with local shoppers navigating the colorful displays of Mediterranean fruit and vegetables and choosing from the countless legs of jamon (Spanish ham) and bottles of locally-produced wine.
• El Carmen street art - It’s completely free to explore the stunning Old Town of Valencia, and after checking out the architecture, head to the bohemian northern barrio of El Carmen to see the incredible art murals lining its walls. Local and international artists have turned the area’s crumbling buildings into their own outdoor canvas, often making statements about politics or local life. See huge murals around main square Plaça del Tossal and around Carrer d’En Gordo, with its abandoned, crumbling buildings.

On the second half of the day we'll continue to the main city on the Mediterreanean coast of Spain - magnificent Barcelona. Arrival and accommodation. 

Hotel: Catalonia Barcelona 505.

Day 8. Barcelona

Breakfast in the hotel. With fantastic art and architecture, a rich Medieval history, as well as innovative modern additions, Barcelona is certainly not short of things to do and see. Few highlights that you will see during you morning city tour around Barcelona:

• Plaza Espana - is one of the most important squares of the city, and second largest in Barcelona.
• Montjuïc - a hill in Barcelona, with its spectacular views over the harbor, the port and the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy stunning views from the panoramic viewpoint, located almost on top of the hill.
• The Barcelona Olympic Park is part of all the attractions found at Montjuic Mountain. The Olympic Games in 1992 gave Barcelona many large-scale projects. As a result, it became the perfect setting for one of the most successful games in history.  The Olympic complex includes the stadium, the St. Jordi sports pavilion and the Calatrava Communications Tower.
• Statue of Christopher Colom - standing on the pier at the very end of La Rambla, the Mirador de Colom is a homage to the explorer Christopher Columbus who paid a visit to the barcelona before setting sail to America.
• Gothic Quarter. Without a doubt the most iconic of Barcelona’s neighborhoods, the Gothic Quarter as it is commonly referred to is the heart of Barcelona’s old town. Home to some of the most ancient and historic monuments in the city, not least of which being the majestic cathedral, this is the Barcelona of narrow streets and charming outdoor squares that have remained unchanged throughout the centuries.

Feel free to explore Barcelona on your own in the second half of the day. Suggestions:

• Basilica of Sagrada Família – one of the most popular sights in Barcelona (tickets better to be bought online, beforehand).
• Park Güell is another very popular outdoor attraction in Barcelona (same, tickets better buy online in advance)
• Camp Nou Stadium - home of the world-famous FC Barcelona football team, it’s also the largest football stadium in Europe.
• Barcelona's Cathedral - impressive 13^th century Gothic Cathedral.
• Villa Olimpica - the area in Barcelona, which was totally reconstructed, and for the large part - newly built, specifically to host the 1992 Summer Olympic games in Barcelona.

 Another night in Barcelona.

Day 9. Barcelona - Zaragoza - Madrid (635km ~ 395 miles)

Breakfast, then departure towards Zaragoza. Stop there and some free time. 

Spain’s fifth largest city, Zaragoza is the capital of the Aragón region. Located south of the Pyrenees, it sits right in the middle between Barcelona and Madrid, and is home to a range of fascinating sights, from Roman ruins to magnificent Islamic architecture and a striking Baroque cathedral. We will stop in the city center so you can have a free time to explore the most notorious sights of Zaragoza: Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar and Puente de Piedra (the Stone Bridge).

• A striking Baroque Basilica, it is here that many believe that Santiago - one of Jesus’ disciples and referred to as James in the Bible - saw the Virgin Mary ascend a marble pillar. A chapel was built around that pillar and later added to and renovated, until it became the stunning cathedral it is today. If you want, you can head inside to look around at its magnificent interior, then take the elevator to the top to enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the city.
• Bridge Puente de Piedra (the Stone Bridge) is the oldest of all the bridges across the Ebro River. It was built in 1401 following a Gothic style. Measuring about 225 meters in length, the entire stone structure is held by seven arches, with cutwaters that help to break the water flow. It is very close to the Plaza del Pilar, so its silhouette with the Basilica del Pilar in the background has become one of the iconic images of the city.

After exploring the most notorious sights of Zaragoza, we'll continue to Madrid. Arrival in the capital, where our tour ends.