Explore the Best of Andalusia with Iberica Travel’s Southern Circle Tour.

Join Iberica Travel on an unforgettable Southern Spain Tour, where you’ll experience the heart of Andalusia - a region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Perfect for travelers seeking a seamless and immersive journey, this tour covers Spain's most iconic landmarks and the sunny shores of the Costa del Sol in just five unforgettable days.

Your adventure begins in Madrid and takes you directly into the soul of Southern Spain, Andalusia. This captivating region is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, blending Moorish and Spanish influences in its stunning architecture, vibrant music, and legendary festivals. From the breathtaking Alhambra in Granada to the awe-inspiring Mezquita in Córdoba, and the lively streets of Seville, this tour ensures you’ll experience the very best Andalusia has to offer.

Along the way, discover Andalusia’s diverse landscapes. Stroll along the golden beaches of the Costa del Sol, soak in the views of the dramatic Sierra Nevada mountains, and wander through the cobblestone streets of ancient towns. The region’s charm is further enhanced by its flamenco rhythms, mouthwatering cuisine - from tapas to sherry - and the warm hospitality of its people.

The journey includes visits to iconic cities like Córdoba, where you’ll explore the historic Mosque-Cathedral, and Seville, home to the stunning Plaza de España and the atmospheric Barrio Santa Cruz. As you head to the Costa del Sol, a stop in Ronda introduces you to one of Spain’s most picturesque towns, perched dramatically above a deep gorge.

On your return to Madrid, you’ll visit Granada, where the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens will leave you speechless, and conclude with a stop in the ancient city of Toledo. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Toledo showcases a blend of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences, making it a fitting finale to this cultural journey.

Book your spot on the Southern Spain Tour with Iberica Travel today, and get ready to uncover the wonders of Andalusia!

Please click here to see the route on a map.

Day 1: Madrid - Cáceres - Seville (560 km ~ 348 miles)

Your journey begins with an early departure from Madrid's bus terminal at 8:00 AM, heading to the fascinating region of Extremadura. The first stop is Cáceres, a stunning medieval town founded by the Romans in 25 BC. Strolling through Cáceres feels like stepping back in time. Its narrow, winding streets are lined with ancient mansions and palaces, while gargoyles and spires dominate the skyline, accompanied by massive storks’ nests.

You’ll have an hour and a half to explore Cáceres’ key highlights, all conveniently located in the city center. The lively Plaza Mayor serves as the heart of the town, with must-see landmarks like Torre de Bujaco, where a climb offers a bird’s-eye view of the square, and the Arco de la Estrella, the traditional entrance to the Old Town. Nearby, the Palacio de Toledo-Moctezuma showcases beautiful 14th and 15th-century architecture. Don’t forget to explore the quaint shops offering local treats like goat cheese (Torta de Casar) and fig cake.

After your visit, the tour continues to Seville, where you’ll arrive in the evening. Dinner and accommodations await.

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Day 2: Seville

Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a guided tour of Seville, the largest city in Southern Spain. With its vibrant culture, rich history, and architectural wonders, Seville is a city that captivates all who visit.

One of the highlights of the tour is the Plaza de España, an expansive square built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition. Its magnificent colored ceramics, canals, and tiled alcoves representing Spain’s provinces make it a favorite spot for visitors. Nearby, Maria Luisa Park offers a serene escape with orange and palm trees, Moorish-style fountains, and historic architecture.

The Seville Cathedral, one of the largest in the world, stands as a testament to the city’s grandeur. Its gilded altarpiece and the tomb of Christopher Columbus make it a must-see, even from the outside. Explore the enchanting Barrio Santa Cruz, the city’s former Jewish quarter, where narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and hidden squares create an unforgettable atmosphere.

After lunch, the afternoon is yours to explore. Climb the Giralda Bell Tower for panoramic views, visit the Metropol Parasol for a modern architectural marvel, or wander through the colorful streets of Triana, Seville’s former gypsy quarter, known for its ceramics and vibrant tapas bars. The day concludes with an overnight stay in Seville.

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Day 3: Seville - Ronda - Costa del Sol (190 km ~ 118 miles)

Following breakfast, the tour heads to Ronda, a town perched dramatically above the El Tajo gorge. Known for its rich history and stunning views, Ronda is a highlight of Andalusia.

You’ll have free time to explore its famous landmarks, including the Puente Nuevo, a magnificent bridge spanning the 100-meter gorge, and the Puente Viejo, an earlier stone crossing offering picturesque views. Ronda’s historic bullring and the contrasting atmospheres of its old and new quarters provide plenty to discover.

The journey continues to the Costa del Sol, one of Spain’s most beloved coastal regions. Known for its sunny weather, golden beaches, and vibrant towns, the Costa del Sol offers a perfect blend of relaxation and culture. You’ll arrive in Torremolinos, a charming seaside town with a lively atmosphere, where dinner and accommodations await.

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Day 4: Costa del Sol - Granada (180 km ~ 112 miles)

After breakfast, the tour departs for Granada, a city set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Known for its rich history and cultural fusion of Moorish and Spanish influences, Granada is home to the iconic Alhambra.

A guided tour takes you through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including its stunning palaces and the lush Generalife Gardens. The Alhambra, often referred to as the "Red Castle," is a masterpiece of medieval architecture and the most visited site in Spain.

In the afternoon, you can relax at the hotel or continue exploring Granada. Wander through the Alcaicería, a bazaar reminiscent of a Moroccan souk, or stroll through the Albaicín district with its narrow Moorish streets and breathtaking views of the Alhambra. Don’t miss the chance to sample Granada’s famous free tapas tradition, where a drink comes with complimentary snacks. Dinner and accommodations complete the day.

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Day 5: Granada - Toledo - Madrid (446 km ~ 277 miles)

Your final day begins with breakfast before heading to Toledo, a city steeped in history and culture. Known as the “City of Three Cultures,” Toledo showcases a blend of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences.

During the tour, visit Toledo’s grand Gothic Cathedral and the Judería, the former Jewish quarter filled with beautifully preserved synagogues and historic buildings. Highlights include Santa María la Blanca, a 12th-century synagogue, and Santo Tomé, a church housing El Greco’s masterpiece, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz.

After lunch, you’ll have the chance to witness traditional Toledo sword-making in a craftsman’s workshop before returning to Madrid, marking the end of this unforgettable journey through Southern Spain.

Note: If Alhambra tickets are unavailable for certain dates, an alternative Granada city tour will include the Palace of Carlos V, the Archaeological Museum, and other historical landmarks.

Prices:

Per person in double/twin room: 725 €

Single Supplement: 220 €

Supplement July to Oct.: 60 €

Supplement for departure on April 10 and 17 (Easter), May 1 and 8 (Feria): 110 €

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Here you will find commonly asked questions regarding our tours.

1. Are the tours for individuals, families, or small groups of friends?

- Yes. Our tours are for single travelers, couples, families, and groups of friends whom we put together with other travelers to form a larger group.

2. How many people are normally included on a tour?

We cannot guarantee an exact number per tour. Normally, it ranges from 10 to 25 people per group, but these numbers can vary greatly depending on the time of year. In summer, groups tend to be larger as this is a popular time of year, while the winter season usually attracts fewer people, thus smaller groups are formed. There are certain tours that combine travelers if the destinations follow the same routes; e.g., you may be on a 10-day tour package with companions traveling on a 5-day package. The tour will cover the same areas, and the 5-day package guests will break off thereafter. Also, more people may be joining in for the other part of the package.

3. Is there a guide or tour leader on the bus?

- Yes. An accompanying guide (tour leader) always travels with the group during the entire tour. An exception may occur when there are minimal numbers signed up for a particular tour. These small groups will travel with an experienced, English-speaking driver-guide. In all major cities, we use local professionals and licensed guides.

4. What languages do the guides use?

English and Spanish. All our tour guides speak both languages fluently. If a tour group consists of an English-speaking group only, the tour will run in English. But most of the tours will have both English and Spanish (from Latin America and Central America) passengers, so the guides will explain in both languages.

5. Do your tours run during certain times of the year?

Most of our tours run all year. Some tours, e.g., those running to the northern regions of Spain, only run from March until October. Each tour's description provides all the relevant information needed. For example, ''Sundays all year'' means that a tour will start on every Sunday of the year, regardless of the numbers. Just look up the calendar for the specific dates Sundays are falling on, and make sure you arrive in Spain a day before.

6. What cities do the tours start from?

Tours start in Madrid or Barcelona.

7. Where are the meeting points for the tours?

In Madrid, it is Calle Ferraz 3 (Ferraz Str., 3). This meeting point is in the city center, right off Plaza España.

In Barcelona, it is in the reception of the Hotel ''Catalunya Barcelona 505'' (Carrer de Muntaner, 505, 08022, Barcelona).

8. Do you pick them up from the hotels on the first day of the tour?

By default, no. We do not pick up from hotels because that would delay the tour launch time. However, if your hotel is en route, using the same bus route on launch day, we will pick you up. A week before travel, we require the name of your hotel in Madrid and will inform you if you can be picked up directly from your hotel or need to head over to the meeting point at 7.45 a.m.

In Barcelona, the meeting point is always in the reception of the ''Catalunya Barcelona 505'' hotel.

9. What type of vehicles do you use?

We use buses for larger groups and minibuses for smaller ones. Vehicles are comfortable, modern, and equipped with air conditioning.

10. If there is Wi-Fi on your buses,?

There is Wi-Fi on all our buses in Spain and Portugal. But please keep in mind that sometimes during the transfers between the cities, the Wi-Fi signal can be weak or intermitting due to poor coverage from the main operators. Please do not expect very high Internet speed (to download or stream movies during the transfers).

11. Are meals included?

Buffet breakfasts with all the drinks are included every morning in all hotels our guests occupy during their tour.

Lunches and dinners are included anywhere that's mentioned in the itinerary (sections ''Itinerary'' and ''Included in Tour''). Normally, dinners are held in the hotel's restaurants, but many times they will be buffet (''eat as much as you want''), and only drinks will be at an extra cost. Also, sometimes lunches and dinners will be held in the restaurants.

12. If I am a vegetarian or allergic to certain products, is there any problem?

No problems at all. Inform the tour leader, and he will assist you. On a side note, many dinners are buffet-type, so you can simply choose what you prefer. For those with allergies, if in doubt, please remind the tour leader during mealtimes. Alternatively, ask the restaurant staff about the content of the dishes.

13. What time do you arrive in Madrid on your last day of travel? Can I book a flight on the same day, flying out of Spain?

Normally, we return to Madrid between 17.00 and 19.00 on the last day of the tour. However, it is not recommended to book the flight out on the same evening or night, as traffic jams in Madrid or other possible events may delay your arrival. Feel free to talk to us before starting the tour, and we'll organize your overnight stay in Madrid after the tour.

14. I need a night in the hotel or a transfer from or to the airport to be booked before or after the tour.

Sure. Just let us know at the time you organize it.

15. Can I just show up for the trip without a reservation and pay directly in the office, on the spot?

Unfortunately, not. The tour must be booked in advance, as we need to make all the arrangements beforehand.

16. How long in advance should I book a trip?

If you book at least 2 weeks in advance, the trip is guaranteed for you, though we recommend booking even earlier, if possible, as in these cases we have a wider range of hotels to accommodate the early reservations—better options.

17. Can I customize one of the tours for myself?

No, as there are more people traveling with you on the tour. However, if you represent an agency or the leader of a group of people, contact us; we'll take care of a private and customized tour for your party only.

18. What is the booking process?

It is simple. Once you have chosen the tour, there are six steps:

1. You confirm the tour by e-mail, indicating the starting date, tour code, number of persons traveling, and their names, as well as the types of rooms preferred (single, double, or triple).

2. We will send you an invoice.

3. You pay 10% to book the tour.

4. We issue the confirmation.

5. Three weeks before the starting date, you pay the rest of the money due, and

6. You show up for the tour on the appointed date and time.

19. How much should I pay and when?

We require a 10% deposit during reservation and the remaining 90% no less than 3 weeks before the tour commences.

20. How would I pay?

You can pay in one of four ways:

1. Bank wire to our company’s bank account. Our banking details are included on the invoice that you receive.

2. We can charge your credit card. Please keep in mind that, in this case, we charge an additional 2% on top of the amount (bank charges).

3. Transferwise.com is an online system allowing the transfer of funds. There is a small commission attached.

4. Western Union (normally for short-notice reservations and when the amount needs to be received urgently).

21. What is the cancellation and refund policy?

10% paid at the time of reservation is non-refundable. The other 90% is fully refundable if cancelled in no less than 2 weeks (e.g., if you paid 100% upfront, you get the whole amount right away). There are no refunds for cancellations made with less than 3 weeks to go before the trip.

22. Are there any discounts or surcharges?

Yes. Discounts are listed under the section ''Prices'', under each package.

23. Are taxes included in the tour prices?

Yes, VAT and tourist taxes for different cities are included.

24. How do I know if I need a visa for Spain or Morocco?

- Please check the visa information for Spain here. The visa requirements for Morocco can be found here. Please note that all trips to Morocco will require your Schengen visa to be of an ''multiple entry'', as you will enter Spain for the second time.

25. I am ready to go ahead and book one of your tours, but I need a visa to enter Spain.

Yes, we do help our customers get their visas after a trip is confirmed. As we are a fully licensed tour operator in Spain, after the deposit is paid, we can issue a confirmation, which you can later bring to the Spanish Embassy or Consulate. In this letter, we confirm that you booked and partially (or fully) paid for a tour with us. Please note that we do not guarantee the issue of a visa and cannot influence the process. The decision is up to the Embassy, as they have their own rules and regulations for each country. At the same time, we do our best to ensure we provide assistance where possible.